It Started in Paris

Chapter Eight: HIStory

We finished our first plate. As we moved on to the second course of our lunch, Jean has unveiled his life story.

Jean Hughe has lived in Paris, France almost all of his life. When he was eighteen, they had to move to London. His parents said that it was for his own good but the lie never succeeded to blind him from the truth that it's because of his mother's selfish thoughts of making Jean work for his mother. He currently owns a massive tourist company in Paris. Jean believed in true love that kept his feelings strong for Helen even though she's American raised and not originally from Paris. Jean knew that he would find Helen someday. He showed us the last letter Helen had sent him that he brought everywhere he went. I opened the yellow-stained letter and read it with Leila.

My beloved Jean,

I don't know how many more letters I can write to you but I want you to know that I'll keep our promise under the oak tree. I'll write as often as I can and share great stories of my life. I'll always try to keep in touch. Jean, there's something I've wanted to tell you since that day we were under that tree but I'm still not ready. I'll be ready when you are.

Love,

Helen

I delicately folded the paper and handed it back to Jean.

Leila looked up. "What did she wanted to tell you?"

"I never found out," Jean said forlornly.

"But, your first letter said that it's been two years since she wrote to you," I said. "You didn't reply to this letter?"

"First letter?" Jean said doubtfully. "I sent a lot of letters after this. I was dying to know what she wanted to say."

"Then, there must be missing letters. They probably got lost when they were renovating the apartment," Leila was alarmed. I could already feel her spirits in this search for Helen.

Jean shrugged helplessly. "Who knows where they are."

We moved on to dessert. Leila silently marvelled at the dessert she ordered. Lady Fingers made with excellent dark chocolate, flavored with ginger, pink litchi sorbet on the side composed the Contrast on the menu.

Jean swallowed a spoonful before asking, "Are you in Paris for vacation?"

"Oh, no, no," I smiled. "We're here on a business trip. We need to explore Paris without any itinerary then we have to send reports to our boss everyday."

Jean brightened up then turned to Jack who has been eating silently the whole time. "Jack, why don't you give them a tour around our beautiful town."

"What?" he said as if the old man had gone mad.

"Go on," Jean urged. "You're going to be here for three months, am I not right?"

"But--"

"Ah-ah-ah. No buts, young man."

I felt like Jack is going to punch me in the face soon.

I felt a bit uncomfortable. "That's not really necessary," I said and forced an affable smile. "We should actually do this on our own, right Leila?" I turned to Leila with threatening wide eyes.

Leila glanced at me then, to Jean and nodded.

"Nonsense!" Jean said goodnaturedly. "My grandson will take you around Paris," he insisted.

Great. Leila and I are stuck with this Arrogant Monkey. I came up with the reason to call him a monkey because of his growing beard.

"You start tomorrow," Jean's face crinkled as he grinned. "I'm sure your boss would understand if you don't report today." Then, he winked.

"It must be amazing how you've reached this age," Leila said as she took a sip of her champagne.

"Truth be told, my darling, it's not." Jean chuckled. "I've witnessed people that are close to me pass away, leaving me behind."

The conversation ended when Jean paid for everything. Before we left, Leila took a shot of the place. We got out of the classic restaurant and went separate ways. Leila and I headed back to the apartment. Finally, for my very first report.