Chapter Fourteen

 

Flashback

 

The following morning broke sunny and unusually warm for the time of  year.  JC ordered fresh fruit, croissants, coffee and tea, then joined Annie on the terrace of their hotel suite.  It was the perfect day to begin what was sure to be a most trying and emotionally draining day for both of them.

 

As they were eating, TJ appeared silently at the French doors and cleared his throat quietly.  “I just took a call from Jacques.”

 

“What’d he have to say?”  JC asked around the last mouthful of his apple.

 

Apparently, Claude left specific instructions that no black was to be worn at his funeral.”  TJ cleared his throat a second time.  “Since it’s supposed to be a day of celebration instead of mourning, he requested only bright and colorful clothes.”

 

When they had finished eating, they went back to their respective rooms to get changed. Several minutes later, JC knocked softly on Annie’s door.  He had on beige cargo pants and a teal colored shirt.  “Hey, you ready?”

 

Annie opened the door and let him inside.  Almost.  Come on in while I finish up.”

 

She closed the door and went back to the mirror, hands in her hair. She was wearing a rust-colored vintage dress that looked like something from the 1940’s which she had picked up at a Paris thrift shop several months ago.

 

Annie pulled the last bits of hair away from her face, holding it back with another clip.  Once secured, she let it flow loosely down her back with the rest of her hair.

 

In the mirror’s reflection, JC saw she was wearing both her filigree cross and Marie’s locket around her neck, while the bracelet he had given her clung to her left wrist.

 

JC took a deep breath, completely floored by how stunning she looked.  He walked up behind her and hugged her around the waist.  He took her hand and kissed the palm of it.  “You look absolutely amazing.”

 

“Thank you,” she replied softly, staring at his reflection.  Then she laughed.  “You look fantastic.  Who would've thought you'd clean up so well?”

 

“Thank you,” he answered, kissing her palm again.

 

Annie turned to face him, looking disappointed.  “Why the hand kiss?” she pouted, sticking out her lower lip.

 

C leaned close, brushing her nose with his.  “Because if I kiss you on the lips, I won’t want to stop and then we’ll never get to the service.”

 

“Oh,” she whispered breathlessly, blushing slightly as she met his gaze.

 

Just then, TJ poked his head into the room.  “Ready to go?”

 

“Sure,” JC smiled easily, puling back from Annie.  Giving her hand one last kiss as he stared into her eyes, he offered his arm to escort her.  She took it, still blushing and allowed herself to be led to the waiting car.

 

************************

 

At the Art Shoppe, Annie stood on the sidewalk staring at the door. She hesitated then slowly turned to walk back towards it.  Just in front of the door, she stopped and turned back to JC.  “This is the first time I’ll walk into this shop...and not see Claude.  I’m not sure...” her voice trailed off, and a sheen of unshed tears covered her eyes.

 

JC gently took hold of her hand.  “We’ll go in together.,  Okay?”

 

Taking a deep breath and tightly griping his hand, Annie nodded.  “OKay.”

 

The bell on the door softly jingled as JC and Annie stepped inside.  They were slightly surprised to see Jacques waiting for them in the center of the room.  The French man tried not to notice JC and Annie holding hands or the sunlight that reflected off the bracelet on Annie’s wrist.  Instead, he put on his best hurt look as he greeted them. Considering that he really did miss his Grandpere, this wasn’t too hard to pull off.

 

“Oh Jacques,” Annie whispered, releasing JC’s hand and going over to Jacques.  She wrapped her arms around him, then began to cry the tears which had threatened to fall earlier.  “I’m so sorry,” she sobbed softly.  “I miss him terribly.”

 

Jacques held her in his arms, feeling her warmth and breathing in her signature fragrance.  It took all of his willpower not to kiss her, especially with her so close, breath touching his cheek...

 

And yet, she wasn’t his - she belonged to JC.  All the anger, hurt, pain and frustration was almost too much for even Jacques to hide.  He quickly wiped all emotion off his face as he slowly pulled Annie away from the embrace.

