Ambrosine

by Noreen Harrison

  I leaned over toward Mother and softly said,

  “I’m going to bed.”

  She put her arm around me, “Are you okay, Alixia? It’s still early.”

  “Yes, I just didn’t sleep well last night.” I could feel her tense up. “What do you mean, you didn’t sleep well?” she asked anxiously, as the guests around us started staring.

  “Mother,” I said, feeling embarrassed, “I just had a hard time falling asleep last night, that’s all.”

  “Oh, I thought...” she hesitated a second. “Never mind. Come on.” She excused herself.

  We went down a hallway, and Mother opened a door to a beautiful bedroom decorated in yellow and white. Our luggage was already unpacked and our nightgowns laid out for us. While I was getting ready for bed, I glanced at Mother’s face. She was still smiling. I could tell there was a sense of peacefulness for her in this place. It was nice to see her this way.

  I put on my nightgown and skeptically said, “So, you can speak French.”

  She laughed and answered, “Oui.” Mother flipped her hair back and stuck her nose in the air. “I’ve known how to speak French since I was a young child.”

  I was surprised with her answer and wondered why she never spoke French around me until now. I jumped into bed and pulled the blanket up. “How come I’ve never heard you speak French before?”

  She sat down beside me and gave me a hug, “I guess at home I never found a reason to. Would you like to learn French, Alixia?”

  “Sure. I guess, but still, I don’t see why you would hide that you could speak French?”

  “I didn’t hide it, Alixia; it was just one of those things that never came up. Anyway, we will start your lessons when we return home. But for now, get some sleep.”

  “But, Mother, it just seems weird—”

  “Enough, Alixia! There’s no mystery here, okay? I will see you in the morning.”

  She hugged me and left the room to return to the party; leaving me to question how many more things I didn’t know about her.

  ****

  I woke up early the next morning to the sound of rain beating on the windowpane. Mother was already up and gone. I put on my robe and went to find her. The smell of breakfast lured me into a room on the left side of the hall. Walking in, I saw Madame Ambrosine and Mother were in the midst of a deep conversation at the table, speaking in French.

  “Good morning, Alixia.” they both cheerfully greeted me in English as I entered the room.

  “Good morning.”

  “Are you hungry?” Mother asked.

  “Yes, I am starving.” I said sitting down at the table next to Madame Ambrosine.

  She fixed me a plate of eggs and biscuits with honey. I took a bite of the eggs and asked, “So, what time do we meet the lawyer?”

  “Alixia! Wait until your mouth is empty before you speak.” Madame Ambrosine grinned at me and handed me a napkin. I wiped my mouth and smiled ruefully. “Sorry, Mother.”

  “It’s all right,” she shook her head. “Anyway, we meet with him at ten. So hurry with your breakfast. It’s already quarter to nine.”

  “I will.” I shoved another bite of biscuit in my mouth.

  “Lucida, I’ll come with you.” Madame Ambrosine said as she pushed her chair away from the table.

  “Thank you; I could use the support today.”

  They both stood up and walked toward the kitchen door. Madame Ambrosine put her arm around Mother and said, “You know, I will always be there for you.”

  “I know.”

  Mother turned her head back toward me. ”Alixia, no jeans today. Wear a dress.”

  “Okay.”

  The rain had stopped by the time we were ready to leave, but there was a chill in the air. I wrapped my jacket around me as we got into the car. Madame Ambrosine sat beside me. “Are you warm enough?”

  “Yes, I’m fine.” I said, still shivering a little.

  She took my hand. “I am so glad you could visit this year, Alixia. The last time I saw you, you were just a baby.”

  I looked over at Mother, confused. “She visited us when I was baby?”

  Mother gave Madame Ambrosine a concerned look and replied, “Yes, Madame Ambrosine visited quite often when you were a baby, but circumstances eventually prevented those visits. However, we’re together now.” I could see them acknowledge each other with a nod and a smile as though they shared a secret between them. I had to ask.

  “So, why haven’t you ever mentioned her until this visit?”

