Millie sighed in exasperation. “Alixia, stop being so distrustful. Madame Cecilia and your mother will give you the answers that you need to help you understand our practices and beliefs. You just have to be patient.” She sat down by me and opened the book.
“Millie?”
“Yes, Alixia?” She raised her eyebrow as she looked at me.
“I’m curious, do you have any abilities?”
Her eyes narrowed; a seriousness came over her.
“Millie, what is it? Is it something you can’t talk about?”
“No, I can tell you…”
“Are you sure?”
She burst out laughing. “Oui. It’s a special ability, though.”
“What is it?”
“I’m a French translator.”
I shook my head and snickered. “Ooh… that’s a powerful ability to have, especially around me.” I replied sarcastically.
“Oui , I know.”
“Anyway, seriously, do you?”
She closed the book. “No, not really to speak of. We can be guided by touch through the Ambrosines.”
I looked at her curiously. “What do you mean by that?”
“They can actually…” Her voice trailed. “How can I explain this? Telepathically, I guess. That’s how I can say it. They can reach into our minds and give us abilities to help protect the families in times of danger, or even the outsiders sometimes, even without them knowing.”
“Really?”
“Oui. I remember when the Ambrosines had a conflict with a family member from the East. My mother had to leave to go help them resolve the crisis.”
“Was it Charles Gautier?” I asked suspiciously.
“I don’t know, Alixia.” Her tone became curt. “You’ll have to ask Madame Ambrosine these questions. I was a young girl when they dealt with that family member. I only remember my mother coming home late in the evening and talking to Madame Ambrosine about the conflict.”
“Do you remember anything that was said?”
“No!” Millie didn’t bother to hide her annoyance. “Just talk to Madame Ambrosine.”
“Okay, okay, I’ll talk to her!”
“Fine, now can we get back to what you are supposed to be focusing on?” She snapped. I nodded.
I spent the rest of the morning learning different things about the heads of the families that would be attending the Gathering.
It was nearly time for lunch when Millie closed the book and said, “All right, that’s enough for today. I have an appointment in town so we will resume tomorrow.”
“That’s fine with me.” I said with a sigh of relief.
“Come on, I will walk out with you.” She put the book back on the shelf. “Let’s go.”
We waited on the veranda. Millie took my hand. “Alixia, you have to try not to jump to any more conclusions about the Gautiers until you talk to your Mother or Madame Ambrosine.”
”Okay, I said I would talk to them.”
“Good. There is my driver.” She hugged me and walked down to get into the car.
I called out, “See you tomorrow!” She waved, closing the door and then left.
I turned around and eyed the porch swing, not really wanting to go in yet. I sat down on the swing and looked out on the grounds. It was peaceful. I took in a deep breath and then let it out slowly. Everything smelled fresh, like that distinct scent in the air after a morning rain. I closed my eyes and started drifting off into a quiet sleep.
Almost immediately, I saw those dark, shadowy figures coming toward me again. I moved through a gray mist. I felt a light, but cold touch on my skin. I wanted to wake up, but I couldn’t. It felt as if I were being possessed by someone or something. I sank deeper and deeper into sleep. Then I heard a faint sound calling me. I followed the sound into a narrow room. All I could see was a window…
“Alixia, wake up!” I opened my eyes a little, seeing Jessie, one of Madame Cecilia’s house staff. “You have a telephone call.”
“What?” I answered as I tried to focus,
“You have a telephone call.” She repeated.
“Oh…thank you.”
I went inside. Shaking off the dream that still played in my mind, I picked up the telephone.
“Hello, Alixia. This is Marcus.”
I was in shock.
Marcus was calling me!
My heart hammered hard in my chest as I stammered out, “Marcus…you’re calling me… I mean…uh…hi.”
“Hi, are you okay?”
“Yes, of course.”
“Okay…So how are things in New Orleans?”
“They’re all right.”
“Well I was surprised to hear that you had already moved.”
“Yes. It was a spur-of-the-moment thing. Mother wanted to be here to make sure things were getting done properly.”
“Well…um…anyway…the reason I am calling is that we…that is, Robert, Davis and I are coming down with Libby and Claire on the train.”
”You are?”
“Yeah. We’re visiting my uncle. He lives in the French Quarter. He owns a restaurant there, and…I was just…wondering if you would like to go out to dinner with me, one night while I’m in town?”
I didn’t even hesitate to offer a reply. “Yes!” I blurted out. I heard a sigh of relief on the other end.
“Okay then, it’s a date. I’ll see you in two weeks.” Then he paused briefly. “Oh, and Alixia? I can’t wait to see you again.”
I felt a rush of excitement go through me, as I said, “Me too, Marcus.”
“Well…I guess I better go. I will see you soon.” He said.
“Yes, in two weeks. Bye.”
I hung up the phone.
Marcus asked me out on a date!
I could barely contain my excitement. I ran through the mansion looking for Mother.
She was in the kitchen with Madame Cecilia. I was just about to tell her about Marcus when Madame Cecilia took my hand.
“Oh, Alixia, you like this boy.”
“Please, Madame Cecilia!” I pulled my hand back.
