Liberty kids: Henri meets Jolene

Chapter eight

A hour later , Lafayette and Henri were about to leave, Henri with a handful of pie.
"I am more than happy to have seen you today, Jolene," Lafayette said.
"I'll come and visit you whenever I can, and I'll be happy if you tell me when they write to you so that I can write to them."

"I'm sure they'll be back soon, Gilbert. And I will remind you." Jolene lied about the last part. She turned to Henri.
"And I guess I'll see you tomorrow, maybe then, Mon Ami."
"Oui, you bet I will, maybe almost everyday! I love hanging out with you."
"I do as well." Jolene really meant that.
Henri and Joleen looked at each other for a long moment, smiling before Lafayette interrupted,
"Well, Au revoir, dear Jolene. I'll see you very soon."
"You too."
Henri and Lafayette went on their way, not without Henri looking back at Jolene over and over. He just couldn't seem to take his eyes off her. Jolene watched them walked out of the forest, being slightly sad that she is alone now.

Back at Dr. Franklin's printshop, Henri was taking nonstop about his visit with Jolene and how Lafayette knew her and her family.
"I'd never expect Jolene or her parents to know Gilbert, but now knowing it, I find that to be impressive, knowing and being friends with a noble man like him."
"Hey I see you brought back a whole pie ," James noticed.
"Let me guess; Jolene made that for you."
"Oui! And, only this one time, I'll let you all have a slice, you have to try it."
"Alright then, let's see what the fuss is about."
Seating at the table, everyone got a slice of the pie and tried it. It turned out to be quite amazing to all of them.

"I must say, Jolene, Jolene does know how to cook up a good pie," Moses complimented.
"I agree with you, Moses," Sarah added, dabbing her lips. James nodded in agreement, but busy eating, or should I say gobbling, down his pie. Sarah scowled at him.
"James Hiller, I've never seen you eat such like Henri before! Have some manners."
James finished up the last bite.
"Sorry, Sarah, it's just that the pie's so great. Jolene sure does know how to cook."
Mose chuckled and shook his head, smiling.
"Moses if you're not going to eat the rest of that pie, may I have it?", Henri said.

"Sure, why not, Henri." Henri snatched the half eaten slice and gobbled it down.
"Henri," Sarah sighed. Everyone els just laughed.
"I cant wait to tell Dr. Franklin about Jolene when he gets back from France."
"I'm sure he will be quite fascinated in her," James said.
"She's surly different from any other girl I've meant."
"I hope he does," Henri said.
"Hey, James. How about you make a story about her!"
"Of course not. My journalism is for serious stories only. Jolene is not one."

"But she can fight wild boars!"
"Henri, we said no," Sarah said.
Henri sunk down in his seat, pouting.
"It's not fair a girl like Jolene doesn't get to have a story in the paper."
Moses laid a hand on Henri shoulder assuring him.
"Well, maybe someday that would happen, but just not right now."

Still, Henri didn't say anything. A moment later, he said.
"I have to go and ask her something tomorrow. It's about her parents."
"What do you mean? I'm sure they are home with her now," James said.

"No, when I first met her, she said her parents were out in town, but today she said they were out in Canada, something does not add up there. Also, whenever she mentions them, she freezes and has this very sad look on her face, almost like she's about to cry. I'm staring to wonder if her parents are even alive at all. What if she's an orphan like I am?"

Sarah got up and glared at Henri.
"Henri LeFevbre! Don't ever assume that, That's not a right to do! How would you like it if someone assumed you were an orphan? Wouldn't that make you upset?"

Henri quieted, silently agreeing, and feeling slightly guilty for assuming.
"You're right Sarah, but what if it's true? I just have to know, and it doesn't feel good seeing Jolene sad."
"I know, but some things aren't meant to be ask. If she is, I'm sure she'll eventually tell you. Just don't be so quick to assume."
"D'accord," Henri said, but he still had the need to know. It was killing him inside.