The life we live may be an illusion (short story)

                                          The life we live may be an illusion 

 

What is an illusion? Well, there are several definitions we will use the most relevant for this post. A deceptive appearance or impression. Another definition is a false idea or belief. So, with all this in mind does the life that we think we are living fit the definition of an illusion. Many people will say no but let's take a more introspective look at this life and its complex reality. While anyone with eyes can look around themselves to see, the question becomes what do they actually see? So, let's say you stand on one side of an open field, and about 100 yards away from you someone else is standing. Both of you are looking at the field you would think you are witnessing the same things, correct? Now we take into account the direction you may be in the north position while facing south. Conversely, the other person is at the south position facing north. Now both of you are looking intently at the field then a flock of birds decides to fly down about the midway point between the both of you. Now you both see the birds on the field but are you both seeing the birds the exact same way? The answer would be no because the visual perspective will be different based on positions and focus points. So even though both of you seem to witness the same event the reality that you internalize about that event will be different based on perception. So, it is no wonder people who think they experienced the same things will have different accounts of what actually happened. 

Now in a previous post, we talked about mastering your mind and how the law of attraction and manifestation actually work this was to show you how your mind works. If you haven't read that post, please click the hyperlink to read it. In the previous post, we talked about many things but mostly how to use your mind to envision a suggested reality. When you did this, you were able to dull your sense of reality and explore another side of yourself. Many people do this a million times a day by role-playing or video games (hence the popularity) So today we are also going to embark on a colossal journey and no you don't have to pack those hideous socks and sweaters you got for Christmas- jeez. This is another journey of your mind where anything is possible to remember. We will experience 3 realities. I should be charging for this I heard somewhere before there is no such thing as a free lunch. So, with that in mind for you to gain admission to this somewhat free experience that may or may not change your life. You must commit to the project - oh did I say project well I meant um experiment uh not that but um well you know the experience. 

Focus- I'm talking to you dingy I need you to focus your thoughts. Okay already with hesitation we got 3 of these things to do here but the way you're going you will be in the looney bin after the first one-jeez.  Ok alright settle down and quiet your mind. Find a relaxing place where you can go deep within the layers of your mind with no distractions. I want you to focus on the words and the thoughts that the words bring. I want you to feel the feelings and emotions you see. You will be transmitted into the reality of the story and become the story. I told you I should be charging for this shit (missed my calling) 

The sun is beating down on you it's hot and muggy. The air is thick you drudge around in the murky muddy water. The bayou is dank you see the birds flying about and the river rats race past you. You move ever so cautiously to evade the dogs that you managed to shake off about 4 or 5 miles from the water's edge. Moving cautiously with a purpose you navigate the dank squishy river hoping not to be bitten or even worse eaten. The moss growing out of everywhere the low canopy surrounds you as you glide forward ever so slightly. You hope that the dogs have lost your scent because you don't dare think about the horrors that await you if you get caught. You managed to get a hold of a cherry pie before your escape, you have been overeating for the last two weeks. You needed to fatten up while you're on the lamb but if you get caught. You look across the bayou and see an old shack, you watch it intently wondering if anyone is there and if it is safe at least for a day. You realize you cannot move around during the day just night movements and above all things avoid other people. You make your way across the bayou when you spot it ow boy. It was resting near some dead logs and its tale moved ever so slightly almost unnoticeable, but you caught it a young gator. You realize you cannot outswim it so you say a silent prayer and move forward. You get to the edge of the riverbank and the gator looks at you, it eyes you but doesn't move just a slight tail waggle. As you pull yourself out of the water you look amazed then you quickly get down and scan your surroundings. Almost lost yourself for a moment you realize slips like that will get you killed. You again lock your gaze upon the gator, and it looks at you with the one eye you can see. As you crawl up on your knees from the water's edge you watch the gator just lie there. You think maybe it's a trick and any moment now it will spring to life and roll towards you for a hearty meal, but it doesn't. It just lye's there still with only random tail movements and one eye blinking (the one you can see) You turn your attention to the shack keenly listening for any sounds and movements, but you hear nothing. You crawl like an infant to the side of the shack trying to be as stealthy as possible. You keep your head up every few feet to make sure the path is clear. You get to the backside of the shack and look around you see an old, abandoned garden that has some vegetables that look ready to eat. You think maybe this place isn't abandoned as you thought maybe it's a trap. 

