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Date Posted: 02:13:24 07/21/08 Mon
Author: Hannah.... vac for 2 wks ...no web... major withdrawal!
Author Host/IP: port150.dialup.bfree.on.ca / 66.207.116.150
Subject: Northern Woods, Chapter 154
In reply to: Hannah 's message, "Northern Woods, Chapter 153" on 21:14:18 06/22/08 Sun

Chapter 154

“Oh no!” Lakeisha gasped, as she watched the spectacle in front of her.

“The poor girl!” a stunned Marie breathed out in quiet horror. “How terrible!”

“I have to go to her.” Lakeisha insisted as she leapt to her feet. “Get someone to bring some club soda up to my room. I have a plan.”

“What’s your room number?” Marie asked breathlessly; as comprehension dawned immediately.

“It’s 1015.” Lakeisha volunteered. “Come with me, Marie! If I know Nikita, she’s gone to the ladies’ room!”

“Alright.” Marie replied, standing up immediately. “Chuck! Tell a waiter to bring some club soda up to Lakeisha’s room immediately! I have no idea how we’re going to salvage that dress tonight, but we can try.”

“I’ll do it.” Sarah swiftly volunteered, looking at Lakeisha’s retreating form. She doubted a bottle or two of club soda would be enough to salvage Madame Samuelle’s lovely dress and she mentally decided to increase that amount to a case. “You and Mademoiselle Brooks go and help Madame Samuelle.” Then swiftly turning to Madeleine, she urgently whispered, “Mademoiselle Robillard, I think our boss needs you right now. I don’t think he’s thinking rationally at the moment.”

A speechless Madeleine looked in the direction Sarah was indicating and found her observations to be accurate.

“Michel looks like he wants to rip those two apart.” A stunned Chuck whispered in dismay, as he too watched the scene before him. “I knew it was a bad idea to invite any of his old girlfriends. Especially those two tramps. This is a disaster!”