 

“I miss him too,” he whispered as he wiped her tears away.  “But no more crying,” he said, trying to smile and cheer her up.  “Grandpere wants us to celebrate his life, not mourn the end of it.”

 

“I’ll...I’ll try,” she said hesitantly, brushing away another tear.

 

JC walked over and hugged Jacques, causing the latter to tense up slightly.  “I’m so sorry for your loss,” JC said quietly.  “Claude was a very special man and I will miss him.”

 

“Thanks,” Jacques muttered coldly as he pushed JC away, then looked to Annie.  “Shall we go?”

 

Annie returned to JC’s side and took his hand.  She had finished crying for now, although her eyes were still a little red. She smiled softly at Jacques.  “We’ll be waiting outside while you lock up.  Do you want to ride with us?”

 

“No, thank you.”  Jacques seemed slightly upset by the idea.  And he was..the thought of riding in such close proximity to the “happy couple” was more than he wanted to deal with.  “I think I’ll take my own car.”

 

************************

 

They arrived at the little chapel and went inside. Everything gave off an aura of quiet beauty and solitude.  The carved stone, the beautiful stained glass and the polished wooden pews all seemed to join together in the very epitome of quiet, understated elegance; a lot like Claude himself.

 

Annie instantly saw why he had chosen this place. Everywhere she looked, there were flowers, their fragrance sweet but not overwhelming.  From hidden speakers, music played quietly. The song was one that Claude had heard on the radio once and remarked to Annie that it reminded him of Marie.  Listening to the words, Annie smiled, silently agreeing.

 

Who can say for certain?

Maybe you’re still here

I feel you all around me

Your memories so clear

 

Deep in the stillness

I can hear you speak

You’re still an inspiration

Can it be?

That you are mine

Forever love

And you are watching over me from up above

 

Are you gently sleeping?

Here inside my dream

And isn’t faith believing

All power can’t be seen

 

As my heart holds you

Just one beat away

I cherish all you gave me everyday

“Cause you are mine

Forever love

Watching me from up above

 

And I believe

That angels breathe

And that love will love on and never leave

 

Fly me up

To where you are

Beyond the distance star

I wish upon tonight

To see you smile

If only for awhile

To know you’re there

A breath always not far

To where you are

 

I know you’re there

A breath away’s not far

To where you are

 

Annie was so caught up in the words and emotions of the song, she didn’t realize until it was over that JC was behind her, enfolding her in his arms.   She turned to him, staring into his eyes.  “I love you,” she whispered quietly, eyes glistening.

 

JC hugged her close, resting his chin on the top of her head. “I love you to,” he said gently closing his eyes.

 

“I really hate to break up this little love scene,” Jacques interrupted bitterly, “but we need to take our seats.  The service is about to begin.”

 

JC gently released Annie.  “Where so you want us?”

 

’You back in America, far away from Annie and never to grace my sight ever again for as long as I live,’ Jacques thought venomously, but managed to keep all trace of his thoughts out of his next words.  “I’d like Annie and you to sit with me.  Annie,” he said pointedly, “is like family.”

 

“What about TJ?”  JC pressed, choosing to ignore Jacques second remark.

 

“I’ll just sit quietly off to one side,” TJ put in, surprising them all.   No one had heard the burly man even approach, until he was right behind him.  “I wouldn’t want to block anyone’s view,” he continued, then turned and looked right at Jacques.  “Is that all right with you?”  It was obvious TJ didn’t trust the French man at all.

 

“Sure,” Jacques answered, somewhat nervously.  He tried to avoid looking directly at TJ, feeling that the big man could see right through him.  ‘I’ll have to be extra careful around him,’ he thought.

 

The small convoy of people took their seats at the front of the chapel.  TJ led the way , followed by JC, Annie and then Jacques, who sat on the aisle.