With slow movements, you build up your courage to look inside the window at the back of the shack. You get on your tip toes to peek inside, but you can barely see anything. So, you get down again and creep to the far side of the shack constantly aware that you don't want to be seen breaking and entering. You see a window on the far side that isn't fully closed you take a quick look and then down. You again hear nothing but the water and wildlife near the bayou. You place your hand firmly at the bottom of the window and slowly inch it up but there's a problem the window is stuck. You gaze around for a rock but if anyone is around, they may hear the glass breaking, and if you're caught. You find a sturdy tree limb that isn't too big or heavy for you to manage your wedge between the open seal of the window and pry it open. Mission accomplished you again gaze around the bayou looking for anything out of place. Nothing but swampy wetlands and mossy trees as far as the eye can see. You climb into the shack very slowly and carefully. The first thing you do once inside is sneeze (choo ha choo) dust is everywhere. 

You look around the dusty old shack you see a fireplace in the center of the wider area you assume is a welcoming area. The shack is by no means a comfy space it is however well constructed on the inside. The outside is a whole other story with vines going here and there and camouflaged in bushes who would even know this place existed. Ah ha, a thought occurs to you maybe this shack is the diamond in the ruff that you have been waiting on. Heck, you're on the run and you need to head far, far away from Louisiana. However, you need time to carefully plot your next move because if you get caught!!!

You find an old broom and some little things in the shack that you can repurpose and make your stay there more equitable. You take out some of the food you had in your nap sack that you managed not to get wet while crossing the bayou. You open the sweet bread and take the roasted yams and make a vegan sandwich. You find several dusted blankets and you proceed to tidy them up you go to smell them and of course, you sneeze. You check the smell again and you are good with it the blankets are dusty but not filthy. You lay down to rest after all your exhausted from fleeing the plantation, oh the plantation. 

Master Benoit um sir Zula Mae found something when she was down by the bayou. What are you squawking about Henry running around all excited you think it was the second coming of Christ you putting up so much ruckus? Yes, uh Master it's just that well uh I um. Dammit boy, spit it out you been out there again licking on them their poisonous frogs again the Doctor done warned you about that. No, I ain't licked no frogs see Zula Mae done found a baby on the bayou. Say what Henry you are putting an April fool's joke down on me again it won't happen like you got me last year with the custard on that pie that was made with mustard seed. Oh, I ain't forgot about that no sir. Forgive me for that Master Benoit I will try harder next year. Say what, watcha mean next year you already planning some more crazy ass shit ain't Ya boy I guess I got that coming treating you the way I do. No Master Benoit, you treat me um, I mean us like we are family and for us, we done get it like that. Is Dat rite so den why is you plotting on me every year. Well, cause um cause well. I ain't gonna keep telling you boy spit it out. Well, we like to laugh is all and the whole plantation looks forward to um the joke. Hmm, some Master I am all that I own think I am a joke. Uh no no Master Benoit it ain't like that I swear it ain't like that. Benoit eyes Henry who appears to be shaken before a big grin comes across his face. Yea you're right Henry it is good to laugh both men laugh till they are rolling on the floor crying. 

Zula Mae is known as a wise Creole woman she had striking features beautiful skin tone. Far skin with a touch of honey. She would bathe in goat milk to keep her skin bright and radiant. She worked inside the manor and kept up with all of the inner workings of the servant choirs. Zula Mae accompanied by some of the maids in the manor walked through the door with something wrapped in linen cloth. The servants were well-trained and professional as they went about their duties. Although nobody dared speak a word all eyes were on Zula Mae. Master Benoit and Henry came into the grand guest room to see the baby. Master Benoit " We'll let me see it Zula Mae and if it is a critter then I recommend you throw it back in the bayou. Zula Mae shot the Master a sharp warning glance. She slowly unwrapped the coverings to reveal the child who was fast asleep. Master Benoit looked at the child then looked at Zula Mae over and over then scratched his head. Master Benoit " Eh uh Zula Mae you ain't been holding out on us cause that their lit tin looks just like you." Zula Mae didn't respond to the Master's comments as she was too busy making sure the little one was comfy. 

Master Benoit was a good man and kind to the workers that he had on his plantation he often wondered how they felt about their lives. He felt guilt deep down inside a sort of sorrow that he had to hide from the world. But deep down he struggled with the wrongness and cruelty his position in society gave him above these people from another land. So, he tried to do the best he could to ensure that his servants lived the best life they could considering their position in society. However, he treated his servants he would never treat them as others did, as slaves. Years went by and the child grew and grew but there was something more to this child who had been found on the bayou something special. 17 years had gone by now the child was considered an adult and had duties and responsibilities just like all of the others who performed services on the plantation.

