The French Magnolia

Chapter 2: Blue Bonnet Part 2

“What are you dreaming about?” Luce asked with a smile on her face. She came waddling into my room carrying a small box. She leaned slightly against the wooden footboard of my bed.

I had been discovered! “Oh, nothing!” I smiled back and quickly looked away, trying not to make eye contact. “Sit down Luce.” I gestured to my bed and Luce sat down on the edge. I could tell that the walk just down the hall was enough to wear her out. “When is this stubborn baby going to come and give you some relief?” I asked as I sat next to her and placed my hand on her belly. Luce was always very welcoming to let both Edmond and myself touch and feel the baby move around. Sometimes, I would find Edmond standing behind her and almost holding her belly for her. Not wanting me to get the wrong impression of what might be happening, she was quick to explain it provided some comfort and gave her aching backrest to support the extra weight.

“Soon. The baby will be here soon.” Luce responded in a sign. She was also growing more impatient, waiting for the big moment to come. “Here Giselle, this is from your brother and I.” Luce handed me the small box. I lifted the lid and found a new pair of brown-heeled boots that were so popular in the fashion magazines that I would see in Paris. The actresses in the moving picture shows also wore similar styles and, while we were not wealthy by any means, I loved my gift.

“Oh thank you! I love them! I will wear them today. I think they will surely compliment my dress.” I gave Luce a gentle hug around the shoulders and started to unlace the shoes to put on immediately. Once both shoes were on and tied, I stood up again and alternated poses, showing off my appearance. My broad smile started to make my cheeks burn but the joy I felt was worth it.

“I have one more thing.” Luce stood up next to me and reached inside the pocket of her apron. She pulled out a gold comb with blue and green gems. It was so delicate and regal looking. As she faced me, she took the comb and put it in my hair, securing it away from my face. She then pulled all the hair over my shoulder and gently smoothed out any little bumps or tangles. “This was my mother’s. She gave it to me and I want you to have it. You are much more fashionable than I am and it is too beautiful to be hidden away in a drawer.” Luce took a step back and turned to me to face the mirror. She stood behind me with her hands on my shoulder. “You look beautiful. You are going to have to be careful now as the eyes of many young men are going to start being on you.”

I didn’t say anything but responded with a smile and blushed. I gave her another small hug before I followed her out of the room and met Edmond by the front door.

“My gorgeous girls. Are we ready to head out?” Edmond asked with his hand on the door knob. Luce nodded and we walked to the small car parked next to the house. Normally we would walk to the cafe but the journey was too far for Lucette. Edmond made sure that the small car he had was in working order and was always close by should he need to rush her to the hospital. I took my place in the back seat, and Edmond helped Luce get on to the passenger side. She used the hand crank on the inside of her door to roll the window down. I smelled the sweetness of her perfume when the breeze blew past her neck. Edmond got in the car last, started the engine and drove us to the cafe. He parked in the alley by the rear door and, again, helped Luce out. He would open the door and extend out a hand like a proper chauffeur would to a queen. He nearly shut the door before remembering that I was still in the back and did not have my own door to open. I instead had to push the back of the front seat forward and climb out. Edmond made a slight frown as a way to apologize.

Inside the cafe, there were bowls with dough on the table covered with towels. Ed and Luce had already been here this morning prepping things. They came home just for me. The thought of them taking time away from their duties at the cafe made me feel special. But they were always this way. Special events for the family were of great importance to them. All the events I had at school were always well attended by one or both of them. Every holiday was celebrated with great fanfare and even special moments for our customers were looked forward to.

“I will go and get the front set up and unlock the door.” I stated as I moved through the narrow doorway. The sun was coming through the windows in the front room and cast colorful shadows on the floor. I turned the lock of the door, flipped the welcome sign, and started to turn over the chairs that were on the tables. After wiping off the tables and setting each place with a napkin and cutlery, I started brewing fresh coffee and made sure the tea bins were full. I was just reentering the dining area from the storage room when the bell on the front door rang.

“Happy Birthday Giselle!” I heard a high pitched voice loudly announce. The sound of heels on the tile floor was quick and just as I sat the tea bins on the counter, I was embraced in a tight squeeze.

“Good Morning Marie. Thank you!” I could hardly get words out as my best friend tightened her embrace around me. Finally, when I thought I might faint, she released her hold and enthusiastically handed me a small wooden box. “Sorry, it is in a cigar box. It was the best thing I could find.” I slid back the top cover and found a set of new drawing pencils. “They go with this!” She then handed me a sketch book.

“Oh Marie! This is wonderful. Thank you so much. I have not drawn much lately as I used the rest of my last sketchpad. If not for your thoughtful gift, I would have to resort to starting using the walls.” I laughed and made sure to say the last bit a little louder so Edmond would hear.

Sure enough, it worked as he popped his head out of the back room. “Don’t you dare draw on the walls. I am still finding your doodles from when you were younger.” Edmond scolded with a smirk on his face and his brows pushed together.

“Look at your dress! Oh and your hair comb! That is so beautiful. Goodness Giselle, you are just stunning. I envy your beauty.” Marie gushed over my looks and it made me blush. I had known Marie since the first days of school when we were just young girls. She knew everything about me and was always complimenting and motivating me. I loved her more than any other friend and regarded her much more as a sister.

“Luce gave me the comb. She has such a great eye for things, don’t you think?” Marie nodded in agreement. I turned and continued prepping the cafe for customers as I chatted with Marie. “What do you have planned for the day?”