CHAPTER 29 - The decision to leave

Andre sped Maxime to a full gallop. He raced around all the familiar places, then stopped at the pool. He sat down, leaning against a tree, and thought deeply.

Oscar, after waking up, remembered nothing that had happened between them before. Not to mention the fact that she must have taken him for someone else entirely! Who this person was, he did not know. Andre was afraid that the impact was confusing her head. He should talk to her calmly and seriously, but now he didn't know how to do it anymore.. What the hell made him kiss her! For one moment he thought the woman was kissing him back, but now he wondered if it wasn't just his imagination. Then she slapped him like he was a total stranger.

Andre had to think about what to do next. He couldn't imagine making her do anything. Moreover, it is possible that now, after this kiss, she won't even want to look at him. How was he supposed to explain all this to her?

Maybe he should leave.. But what if he just need to be with her to make her remember everything.

The more he thought, the more he didn't know what to do. Was he really going to leave his job and responsibilities, his old life, for something so fleeting? On the other hand.. As he raced here, his heart tightened with fear, he promised himself that he would never leave her again as he had done recently. But would that promise still hold out to him if Oscar herself didn't want him here?

After two hours of hard thinking, he made a decision. He must give them both a little more time. Just a few days, he thought so.

...

When he returned to the manor house, he met a general in the courtyard who had just arrived home. Andre greeted him politely, but the older man was in a hurry to see his daughter, so there was no time for a longer conversation. Andre knew now that he could not go to Oscar's room, so he went into the kitchen to find Grandma.

The old lady was bustling inside, making the last preparations for dinner. She watched him closely through her glasses and asked him to wait, because she wanted to talk to him. Andre had a bad feeling again. Before the conversation, however, the general appeared in person in the kitchen and asked Marie to follow him. Before they left, Oscar's father looked at Andre long and seriously, but said nothing.

...

- You're probably wondering why I wanted to talk to you, Marie - General asked as they stepped into the quiet of his office. The woman nodded. - I was very surprised to see your grandson here today. What has he come for? - the man looked at the face of the old lady attentively.

- He came.. - Marie felt that her palms were starting to sweat - He came to Rosalie - she lied - As far as I know, they have been dating for a long time. We didn't think you would mind.

- I heard rumors.. - the general began after a moment of staring into her eyes - That my daughter and your grandson became friends when she was in Normandy in the summer.. Is that true? Isn't that why he came to Paris now? For Oscar?

Marie wondered what this conversation was leading to. But she lied once and had to stick to that version to the end.

- It is true that they have become friends, sir, but I don't know anything else about that - the woman replied, trying to control the trembling of her voice - But Andre's arrival now is just a mere coincidence.

- I understand.. I believe you - replied the general, looking at the papers lying in front of him - From what I can see, Oscar seems to feel better. Perhaps she will start getting out of bed soon. I would like your grandson to leave as soon as possible. It's best today.

- But, General.. - the woman tried to protest

- This is not a request, Marie - the man ended the conversation and lost himself in reading some document.

The old lady bowed and left the office in haste.

..

- General wants you to leave now, Andre - she said as they sat down in the room he was occupying.

- What are you saying, Grandma? - the agitated man shouted and jumped up - I'm not going anywhere!

- It's General's order and you can't refuse - she added, seeing his fists clench in anger.

- What did you tell him about me? - Andre was furious.

- I didn't tell him anything, I'm not stupid, Andre! - the woman replied irritably - I lied to him. I said you came here to see Rosalie with whom you are in a relationship - the man looked at her in surprise - And yet he wouldn't let you stay.. Leave, Andre, please.. It's not the best time to argue, now that Oscar has finally woken up.

- That's why I should be with her now - the man tried to contain his agitation and sank heavily on the armchair.

- She doesn't remember you, Andre - Grandma put her hand gently on his - Or rather, she remembers, but in her twisted way. This is a good time to free her from it all.

- From my person. I am to free her from my person. Did I understand you well? - he hissed nervously.

- Yes, Andre, that's what I meant - answered the old lady honestly - Remember once you promised me that you would never hurt her. And she cried today telling me you kissed her.. She doesn't want to be with you now, boy. And you should respect her will.

The man got up and went to the window. He stood there for a moment, meditating on Grandma's words.

- Okay, I'll leave right now - he replied, and the woman breathed a sigh of relief - I just want to say goodbye to her. I will not kiss her, don't worry - he smiled faintly.

- I'll try to organize it, darling - said grandmother, getting up - We're giving dinner to General and Madame. During this time, you will be able to walk to Oscar's room. But don't be long, please.

- Thank you, Grandma - he hugged her tightly and kissed her white hair.

Soon he knocked on Oscar's room and when he got a reply he entered. The woman had just eaten her dinner, and the half-empty plates lay on a tray on the side table next to the bed.

- Oh, Andre! - she was surprised and lowered her eyes in embarrassment - I thought it was one of the maids.

- I'm sorry to disappoint you - he joked, but his eyes were serious.

She laughed, but didn't look up.

- I came to say goodbye, Oscar - he said in a sad voice - I'm leaving in a moment.

Oscar raised her head and looked at him confusedly.

- Are you leaving? But where to? - she asked, holding her breath.

- I'm going back to my home, to Normandy - he replied simply - That's where my place is.

He stepped closer and sat on the edge of her bed.

- Oscar, don't be afraid - he reassured her, seeing that she twitched slightly - I just want to tell you one thing. If you ever.. If one day you remembers about me.. - his voice began to crack - I will be waiting for you. Always.

- But.. Andre.. - she started to say, but he cut her off.

- Don't say anything else, Oscar. It doesn't make sense. Just don't forget what I told you - he took her hands in his, and she did not protest - Be happy, Oscar - he placed a kiss on her hands and ran away as soon as possible so that she would not see his tears.

...

- Jerome asked if he could visit you, darling - Marie said to Oscar a few days later.

- Who? - the surprised woman asked, not knowing who she was talking about.

- Jerome, your orderly - the old woman replied calmly. She had already begun to get used to the quirks of her charge.

Oscar looked at her piercingly.

- Of course he can visit me. After all, we spend a lot of time together, right? Send him to me as soon as you meet him, please - she said, trying to sound normal. She couldn't remember Jerome at all, but decided to pretend so as not to worry nanny.

- As you wish - the old lady smiled - Yesterday also Count Fersen was here and asked about your health. You were taking a nap, so he said he wouldn't bother you. But he expressed a wish to make personally sure of your well-being. Do you want to send him a letter and ask him to come?

- Fersen? - Oscar whispered, heart pounding - Yes, yes, I want to see him. Maybe soon I would be able to welcome him.

- All right, mademoiselle. If you don't need anything more, I will go down to the kitchen now - the hostess said and left Oscar in a deep reflection.