Master Benoit came from old aristocratic money his father was a well-established politician in France and so was most of his forefathers. Master Benoit oversaw a vast amount of land that was surrounded by a bayou at the southern tip. Some 800 acres of land was what he controlled his plantation yielded sugar cane and tobacco, both were highly sort after commodities in the 1800s. Master Benoit had an elegant style that he attributed to his wife who ran the common areas (or houses on the plantation). The Benoit name was well respected and revered by the established families in the territory. An invitation to the Benoit Ball was the highlight of southern society and was a sure sign you had made it. The Benoit name was so well established that the servants seldom were given access to use it as a Sir name. 

Zula Mae looked after the child raising her as if she were her own, by legal right, and claim she was owned by the Benoit family. However, Mr. and Mrs. Benoit saw how attached and parental Zula Mae had become with the child and how they complimented each other as mother and daughter. Zula Mae was one of the few servants that could read and write and had permission to go to the market and purchase items for the homestead. Some on the plantation envied Zula Mae and her daughter because of the respect and treatment they received. However, many of the women working in the main houses of the plantation and were of childbearing age would bear children. Zula Mae's striking beauty and her abilities to speak well, write and run the houses made her a target. Many on the plantation did not like this and would say when with their peers that Zula Mae was nothing more than a dirty witch that was worshiped below as above. Zula Mae intuitively knew she was not liked and why, but she took it all in stride and would mumble to herself " This too shall pass." Most of the workers found Zula Mae's behavior in light of everything else odd further cementing in their minds that she was indeed a witch. So, one night the strongest men on the plantation who hated Zula Mae caught her and raped her over and over. Then they fled the plantation never to be seen again. 

Upon hearing the dreadful news Zuna went to her mother's side to comfort her. Zula Mae didn't want Zuna to see her like this she had one of the servants turn Zuna away and not grant her entry into the bedroom. Zuna was bewildered and could not understand why the mother she loved and adored would not see her at this time. She paced outside the room's door clasping a charm given to her by her mother a red ruby. As she paced, she rubbed the ruby between her fingers and said, " This too shall pass." After several days Zula Mae was up and about, she had servants fetch her some warm water, and bathed she got dressed and opened the room door. As she opened the door and finally left the room, she had been in for 7 days. She finds Zuna sleeping at the base of the door peacefully grasping the ruby necklace. 

Zula Mae bends down and wakes Zuna she grabs her mom with both hands and says, " I'm so sorry for what has happened to you she pauses it will never happen again." The two women silently hold each other weeping. One of the male house servants comes to inform Zula Mae that the staff has been preparing for the annual Benoit Ball. Zuna looked at the man with piercing eyes and said, " My mother has gone through a terrible ordeal as you well know how dare you to come here to talk about this gathering." The male servant apologized to Zula Mae and stated, but the Master wants the Ball to be fabulous and only you know how to do that." Zula Mae looked at her daughter and replied I'm not the only one there is someone way better than I could ever be." Both the male servant and Zuna looked bewildered then Zuna blurts out " Who mother, who can do what you do and make everything perfect." "You Zuna Benoit you are perfect and now it's time for the rest of the world to see it." Zuna was caught off guard by what her mother had just said it didn't seem real her mom had always been kind to everyone and helpful she never looked down on anyone she was an angel. Zuna had no words her brain stalled to complete a thought she was flabbergasted and humbled. She was unsure if she could fill her mother's shoes and be the woman she was. Zuna looked at her mother and said "I will always honor and cherish you, but I am not you, how can I be you're the best of us. Zula Mae smiled and said, " True my child you won't ever be what I am, but you will always be what you are and that is better than me." Zuna was again in shock, but she realized the ordeal her mother just went through and that she may never be the same after it. Her mother needed her to grow up and become the woman that she believed she would become. 

Zuna picked up the reigns that her mother left for her and started the process of getting the Benoit Ball put together. All of the staff reported to her, and Mrs. Benoit decided how all of the decorations and party favors would be displayed. It had to be elegant, and first-class and it needed to have a wow factor that other high society events just did not have that Cajun flare. Mrs. Benoit was pleased to see how astute Zuna had become her attention to detail was immaculate. Zuna worked from dawn to late in the night she seemed to be possessed. Zula Mae came to see how things were going and to check on Zuna. Zula Mae walked into the grand ballroom and was absolutely astonished at what she was seeing. Zula Mae called out " daughter where are you"? Zuna was hanging some trim pieces for the final touches for the ball. She was so transfixed that she could not hear her mother call out to her almost as if in a trance. Zula Mae sat and waited for her daughter to come down the grand stairs from the upper balcony. Zuna was exhausted and almost passed out when she finally stopped moving.  