“Sarah, thank you.” Madeleine replied as she nodded at Chuck’s comment; grateful for Sarah’s keen observation and calm demeanour. “Chuck, help Lakeisha and Marie do what you can to help Nikita and I’ll go and see if I can stop Michel’s temper from exploding!”
~~~~~~~~~
Gabrielle was just re-entering the ballroom as the wine-stained form of Nikita Samuelle shot out into the hotel vestibule.

In an instant, she took in what must have happened, and propelled by concern and curiousity she hurriedly followed the young woman’s flight path.

‘Someone’s attacked her and ruined her dress! How awful! Maybe this will give me an edge… and a story!’ she thought excitedly.

A moment later she found herself in the lobby’s ladies restroom, where a distraught Nikita was futilely dapping at her skirts with water soaked paper towel.

“That won’t do anything Madame Samuelle.” Gabrielle said softly. As she watched the young blonde survey the damage done to her lovely raspberry gown, she finally felt some pity for her.

‘Yes, she’s married the richest and most eligible man in the province, but right now, that doesn’t matter.’ Gabrielle finally realized, now that she could actually see the evidence of Nikita’s emotions.

‘Robert was right! She’s just an ordinary young woman. A very beautiful one mind you… but aside from her husband’s support, she’s all on her own!’ she thought, noting the sadness in Nikita’s eyes and wincing at the injustice of the situation. ‘I was wrong about this girl! I didn’t have any compassion! She’s not phony… she’s genuinely hurt by what happened! Mon Dieu, how would it feel to have people treat you this way?’

Gabrielle knew then that her earlier assumptions had been unfair and that her previous prejudicial attitude meant she was little better than the culprit who had attacked this young woman. That realization made her rethink her motivation for following the blonde. Given that realization, she approached the young woman before her cautiously.

“Who are you?” Nikita asked in a small voice as she finally looked up to see the lovely brunette standing in front of her.

‘Oh no! This is probably another of Michael’s old girlfriends and she’s followed me in here to tell me what she thinks too!’ Nikita thought sadly. ‘Can this evening get any worse?’

‘Oh my!’ Gabrielle thought, finally realizing the stress the blonde must be under. ‘She looks like she’s going to lose it any minute!’

“Hello Madame Samuelle. I’m pleased to meet you. My name is Gabrielle Langlois.” A now truly repentant Gabrielle said softly in introduction as she slowly approached the sad-eyed raspberry clad beauty and extended her right hand. “I’m a guest of yours tonight. I’m also a reporter.”

‘A reporter?’ Nikita thought in anguish. ‘Oh no!!! Pull yourself together girl… Michael would expect you to be strong!’

“Oh.” Nikita replied as she swiftly wiped away her tears with the back of her hand in a curiously childish gesture that only served to underscore her youth, while she valiantly tried to look dignified. “It’s nice to meet you.”

“And you as well.” Gabrielle replied politely.

After she shook Gabrielle’s outstretched hand, Nikita continued, “I suppose this means that what happened will be in the paper tomorrow.”

“To be honest Madame Samuelle,” Gabrielle replied, “I wasn’t in the room when you were attacked. Therefore, I don’t really know what happened… so I can’t write anything, now can I?”

“Of course you could.” Nikita replied astutely as her piercing blue gaze candidly met Gabrielle’s dark brown eyes. “The question is, will you?”

‘Wow! She’s sharp! She’s right too… I still could print anything I wanted. I wasn’t an eyewitness, but Robert was and he’d tell me what happened!’ Gabrielle thought, flinching under Nikita’s astute azure gaze, while feeling reluctant admiration for the young woman’s spunk and her accurate and lightening quick assessment.

“If I write anything at all Madame,” Gabrielle continued gently, “it will be how a stranger to our society was treated unjustly and how poorly that reflects upon us.”

“I see.” said Nikita replied bluntly; straightening her posture to what she hoped appeared dignified and looked directly into Gabrielle’s chocolate coloured eyes. “And why should I believe you?”

“I can’t think of a single reason, Madame.” Gabrielle replied honestly as she valiantly tried to suppress a smirk. ‘Smart girl… why should she indeed! She doesn’t know me and she has no reason whatsoever to trust anything I say!’ “What I do know is that you need to treat that dress immediately or it will be beyond help.”

A lone tear escaped Nikita’s azure eyes then and Gabrielle felt compelled by her new-found compassion to go to the young girl and hug her consolingly. Initially, the blonde held herself stiffly, but then relaxed when she sensed Gabrielle’s sincerity.

