Chapter One: New Beginnings
"Mama! Where's my shawl?" Nineteen year old Claudine Bassett yelled as she frantically searched for the article of clothing.
"I think I saw it down in the library where you left it last time." Her mother responded with a hint of annoyance.
"It's not there I looked already, I can't travel to France without Aunt Giry's shawl, you'll know what she'll do!" Claudine shuddered at the thought of her aunts cold eyes as she scolded her.
"If you didn't want to a scolding then you should have been more responsible." Her mother turned as her daughter rushed down the stairs. As soon as she saw her daughter she began to pinch the bridge of her nose.
"Claudine what's that around your shoulders?" Claudine looked down and immediately a dark blush crossed her face.
"Oh, I'm sorry Mama I'm just nervous and frazzled it's been nearly six years since we left France." Her mother's eyes softened.
"I understand Claude but try to understand that over there in France it's very different than America, it's not as…lenient, and you must remember to act accordingly." Her mother adjusted her daughters shawl. She took a step back to further observe her daughter.
"Would it have killed you to brush your hair and put it up like a civilized lady?" Claudine rolled her eyes and sighed. This was not the first time her mother had scrutinized her appearance.
"Sit.' Her mother commanded her and she complied. She watched as her mother began to brush her long red curly hair. Claude winced as her mom pulled her hair into a tight bun leaving a few of her curls out to frame her face. Stepping back her mother yet again observed her appearance,
"Satisfied? You nearly scalped me in the process." Claude spat with every ounce of bitterness she could muster. One thing was for sure, Claude didn't do lady-like.
"Oh hush you look beautiful and kept now as long as you can stay that way on your journey." Her mother's eyes brimmed with tears. "Please Claude do your best to remain pleasant for my sake, and do your best I know if you try your best you can become the best pianist France has ever seen." Claude teared up a little as well, she knew this would be the last time she'd see her mother in a long time.
"I promise mother, I'll write you every chance I get, are you sure you'll be fine on your own?" she watched as her mother stiffened.
'I'll be fine, ever since your father's passing I will admit it's been hard, but I've made many friends who will rally around me so I won't be lonely." Her mother smiled a soft smile, hugging her daughter for the last time.
"You should go before they sail." Claude gathered her things and out on her hat then looked back at her mother, tears once again threatening to fall.
"Je vais tâcher de vous rendre fier." She smiled at her mother one last time then she walked out the door ready to begin her new life in France.