Paris Blues

Henry

I missed him, I missed him dearly. My love, my soul mate, my Henry. I loved him like no other and being away from him this long was driving me insane. His parents were proud that their son was fighting for their country, for their freedom, I also suspected that his mother was glad that he away from me. His family was not too fond of me, an American gal, a poor American gal who with no pedigree bloodline. In my opinion, his family were cowards and hypocritical, they claimed pride in their home nation of France and pride that their son was fighting for their country but they fled to Switzerland as soon as the Germans invaded. I was sitting on my bed listening to some opera. Jazz had been banned with the Führer labeling it Negermusik. He had managed to suck the light of everything in my life and I had not even met the man.

The sound of Beethoven soothed my ears as I went through pictures of Henry and me. He was a handsome fella, the definition of tall dark and handsome. With his deep brown skin and well-built statue. I had always wondered how his structure was underneath his clothes but we had reserved the lovemaking to the night of our wedding.I was born and raised Christian and he was born and raised Catholic but we both agreed that we should consummate our relationship on our wedding night. I could not wait for that to become a reality, I wanted to be his wife, the mother of his children and his soul mate. I picked up a picture of me that he took and I remembered when he was still courting me.

We walked down the streets of Paris watching little boys and girls running around, the smell of Parisian street food filled the air, the sound of jazz soothed my ears as I leaned closer to Henry who clasped my hand into his.

"I've always wanted to live in Paris since I read about it when I was a little girl". I said with a small smile on my face.

"Really". He asked.

"Mhm. I told my mother about it and she thought I was dreaming too big but alas she supported me". I said.

"When I was twelve I got a job as a dishwasher at a local restaurant. The owner Tony was an elderly Italian man and was like a grandfather to me. I worked there until I turned eighteen and graduated high school. I used the money I had saved as well as money from my parents to come and study here". I continued.

"Now look at you now, a teacher". He said and I smiled.

"Yes a teacher". I said.

"One of the best in Paris". He said and I giggled as we stopped at a rail overlooking a pond.

"I wouldn't stretch it that far". I said. He leaned on the rail putting his elbow on it and rested his cheek on his elbow.

"If I had a teacher like you when I was in school I would have learned a lot". He said looking at me.

"Well, you have learned a lot". I replied.

"Not from school". He said and I giggled. We stood in silence for a while as I basked in the beauty of the city and he was gazing at me.

"Why are you looking at me like that". I said.

"Like what?" He smiled.

"Like that". I giggled looking at him.

"Excuse me for staring my eyes have never been blessed with such beauty". He said and I felt heat rush upon my cheeks.

"Stop it". I said lightly swatting his arm.

"It's true I swear when you walk in a room all eyes fall on you". I said and I giggled like a little girl.

"You are a charmer Henry Dubois". I said.

"That is why I have a belle like you on my arm". He winked and I smiled. He leaned closer to me.

"God took his time when he was making you". He said and I looked around shyly, I could feel his breath on my neck.

"You are too much sometimes". I said.

"And you are too beautiful". He replied.

"May I kiss you". He said and I nodded. He gently brought me closer to him as his lips claimed mine. I closed my eyes drifting into euphoria his masculine scent made my heart beat faster.

"Gracie!". A loud voice followed by a knock broke me out of my thoughts and I wiped the tears from my face before getting up of the bed. I walked to the living room and opened the front door and saw my friend Marie shaking from the cold. She gently pushed past me.

"Finally I nearly died there". She exclaimed dramatically as I rolled my eyes closing the door. At least I would have someone to talk to I thought as I watched my friend rubbing her hands standing near the fireplace. The loneliness was unbearable I was surrounded by people who cared about me but I was lonely because I didn't have my other half with me.