“I can assure you Madame that whatever happened in there, no one will think you were at fault. I’m sure everything will be okay.” Gabrielle murmured consolingly.

“I hope so. This party meant a lot to Michael.” Nikita confessed with a sob; her momentary composure fleeing completely. “And now it’s ruined!”

Gabrielle’s brow quirked upwards in astonishment. ‘She’s only worried about how disappointed he’ll be? Is this girl real, or is this an act for my benefit?’

“Madame… this is obviously an expensive dress and someone attacked you and destroyed it. Aren’t you upset about that?” Gabrielle inquired.

“No, not really. Oh don’t misunderstand Miss Langlois… it’s a beautiful dress and I loved it, but it’s a *thing*! Michael’s my husband and I know it hurt him when this happened.” Nikita explained.

“Him? Don’t *you* feel slighted? Aren’t you angry with the witch that did this?” Gabrielle demanded to know. She couldn’t imagine owning a dress like this and not being incensed if it had been damaged like this one had been.

“No, I’m not angry. I’m upset because now the party won’t continue and Michael wanted this so much!” Nikita replied in a whisper while continuing to dab at her tear-filled eyes.

Gabriel wasn’t buying this and continued to press for what she saw as a rational response from the young woman before her.

“Surely as his wife you felt you’d be entitled to some respect?” Gabrielle pressed bluntly.

“Respect has to be earned, Miss Langlois… it’s never automatically given.” Nikita explained; breaking from the other woman’s embrace. Quietly, she watched Gabrielle in the mirror while wetting some paper towel and carefully blotting her face. “I’m also not foolish enough to overlook the fact that I’m English and everyone else here is French. As much as I think prejudices like that are foolish, I know others don’t think the way I do.”

‘Ouch!’ Gabrielle thought in admiration of the blonde’s candor and her rapidly returning composure. ‘That’s blunt… and totally accurate! I deserve that! This girl speaks her mind! I respect that!’

“But still…” Gabrielle continued insistently, “surely you expected some acceptance?”

“No.” Nikita replied; turning to face her new acquaintance once more. “I didn’t. That’s okay, though. What I did expect was that Michael’s friends would respect him.”

“What do you mean?” Gabrielle asked, surprised at this turn in their conversation.

“The woman who did this claims to be Michael’s *friend*! How could that be true? If she was his friend, she wouldn’t have treated someone he cares about this way!” Nikita reasoned firmly as she gestured towards her ruined gown. “My husband is a wonderful, loving man Miss Langlois. If that woman was really his friend, she never would have done this. Michael loves me… it isn’t logical if you respect someone to treat the person they love this way, now is it?”

“No, I suppose it isn’t.” Gabrielle murmured.

“Michael is a good man. No matter what that woman may have thought of me… or how jealous she was, he doesn’t deserve this!” Nikita continued soberly. “That tells me a lot about her.”

“What do you mean?” Gabrielle asked curiously.

“It tells me that she really doesn’t respect Michael at all and all she was doing was lashing out at me because she’s jealous.” Nikita answered rationally. “What did she hope to gain with her childish little temper tantrum? I’m still Michael’s wife! All that’s changed is now the party has been ruined. Michael wanted this party to be able to introduce me to his friends and now that won’t happen and all of tonight’s preparations will have been for nothing. And why? Because he chose me over her? Michael has the right to make a decision like that for himself, don’t you think? Anyone else does. The fact that she can’t accept that upsets me more than this dress being ruined!”

“In what way?” Gabrielle inquired; fascinated by the blonde’s logic. It was emotional, but thus far it was flawless.

“You have the right to chose who you wish to be with… so why doesn’t Michael? Because he’s rich? That’s ridiculous. Michael is a man… not a prize to be fought over.” Nikita explained patiently. “He has feelings like anyone else. How would you feel if your partner was attacked by someone just because they couldn’t handle the fact that you chose him over them?”

“I’d be very upset.” Gabrielle admitted candidly after honestly considering the question. “You’re right. Monsieur Samuelle shouldn’t have been treated that way; but neither should you. You’re the guest of honour tonight… and you’re new here. You must not think very highly of French-Canadians right now.”


“I’m not important here Miss Langlois, and I’m certainly not judging anyone else other that that woman.” Nikita said firmly. “She chose to act the way she did and that’s certainly no reflection on anyone else here. All I know is that she had no right to belittle Michael’s feelings by lashing out because he’s chosen me. He loves me… he loved me enough to marry me. That’s serious. I love him too, and I refuse to be intimidated by some jealous ex-girlfriend who thinks her petty antics will change things. She never cared about him… if she did, none of this would have happened because she’d be gracious and mature enough to step aside.”

