Beth could barely contain her excitement when Alastor told her about their vacation. It was all she could talk about until June 8th and all she could do before the 8th, apart from school work, was prepare for the trip. She packed all her swimsuits, her snorkel and goggles, her digital camera, all her books on marine life and marine lore, and all her allowance money. She went online and looked up everything there was to know about Chant de la Mer then made a list of everything she wanted to do down there.
When the big day finally came, they woke up real early and drove their way down. But while Beth felt nothing but joy, Alastor's feelings were a little mixed. True he was eager about spending the Summer at Chant de la Mer but he had not been there in so long and it would no doubt stir up old memories. The thing was though, Alastor didn't like to remember because it made him sad and he couldn't afford to be sad. He had to be happy. Happy for Beth's sake.
"Are you okay?" She asked him during the car ride.
"Sure. Why wouldn't I be?"
"Well you've been way too quiet. Normally you're talking up a storm when we're in a vehicle this long."
"I guess I just don't have anything to talk about."
"How about I give you something to talk about then? Why don't you tell me what it was like when you used to live down there with Mom?"
"I was so young when I lived there. I don't really remember anything."
But he did remember. He remembered almost everything about those happy times. Those wonderful moments that he tried so hard to forget or pretend didn't happen.
"We moved out of there when Mom married again." He continued.
"But you didn't still take vacations down there?" His sister asked.
"I was eight last time and again I don't remember."
"Do you remember it being fun?"
"Let's change the subject Beth. We'll be staying here all Summer and I'll be working for Ms. Calhoun so how will you be keeping yourself occupied?"
"Well they have these new marine biology classes that kids can sign up for. They take the students to the beach to study marine life and later on out to sea on a boat to go scuba diving. It's something to do mostly for fun but I read that it looks great on college applications. Can I take this class? Please?"
"Well...How much does it cost?"
"It's a public class, paid for by the government."
"In that case I don't see why you can't sign up. Of course I'll have to speak with the instructor, make sure that when you go to the beach and out to sea, you'll be supervised. Which reminds me, I'd like to go over some rules with you."
"Oh God no."
"First of all no going to the beach when I'm not at that house or if there's no adult with you."
"Why not? I swim in the creek by myself all the time."
"Yes and I never liked the idea of in the first place but I eventually let it slide because the creek was shallow. But the ocean is different. It's deep, rough, and has a strong current."
"I'm a good swimmer."
"Even good swimmers can drown. Now I'm serious Beth, I'll take you to the beach like you want but you're going to be careful while we're down here. No swimming alone. Is that clear?"
"Fine."
"Now for the other rules. No talking to strangers, no going out after dark, I am to know exactly where you are at all times, and no smuggling animals into the house."
"Okay, deal. I'll be careful and I'll follow the rules."
"Good."
It was mid-day when they reached Chant de la Mer and it was a most charming sight. An oceanfront community, immersed in natural splendor, home to a lush maritime forest and serene marshes and pristine beaches. At the base was an adorable town and port full of shops, stands, markets, a church, a school, and a theater. It reminded Beth very much of the beautiful landscape paintings she had seen in museum art galleries or on internet images. However the art work and photographs couldn't hold a candle to the real deal.
"This is incredible." Beth said. "I can't wait to see the house."
"Well first I have to check in with Ms. Calhoun. Our stay depends on her choice to hire me."
"Where does she work again?"
"At a cabaret called the Clair de Lune."
"Like the song? Neat. So where is it?"
"According to the instructions Mr. Calhoun gave me, it's around the next corner and down past the theater."
Alastor steered his car that way which resulted in him passing a very peculiar looking area. The space there was wide and it supported a large, big-top, tent that was colored by purple and red stripes. Posters of disturbing creatures were pinned up all around and he could hear festive music coming from inside yet no one was in sight. Then again how often to circuses operate during the day? Nighttime was usually their forte.
At the front of the tent, there stood a sign which bore the title;
Valentino's Circus of Voodoo Tricks and Cajun Freaks.
"That's a circus, right Al?" Beth asked.
"Yep. That's the reason why Ms. Calhoun needs my assistance." He answered. "She's losing customers to that poor excuse for entertainment."
"I've never actually been to the circus. What are they like?"
"Painfully droll. They're nothing more than scams run by con artists who substitute ridicule for talent."
"Looks kind of creepy."
"Best to avoid it. Mr. Calhoun says that his cousin isn't particularly fond of circuses."
After passing the circus and going three more blocks down, they reached;
The Claire de Lune.
