The French Magnolia

It had been a wet and cold spring and feeling the warmth from the sun brought a smile to my face. I lifted my chin to face the sky, closed my eyes, and soaked up as much sunshine as I could. There was a gentle breeze that blew through the tree line and made the wildflowers in the field sway like they were dancing. I wished I could bask in the sun all day but the basket I carried started to get heavy. I let out a sigh as I opened my eyes and adjusted my vision to view the town that was surrounded by green fields and the occasional farmhouse. With my basket of goods in hand, I made my way through the streets of town and headed toward the small cafe and bakery that my brother Edmond and his wife Lucette owned. I approached the narrow door from the alley and knocked before entering. Lucette was standing at a large table, wearing an apron over her simple frock, and was kneading a large ball of dough. “Go put that on the front counter, Gisele. I’ll get to it soon,” Lucette ordered without looking up from her work. Her soft voice was breathy as she continued to fold the dough over itself and then push out the air. Lucette grabbed a clay bowl, laid the ball inside, then covered it with a tea towel. She then finally looked up at me, still standing by the door. She used the backside of her hand to move the strands of hair that had fallen loose around her face. She had flour on her cheek and her face was dewy from the light sweat on her brow. “You should have a seat, Luce. You shouldn’t be on your feet so much. I already hate that you are still insisting on being here.” Edmond came from the back room and was wiping his hands with a cloth. He walked up to Luce, placed his hands on her shoulders, walked her to a chair in the corner, and calmly guided her to sit. Lucette was nearly eight months pregnant with their first child. Despite her size and condition, she was relentless and was always busy doing something. “I am fine Edmond. A little exercise is good for me, the baby too.” Lucette rubbed her stomach and made a face as she was kicked hard by the baby. Edmond looked at his wife with such love and consideration. There was also a hint of worry and anxiety as he bent down and kissed the top of Lucette’s head. The love they had for each other was like something from a fairy tale. I hoped I would experience what they had someday. I left the expecting couple and entered the front part of the cafe and placed the basket on the counter as instructed. Inside were some fresh fruits and vegetables from our garden back home. Lucette and Edmond would turn these into special pastries and desserts for the customers. I grabbed a rag and went to wipe off the tabletops of the empty cafe. There were a few tea cups at one of the tables that had been left by the last patrons of the morning rush. As I cleaned up, I hummed to myself and was daydreaming. I was quickly brought out of my self-created world when Luce spoke up from behind the bakery counter. She was leaning on the top edge of the glass display case that housed the remaining pastries and cakes not purchased yet. “Have you decided what kind of cake you would like for your birthday? It is only a few weeks away.” I turned to face her and looked off pondering a response. My favorite cake was chocolate and Lucette made the most amazing cakes. Not only did they taste wonderful, but she always decorated mine with fresh flowers or pieces of fresh fruit. Sometimes I find her desserts almost too beautiful to eat. While I would normally be quick to blurt out an excited response, this birthday was different. I felt badly having her spend so much time and energy on me when she was about to welcome a baby into the family. “I don’t feel much like having a cake this year.” Although I disliked my own answer, I felt it was the right one to give. I tried not to let on that I did secretly want to enjoy her cake. “Nonsense! You must have a cake or a pie, or whatever you would like. You are turning 16 this year. That is a very important year for a young woman. So please, tell me what kind you would like.” Luce wasn’t going to give up. I had already crossed the front part of the cafe and when I turned the corner I saw that she was standing with one arm resting on the case and another almost holding up her belly. I sat the teacups next to the sink and approached Luce. I smiled at her belly before giving her a soft hug. “Chocolate,” I said in her ear. “I would like chocolate.” I could feel her smile as she hugged me back. As I stood upright again, Luce put her hands on my shoulders. “Chocolate it is,” she said with a smile. Although Luce was growing more tired each day, she still always remained happy. She had a smile that could calm anyone and even many of the children in town found great comfort in her presence. I had only known Luce for about five years but it was as if I had known her my whole life. She was the sister that I always wanted. “My beautiful ladies, if you are ready, I see that we go and find some fun.” Edmond walked up to us and had a hand on each of our shoulders. While Luce was calm and soothing, Edmond was lively and almost mischievous. He was a humorous man who could make anyone laugh. Luce said that made her love him so much. “I don’t know how much fun I am willing to have. I feel swollen everywhere.” Luce pulled back the skirt of her dress and strained her neck forward. She stuck a leg out trying to get a view of her feet. “What kind of fun did you have in mind dear?”