“I never thought of it that way!” Gabrielle winced in agreement as she took in the fiery, look of determination on the lovely blonde’s face; finally comprehending the love she felt for her husband.

‘Mon Dieu, she really loves him! She’s putting his feelings above hers and she’s completely sincere!’

“You followed me in here.” Nikita said quietly. “What was it, as a reporter, that you wanted to know?”

‘Mon Dieu! This girl is totally honest. I can’t believe she’s asking me this!’ Gabrielle thought in shock. ‘Oh well… if she’s determined to find out what I’d ask her, then why not ask?’

“Did you know your husband’s worth when you met him?” Gabrielle asked quietly. Normally she wouldn’t ask a question like that, but she was certain that this girl would be totally honest with her. So far, that seemed to be the case.

“No.” Nikita replied bluntly as she stared levelly into Gabrielle’s eyes. “I’m sure you won’t believe me because I’m a stranger here… and English, but that’s the truth. Michael might be well known here as being a rich man, but I’d never heard of him before we met.”

‘Robert was right!’ Gabrielle realized, remembering their argument. ‘It’s hard to believe that someone from English-Canada has never heard of our handsome billionaire… but apparently that’s true! On the other hand, if she’s lying… she’s the best liar I’ve ever met!’

“When I meet someone Miss Langlois,” Nikita continued quietly, “I focus on *them* and how well we get along, not what they might be able to give me. I think people who do that are disgusting. When I met Michael he wasn’t living like he had money and so it never occurred to me that he might. I fell in love with the man and that’s how I still feel.”

Gabrielle believed her. There was something about the stark honesty written on the blonde’s face that totally convinced her. Suddenly she felt pity and shame wash over her in equal measures.

‘I’m no better than the bimbo who did this to her! They may have attacked her physically, but I *attacked* her in other ways… ways that weren’t fair or reasonable! How could anyone mistreat this lovely girl? How could I have put a story above her feelings?’ she wondered. ‘Robert was right… I was despicable! I was unfair and unprofessional! I wanted to crucify her because she’s English and I was sure she’d only married Monsieur Samuelle for his money! I was wrong… if anyone’s after his money it’s those bitches out there!’

“I’m sure this party is important to your husband Madame. It’s only natural that he’d want to introduce you to all his friends.” Gabrielle continued kindly. “I’m just sorry that not everyone here is nice. You shouldn’t have been subjected to that. Now we should get you to your room so you can change and soak that dress.”

“I can’t go up to our room.” Nikita admitted with a sad smile. “Michael’s son is up there. He’s only five years old. This would upset him.”

‘She’s been attacked and all she’s worried about is her husband and his son? Gabrielle thought in amazement.

“Come with me then.” Gabrielle replied, not really knowing what she could do, but determined to help in atonement for her earlier thoughts. “We have to do something and then get you back to your guests. Your husband will be very worried.”

‘This woman’s trying to be kind… but what can she do?’ Nikita wondered as she allowed Gabrielle to lead her towards the washroom door. ‘My dress is ruined… and I have nothing else that would be right for this party! I’ll have to sneak in our room after Adam’s asleep and Michael will have to tell everyone to go home. He’ll be so upset! My poor Michael!’

“Yes, he will.” Another female voice said; and they turned to see Lakeisha standing in the doorway. “Nikita honey, come with me. I can help you.”

“Okay.” Nikita said, relieved to see help that she could trust. ‘At least I can hide in Lakeisha’s room until later. No one will be able to see me there!’ Then she noticed another woman standing behind her friend. “Who’s this?”

“This is Marie… she’s Chuck’s sister and I invited her to help too.” Lakeisha said decisively. “Let’s go up to my room, okay?”

‘Help?’ Nikita wondered, puzzled by her friend’s confident manner. ‘How is Lakeisha going to help me?’

Marie didn’t say anything, but she smiled politely and tipped her head slightly in pleased acknowledgement of their informal introduction.

‘The poor girl!’ Marie thought. ‘She’s been crying… and who could blame her! What a horrible way for what should have been a wonderful evening to go! And Michel! Poor Michel… he must be so upset seeing his bride attacked! I hope he has that witch arrested for doing this!’