  “I don’t know, Alixia.” She looked at me flustered. “Like I said, we’re together now and the past is the past. So just leave it as that.”

  “I was just asking.”

  Madame Ambrosine put her arm around me, eyed Mother and said,

  “It’s all right, Alixia, your mother has a lot on her mind today.”

  “All right,” I looked back at mother, “I won’t say another word.”

  After a time in the lawyer’s office, we left somberly for the train station. The last of Father’s estate was finally finished. My only thought was that hopefully now, Mother would accept Father’s death, and we could go back to some kind of normalcy in our lives.

  Driving into the train station, I noticed that Madame Ambrosine handed Mother a black journal with red lettering on the cover. She whispered something under her breath in French. Mother put the book in her purse and whispered back softly,

  “I will take care of it.”

  We boarded the train and made ourselves comfortable for our trip back to Baton Rouge. As we waited for the train to leave the station, I stared out the window and watched people saying their goodbyes. Mother touched my shoulder to get my attention.

  “Alixia.”

  “Yes?” I turned back.

  “Did you enjoy the party last night?”

  “Yes, it was okay. I liked meeting your friends and Madame Ambrosine, even if it was a bit strange.”

  “Why would you say that?”

  “It was just eerie. It was as if they all knew me.”

  “Silly! Why wouldn’t they know you? You’re my daughter! They have heard everything about you since the day you were born.”

  “Well, it still seems a little weird.”

  “Alixia, that imagination of yours!” She shook her head. “Anyway, enough of that. What did you think of Millie?”

  “She was nice.”

  “Good. That’s what I wanted to hear. I am hoping you two will become good friends, especially now that you will be coming with me more often while I do my charity work. She will keep you company, since you think my charities are so boring.”

  I rolled my eyes. “Okay, Mother.”

  Friends

  The months passed quickly and before I knew it, we were into midsummer, which was hot and humid. I sat on the porch with Mother, waiting for both a cool breeze and my friends to show up.

  Mother brought up my birthday as we sipped sweet tea. She asked if I wanted a party. I was undecided, so I just shrugged my shoulders and didn’t reply. She wrinkled her forehead, and dejectedly asked,

  “Don’t you want a seventeenth birthday party?”

  “I don’t know, Mother.” I said with a sigh. “I’m just so miserably hot and sticky; I really don’t want to think about it right now.”

  “Alixia, it’s not that far off. We have to make plans.”

  I stood up and put my glass to my cheek to feel its coolness against my skin. “I know, but I’m just not sure if I want a party this year.”

  “That’s just plain silly. You have to have a party.”

  I nodded my head, knowing if I didn’t show some interest in having a party, she’d surely turn this conversation into a debate. “All right, I will think about it, okay?”

  “Good. I’ve made a list already.” She reached into the pocket of her apron and started reading off her list. I listened to her half-heartedly.

  All I cared about was going swimming and being with my friends. She d
id, however, say something that caught my attention.

  “What would you like for your birthday, Alixia?”

  Okay, here goes…I have to ask her even though I know what her answer will be.

  “I want to go on that road trip up north with the girls.”

  She shook her head and exclaimed sternly, “No. You are too young.”

  Ah yes, there it was. That was the answer I expected from her.

  “Mother, I think we should discuss this. I am turning seventeen and a lot of girls my age—”

  Before I could finish my sentence, I heard a honk. My friends, Libby and Claire, were driving up the road. My mind wandered for just a second as I watched Libby walk up the drive. I was thinking this would be our last summer together. We had all graduated from high school this spring. I had no plans yet for my future, but I knew Libby and Claire did, and soon we would all be going our separate ways.

  Mother has to let me go…

  Pulling on my arm, Libby interrupted my thoughts, “Come on, let’s go!”

  I grabbed my towel and bent down to kiss Mother and whispered, “We will talk about this later.”

  “I am not changing my mind, Alixia.”

  I shook my head in frustration.

  “Fine!”

  “What was that all about?” Libby asked hesitantly as we walked toward the car.

