Tom slowed as they approached the house. It was a big house, made of brick with smoke curling out of the chimney. I could hear horses whinny and guessed by the large fields that they had horses. I got out and paused to take it all in. "Wow" I breathed, "I could stay here for the rest of my life." "Unfortunately, we only have two weeks." Tommy came up behind me so quietly that I jumped when he spoke. "Aah!" he laughed and I punched his arm. "Ow! What was that for Harrison?" He's kidding right? "You know exactly what that was for." "Let's just go inside, okay?" If I thought the outside was beautiful, the inside must be gorgeous.
I followed him inside, and into a cozy living room. There was a tan couch, a brown leather recliner, and a small loveseat arranged around the fireplace. There was a deep red rug on the floor, which matched the red afghan on the back of the couch. "Make yourself at home, my dears." A silver-haired woman came out of what I assumed was the kitchen, wiping her hands on her apron. "Mère" Tommy embraced the woman warmly. " My boy, you are just as handsome as ever." she turned to me with a warm smile and embraced me as warmly as Tom had embraced her. "Welcome to our home." "Thank you for letting me stay here." I smiled, liking her immediately. "Jude, this is my mother Sophia. Mère, this is Jude." "This is the girl you work with, oui?" "Oui." he smiled at me, and my knees went weak. She turned to me and I saw for the first time that she had the same piercing blue eyes as Tommy. She started to say something to me, but was cut off by a faint ding. "I must go get the cookies. Sit, sit! Relax, I'll bring some food."
She rushed off to the kitchen, and I sat on the couch. I leaned over and whispered in Tommy's ear, "I like her." He smiled and whispered back, "So do I." Just then Sophia came in with a plate of fresh cookies, which smelled really good. Lucy looked up at me, then at Tommy. "Cookie?" Tommy took a cookie and handed it to her. "Fank oo." she replied her mouth already full of cookie. He smiled, and I felt my heart speed up. "Your welcome, kiddo." She yawned and Tommy took her off took put her to bed.
The next few days consisted mostly of writing, eating, meeting his family, and sightseeing. I saw the Eiffel Tower, the l'Arc de Triomphe, and more. To my surprise, I was actually enjoying myself. His family was nice too. And the food, don't get me started. There are these delicious pastries called profiteroles. They're amazing. I asked Tommy if I could get them in Canada, and he just laughed at me. Even though I know he doesn't deserve it, I'm slowly forgiving him. He really seems to mean what he said, and when I see him looking at Lucy, I know he never intended to hurt me. He did what he needed to do, and while he did hurt me, I admire him for being there for his niece.