Why Lorie? Part I

Chapter 3 - A Mother's Love

After paying the taxi driver, Josette stood for a while in front of Rue de Calais, No. 17. She hesitated. Should she knock? Josette hadn't spoken to her parents in almost three years. They had strongly opposed her career choice. To them, being an opera singer was a demeaning job, one they basically equated to that of a glorified call girl. While they encouraged Josette to develop her musical talent throughout her younger years, they forbade her from pursuing a profession based on it.

Growing up an only child, Josette had always obeyed her parents' wishes. She had no one else to turn to. However, once she reached eighteen, she decided she would become an opera singer despite their objections. She knew it would cause a rift in their relationship, but she hadn't realized how deep it would run until she actually faced them with her decision.

At first, her mother laughed at her, calling her a silly girl and attempting to dismiss her foolish notions. When Josette did not back down, Maman's laughter turned into tears - she hoped her daughter would respond to her overly theatrical demonstration of heartbreak. Alas, it was to no avail. Lastly, her mother yelled at Josette and threatened to disown her, which seemed closest to her actual feelings. Josette stood her ground calmly throughout Maman's tornado of emotions. At the end of the day, she packed a small bag with her essential belongings and walked out the door. That was the last time Josette saw her mother.

As far as her father was concerned, Papa always supported Maman - no matter the circumstances or the cost. He stood stoically beside his wife and watched her scorn Josette without interfering. To Josette, his indifference was almost worse than her mother's wrath.

The memory of that last day spent in the company of her parents was still vivid and raw. Josette took a deep breath. She then raised her arm and knocked on the door. Her heart was pounding in her chest and her hands were sweating. After a little while, the door opened. Maman hadn't changed much, besides getting a few silver strands in her otherwise dark hair. She still towered over Josette, her expression stern as she scrutinized her daughter.

"Well, well... if it isn't our long lost Marie Josephine," Madam Foret muttered.

"I go by Josette now," her daughter answered. "Josette Lafoure. But you probably already knew that."

Mamman shrugged. "If it pleases you. I named you Marie Josephine and I will refer to you as such." She didn't invite Josette in, but remained standing firmly in the doorway, crossing her arms across her voluminous chest in a forbidding manner.

"And what is it that you want... Josephine?" Maman said sternly.

"May I come in?" Josette suddenly felt awkward and timid. Her mother had a special way of intimidating her that hadn't changed over the years.

"Hmph," the older woman scoffed. "I suppose... if you must," she said as she moved aside, making room for her daughter to pass by her.

Josette stepped into the cool, dark foyer. Their house on Rue de Calais was narrow, but three stories tall - identical to the majority of the structures that lined the street. It was always poorly lit, but had the advantage of staying cool in the summer. But this was mid-September, and Josette felt a chill in her bones upon entering. She wasn't sure whether the sensation was due to the actual temperature or to her mother's unwelcoming attitude.

Josette gazed around as she walked toward the living room. Nothing had changed in the three years she'd been gone. Every piece of furniture was in the exact same spot, as were the paintings and porcelain knick-knacks her mother had accumulated throughout her life. Josette felt like she was stepping back in time. The further she walked in, the younger and more insecure she became. By the time she reached the sofa, she was the scared eighteen year-old that dared to defy Madame Foret.