The French Magnolia

Chapter 2: Blue Bonnet Part 3

“Not really anything. I came to see you and hoped that maybe we could spend some time doing something later on. We could go to a movie, walk the gardens, whatever you would like.” Marie helped stack plates on the shelf that had been drying in the dish rack. “Maybe Theo will stop by with his friend and we can all go out?” Marie was sly with her statement and looked at me over her shoulder waiting to see my reaction.

“Is it that obvious that I like him?” I asked, trying my best to seem discrete and coy.

“Are you kidding? I saw your sketchbook and have seen your little sketches of him. I am your best friend, it is my job to know these things.” Marie responded with a smirk and winked at me. All I could do was laugh and roll my eyes at her.

It wasn’t too long before a few groups of people entered the cafe and took their seats at different tables. I brought each table menus took their orders and went about my work. Edmond and Luce worked from the back room preparing dishes and Marie would offer a hand wherever needed. When Luce needed to rest, she sat on a stool by the register and cleaned the cutlery Marie had washed. I would serve the items and refill coffee and tea cups as needed.

Luce had just handed back change to a customer paying his tab and suddenly her smile changed to a look of shock. “Luce, are you alright?” I ran up to her and asked quietly not to alarm any of those dining. She just rotated on her stool and whispered to me to get Edmond. I looked at the floor and saw there was a small pool of fluid on the floor. My eyes widened and I turned on my heel to fetch my brother.

“Eddie, it’s Luce! I think I think the baby is coming!” I was trying to contain my excitement and panic. Edmond’s face expressed joy, shock, concern, and elation all at the same time and she threw her apron at him as he went out to meet Luce. I was still in the back room and Edmond walked back with Luce in tow. He had one arm around her waist and the other was holding her guiding her through the hallway. Luce was not able to fully stand upright and was walking with her knees bent. Her dress was dampened by the same fluid that was on the floor. I opened the back door and then the car door. Edmond helped her inside and even lifted each leg for her. Luce’s breathing was quickening and she had a light sweat on her forehead.

“Giselle, I need you to take over. Tell Marie I will pay her for her help today. I need to get Luce to the hospital now.” Before I could even utter a word, I nodded as Edmond raced to his side of the car and drove away in haste. It all happened so fast that it took me a moment of standing in the alley to realize what had just happened. In just a short time, I would be an aunt and my brother would be a father for the first time.

I reentered the dining room. “Excuse me, everyone.” I tried to be loud enough over the chatter to get everyone’s attention but not to alarm anyone into worry. The conversing among the patrons and the sound of dishes stopped and everyone looked at me. “I am excited to announce that Edmond and Luce are on their way to the hospital to have their baby. I will be finishing preparing your orders but we will be closing earlier than normal today. Thank you.” It was then that someone sitting by the window spoke up and offered congratulations. Other patrons followed along and there was even applause. As I turned around, I bumped into this tall figure. “Oh, I am so sorry.” My gaze was downward and I was surprised as to whose face it was looking back at me.

“It’s quite alright.” Theo was smiling back at me and his hand was under my arm so as to save me from falling. “So today is a big day for you, I hear. Not only are you going to welcome a new niece or nephew, but you also get to share your birthday with them.” He knew it was my birthday? How did he know that? Did Marie say something? I looked around for her to see if she had a guilty face but she wasn’t in the dining room. My cheeks suddenly felt very warm and I couldn’t help but let out an embarrassed chuckle.

“It is a special day indeed.” Theo was still supporting my arm as I took a small step back, giving us some space. Only then did he slowly drop his hand and smoothly put it in his pocket. Fidgeting and tucking my hair behind my ear, I was at a loss for what to say next. “Can I get you anything?” I finally ended the silence with a dutiful question and a trembling voice.

“No thank you. Actually, with your brother leaving, do you need help with anything here?” Theo was kind enough to ask.

“If you are willing to help, come back here and help me with cleaning dishes and tidying up the back room,” Marie called from behind the counter. She had a towel over her shoulder and gave him a look to test if he was sincere in his offer. Theo didn’t say anything, just offered a nod to Marie and left before giving a quick smile.

With the announcement, customers were courteous and quickly finished their meals and departed. Many again offered congratulations and asked if I had any suspicions as to what the baby would be, a little lad or a darling girl. Truthfully, I had no idea and both Edmond and Luce had conflicting guesses. “I will have to find out soon when I go to the hospital. We will be sure to decorate the dining room when we know,” was the reply I would give.