Title: Colette's Search (Chapter 3)
Author: WistfulGuy
Fandom: Pan Am
Rating: PG
Cast: Colette Valois
Disclaimer: I do not own Pan Am the company or the TV series. I am not associated with ABC TV in any way. I am just a huge fan of the show and like to write. Also, please don't sue me…I don't do well in jail and I have no money. Void where prohibited.
***Note: while Colette Valois is fluent in French, I am not. I have chosen to display all her dialogue in English, rather than use an English-French translation utility and risk making her sound like a 3rd grader speaking in broken French. I think you fans can appreciate that ***
Colette arrived at Tavern on the Green. She told the Maitre'D she was expected by a Prince Omar and he escorted her to where Omar was sitting. Seeing her approach, Omar rose from his seat and bowed slightly as she neared.
"Greetings, Colette. It is good to see you."
Smiling at his manners and show of respect, Colette replied, "It is not every day I am asked to lunch by royalty. Thank you and it is nice to see you as well, Omar."
Taking her hand, Omar kissed it gently and said, "I'm glad you agreed to meet me." Gesturing to a seat, Omar pulled the chair out and held it for Colette as she sat down. Motioning to a nearby waiter, Omar requested a wine list.
"Tell me, Colette, would you like a glass of wine?"
"Why yes, that sounds nice!"
"Any preference?"
"Well, truth be told I've long since been partial to the Bordeaux region. How about Chāteau d'Yquem, Sauvignon Blanc?"
Overhearing their conversation, the waiter interjected, "In that case, might I recommend the 1958 vintage? An exceptional year."
Colette glanced at Omar. He looked at the waiter and said, "Sounds wonderful, we'll have a bottle."
The waiter left to get the wine. Smiling, Colette said, "I am glad you arranged this lunch as well, Omar. I know that things haven't turned out quite like you expected. I certainly know things in my life have typically not gone as expected. But be that as it may, the truth is I owe you a great deal."
Omar leaned back in his chair. "For what?" he replied.
"For the entirety of my life, save for the past several weeks, I've been Colette Valois. A child of French Resistance fighters who were killed during Blitzkrieg. An orphan who managed to scrap, struggle and eventually make a life for herself in the United States. A sadder but wiser woman, who simply...refused...to let life get the best of her. A strong woman, who is quite adept at hiding the great void within her that never knowing one's parents creates."
Omar's face was filled with compassion. Colette continued, "You've given me something no one ever has: the truth about my upbringing. A chance to learn more about whom I really am, which seems to involve another ethnicity. And most of all, the hope of meeting my brother. My brother, Omar...there is no possible way I can repay you for what you have given me."
Colette sighed. Omar took her hands in his. Smiling he said, "Colette, you are beautiful. It was my sincere hope that we could spend a wonderful courtship together and that one day you'd become my princess. While this was simply not meant to pass, I am comforted in the fact that I could share with you this information about your origin. I am happy to know that maybe one day you will meet and know your brother from our contact with each other."
Smiling, Colette replied, "Omar, you always made me feel like your princess. That is something I don't imagine I will ever forget."
The waiter returned with their wine. Pouring a little in a glass, the waiter offered it to Omar. He motioned to Colette and said, "Oh no, I must defer to the expert here."
Colette laughed, "A wise choice, your majesty!" Taking the glass from the waiter, she sniffed the wine and took a careful sip. Savoring the taste of the wine in her mouth for a moment, she then swallowed and replied, "That is a most excellent Bordeaux!"
The waiter filled Colette's glass and poured another for Omar before leaving again.
Raising his glass, Omar said, "And now, I propose a toast. To life, to love, to dear friends...to you Colette. May you have luck, love, and happiness all the days of your life."
Raising her glass, Colette nodded, "Thank you, and to you, Omar...I wish you happiness, love, life and luck. I sincerely hope someone gives you something as great as what you have given me."
They enjoyed the wine and their meal. Colette wasn't quite sure if this would be the last time she'd ever see Omar, but if it was she would be happy with that. She was able to thank him for the gift of learning about her brother, and wished him well in the future. As far as breakups go, this was by far the most amicable one she had ever experienced.
Colette hugged and kissed Omar before they departed, saying, "Thank you for everything, Omar. Perhaps I'll see you in the friendly skies some day?"
"Perhaps...it has been a pleasure, Colette. All the best to you in your future!"
Colette watched as Omar's Cadillac drove off. She did it; she had her closure with Omar. Now, on to find her brother. She hailed a cab to return to her apartment.
