章 4: Chapter 4 The Debutante

As expected from my father my birthday is like one of the Queen's banquets. Among the families and relatives that I really don't know were my father's business associates and their sons of course. This début will be meaningless for my father if I would not end up with a great offer. Having a very hard time with my elaborate gown as I been tagged along by my father from one party of old businessmen to another, introducing me to their sons and talking about the stocks and their business not really paying close attention to me. As I try to sneak away from the senseless chatter I found myself being hauled into another set of old men. "Merde! - damn." I muttered under my breath. "Just smile and nod sweetie." Jolted by a familiar deep husky male voice, I turn around and I saw the devil's smile and my best friend standing before me. I politely excused myself from my group trying very hard to contain my excitement as I dragged the two outside. I took them to my rose garden, my Blue Rose garden which I've spent practically every free time that I am away from father. "Claudette! Alec! " I almost shrieked as I hugged both of them. I thought you guys wouldn't come, I thought you both forgot my birthday." teary eyed I held them both. Then I composed myself and shot them questions after questions. "When did you arrived?", "Why did you not even call or emailed me?", "'How are you two now?" ,"How was the Caribbean cruise?", "So when is the wedding date?", "Don't tell me Claudette you're pregnant already?" ...I wanna be the first to know, the maid of honor and the godmother of your first child, you don't know how happy I am right this minute, and I can't even seem to stop talking." We all laughed, Alec was the one who talked first, "I thought you won't stop cheri! Sit down Mademoiselle first we came here to greet you a very happy 18th birthday, and of course, Claudette do you mind?" Claudette took my hand and said, " We would like you to be our maid of honor four months from now, we will have our wedding in London." I embraced Claudette as I looked at Alec and said, "I'd be honored you silly. But you both have to promise me one thing, no match-making please, I've been dealing with that for a month now, since I came back from London daddy kept me in tow in every business meeting and luncheons he had, introducing me into the business world and into countless husband candidates, and I am very sick and tired of it. Even tonight , my very own birthday turned into a grand match-making party." Claudette took my hand and said earnestly, "You poor thing, I know your father only wanted what's best for you." I suddenly turned to Alec and glared at him, "I was expecting for a god-child as soon as you both arrived from that cruise, you disappoint me Monsieur Mowatt." Alec laughed and stated mockingly, " I beg your pardon madame Blanc, you sound like a grandmother eager for a grandchild, sorry to ruin your fantasy missy but we both agreed that we will wait for another year before we start our family." we were chatting happily when the butler interrupted us, "Mademoiselle Blanc, forgive my rudeness but Monsieur Blanc request your presence in the hall." I gave a disgusted face and told Alec and Claudette that I will have my little villa ready for them and that they should stay with me for rest of your trip."I want to see photos and hear more of your stories tomorrow, we'll have brunch by the garden." With that I left instructions with the butler for their luggage and food. As I went inside I immediately put on my façade, my mask, the polite, aristocratic figure of Valerie Blanc, that matches everyone inside.