Two days remained till the property would be lined with horse-drawn carriages. All of the debutantes of high society would be on display with their traditional expensive gowns adding a colorful spectacle. Only the cream of the crop would be let inside the manor a true invitation-only affair for the rich and socially civilized. All of the stops were pulled to make sure this was the event of the year and all who were invited knew they must show are risk of being put off the list. Foreign dignitaries and heads of state would be among the many guests. Zula Mae had made sure Zuna was well rested before the festivities were to begin. She made sure her daughter had eaten enough before she handed her a strange, frosted drink in a special cup that Zuna had never seen before. Zuna asked her mother what this is. Zula Mae replied, " It is a special brew to heal and give you strength."  Zuna was puzzled, not so much by the drink but by why her mother did not make one for herself. Zuna asked the mother why have you not made this for yourself as well considering all that has happened. Zula Mae replied with her back towards her daughter. The potion as it was taught to me is given as a gift so I cannot gift it to myself."  Zuna looking puzzled replied " but why not." Zula Mae turned towards her daughter and responded, " Because the sacred magic that makes the potion work would be wasted." Zuna eyes wide exclaimed " magic -potion." Zula Mae responds, " Yes child, magic that you need to take into yourself before it evaporates and is gone forever." Zuna started to ask yet another query but before her lips could purse to form a word Zula Mae says " Drink." 

Zuna lay upon her mother's bed and as swiftly as a cool breeze blew through the room Zuna was fast asleep. Zula Mae tucked her daughter into bed and began brushing her beautiful jet-black hair. She whispered into her daughter's ear " Soon my dearest Zuna Benoit, you will learn the power that you possess I have kept it hidden from you in a secret space to protect thee."  "I had been fortunate to learn the arts from my mother and her mother before her all through the span of time." " We were known as healers but today they call the chosen ones, doctors, we were spiritual doctors we healed what was not seen." " They had many names for us back then from sorcerer to sorceress." " They feared us because we could control the elements and guide our thoughts like magic." " The irony is they pray to God a majestic entity whose powers are created within the realm of magic." " Soon my child your gift will awaken, and you will carry our sacred light." 

Henry had made sure the grounds were immaculate everything was perfect just as the family had wanted it. The guest started to arrive with their gorgeous carriages and beautiful horses. The men were dapper, and the woman was impeccable their gowns were simply stunning. It was the 3rd week of spring, and the weather was warm with a shallow breeze the perfect time for a formal gathering. The guest was greeted by their host as they made their way into the grand ballroom. Walking around the two grand pianos that sat at opposite ends of the ballroom which was about 50ft wide. It boasted four huge fireplaces in each direction North, South, East, and West. The guest lounges sat adjacent to each of the fireplaces. Elegant tables and chairs draped in luxurious fabrics aligned the outer edge of the grand ballroom. The standard of nearly 25ft of space was left open for the dancing that was a premier event of the festivities. An orchestra pit sits near the east wing of the grand ballroom the band is set up and continuously plays elegant music.

Zula Mae received a gift from Mrs. Benoit she opened the gift-wrapped box. The silk black boxes with golden ribbons had a satin finish Zula Mae was stunned. She woke her daughter to get ready for the festivities that had already begun in the grand ballroom. Zuna was a little slow to get herself oriented after sleeping for two straight days. Zula Mae " how do you feel my beautiful daughter." Zuna still yawning and stretching " huh mom what day is it." Zula Mae "it's the special day that you have been working towards." Zuna looks puzzled " hmm." Zula Mae " Today is the Benoit Ball." Zuna "Oh my did I miss everything." Zula Mae grabs Zuna's arm "Calm down you have not missed anything, but we need to get bathed and ready to meet your guests." Zuna blinks twice and shakes her head "What do you mean my guest." Zula Mae "Ow they didn't tell you."  Zuna "Tell me what?" Zula Mae "You're the hostess." Zuna's mouth gapped wide open in shock and horror. Zuna "I'm the hostess?"  Zula Mae "Yes you are a Benoit after all." 

