Liberty kids: Henri meets Jolene

Chapter six

The next day came, and Henri was looking forward to seeing Jolene. Of course all that was on his mind was her, as he worked in the printer shop.

Of course James, Moses, Sarah easily noticed this, as he was unusually quiet for a rambunctious boy. It was a little nice for a change for James.
"Henri, I ever seen you think so much of a girl before. It's like you're a completely different person," Moses said.
"Je sais. It just that she really captivates me, in a way no any girl did before."
"I can surely tell you think that. After you print these last two papers, I'll let you go see her."

"I'll hurry then!" After printing the last two papers as quickly as he could, Henri said goodbye to James, Sarah, and Moses before darting out the door. But do first he had to find Lafayette. He knew he'd taken a break from being at war and is visiting Philadelphia. Henri kept looking for him until he finally spotted him talking to a gentlemen. He waved and shouted to get his attention.

"Gilbert! Gilbert! Over here."
Lafayette turned around and noticed the young boy, smiling. He went over to Henri and hugged him.
"Bonjour, Henri. What brings you here to see me today? Well, except you always go and see me, of course."
"I want to bring you to meet someone. Come follow me, s'il te plait!"
"Alright, alright. I'll follow you."
Henri lead Lafayette to the woods and the area where Jolene lives.
"Umm, Henri, I thought your friend lived out in town."
"This is where she lives."
"Ahh, so she's a girl. What's her name?"
"Jolene Veneer."
"'Veneer'! That's the last name of a dear friend of mine. He, his wife, and his daughter came here to America for a better opportunity. The last time i saw Jolene  she was a itty bitty toddler.
"So you know her, then."
"If she's the right fille, then yes."

They eventually made it to Jolene's house. When they ventured closer, that's when heard the most beautiful voice singing in French. It was coming from inside the cottage. Henri was truly captivated by the voice.
"Attendez, I know this song. It's what my mama used to sing to me when I was little. This is the most beautiful sound I've ever heard."
"Oui", Lafayette agreed, him entranced in the melodious singing.
Henri knew this had to be Jolene. It couldn't have been anyone els. He thought she beautiful enough already, but with that angelic voice, she  is even more beautiful to him.

Jolene came out of the cottage and stopped singing, smiling very big seeing Henri.
"Henri! Bonjour! I see you've kept your promise of visiting me."
Henri snapped out of the trance Jolene's singing trapped him in and stuttered, just like the first time she spoke to her.
"Bonjour, uh, Jolene. Nice to see you."
He tried so hard not to blush in front of the gorgeous girl beaming at him.
Lafayette's face lit up as he saw Jolene.
"Ma douce fille, you've grown up into such a beautiful young lady!"
He embraced Jolene in a tight hug, though Jolene was quite confused.
"Excuse me, Monsieur, but do I know you?"

"Oh, of course you don't remember me, you were only four after all. I'm Gilbert du Motier marquis de Lafayette, a close friend of your father's. I see you adapted your mother's beautiful voice just like I'd knew you would. Where are your parents, my dear? I'd wish to greet them."
Once again, Jolene froze pale faced at the mention of her parents. Henri noticed it, but he didn't think Lafayette did.
"Ummm, they are up exploring in the mountains of Canada."
That's weird, she said her parents were out in town yesterday, Henri thought.

"Why isn't your mother watching you?"
"Mama had to come along with him to make sure he's okay during the journey. Her and papa trust me to look after the house while they're gone."
"Well I must say, they raised you quite well. You're basically a grown lady in a little girl's body. They'd write to you yet?"
"No, Mr. Lafayette."
"Please, liebe frau. Call me Gilbert."
"No, they didn't yet, Gilbert. But I'm sure they will soon."
"How about I'll write to them. Tell me which where they are in Canada and I'll send them a letter."

"No, no! S'il te plait!"
Lafayette flinched at the sudden rush of words.
Jolene laughed, nervously though, and said,
"Oh, excuse moi, Gilbert. I didn't mean for my response to sound that they. I'm sure they might not be able to receive a letter right now. They're probably up in the wilderness."
"That does make sense, but later on I'll be sure to write to them. I'll be more than happy to see my dear friend."
Jolene looked down at her buckled shoes, trying to hid the sadness in her face and not burst into tears.

Henri looked at Jolene, deeply concerned for her feelings. He knew something had to be wrong when it came to her parents, and wondered why they weren't present. Another thing, why did she said her parents were out exploring in Canada when she said her parents were out in town yesterday? This fact clearly didn't add up to him. He wanted to know why for this so badly, but he couldn't know right away, for now at least. He just has to get to know Jolene more.