Chapter 6: The Children's Worries
The funeral and lying in state lasted 2 weeks. Joseph, and the boys were getting worried about Clarisse. She had been so exhausted all the time. Pierre decided he would stay for two more weeks in case his mother needed him. "Joe, I am worried about Mom. She has not been herself since I got here. I know that she did not love Rupert that much. Joseph is something going on?" asked Pierre worried and wanting an answer. Joe wasn't sure how to answer, "You better speak to your moter about that." "Come on Joe, I know you and Mom have always had a special relationship. You were more like me and Phillipe's dad then Rupert ever was," said Pierre. "I think she should do the explaining though. It is not my place," said Joe.
Pierre went and got his brother. "Phillipe, it is time we get some answers from Mom about what is going on. I am worried about her," said Pierre. "I am worried to. She is not her old self," said Phillipe.
The boys made their way up to Clarisse's suite. She had not come down for breakfast. They entered into the bedroom as their mother was exiting the bathroom. She was pale as a ghost as she exited the bathroom. She had not felt this sick in a long time. "Good morning boys. How are you this morning?" she said while giving them both a hug. "The question is Mom. How are you? You have been rather exhausted lately, and now you are sick this morning," Pierre was really concerned now. "Yes mom. Joe would not give us any answers to what is going on. We know that you and dad were not really that close, and from what we understand is that he was found in your bedchamber the night he died," stated Phillipe. All of a sudden she made a dash for the bathroom again. In a few seconds they heard their mother wretching. They both just looked at each other. They knew now more than ever something was really wrong. Within a few minutes, she came out from the bathroom. "You are right. We were not that close anymore," said Clarisse. Then it began the shame, and fear of their reaction to her. She sat down on the bed, and lost all control of her emotions. The boys sat down on either side of her and just held her. "Mom, please tell us what happened? We are really worried, and we love you," said Phillipe. Still not in full control of her emotions. She told them of the rape, and how their father had a heart attack during the rape. She was so unsure of how they would react. Phillipe got up and punched his fist into his hand. This startled Clarisse. She started to get real scared. Phillipe noticed her reaction to his anger. He moved over to where she was with Pierre who had never left her side, and hugged her with all his might.
"Oh mom, I am so sorry. I am so mad at Rupert for doing that to you. I am not angry with you. I love you to much, and I would never blame you for what happened. Dad was a real ass as long as I can remember, but this is beyond that," Phillipe stated through the stream of tears in his eyes. Pierre just held unto his mother telling her how much he loved her over and over again. "I wish we could have been here to protect you mom," said Pierre. "That is not all though. I slept with Joseph the next day when he came into comfort me, and help me past the rape," Clarisse said as more tears started to flow. "I think that is great mom. I am glad that Joe was here to help you through this," stated Phillipe with a big smile. Pierre sat on the opposite side of Clarisse beaming and nodding his approval. "What you are happy about the Joe part?" asked Clarisse stunned. "We love Joe mom. He was more of a dad to us than Rupert ever was. We also know he makes you happy," said Pierre. "I love you boys. Lets go down for lunch. I feel somewhat better, and I am very hungry," said Clarisse with a smile. Clarisse went into her dressing room, and got dressed. The three of them made their way down to the dining room for lunch. Joe met them at the bottom of the staircase, and walked with them into the dining room. As they entered though Clarisse all of a sudden got a wave of dizziness, and went down. Joseph caught her before her head hit the floor.
Author's Note: Reviews are requested. Stay tuned to see what is wrong with Queen Clarisse.