 

The organ gently played as the rest of the guests took their places.  While waiting for everything to begin, JC glanced up towards the pulpit.  On a large table, there were flowers framing a large portrait of Claude and other mementos of the old man’s life.  As JC would later learn, the picture  had been painted by Annie.

 

There was no casket to be seen, as Claude had requested that he be cremated.  A large urn next to the portrait held his ashes.  He had once said that since he couldn’t lie next to Marie - he didn‘t even know where or if she had a burial place - Claude wanted his ashes scattered over the places they enjoyed during happier times.  Jacques was going to carry out that final wish later.

 

The pastor led the assembly in prayer, read some of Claude’s favorite Bible verses and then everyone sang a hymn.  When the last bit of music faded away, the pastor looked out over the people.  (“If anyone would like to come say a few words about Claude, they are welcome to come forward now.  There is no special order, everything is to be very informal.”)

 

Some of Claude’s neighbors got up and spoke about his quiet dignity and grace.  Many had known him since the war.  Annie quietly translated their words for JC.

 

Pepe spoke of Claude’s friendship and devotion to Jacques and his “new” granddaughter Annie, how much he loved them both.  He also mentioned how much JC had come to mean to him.

 

When Pepe had finished, JC leaned towards Annie.  “Would you please come up with me?”  he whispered.  “I want to say something, but I need you to translate for me.”  Annie nodded, taking his hand as they squeezed past Jacques.  The French man was quietly seething as he watched them make their way to the front of the chapel, but there was nothing he could do.  He certainly couldn't stop them...at least, not without making a big and rather embarrassing scene.  So instead, he simply sat there, clenching and unclenching his hands into fists.  Glancing over, Jacques realized that TJ was watching him intently.  He stopped, turning to give the bodyguard a sickly smile before focusing his attention on Annie.

 

At the front of the chapel, JC cleared his throat quietly as he took a piece of paper from his pocket.  He smoothed it out, then removed his reading glasses from a different pocket.  He began reading, slowly.  “Many of you don’t know me, but Claude was a very special man to me.  Unfortunately, our last meeting was not a pleasant one and I had hoped to one day rectify that - but it wasn’t meant to be.  Claude was one of the most fascinating people I have ever met.  Our first meeting was memorable-”  A hint of amusement entered JC’s voice.  “He accused me of stalking Annie, and nearly pummeled me with his cane.  I apologized, and he being the man he

was...he forgave me.  I’ll always cherish the times we spent together, the things he taught me.”  Tears sprang to his eyes, and he looked up at the ceiling.  “Claude, I will try to use everything I learned from you in my own life.  Some day, I hope, people will look at me and be proud to have known me.”

 

He closed his eyes, sending tears down his cheeks.  “I love you, Claude,” JC whispered, then turned to Annie.  “Thank you,” he said gently, just as quietly,  then lightly kissed her cheek before returning to his seat.

 

Annie looked out over the faces gathered and smiled.  “I hope you don’t mind,” she began, “but I’ll be speaking in English.  I’ll go slowly for those of you who need to have my words translated, but I feel more comfortable speaking in my native tongue.  “I could go on for hours about Claude and what he meant to me. How he took a homesick girl from America into his home and made her feel so special, such a part of his family.  He was my biggest fan, best cheerleader, but he also knew when I needed to be sat down and talked to honestly.  He wasn’t one to use fancy words, but I always knew how much he loved me.”  She smiled softly.  “Most of the time, I could make him laugh when he was trying to be ‘so serious’  He was the one who encouraged me to change majors and knew even before I did that art was my true calling.  I will be grateful to him forever for that.”

 

Annie cleared her throat, a sheen of tears visible in her eyes.  “Claude had a strength and calmness about him, and was the most genuine man I have ever know.  There wasn't an ounce of dishonesty anywhere in his body.  I loved him so much...”  She wiped a few tears away, taking a deep breath. After a few moments, she continued.  “Grandpere Claude, may you and your Marie enjoy the rewards so richly deserved, as you are together in God’s glorious heaven.  I will always cherish the memories I have of you.  I love you so much...”

