Not Like The Others

Chapter 2

"All of our vines and grapes are grown here on our land. For as long as we have been around, we do it this way, and we irrigate with our own recycled water." 

I had been following Pierre around the vineyard for three hours at this point. I was interested in hearing the history behind his family and their operations, yet I couldn't help but feel restless and on edge. I needed to do something, I was eager to learn how to help. 

"This place, our home is not just where we live. It is where we grow, and this place continues to grow us," Pierre stopped walking across the field and turned to look at me. "It is how we have continued to stay true to our family and our roots. This whole operation is very important to us, and for the four of us, it is a lifelong commitment of love and hard work. Just as it was for our elders who passed it down to us, including my father and mother themselves."

"It is very impressive, Pierre," I said.

He nodded modestly. "It is the labor of our love, and we love it."

When we returned to the kitchen, Janne requested that Pierre and I venture a walk to the shops to retrieve ingredients for the night's dinner. Of course I obliged, and insisted I go by myself, as Pierre had spent all day in the sun. 

So Janne made me a grocery list, and I set off, thrilled to have some new independence and a sense of purpose. 

--

At the market, I selected all of the items on the list, when the bakery counter caught my eye. A gorgeously constructed croquembouche, madeleine cakes, custard tarts, all in a stunning arrangement. I'm a huge sweet tooth, so naturally I had to purchase something. 

After careful consideration, I settled on pain au chocolat. A round-faced younger woman behind the counter retrieved the freshly baked dessert for me and placed it in a small box. I paid her, and then spun around from the counter, excited for my treat. I could hardly contain my excitement, however, so I opened the box to smell the pastry.

As I took a step forward, a young man collided with my side, knocking me to the ground, sending the chocolatine flying across the floor. 

I shifted from my hip on the ground to my knees, and looked at the man who ran into me, who stood up from the floor and offered me his hand, looking at me with a distressed expression. I took it and pulled myself to my feet, before promptly shaking his grip. He was handsome and seemingly close to my age, with a shy demeanor.

"Merde! Do you not have eyes? Watch where you are going!" I said disgustedly. 

He looked taken aback by my terrible attitude. "I am so sorry mademoiselle, please let me buy you another," he said gesturing to my pain au chocolat strewn across the floor of the market. 

"Please, you have done enough," I said, grabbing my grocery bags. I turned on my heel and rush out of the market.

When I returned back to Vignoble de Acajou, I was met by Pierre who unlocked the gates for me and accompanied me on the walk through the vineyard.

As we were returning back to the main house, I noticed a car parked out front, towing a small trailer behind it packed with barrels, and Pierre pointed it out. 

"Ah, that'll be the hommes."

I was eager to meet these two people I have heard so much about, Janne's husband and her dear only son.

As Pierre and I neared the vehicle, I saw a middle-aged man who must be Paul fussing with bungee cords tying down the barrels. Another individual was leaning into the car on the side facing the house, so all I could really make out is an open car door with someone reaching into it.