  “Oh, the road trip.”

  “Well, maybe if she went with us—”

  “Libby!”

  “I’m sorry. I was just thinking.”

  “Libby! No, she’s not coming.”

  Claire honked and yelled, “Hurry up, you two!” The top was down on her car today. I noticed right away that she’d had her hair cut short, which actually looked very stylish on her. Claire was the audacious one of my friends. She was always trying new hair styles, fashion or stirring up some kind of controversy with a cause she believed in.

  “Cute haircut.” I said as I got into the car.

  “Thanks.”

  Libby pulled her hat over her strawberry-blonde hair. Her cheeks were red from the afternoon sun. She was the sensible one in our little clique, always making sure we stayed on the straight and narrow. It was like having a second mother around most of the time.

  “Oh, by the way, Alixia,” Libby said apprehensively, “I forgot to tell you when we talked on the phone this morning that Davis will be there, too, and he’s bringing a couple of his friends.” Davis was Libby’s boyfriend of two years.

  “Great! I wish you would have told me.” I was a little awkward when it came to meeting new people and being around boys, and Libby knew it. She sensed my agitation, and put her arm around me, “Oh, it will be fine. They won’t bite, they’re just boys.”

  “Are you sure?” I said with a smirk.

  Claire and Libby broke out laughing, as Claire wittily added, “I don’t know, a little love bite now and then—”

  “Claire!” Libby’s cheeks reddened even more. “That’s enough.”

  Laughing and listing to them talk, it was nice to be around my friends, because it was taking my mind off all I had been experiencing lately in my sleep—dreams of dark shadows and haunting voices calling out to me, leaving me with a sense of coldness. Every night for the past couple of weeks, it’s been the same sequence....

  We hit a bump, and it jolted me as Claire turned onto the road to the swimming hole. I took in a breath, shook off what I was thinking and turned my attention back to the girls.

  Claire parked next to a white car. It didn’t belong to Davis, but we assumed it belonged to one of his friends. We followed the narrow path to the water where the boys were already swimming. Libby called out to get their attention. Davis came out of the water and swept her up in his arms, kissed her and then teased her that he was going to throw her into the water. She squealed in delight. We all laughed as she played along with his silliness. Davis put her down with a kiss and introduced us to his friends.

  “Girls, I would like you to meet Robert and Marcus Blondeau of Lafayette.”

  We all said, “Hi!” simultaneously.

  Davis went on to say, “Robert attends college with me, and his younger brother, Marcus, well he is just tagging along with us to see some pretty girls.” Davis grinned as he playfully elbowed Marcus in the ribs.

  “Geez, Davis.” Marcus’s face reddened a little with embarrassment.

  I couldn’t help but stare at him as he stood in front of me wearing cut-off jeans and nothing else. He had a full smile and his wavy black hair was a little longer than most boys I knew. I was drawn to his dark-blue eyes.

  “Alixia?” Claire grabbed my arm.

  “What?”

  “Davis asked you a question.”

  “I’m sorry, Davis.” I turned my attention to him. “I was just asking if you’ve decided on any colleges or art schools yet.”

  “No, I’m not definite on anything yet. I think I’m going to wait a year before I decide what to do with the rest of my life.”

  “Yeah, I wish I would have been able to that, but my parents—” He paused. “Hey, forget it. Who’s up for swimming?” He ran toward the water and we followed.

  The water was inviting as it cooled my skin. We swam, laughed and enjoyed one another’s company like we’d all been friends forever. The time went by quickly, almost too quickly. Soon, we got out and lay on our towels to dry off before heading home. Claire struck up a conversation with Robert. Libby, of course, was snuggling up to Davis. That left me paired off with Marcus. He came over and put his towel down by me.

  What am I going to say to him? I don’t even know him.

  He eased my fears by speaking first, “So, Alixia, what did you say your last name was?”

  “Cavelier.” I said as I adjusted my towel under me.

  “I think I’ve heard that name before. Where do you live?”