The guests started to arrive and were escorted into the dining hall for some drinks and to get themselves situated after traveling to the manor. Guest would enter the ballroom at exactly 3pm. The men were sharp as a tack and the women's ensembles were just simply amazing. All of the young debutants were busy trying to garner attention one trying to outdo the others. For these young ladies stepping out into society and representing their wealthy families was a tradition. However, the ball also allowed these young ladies a chance to find a handsome suitor. Henry came from outside after the last of the guest arrivals had been escorted to the dining hall. A large man standing over 6'5 he would be making the announcements as the main ballroom doors began to open. 

Zula Mae and Zuna were almost ready to go over to the ballroom. The dresses that Mrs. Benoit had gotten them were exquisite normally the servants would not have access to garments of this quality. The finest silk inlays quality stitching along with the felt and suede so soft to the touch. The embroidery was done in the finest rhinestone. Both dresses were designed with a custom fit and Mrs. Benoit who was a perfectionist made sure the tailor was on hand and fitted the dresses to the proportions of the two women perfectly. Finale touches done the two women walked out of the main house expecting to walk across the courtyard as they stepped onto the porch, they saw the main carriage that the Benoit's used in front of the house with the driver in the seat and the escort at the door. The ladies looked surprised since the Benoits were already at the ballroom and nobody else of importance needed to be transported. As both of the women began to walk past the carriage the escort greeted them. Escort " Hello ladies your carriage awaits." Both women were astonished as each one was gently helped up into the carriage. Sitting in the luxurious cabin they had no words just looking and smiling. 

The ride took about 10 minutes before they arrived in front of the building's main entrance and then was escorted in. They went straight to the entrance of the grand ballroom the double doors opened and there stood Henry. As soon as Zuna stepped in she was to stand next to Henry and welcome all of the guests to the Benoit Ball. Zuna quickly glanced around the room making sure everything was perfect. As her eyes scanned, she couldn't help noticing that the room which had people in it was basically empty. Just the help and the band appeared to be present. Zuna asked Henry " Where is everyone?"  Henry replied, " They are in the dining hall." Zuna jerked her head back with a puzzled expression on her face. Zuna " why are they in the dining room I thought this was a ball." Henry replies " Well because of tradition nobody enters the main ballroom until the hostess is present." Zuna " What you mean they have been waiting for me." Henry smiles showing a mouth full of white teeth then winks at Zuna and asks " Shall we begin? " Zuna nods her head and almost chokes with emotion " Yes." Henry, then with your permission nods to the waiter letting him know it is time to open the dining room doors and to send the guests over. The guest line up to go into the main ballroom. Mr. and Mrs. Benoit suddenly appear on the balcony overlooking the ball. Henry takes a deep breath and begins " Here ye, hear ye all in the sound of my voice the great family of Benoit Eric IV, and with the permission of your hostess Zuna Benoit, welcome to the Benoit Ball." Zuna perked up for the first time she was formally introduced as a Benoit to society, and she was ecstatic. 

All of the families had been introduced and placed in their perspective areas inside the ballroom. Zuna had to go to the restroom after standing for almost an hour greeting guests. While walking somewhat swiftly Zuna accidentally bumped into one of the guests. She said in a hurried " I'm so sorry Sir. " Zuna ran off to the restroom before he could reply. The lavish gathering had many new faces as new plantation owners were now accepted into high society. When Zuna returned from her excursion she saw her mother dancing and she was oddly surprised. She watched her mother glide through the ballroom as if she was light as a feather. Zuna was between emotions of pure shock and bewilderment thinking to herself how this is even possible. Zula Mae caught a glimpse of Zuna standing there alone and motioned her to come over. Zuna complied and walked to the far east side of the room. Zula Mae turned to her dancing partner and said, " Allow me to Introduce my daughter Zuna." The handsome gentleman with jet black hair that was trimmed expensively about his head. He was average height around 5'9 his blue eyes could trap a woman in them. Then there was his smile and he emitted absolute confidence. To be in his presence felt like an event rather than just a random meeting. Before the gentleman spoke Zuna realized this is the man she bumped into on her way to the restroom. Zuna's eyes went wide as the man's perfect lips began to move. " Hello, Zuna, I am Dr. Jean Dupont It is my pleasure to meet you again." Zula Mae had a pensive look on her face and questioned " Do you two know each other." Zuna stood speechless shaking her head " no." Dr. Jean smiling says, " Oh no we don't actually know each other; we just had an accidental run in that's all." Zuna still pretty much speechless nodded in a confirming gesture. Zula Mae curiously eyes Zuna and gives a half smile " Oh really that's all that happened? " Zula Mae's lips pursed as now she is testing Zuna to see if she will crack but the game is up and all 3 begin to laugh uncontrollably. 

