Le Petit Chapeau

Mr. Bernard Dubois

I crossed the bridge slowly walking. Lyon was cold today i put my jacket close over my shoulders, but i didn't speed up, i stopped looking over the water. Le Rhône was beautiful as always the water was clear and i saw myself in it. I start to walk again, thinking of what should i say to my father, i can't work in that Café maybe i can skip it but i would make my sister sad if she found out. I came downtown and i walked beside the street many people on the road visiting the shops and bars, some greeted me i only smile. I arrived. the Café was little from the outside a bit old making and in a Victorian design, i opened the door and i smell coffee and alcohol at the same time, the inside was most bigger and old fashioned, the tables full of customers who came from work or homeless people to try to get alcohol or coffee for free, i put my jacket my hat and the walking stick on the wardrobe. Walking aside the table's the bar was clean and the glasses clean and tidy on the shelves, my father was looking on his customer book, i greeted him: „hello Father" my father didn't show up only nodding his head, i sighed and walked into the kitchen to prepare some snacks, Edgar the head chef raised his hand and tapped me on the shoulder: „hey old house how you doin?" his German accent was bright but i like to talk to him. „it's always the same Edgar i don't like it to work here, and my father didn't give me any attention why i am here, only because my sister say it? I want to leave France you know my dream, but how can i convince father to all this? „listen child i know your dream and your grandfather would be proud of it believe me, try to find a special time to tell maybe this evening during dinner, so your sister can support you this, how is she by the way? „she is fine Edgar, she helps in the orphanage for hungry children with bad condition, she truly has a kind soul. „i agree on that Emilian, your sister is truly an angel, maybe she can find a way to convince your father. „convince me in what exactly Edgar?" my father comes into the kitchen and we both freeze on place his dark eyes fixing the head chef, „we'll say just now to convince you to offer our specials today, snacks and our coffee, Emilian here prepared some you want try? My father was not that easy to convince but Edgar's word's make his face softened s bit, „no thank you Edgar i only want to say that you can go home earlier because i have to discuss a thing with my son." „Oh well you are the Boss so thanks." Edgar go on his work again and i leave the kitchen to take the orders from our customers, the times run but for me was the longest day i ever had, i know my father was looking that he make sure i do the work right, i hate this, that he isn't trusting me hurts but i can't do nothing to change his mind. The bell on the door rings it was the old friend of my grandfather before he died Mr. Bernard Dubois was in his 80's and i love hearing his story's especially from England, and he was a Hatter as well. He was sitting on his regular place near the bar and i make a coffee for him, a dark coffee with chocolate his favorite. I bring him the coffee and he looked at me with a genuine smile: „you look like your mother Emilian, you are a very handsome man, the ladies are running after you when you are not careful" he laughs and i couldn't stand to laugh too he always say what he thinks that's why i like this old man, he reminds me of my grandfather, and my smile vanished he notice: „he would be proud of you i know it, your grandfather always was talking high of you, i know you like it to be a hatter sit next to me child, i will tell you something, always listen to your heart and be proud of this what you do, and the time gives a opportunity to make your dream come true, you have to believe in yourself my child, try to talk with your father anyway when he is not listening he still care for you, i know it and your mother would say the same, Emilian listen and what i say take it to your heart, please don't listen to others make yourself and your grandfather proud, and one time maybe i visit your little shop in England, promise me, promise me that you make your dream come true. Tears are running down my face i couldn't say nothing only hearing his raspy and calm voice, and i hugged him tight „thank you Mr. Dubois i promise that i will talk to my father he say he want talk to me so i have my chance." the old man smile again and i stood up so he can drink his coffee in peace, and i go to clean the kitchen. It was getting late and Edgar leave the Café „good night Emilian be careful on the way home child. I getting more nervous i know the time is coming to tell my father my dream. I make a promise.