  “By the old Johnson plantation; it’s just a few miles outside of Baton Rouge.”

  He looked as though he was reflecting back for a moment and then said, “I think I was at your house a couple of years ago for the Fourth of July. You were the girl dancing with her father.”

  I felt a twinge of sadness thinking back on that day. I quietly responded, “That was my father’s birthday, the last one we celebrated with him before he passed away.” I felt the unhappiness of his death overwhelming me again.

  Marcus was apologetic.

  “I am so sorry. Are you okay?” He leaned over and wiped a tear from my cheek.

  “I’m fine. It’s okay.” I quickly put a smile on my face, and changed the subject.

  The warm sun beat down on us, drying our suits and hair. We talked about the schools we attended and some of our plans for the rest of the summer. Marcus told me that he, his brother and parents lived on a family estate that had been in his family for over a hundred years. As he went on talking about his family history, all I could think about was how good looking he was and I wondered what it would be like to kiss those full lips.

  The afternoon went quickly as Libby, who was forever-punctual, said, “We better go, girls. It’s getting late.”

  I sighed, not wanting to leave. He was the first boy I kind of felt taken with; I didn’t want it to end.

  “Alixia!” Libby called out, pointing at her watch.

  “I guess I better go.” I started to get up and Marcus reached out his hand for me. Our eyes locked momentarily, and I felt a sensation go through my body that weakened me. Composing myself and attempting some measure of restraint, I murmured,

  “I must have had too much sun.”

  He nodded, none the wiser about what I really felt. We walked back to the car and Marcus opened the door for me. “I had a great time, Alixia. Maybe we could get together again sometime?”

  “I would enjoy that.” I said, trying not to look at the girls. I knew they were taking all of this in with amusement.

  He closed the door and flashed that inviting smile. “It’s a date, then. I’ll give you a call.”

>   I felt my cheeks grow warm as I stammered, “Ah… yeah… I mean, yes that will be fine.”

  “Okay, I’ll see you.” He lingered by the car.

  “Come on, Marcus!” Robert grabbed his arm. “Davis is waiting for us. Bye girls!”

  “Bye.” we said simultaneously.

  Claire started the car and said, “I had a great time, Robert.”

  “Me too.” He stepped back from the car. Claire put the car into drive and we headed down the road for home.

  Libby looked back at me and began giggling.

  “What?” I exclaimed.

  Claire spoke up first in a teasing voice, “I guess someone is—”

  “Be quiet!” I said, cutting her off mid-sentence.

  “Claire, be nice! Can’t you see she’s sensitive?” Libby said as they both tried to hold in their laughter.

  “Very funny, you two. Just change the subject.”

  “We’re sorry.” Claire said, smirking. “But I do believe you are infatuated with that boy.”

  “Please, let’s just change the subject.”

  “Fine.”

  “Thank you.”

  The rest of the way home, Marcus did come up every now and then as we talked. Their gibes made me blush and I tried to mostly ignore them. For the most part, though, we talked about the fun we’d had, and about my upcoming birthday. When we reached the road to my house, Claire couldn’t help a final tease.

  “Alixia, should I call Marcus and see if he is taken with you, the same way you are with him? I know you’re thinking about him.”

  “Claire! Don’t you dare!”

  Libby swatted at Claire. “Stop torturing the poor girl, Claire!”

  Claire giggled. “I’m sorry, Alixia. I just have never seen you so—”

  I opened the car door and got out.

  “Don’t say it...”

  Claire stepped on the gas. I knew she didn’t want to hear my lecture. As they pulled away, Claire laughingly said,

  “Goodbye, Alixia!”

  “Really?!” I replied.

  “See you next week!” Libby called out. “We love you!”

  “Sure, I can tell.” I said as I headed home.

  Walking up the road, I began daydreaming about Marcus, thinking about the fun we had today and when we would see each other again. Suddenly, a dark sensation came over me. I took in a sharp breath as I felt a coldness surround my body, and then it disappeared as fast as it had come. I stood there for a second, shaken.