“Okay.” She put her hands up. “I was just curious.”
I looked directly at her. “You know, there are some thoughts I would like to keep private, if you don’t mind.”
“I‘m sorry.” She said, trying to hold back a smile.
I was embarrassed that she knew my deepest thoughts about my feelings for Marcus.
“Alixia?” Mother got my attention. “What did you want to tell me?”
“Well, before Madame Cecilia got into my head,” I eyed her, “I came to tell you that Marcus called and he asked me to dinner.”
“He did?”
“Well, along with his brother and Davis, but can you believe it? I’m going on a date with Marcus!”
“That’s nice, Alixia.” She said a little devilishly. “After what happened at your birthday party, I can’t wait to talk to this boy. I never did get a chance that day.”
I knew what she was up to. “Well, when you do meet him, all I ask is you don’t drill him about that other girl.”
“Alixia!”
“What? I know how you are.”
She smiled. “You don’t have to worry.” She went back to drinking her coffee, not saying another word. I shook my head and went to the refrigerator to pour a glass of milk.
“How did your lesson go this morning?” Madame Cecilia asked.
My Marcus-induced happy mood quickly turned into irritation, thinking of the Gautiers. I looked at Mother and asked, “Why didn’t you tell me that this Charles Gautier was head of one of the families? And—”
“Alixia,” she put up a hand, “wait. Before you say any more, I might have jumped to the wrong conclusion about Charles. I am not sure it was him after all.”
“What are you saying? Did he attack me or not?”
“I am just not sure anymore. I’m sorry.”
Madame Cecilia came over by me and said with a little grin, “There is a way
to find out if it was Charles or not.” I looked at her suspiciously. “What do I have to do?”
Her green eyes focused on me. “At the Gathering of the families, when you say his name and take his hand, you just wait. You will know if was him or not.”
“That’s crazy! How I am I going to find out by just touching his hand?”
“Take my hand and your Mother’s.”
“Why? Am I going to travel again?”
“No. Just listen. I want you to look into your Mother’s eyes and see and feel her thoughts. Concentrate on her.”
I took both their hands and closed my eyes. I could feel Madame Cecilia guiding me through Mother’s subconscious. It was like touching her soul, moving slowly through her mind and hearing her private thoughts. I felt a sense of sadness suddenly, Mother was worried about me. I opened my eyes. “Why are you worried about me? Is something going to happen again?”
“No.” She pulled her hand away and turned to the window to keep me from seeing her face. I repeated my question. She turned around. Her green eyes focused on me. “The reason I’ve been worried is because I haven’t been able to read on you lately. It’s as if I am being blocked. I get small parts that don’t make sense, but I am afraid you’re in danger.”
“Mother, I’ll be okay.” I reassured her with a hug.
“Just be careful.”
“Stop worrying about me. Remember, I am safe here.”
“It’s hard not to.”
We went into the dining room and waited for lunch to be served. Sitting there, I decided to tell them about the dream that I had earlier.
Madame Cecilia folded her hands on the table and said with reserve, “These dreams might be signs. Make sure you always let your mother and I know if they start intensifying.”
“What do you mean by that?” I looked over at her anxiously. “If you experience anything like you did in Baton Rouge, you have to let us know.”
“Are you saying that I might be attacked again?”
“No.” She shook her head. “I‘m just saying if you do feel there is something trying to take control of you, let us know please.”
I nodded, not knowing what to say.
I just hope that I will never have to go through that again.
Reunion
The two weeks passed quickly. I kept myself busy learning all I could about the families under Millie’s guidance. Mother and Madame Cecilia worked with me on my abilities, showing me my strengths and weaknesses, especially when I traveled. Madame Cecilia told me that I should never leave my subconscious completely and to always be aware of my senses and my surroundings. So, I kept practicing, going in and out, until I felt comfortable with my traveling ability. But today, I looked forward to a day off from all this family stuff. My friends were coming, and I couldn’t wait to see Marcus.
An afternoon rain came down hard as we drove slowly to the train station. When we arrived, I could see Libby and Claire standing on the platform, but not the boys. I waved at them and called out their names. They waved back and rushed toward me. We fell into one another’s arms, hugging each other as we got into the car. We began talking all at one time.
“Girls?” Gabriel said getting our attention. He handed us a couple of blankets to take the damp chill away from us until the car’s heater kicked in. “Thank you, Gabriel.” I said giving the blankets to the girls.
“Ready to go, Alixia?” He asked.
“Yes, let’s head home.”
We drove out of the train station. “So,” I asked bring the cover up under my chin, “what have you girls been up to?”
“I’ve just been busy getting things ready for my engagement party.” Libby said cheerfully.
Claire jumped in the conversation. “Yeah, I’ve been helping her, which is a pain. You know how she is about everything being just right.”
“I’m not that bad, Claire.” Libby said rolling her eyes.
Claire and I looked at each and said simultaneously, “Yes you are!”
“Very amusing, you two.” Libby retorted.
Claire said, “Oh, by the way, I have to tell you. I got accepted into the Art Institute up north. I’ll be leaving in July.”
