Wednesday, January 2, 2013

Un


     Once upon a time, in the far away land of France, a number of centuries ago lived a wonderful young mademoiselle by the name of Emilie. Now, at this particular time in history, the division between the classes was as distinct as, well, as generally any other time in history. The rich associated with more rich, while the poor grew poorer. Mademoiselle Emilie, born into wealth, grew up in a lovely mansion. Her parents constantly traveled, yet enrolled her in the finest school, assigning her to the care of the full staff of maids as well as the faithful old butler. Mademoiselle Emilie loved her parents dearly, especially when they came home each holiday season. She played the part of upper-class darling quite properly, dressing, walking and speaking like the young lady she was. The staff and the schoolteachers groomed her to enter high society with a presence. High society in those days resembled today's upper class. It combined extravagant houses and extravagant parties with beautiful people and beautiful cars. And, like many elite groups, no one in high society liked each other very much. Everyone was so preoccupied with impressing each other. It was in this culture that mademoiselle Emilie's parents lived whenever they returned from their extended holidays.
     The staff raised and cared for Mademoiselle Emilie. All grew very fond of one another. Over the years one of the maids, Marie-Christine, invited Emilie to family gatherings. Sabine and Renee would as well, but it was mostly Marie-Christine. The maids and the butler lived in a quite different world, it seemed. To be quite frank, they were poor. They did not have extravagance. They lacked much. But the people were so warm and inviting. They often had gatherings. Oh, they would start out small, but soon enough the whole neighborhood would join. They all brought what food they had- usually some bread- to share. Soon enough, the place would be full with families talking and laughing and dancing- oh the dancing! Mademoiselle Emilie loved the dancing. She danced with the other young ladies as well as the older men who had become her very own fathers and grandfathers. She danced with the children. She loved, so very much, all of the parties.
     Now, between the young mademoiselle and the maids, this dual life remained a secret. It wasn't that she intended to lie to her parents. It was more that, when her parents finally arrived to the estate, they had such other things to discuss. So, for years, this secret life on the other side of the town remained a secret.
     One early autumn day, Marie-Christine invited mademoiselle Emilie to join her for another evening with her family. Mademoiselle Emilie instantly agreed and released her early for the day.
      "Marie, Marie, please get on your way. You have a house to prepare. I will join you after I finish my Latin assignment" Mademoiselle Emilie insisted.
     Marie-Christine protested, but Emilie argued, "I know the way. I know these streets better than anyone. I will not see you again until evening."
     That is exactly what she did. She finished her schoolwork and left for the other side of town. Though, she did give herself time to meander. She knew all of the streets. She knew the ins and outs and the little-known pathways and the back alley-ways. She wanted to visit one of her favorite places. On the way, however, she passed by Remi and Nico's house. She was going to pass by but, something distracted her.

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