Fear, love... and betrayal; that's what I feel about my new life.
It's a life I never asked for, at least not like that.
I certainly dreamed of adventure, of escaping from my ordinary life, but nothing prepared me for what would happen when my norma...
"Promenons-nous dans les bois pendant que le loup n'y est pas..."
"Let's stroll in the woods while the wolf is away..."French children's song
Flicka left earlier because she had to go meet her parents for supper before signing in at the Academy. Charles promised to drive me there on his super cool 1950 BMW motorcycle with sidecar.
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After more hugs for Gertrude and a bag full of goodies for later, she finally lets me leave.
"Don't worry, Lou, we'll see each other in two weeks and if there's anything that comes up in the meantime, we put our cell phone numbers on your phone, so don't hesitate to call, my dear."
I finish putting my few belongings onto the motorcycle, not much considering Flicka insisted on choosing my wardrobe and officially forbade me from bringing any of my own clothing other than my jacket. Charles hands me a helmet and aviator styled glasses with the smile of a child who is sharing his favorite toy.
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I frown at him and put it on without a comment. Since I'll be in a sidecar beside the motorcycle, I might as well look the part, and it seems to make him happy. I get into the sidecar while Charles climbs onto the motorcycle wearing a helmet and glasses that are identical to mine. I hear a piercing sound in my helmet and then a familiar voice rings out.
"I equipped these antiques with microphones and speakers, that way we can communicate during the trip."
We take off and, honestly, I understand why so many people prefer the motorcycle to the car. It provides such a sense of liberty compared to the closed shell of a car. We fly down the road in almost perfect silence, but Charles finally breaks it with a more serious tone that usual.
"Do you know why I like Moby Dick so much? It's because of the dichotomy between good and bad, that, and that which is which it depends on your point of view. The hunter could represent the good side because he hunts the whale that is causing pain and fear and that ripped off his leg. But we can also see it from the whale's viewpoint, which, by its very nature, is defending itself against a crazed hunter who puts his crew in jeopardy all in the name of vengeance. I tell you this, Lou because life and the choices you'll have to make will be intrinsically linked to that story. Even more so for you, who straddles both worlds; choose well, have faith in yourself and, most of all, see things from all viewpoints, nothing is black and white, but always shades of gray."