 

Annie had to stop; she couldn’t go on any longer. Her tears were falling steadily and her breath catching in her throat as sobs.  JC quietly stood up and walked to her. Sheltering her in his arms, he led her back to their seats.  Once there, he simply held her, stroking her hair.

 

It was all Jacques could do just to control his own shaking, but it wasn’t from grief. He tried to keep his composure, but the sight of JC comforting Annie was driving him to distraction.

 

In this frame of mind, Jacques rose from his seat and headed to the front of the chapel.  Not looking in Annie and JC’s direction, he launched into a long, tortuous and melodramatic eulogy of Claude.  Most of it was rambling and at times downright incoherent.  Mercifully, the pastor came over and cut it short.  People shifted nervously in their seats, confused but passing if off as Jacques’ intense grief over losing Claude.  Annie and JC sat stunned, while TJ became more concerned with each passing moment about letting the French man get to close to either of them.  The boy seriously needed help, and not just the “part-time college students working at his shop” kind of help either.

 

After the last hymn played, the service finally ended.  People slowly filtered out, heading for their cars.  Pepe had invited everyone to his restaurant for a meal and continued celebration of Claude’s life.

 

Annie saw Jacques sitting on the floor by Claude’s ashes.  She began to walk towards him, but TJ intercepted her.  “Annie, maybe it would be better if you spoke to him at Pepe’s.”  The burly man sent a worried look at Jacques’ back.  “He seems..a bit out of it at the moment.”

 

Confused, Annie nodded slowly.  “I understand, I guess..but I think he need me right now.”

 

TJ held up a hand.  “Trust me, you need to wait.”

 

“All right TJ, I trust you.”  Annie sighed.  I’ll talk to him at Pepe’s.”

 

JC came up next to her, taking her hand.  “Ready to go?”

 

“Yeah.”

 

As the two left, TJ turned to look at Jacques.  He was greeted with the most twisted, crazed and hateful expression he had seen on anyone’s face in a long time.  He even shuddered as he turned and followed Annie and JC out.

 

*********************

 

As Annie and JC arrived at Pepe’s, they were warmly greeted by some of the staff.  Pepe emerged from the kitchen, hugging them both.  “Annie, could you please join me in the kitchen for a few moments.  I have something to give you.”

 

“Of course.”  Annie kissed JC’s cheek, then followed Pepe back.

 

Pepe and Annie passed through the kitchen into the former’ office. Once there, he took out an envelope from his desk and gave it to her.  The front was addressed to her in Claude’s handwriting.

 

Pepe turned to her.  “Annie, Claude mailed this to me on the night he died.  I have no idea what’s inside, but the other envelope which came with it told me to hand deliver this to you.”  He paused, looking confused.  “It also said...for you not to tell Jacques you received it.”

 

“That’s odd..and not really like Claude.”  Annie returned his confused look, taking the envelope.  “But if that’s his wish, then so be it.” She slipped it into her purse after studying the front.  “I’ll read it when we get back to the hotel.” She then hugged Pepe gently.  “Thank you.  You’re a loyal friend.”

 

Annie and Pepe returned to the dining room just as Jacques arrived.  He watched as Annie crossed over to JC and whispered something into his ear.  The French man wasn't close enough to hear what she was saying, but he noticed JC’s eyes widen slightly.  Determined to find out what was going on, Jacques walked over to them.  As he closed in, he realized TJ was right behind him.

 

TJ put a hand lightly, but firmly, on Jacques’ shoulder.  “Is there something I can help you with?  Something you need?”

 

“No...no,”  Jacques muttered under his breath.  “I was just going over to visit Annie and JC.”

 

“Then please,” TJ answered with disturbing courtesy,  “Allow me to accompany you.”

 

TJ and Jacques walked over.  The latter immediately focused his attention on Annie.  “So, how do you like the party so far?”

 

“It’s wonderful, but I’m pretty anxious to catch up with some of my old friends.  It’s been far too long since I spoke with them.” Annie took JC’s hand.  “If you’ll excuse us, Jacques.”  She smiled.  “It’s time for JC to run the gauntlet and meet new people.”