However, now was not the time for words, and Marie knew that none would be of help right now.

‘The best thing for me to do is just help Lakeisha in whatever way she thinks we can help Nikita. Maybe I’ll get to talk to this lovely girl later when she’s pulled herself together. I’m just happy that I’m being included here. Lakeisha didn’t have to ask me to help!’

“Okay.” Nikita said hollowly, not really understanding how Lakeisha could help and not objecting to this stranger’s presence either. She knew her friend had excellent judgment and she wasn’t intimidated by this turn of events.

The four women exited the restroom to find Willie standing at parade rest in the hallway, with his hands folded in a clasp in front of him. “Are we all set?” he asked unemotionally.

‘If I know Willie he’s upset! He really sees Nikita as a sister… and right now he thinks he’s failed her. I’m mad at him, but there’s no way he could have seen that attack coming… no one could!’ Lakeisha thought sympathetically. ‘I also know that he takes a lot of pride in doing a job right and he’s going to beat himself up for a while until he realizes that.’

‘Great! My first assignment is a dismal failure.’ Willie thought in complete dismay. ‘I failed to see that attack coming but at least Nikita wasn’t physically hurt. I just hope Michael isn’t too upset with me. I wonder what he’s saying to those women now?’

“Yes we are Willie, thank you.” Lakeisha said firmly, as she took control of the situation. “We’re going up to my room. Coming?”

“Of course.” Willie replied coldly, not realizing that his attitude was further alienating him from the lady he now realized he loved. “Lead the way.”

‘I just wish he’d show some emotion!’ Lakeisha thought, irritated now by his statue-like manner. ‘Damn the man! That stony face is driving me nuts!’

“I’ll stay here.” Gabrielle quietly volunteered; knowing the black woman’s invitation hadn’t really included her. “If anyone asks, you’re fine and you’ll be right back.”

“Thank you.” Nikita said politely as she looked at Gabrielle with wise, but sad blue eyes. “You’ve been very kind. I won’t forget it.”

‘What does she think I did that was so kind?’ Gabrielle wondered as she shook her head slightly in surprise. ‘If anything I did just now was “kind”… does it make up for my earlier thoughts and behaviour? I don’t think so! Mon Dieu.. I’m a terrible person! I judged her based on my prejudices and I was wrong! So.. she’s an English-Canadian? She seems to be a nice person and she also seems to love Monsieur Samuelle very much! She’s certainly a lot more *real* than those bitches out there!’

“Yes.” Lakeisha said, as she supported her friend; sensing this elegant, dark-haired woman had helped Nikita somehow. “Thank you for being so kind to my friend. I’m Lakeisha Brooks… Nikita’s friend. And you are?”

“I’m Gabrielle Langlois, a reporter with The Gazette.” Gabrielle replied quietly, as she extended her right hand politely to the gorgeous black woman who stood before her gently cradling Madame Samuelle in her embrace. “I really didn’t do anything, Miss Brooks.”

Lakeisha smiled slightly as she shook Gabrielle’s hand.

‘People who help others with no thought of how they’ll benefit rarely see themselves that way. Nikita’s a prime example of that.’

“Well, thank you for at least keeping her company until I arrived.” Lakeisha said softly. “I appreciate your kindness and I know her husband will too.”

“It was nothing. I hope she’ll be okay.” Gabrielle said quietly.

‘It really wasn’t anything… especially considering what I’d thought earlier. I was despicable! How could anyone treat this lovely girl poorly? Robert’s right… she seems like a nice person. I hope the entire evening isn’t ruined now… maybe she’ll find something else to wear and come back to the party.’ Gabrielle thought.

“She will be.” Lakeisha said with assurance. “Again, thank you. If I don’t see you later, please know that I won’t forget this… and neither will her husband.”

The women smiled sadly at each other, and then the small group turned and left Gabrielle standing alone in the hotel’s vestibule. The three women and Willie headed towards the elevator and Gabrielle watched the doors close behind them. Then, she sighed and slowly turned towards the ballroom once more.

‘Robert isn’t going to believe this!’ she thought, shaking her head in wonder at both the events of the last few minutes and her own inner reformation. The conversation she had partaken of in the ladies’ room had shaken her core beliefs about the English.

‘‘If this one was nice… why have I always hated all of them?
Maybe because I’ve never bothered to talk to *any* of them before?’ she realized. ‘I was always so sure of *who* and *what* they are in relation to us… that I just assumed they were all awful… and that they all hated us as much as I’ve hated them! How demeaning is *that*!’

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