examinons le future

“This looks good,” Justin comments as he hands a book to his sister. “It’s in French.” Justin nods and then teases, “Haven’t you noticed? We’re in France.” Smirking, she playfully smacks his arm. Taking the book, she asks, “What is it about?” He shrugs, “Some hetro-shit.” “Well that’s helpful.” Chuckling, he takes the book back from her and explains, “If you want to learn French, then the best way is to buy a book that will actually interest you.” “You think this will interest me?” Molly asks, taking it out of his hands and looking at the cover. “It’s about a dancer who meets some lacrosse player and falls in love. You like to dance and you had that annoying crush on that lacrosse playing idiot that lived across the street from us… it’s the perfect book for you.” “He played football,” she corrects. “Same difference. He was still an idiot.” She smiles, agreeing, “Yeah, he was kind of stupid.” “You like dumb jocks: go figure.” Justin says with a shrug. “And you like older men that treat you like shit,” she counters. “Ouch!” Justin states in surprise. He had no idea his sister could have such a streak it her. Laughing, he shakes his head. She was full of surprises. “Sorry,” Molly mumbles, still smiling, “That was kind of mean.” “Don’t worry about it,” Justin answers with a shrug. He really didn’t want to think about Brian right now. Looking around, he spots Al and calls out, “Je vais acheter ceci,” before turning back to Molly and repeating in English, “I’m going to buy this.” She nods and follows him to the cash register. “Do you think it’ll be hard for me to learn?” Justin shrugs, “I don’t know. But if you’re motivated, anything is possible, right?” Smiling, she nods, “You’re right.” “Of course I am,” he snorts. Laughing, she takes the recently bought book from him and walks out. ************ Brian was frustrated. He had walked until his feet hurt and was now back in the hotel room feeling nothing but aggravation. It seemed as if he traveled all over the city of Poitiers. Sighing, he takes out his map. Justin wasn’t in Poitiers, that much he knew. So where in the hell was he? Maybe if we went up north to Tours? That was close enough to Poitiers… maybe Justin had stopped by Poitiers on his way to someplace else… like Tours or Angers. Those were fairly close. Sighing once again, he closes his eyes. This was nearly impossible and for once he actually wished there was someone he could ask for help. Lying back on the bed, he wonders if he should call Carl. “Where the fuck are you, Justin?” Brian asks aloud. ********* Back in Richard’s home, Justin spent the next two hours on the phone with Al’s wife, Clarise. It was difficult trying to remember all the information about his family, but Clarise was patient and had enough connections to be able to find out about the accounts with only the slightest amount of information he was able to give. Hanging up, Justin breathes a sigh of relief. The papers were in order and soon she would be transferring funds to his account. His next order of business was opening an account for Molly. But first they needed to decide where they would be living. Heading downstairs, he stops at Al’s room to find him packing. “You’re leaving?” He looks up and smiles, “Yeah, this was just a short trip for me, Kid. I gotta go home and see my wife and kids… I’ll fly back with them in a couple of months. We can play catch up then.” Justin forces a smile. He was actually starting to like the guy. “Thanks for everything.” Closing his suitcase, Al walks over and pats Justin on the shoulder. “You’re doing great, Kid. You really are.” Justin swallows the lump forming in his throat. “I’m trying,” he confesses softly. “You’re doing more than just trying, Justin,” Al answers. “You’re doing it: you’re surviving. You and Molly are going to be fine.” Justin nods, wanting to believe him. “Thank you.” Smiling, he returns to the bed and picks up his suitcase. “I know Rich isn’t the most loving uncle to you guys, but try to remember he’s still mourning. He hasn’t been the same since Bertrand died.” Justin nods, wanting to scream But we’re mourning too!, but bites his tongue. Al returns the nod, understanding. “It’s hard for him. Just give him some time.” Shaking his head, Justin says, “We’re going to move out as soon as the money is transferred into my account.” Smiling sympathetically, Al admits, “That’s probably for the best. Keep me in the loop though. I’ll visit you with Clarise and kids when we fly back here in a few months.” Justin grins and honestly replies, “I’d like that.” Giving him a quick hug, Al leaves the room and heads downstairs to say goodbye to Molly. Justin walks over to the window and looks down at the garden. He can see his uncle standing by the pool smoking a cigarette and talking on the phone. Sighing, he returns to his bedroom and decides to lie down for awhile. He could feel a headache coming on.