“I want you to keep track of Marcel for me and if you hear or see anything about him wanting revenge, I want you to contact Phillip.”
“Phillip? Did he agree to meet with me?”
“Yes, Marcus.” He shrugged his shoulders. “Okay. If he’s willing, I guess I‘ll do it. But how are we supposed to contact each other without the Ambrosines knowing?”
“Easy, at the Rouge restaurant; just leave a message for him there.”
“Okay sure. “
“Thank you, Marcus.” I clasped my hands in relief as I said, “I will let Phillip know.”
“All right.” Marcus said as he stood up. “I will help Phillip and I promise to watch over your family. However, for now, let’s just enjoy the rest of the time we have together.” He reached for me.
“You’re right. We don’t have much time.” I said and then sighed. I took his hand as we walked slowly through the woods. We were keeping the conversation light, but on the inside, both of us were thinking the same thing, how much we needed each other and now we were being taken away from each other again.
I heard the honk of Robert’s car horn. Marcus took me into his arms. “I guess this is it.”
I could sense his desire as I felt the cool, passionate touch of his lips against mine as his arms brought me in closer to him. For some reason, I didn’t stop him. I wanted him, too. I was caught up in the obsession.
“Marcus, please.” I finally stepped out of his embrace and caught my breath. “You must understand.”
“I do understand. You haven’t made up your mind yet.”
I shook my head, not wanting to get into a debate; but in my heart I knew he was right.
Robert yelled, “Come on, you two!” We walked back to the road.
Robert was waiting by his car. “About time.” He said.
“Robert, can you be a little patient?” Marcus asked in an irritated voice. Robert grumbled, “Yeah, as if I want to stand out here all night waiting on you two!” He got into the car and slammed the door.
“Is he going to be all right?” I asked, trying to hold back a smile. “Yes, he will be fine.”
I put my arms around Marcus to hug him goodbye and said, “Please try to get along with Phillip while I am gone. He told me what you said to him about wanting me back.”
Marcus flashed a full smile and said confidently, “I will get you back, Alixia.”
I let go of my embrace. “Just try, please? I care about both of you and I don’t want the two of you going after each other while I am gone.”
He opened the car door and I climbed inside. He leaned in and said, “I’ll miss you. Don’t be gone too long.”
“I won’t.” He brushed my lips and closed the door. Robert started the car and we drove away.
****
During the next two days, I spent time taking walks in Mother’s garden, going through photo albums and enjoying the memories as I tried to fill the empty spaces in my heart. I knew Mother would soon become a loving memory to me like Father, but with one exception—I would never forget why she had to die.
Leaving
The morning of our departure, Madame Cecilia was at the house early. I was just coming down the stairs when I heard her say, “Alixia, good morning. Are you ready to leave?”
“Yes, Gabriel is loading the last of my suitcases.”
“Good. As soon as he’s finished we will be on our way. Angel is waiting for us at the airport.” Anna came out of the kitchen, wiping her hands on her apron. “Madame Ambrosine, may I speak with you for a moment in the kitchen before you leave?”
“Certainly. Alixia, I will meet you out by the car.”
I nodded and went outside. Gabriel was putting the last of the luggage into the trunk. I walked toward him.
“Gabriel?”
“Yes, Alixia?”
“I have something to do before we leave. I will be right back.” He nodded and asked, “Do you need my help?”
“No, I’m just going to say goodbye to Mother and Father.”
“I understand, I will tell Madame Ambrosine.”
“Thank you, Gabriel.”
I went through the garden gate and into the orchard, noticing the early morning fog was still covering the trees while the sun tried to break through its gray mist. I knelt by my parents’ headstones and picked up a handful of the fresh dirt from my mother’s grave. I let it sift gently through my fingers as I closed my eyes and reflected back to when this all started. I wondered if I wanted to be part of this family anymore. The lies and deceptiveness alone should make me run. Suddenly, I took in a sharp breath as an image of Marcus appeared in my mind. I heard him say, I need you.
Madame Cecilia came up behind me and touched my shoulder, “It’s time now, Alixia, are you ready?” I nodded, as his image disappeared from my mind.
“Good, let’s go.” She said, taking my hand. “The rest of the family is very anxious to meet you.”
BELLE FOURCHE – Ambrosine is the first novel by Belle Fourche resident and author, Noreen Harrison. Putting her talent for storytelling to use, the new author’s book follows the unexpected life of a young girl in 1960s New Orleans and the peculiar circumstances that reluctantly propel her into a hidden and dangerous world dominated by her family.
The Ambrosine Series
Path of Descent - Ambrosine is the third and final installment of the Ambrosine Series by author, Noreen Harrison.
Ambrosine
The Legacy - Ambrosine
Path of Descent - Ambrosine
All books are available on Amazon.com and Kindle
Coming soon! HUSH, a new book by Noreen Harrison.
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