It Started in Paris

Chapter Fourteen: Helping Me Find Helen

We--no, make that "they" since I'm not walking--continued to walk along the streets of Paris as he gave out a few details on the tiny shops we passed by.

We surpassed a coffee shop.

"That has been there since the eighteen-hundreds, like, nineteenth century," he said.

I pointed to my right.  "This one?"

"Yeah."

He continued to give out more information on every tiny remarkable landmarks we passed by.  Who knew that there was so much to see even in Paris' small streets.

The day drew to a close when the sun went down.  We stopped in front of a wine bar.  He put me down--sadly, on my part, but probably happy on his part since I think I have given him pain on his back--and we entered the Le Baron Rouge.

The lighting wasn't dim, unlike the usual bars we have in New York.  We sat on bar stools.  The bartender set a glass of wine and a petitte assiette of meat, cheese and small peppers.  The air was filled with happy French music and loud chatters made by the customers.  The place was full.

He leaned in to my ear and said, "Did you bring skates?" loud enough for me to hear.

"What?  Why would I do that?" I found that thought funny.

"Because we're going to have a Friday night skating tour."  He grinned.

"But, I don't know how to skate," I said.

"Don't worry, I'll teach you," he said.

After that brief snack-out, we headed to a skate-renting store.  He paid for our skate rents.  After wearing the wheeled shoes, I needed help in standing up.

"I missed this!" Leila said as she stood up without any help.  "My family and I used to head over Central Park and let me and my brother roll about."

"Here."  He grabbed my hands gripping on the edge of the bench and helped me stand up.

"Whoa!"  I made a little slip.  He caught me on my waist and held my other hand.  He went behind me and held my hands as he guided me slowly.

"There you go," he said.  "You're about to get it."

He kept on talking, instructing me how to control my roller skates but my ears felt plugged with the thumping of my pulse.

I wish we would just stay this way.  Hand-in-hand, skate-rolling down the street and teaching me how to skate.

Gosh, I wish I'd never learn.

He taught me how to skate all night.  I still haven't learned how to balance.  He kept on laughing at me when I lose my balance and he catches me.

Eventually, the night has to end.  He brought us back to our apartment.  We exchanged our good-nights.  I was about to close the door when he said,  "Lauren."

I waited for what he was going to say.

"I had fun today," he said.

I smiled tenderly.  "Me, too."

"Uhm," he hesitated.  "Are you still thinking about finding Helen?"

"Yes, why?"

"I was just thinking maybe," he paused.  "I could help you."

I stared at him, not sure of what I've just actually heard.

"You know," he put his hand at the back of his neck in embarrassment.  "For my grandfather."

I blinked twice.  "Okay.  That would be nice."

"So, uhm, goodnight," he said.

"Goodnight."

Then, finally, I've closed the closed the door.

I fluttered to our bed and closed my eyes, without prior notice, I finally fell asleep.