𝑳𝑨 𝑪𝑯𝑨𝑵𝑻𝑬𝑼𝑺𝑬

𝑯𝑼𝑰𝑻

♱♱

𝑺𝒂𝒍𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝑷𝑶𝑽

After meditating a apology between Joannes and Louis, we were now situated outside their home. Joannes and Louis were both nursing a cigarette, and I eating one the popsicles from their icebox.
Clara had went out with some of her work buddies, she had asked me to come along but I decided to stay and help with dinner.
"Que pensez-vous de Salomé?(What are you thinking about Salomé)" Joannes pushes me over a little, taking me out of train of thoughts.
"Oh nothing." I take the final bite of my popsicle, now having a naked wooden stick. I take a glance over at Miss Polly, she stayed longer than I expected. I knew Papa would be home soon and he did not like the Shelby's at all.
"When do you think she will leave?" Louis look over at me then at the kitchen window.
"Soon, Miss Polly is finishing up her last cup of tea." Louis points out, I didn't have the best sight of her but I could she had a tight lipped smile as she sipped on her tea.
"Always drink three cups but takes small sips, doesn't finish it quickly." Joannes adds in. I realized that Miss Polly must've always came over and had tea with Aunt Beatrice. Maybe since this was the norm here, Papa couldn't be too angry.

I turn my head to look down the long cobblestone courtyard that lead to the busy streets of Small Heath, not seeing the silhouette of my Papa, Uncle Pierre, or Clara I sigh. It would be some time until they came for supper.
"I need a drink." Joannes throws down his cigarette, his shoes crushing it on the cobblestone. "Coming to the Garrison?" Joannes looks down at me.
"No, I have to help with dinner." I emphasize on the your part.
"Louis?" Joannes not caring for what I said looks over at Louis.
"Yeah, nothing to do here anyway." Louis stands up.
"You could be taking care of your Papa." I say in a matter of fact tone.
"Nah, you're a woman." Joannes pats my shoulder walking past me. I turn around giving him an annoyed expression.
"That's Joannes." Louis chuckles pecking me on the cheek. "See ya for supper Salomé!" Louis yells out as he catches up to Joannes.

I let out a huff before going inside the Duplantier household, knowing that I had dishes to pick up.

"Uncle Robert." I softly say entering his room. He was asleep, turned on his side.
Knowing he'll need to sleep off the pain and medication for a speedy recovery.
Before picking up the tray I catch a better view of his bedroom, it still had few remaining touches of a woman being here. I noticed there was a picture of Uncle Robert and his wife Blanche and a picture of the Madonna and baby Jesus.
A small quaint room for a widower.
I pick up the tray and exit the room quietly.
Going down the stairs, I caught more details of the Duplantier home.
Pictures of the happy family through the years but since the death of Blanche there was no more pictures.
I had some memories of Aunt Blanche, from the pictures I grew up seeing.
She was a beautiful woman with fair skin, dark brown hair, and grey eyes like a stormy sky. That is where Louis got his looks from, Joannes favored Uncle Robert more.
Aunt Blanche would always gift me a pretty dress and a hair ornament for every birthday up until the war, times got hard and s oon she died from consumption.