 

Once they left, Jacques found himself alone with TJ.  Nervously, he cleared his throat, uncomfortable under the bigger man’s gaze.  “I think I’ll go see if Pepe needs any help in he kitchen.”

 

“Fine by me,” TJ answered.  “I’m not going anywhere.”

 

‘That’s what I’m worried about,’ Jacques thought, retreating to the kitchen like a frightened squirrel from a dog.

 

Later, Pepe watched as Annie led JC around and introduced him to her many friends.  ‘Claude was right,’ he thought, smiling to himself.  ‘They do belong together. and they make such a beautiful couple.’  Pepe knew a few of the problems that the two had faced, but felt that their love was strong enough to carry them through anything.

 

As the party dragged on, Jacques glowered from a table he’d secured for himself, silently plotting the many ways he would like to dispose of JC.  Unfortunately, none of them seemed practical, and most were downright illegal.  His frustration grew as every minute went by.  Not helping was the fact that every time he got within three feet of the “love birds”, TJ was there.  That giant shadow that just didn’t want to go away.

 

Finally, the time to say goodbye came.  As the party began to wind down, people slowly started drifting out.  Before leaving, they stopped by to give their parting condolences to Jacques.

 

Annie, JC and TJ were among the last to leave. As Annie said goodbye to the staff and Pepe, Jacques came over with a box in his hands. While TJ eyed the French man cautiously, JC recognized the box as the one he’d seen that first day in Claude’s kitchen.

 

Annie looked at the box as Jacques held it out for her.  “Why are you giving this to me?”

 

“Grandpere wanted you to have this,” he answered, motioning for her to take it.  “He said that everything in it., although of little monetary value, was very special to him.  He wanted you to have them.”

 

“Oh Jacques,” Annie almost began to cry, feeling completely overwhelmed as she accepted the box.  Hugging it close, she smiled at him.  “I will always cherish this.”

 

“I know you will.”  Jacques returned her smile, then took a deep breath.  “Annie, its time for us to say goodbye.  I want you to have a happy life.”   He held up one finger.  “Be sure to write to me occasionally, so I can know how you’re doing.”

 

TJ listened with interest, but remained silent.  Things seemed normal...but he still felt uneasy around this man.

 

Annie nodded to Jacques.  “I promise I’ll never forget you.  You will always be a part of my life.”

 

He kept smiling.  “That’s all I can hope for.”

 

TJ felt vaguely as if he’d fallen into “The Twilight Zone.”  Jacques was acting so calm, so reasonable...almost too reasonable.

 

Jacques turned to face his rival.  “JC, take good care of her. She is a very special lady.”  Then his voice turned dark and threatening.  “And if I ever hear of you hurting her, I’ll track you down so fast that...”

 

JC’s face began to grow angry, but Jacques interrupted him with a high-pitched laugh.  “Just kidding!”  He held out his hand for JC to shake, which he did. Squeezing just a little too tightly, the former gave him an almost ghastly smile.  “Have a happy life.”

 

“Thanks,” JC answered, quickly letting go of Jacques’ hand.  “I will cherish her...you have my word on that.”

 

Annie chose that moment to intervene.  She hugged Jacques tightly, then spoke directly in his ear.  “I’m so sorry for your loss and many other things, but sometimes we don’t always get what we wish for.  I hope someday you come to realize that and be happy.”  Releasing him, she turned and took JC’s hand.  Together, they turned and left Pepe’s, TJ close behind.

 

Jacques stood in the doorway. Watching as all three got into their car. As they drove off, his thoughts turned in a very dark direction.  ‘Annie, you know the saying “Be careful what you wish for?”’ he thought, following their vehicle with his eyes. ‘I wish the same for you....’

 

“To Where You Are” Sung by Josh Groban - Josh Groban CD music by Richard Marx - Lyrics by

Linda Thompson

 

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