“You’re leaving in July? Why?”
“I have to get a job to help pay for some of my tuition. I’ll be back for the holidays, though.”
“Good.” I said, feeling a little envious.
They’re moving on with their lives and I still have no idea where mine is going yet.
Libby took my hand. “Alixia, I wanted to tell you, I am planning a June wedding and you better be there.”
“Of course, silly. I will be there. I would never miss something that important. By the way, speaking of something missing…where are the boys?”
Libby and Claire laughed. “Alixia!” Claire said. “Are you sure you want to know where all the boys are or just one?” She smirked.
I felt my face flush. “Okay, is he here?”
“Who’s he?” Teased Libby.
“Stop! Did he come?”
“Yes, Marcus is here. Their driver picked them up already before you got here. They’re picking us up tomorrow night to take us to dinner in the French Quarter.”
My heart sank. I wanted to see him tonight.
Libby pushed in closer to me. “So, not to change the subject but, what have you been up to?”
If they only knew.
“Not much.” I said. “I am just getting used to my new home and learning about my Mother’s family history.” They both had concerned looks on their faces. “How boring for you, poor girl! Thank goodness we came to save you from all that family
history.” Said Libby.
“And, I thank you.” We all broke out laughing; Gabriel shook his head.
Arriving at the mansion, the girls shouted out, “This is where you live?”
We got out of the car, and ran up the veranda steps to escape the chilly rain. Mother and Madame Cecilia were waiting for us with fresh blankets. The girls greeted Mother with hugs, and said hello to Madame Ambrosine.
We entered the mansion with the blankets wrapped around us. The girls were quiet as they looked around in amazement at their surroundings. I suggested we go upstairs and change into some dry clothes, and they followed me to my bedroom.
“Are you kidding me?” Libby said in disbelief. “This is the family home you talked about when you called me? You sure left out a lot of details! Really, Alixia! ”
I looked at both of them as I slipped on a dry blouse. “Hey, I didn’t mean to. But this estate took me by surprise too.”
I was interrupted by a knock on the door. It was one of the staff with the girls’ bags, wanting to know which rooms they were going to be staying in.
“We have our own rooms?” Claire asked.
I nodded.
“This is so cool, Alixia.” I smiled. “Come, I will show you.” I took the girls to their rooms and told them I would meet them downstairs to show them the rest of mansion.
Leaving them, I ran downstairs, knowing I only had a few minutes to talk to Madame Cecilia. I found her in the den, reading. She looked up when I entered the room.
“Madame Cecilia?” I said anxiously. “How much can I tell the girls? Can I let them know about you?”
She put the book down.
“Yes, that’s all right, you can tell them I’m your aunt.” Suddenly, she had a bit of concern in her voice. “But, absolutely nothing about the families.” She looked at me gravely.
“Understood?”
“Yes, I know. But what if they start asking questions about why Mother never told me about you?”
“If they do, just tell them the truth. Say that two families had major disagreements with each other when you were younger. Now, your mother is trying to reconnect with her family after your father’s passing.”
She looked toward the door. “Your friends are coming.” I turned around to see them enter the room.
“Hi girls, ready to see the rest
of the mansion?” They nodded enthusiastically.
“Madame Ambrosine, you have a cool home.” Claire said as I took both girls’ hands. Madame Cecilia held a smile on her face as she went out the door.
“Thank you, Claire.”
Entering each room, the girls were speechless with the décor and the grandeur of it all, especially with the ballroom. Libby and Claire started dancing around, enjoying the elegant beauty of the room. They told me I should have a masquerade ball here during Mardi Gras.
I knew that wasn’t going to happen. The families would be gathering then. But I agreed with them, just to let them hold on to their fantasy for the time being.
“It sounds good to me.” I said as they dragged me into their dance. “But I think I should ask Mother first, you know since we just moved in here.”
Libby and Claire stared at each other, excited about the possibility of having a masked ball and didn’t want to hear my reservations.
“Please, Alixia?” Libby asked in a begging voice. “Work on her, this would be so perfect.”
“I will try. Come on, let me show you the rest of the place.” I ushered them out of the ballroom, eager to get their minds off of Mardi Gras and the masked ball.
Next, we entered the library. The girls immediately noticed the portrait over the fireplace. Libby was first to ask, “Isn’t that your mother with Madame Ambrosine?”
Claire blurted out. “Sure, it’s them!” They both turned to me with confused looks on their faces.
“All right, that is my mother.” I hesitated for a second. “And that’s my aunt.” I said softly.
Claire reacted first. “Alixia, did you say Madame Cecilia is your aunt?”
“Yes.” I bit lightly into my lip. “I just found out that I was related to her.”
Libby eyed me. “When did this all come about?” She asked.
“When I moved here, Mother decided it was the right time to tell me the truth about her family and her sister.”
Libby looked perplexed. “Why wouldn’t your mother tell you she had a sister?”
“I don’t know. Evidently there was some kind of disagreement between both families during my younger years. She didn’t go into too much detail about it with me. She just told me the past was the past. So now I have a new family and an aunt. That’s what I meant about spending a lot of time learning about the family history.”
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