A Persian blue painted cabaret by the port with navy blue shutters and windows decorated with white lights and tea roses on the sil. A pretty establishment, rustic with a subtle elegance to it. The way it was designed seemed to say that it was modest but still had class. Alastor often liked buildings with that appearance.
The inside was just as impressive. The walls were painted a scarlet red, contrasting with the outer look. Picture frames which contained photographs of boats, beaches, sailors, and navy officers adorned some of the walls. The floors were garnet carpet, there was a bar which was completely loaded with drinks and glasses, and tables set with candles and tea roses were all over. But the piece to resistance was the mahogany wood stage and velvet curtains which draped over it.
"Good structure." Alastor observed. "Excellent decor."
"It's pretty." Beth said. "I like the roses."
"Thank you. Not everyone appreciates the creativity I put into all this."
In walked the owner of this fine establishment. Rosie Calhoun. A vivacious, ginger haired woman in a casual yet flattering cherry red dress. Was most likely middle aged, the few streaks of grey made that obvious but she still had some youth in her skin and her figure. And she knew it, and she knew how to use it, but she was still a lady.
"I see you have good taste." She said approaching him with elegant steps. "What can do you for honey?"
"Are you Rosie Calhoun?" Alastor asked.
"That's what my birth certificate says."
"Hello I'm Alastor Boudreaux. I work for your cousin, Raymond Calhoun."
"Oh yes Ray. He told me you were coming down and he said that you would be early. He did not lie."
"He informed me that I could spend the Summer working for you. Put together an act."
Rosie proceeded to circle Alastor a few times. Her eyes scanning his entire form up and down, judging his physique.
"Well you are definitely good-looking. Good-looking enough to draw em in but are you talented enough to keep em?"
"I believe I am."
"What are your talents?"
"I can sing, dance, tell jokes, advertise, and I'm a bit of a wiz in the kitchen."
She was still looking at him.
"I beg your pardon, but have we met? You seem familiar to me."
"No ma'am. I can't recall ever meeting you."
"I suppose not but that face...There's nothing wrong with it mind you but I swear I've seen it before. What's your name again?"
"Alastor Boudreaux."
"Boudreaux? Any relation to a Jameson Boudreaux?"
"He was my father."
Out of nowhere a twinkle appeared in Rosie's eyes and a bright smile spread on to her face.
"Oh my heavens! You're little Ally!"
"Excuse me?" Alastor asked confused.
"You probably don't remember me sugar, after all you were just a baby the last time you saw me. Oh Lordy, look at you. You've grown so much. So tall and handsome like your father."
She put her hand over her chest and swooned.
"Oh what a man."
"You knew my father?"
"And your mother. Miss Daisy Lee used to sing at my cabaret and she was by far the best act I ever had."
"My mother sang here?" Beth asked Rosie excitedly.
"Ms. Calhoun this is my sister Elisabeth, she prefers to be called Beth." Alastor introduced.
"Oh well she's a pretty one. With a pretty name too."
"Thank you."
"You seem like a nice woman Ms. Calhoun but my mother never mentioned you." Alastor said.
"I'm not surprised. We lost touch after your poor daddy died and by time I heard of her passing I had missed the funeral. I apologize for that."
"It's no big deal." Alastor assured her.
"So since you were good friends with our mom, does that mean Al gets the job?" Beth said.
"Now hold on there sweetie." Rosie said. "While I will always hold Jameson and Daisy Lee in high regard, I'm not one to give jobs for personal reasons. If he wants to work as a performer for me, he'll have to audition like everyone else."
"I couldn't agree more." Alastor said.
"Now I have a lot to do today so why don't you come by and audition tomorrow morning? 8:00 AM?"
"Works for me."
"Wonderful. I have the keys to your house right here. They dropped them off as soon as Eddie paid the mortgage and Niffty should have everything already for you."
"Niffty?" Beth asked.
"She's one of my waitresses and the town's best housekeeper. I asked her to make sure that everything in that house of yours is in top condition. See you tomorrow and welcome to Chant de la Mer."
"Thank you Ms. Calhoun." Alastor said.
"Please call me Rosie. Ms. Calhoun makes me feel so old."
Rosie gave Alastor the keys to the house and at long last they arrived at his childhood home, and it was just as he remembered it. Up on a hill just a little ways from the beach, Daffodil colored walls, a cream colored roof, stain-glass windows, cedar shingles, and wooden brackets. Now he himself had never favored bright or sunny colors but this house was the one exception. Mainly because his mother loved it so much.
"Alastor it's more beautiful than I hoped." Beth said. "I can't wait to see the inside."
She was out of the car before Alastor could put it in park and she bolted for the door. Her brother chuckled, having expected this reaction from her.