Why Lorie? Part I

Chapter 4: Decisions

The next few months passed by rather calmly for what should have been a traumatic time in Josette's life.  She decided to stay in her apartment for as long as she could manage alone, but kept her parents updated and involved.  Her pregnancy didn't truly show until around the sixth month.  This enabled Josette to continue singing and appearing in starring roles at the Paris Opera. As her fan once predicted, Madame Butterfly was a huge success, and established Josette as one of the most recognizable voices in France.  She began to receive contract offers from other opera houses, including ones in London, Vienna, Berlin and even New York City.

"Look, Maman," Josette said excitedly, as she opened the latest letter bearing an official seal.  "This one is from America!"

"Josette," Madam Foret answered.  "I know this is all very exciting... but remember, nobody knows you are pregnant.  What will happen after the baby arrives?"

"Don't put a damper on everything, Maman," Josette reprimanded her mother, but gently touched her arm while speaking.  "I want to enjoy these few precious months... I know things will change," she patted her ever growing belly.  "This little one will soon take up all of my time."

"Very well," Maman sighed.  "I just want you to remember that... and not give these people false hope," she pointed toward the letter from the New York Opera.

"I won't," Josette assured her.  "But still... it's nice to have the attention."  Her gaze wistfully drifted into the distance.

Josette wasn't sure what turn her life would take once she became a mother.  She was excited and terrified at the same time.  She looked forward to seeing the little being that had so selfishly taken over her insides.  Josette wasn't used to sharing her body with anyone else.  At times, it was quite upsetting: like when the little one decided not to like tomato sauce on the opening night of La Traviata. It was the most difficult performance of Josette's life, but she somehow managed to get through it. However, she steered clear of tomatoes from then on.

At other times, it was thrilling! The first time she felt the baby kick, Josette lit up like a Christmas tree.  She couldn't stop touching her belly in the hope that the little being would respond - which it often did.  Josette spent many hours talking and singing to her unborn baby.  She placed a rocking chair by the window and would describe the comings and goings of people on the street, the new fashions, and the fascinating motor cars that huffed and puffed smoke like colorful dragons.

Christmas of 1905 was a joyful occasion for the Foret family.  They gathered around the decorated tree and sang traditional Noels.  When it was time to exchange presents, Madam Foret handed Josette a large, beautifully wrapped box:

"This is for the both of you," Maman told her.

Josette undid the gold wrapping paper and opened the box.  Inside, there was a beautiful hand-made Christening gown with a matching lace cap.  Underneath it, Josette found a lovely ecru woman's dress - simple yet elegant.

"It's what I wore at your Christening," Maman told her.  "Of course... you don't have to wear it... I thought... just in case..."

She didn't finish her sentence before Josette wrapped her arms around her.

"Thank you, Maman," Josette told her, with tears in her eyes.  "It is absolutely beautiful!  Of course I will wear it!"

Josette's father gave her a gold necklace and cross, to protect her, especially over the next difficult months and during childbirth. Josette immediately put it on.

"And for the baby... I have a special surprise," Papa gushed, rubbing his hands together. 

Josette had noticed the large mysterious item that made an appearance behind the Christmas tree the previous day. Since it was covered with a blanket, she didn't want to bother her parents with questions, but she was very curious about it.  She was about to receive an answer that Christmas morning.  Papa walked over to it and uncovered it with a flourish: