American Girl

Louisiana

     Clea Morel ran breathlessly along the dock. She spied the Mississippi Queen, plowing steadily along the river toward New Orleans. It felt like an eternity since the last time the mighty steamboat returned to its home port. As the vessel approached, she stood on the dock scanning the faces at the railing. The passengers waved their arms madly at the waiting crowd and cheered. It took Clea a moment to find the object of her search. When she noticed the smiling face, she waved too.

Clea admired her beautiful Maman. Known only as Gigi, her mother worked as an entertainer on the Mississippi Queen. She wore a low-cut flounced red dress and black-and-white striped stockings held up with a lacy garter. Her large, frilled hat framed her face perfectly, accentuating the creamy caramel skin. She could sing and dance the can-can.

The passengers began to disembark. Gigi and the other steamboat employees could only exit once the paying customers had departed. Clea kept her eyes on her mother. Phillipe Ransome joined her and encircled her waist with his arm. Gigi smiled up at him and pecked his cheek affectionately. Clea shrank back.

Phillipe Ransome worked as a poker dealer on the Mississippi Queen. He dressed smartly in a black suit, waistcoat patterned with red roses, and a black string tie. A derby hat sat at a cocky angle atop his slicked-back dark hair. Phillipe stuck to Gigi like glue. No matter where she was, he always appeared at her side.

Clea wished Phillipe would move on to other parts. Although he was born in New Orleans, he had previously worked in San Francisco and in Nevada. She suspected him of card sharking and secretly hoped he would get caught. If he went to jail, he would leave Gigi alone.

Finally, Gigi stood at the top of the gangplank. A slight breeze ruffled the feathers on her hat, and she clung to her carpetbag. Clea raced toward her and flung herself into her Maman's arms. Gigi tightened her embrace with her daughter.

"I've missed you so much," Clea gurgled happily. Her joyous expression faded when Phillipe appeared at her side.

"I've missed you too, honey," Gigi exclaimed, smiling broadly. "Philippe has missed you also."

Philippe bowed at the waist and raised his hat in salute. Taking Clea's hand, he kissed it and stated his delight at seeing her again. Clea felt repelled by his touch.

"Have you behaved for Grand'Mere Kizzy?" Gigi asked.

"Oui, yes, Maman," Clea answered promptly. "And for Auntie Binta. They take excellent care of me while you are away. You were away a long time. Was there a delay along the river?"

"More of a personal delay, my dearest little one." Gigi removed her long red glove, displaying an engagement and wedding ring set.

The color drained from Clea's face. She stumbled backward beneath Phillipe's leering grin. He tipped his hat to her again and grinned lasciviously.

"I did not realize you were engaged to Philippe, Maman," she whispered, keeping her eyes downcast.

"I did not realize it either, little one," Gigi giggled. "It was a spur-of-the-moment decision. Come along; let's tell Grand'Mere Kizzy the wonderful news."

The trio headed toward the French Quarter. Clea held back, wondering how Grand'Mere Kizzy and Auntie Binta would react to Gigi's sudden news. They felt the same way about Phillipe as Clea did. He was shiftless and unworthy of her mother's attention.

As she expected, Grand'Mere Kizzy immediately showed her annoyance at the announcement. Phillipe remained suave, and Gigi confident despite Kizzy's disgruntled attitude. Binta shared her younger sister's manner.