The event is drawing to a close Henry and many of the tuxedo-dressed male servants escorted the guest to their carriages. Before the last of the carriages are brought up Dr. Jean Dupont and Zuna walk to the front of the ballroom. Dupont turns to Zuna and smiles at her gently exposing his perfect teeth and chiseled jawline. Dupont " I know it may not be the custom to call on someone in your position, well I'm wanting to know if I request some time with you if that would be, ok? " Zuna looked surprised at the bold and directness of such a request. She gathered her wits to reply " I'm not sure that I could be of much use to you Dr. Dupont, I mean I'm not that kind of girl is all. "Dupont's eyebrows arched in dismay " Ow dear I meant no disrespect I was told by your mother that " Zuna enraged say's "My mother." Staring into Dr. Dupont's deep blue eyes seemed to disarm her emotions for a second. Dupont " Can you forgive me I didn't mean to disrespect you on any level it's just that I noticed the wonderful job that was done at the Ball, and I wanted to inquire who did all this." Dupont continued while Zuna had one leg forward as she sloped back with her hands crossed and her eyes tight in a pouting sort of way. " Well, you see I just recently purchased a thousand acres near the capitol in Baton Rouge and I am in need of an expert organizer and decorator, your mother said you would be perfect." Zuna wasn't sure if this was one of those elaborate jokes that Henry always played on Mr. Benoit, and she didn't trust it. Zuna " Are you trying to turn my head, Dr. Dupont Sir, playing sports of me? " Dupont " No ma'am, not at all I put that on my family name that this offer is sincere with no other intent." Zuna " Ok I will think about it then, goodnight." Zuna hurried past the Dr. and out the door before anyone could blink, she was gone. 

Zula Mae had been on the porch of the servant's house enjoying some freshly squeezed lemonade with the other servants. They told jokes about the high society people who had some interesting quirks that had the bunch laughing hysterically. The laughter could be heard from a good distance away Zuna approached with a tightness in her gaze as she eyed everyone on the porch. Her mother felt a shift in the air and immediately knew something was up and Zuna was upset. Zula Mae stood up and the laughter came to a halt Zuna approached Zula Mae thanked the bunch for the drinks and the laughs then bid them all goodnight. Zuna walked past her mother without saying a word. Up the first of two flights of steps towards the third floor. Zuna went straight to her bed and removed the shoes and gown. She poured some clean water into a cleaning bowl and a small toilet and began washing her face. Zula Mae walked in and glanced at her daughter as she read before bed. Zula Mae followed suit and began to get ready for bed. The house was quiet as everyone was fast asleep, everyone except Zuna who was trying to understand what Dr. Dupont really wanted. Men like him always got anything they wanted from anyone. She was mature and a full-grown woman after all she knew that the time would come when men would come to call on her but were, but she ready for that. She thought about many things in the night and got little sleep. Restless and weary when the rooster's started to sing. The plantation awoke and so began another day of work for everyone even the Benoits.

Zuna was slow to get going the day after the big Ball as was the rest of the plantation, but the show must go on as it were. Zula Mae was already making sure all of the servants were at their posts and ready to work. The kitchen staff was finishing up preparations for the family's breakfast as well as making meals for the 300 or so plantation workers. Mr. Benoit learned from his grandfather to always treat a man as a man no matter what society says. He had a plaque in the main dining hall that prominently displayed this quote. Alongside it was a portrait of his grandfather James Benoit III. The kitchen staff were all told by Mrs. Benoit how important the first and last meals of the day were to keep everyone healthy. The Benoit's had witnessed firsthand how poor treatment of the help would lead to disease and death. This would ravage a plantation and render it useless. She kept a watchful eye on the manner in which all things food-related were handled to prevent any such outbreak. 

Zuna put on her normal affair she was very lucky and had several dresses that she could rotate n her daily wardrobe. She decided that she would wear the canary yellow today it was a color that made her feel something special. Zula Mae was already hard at work working with the servants to clean up the Ballroom when Zuna walked in. Zuna quickly began to clear off some items that were going to be thrown away from the surrounding tables. Zula Mae " Miss Zuna Benoit what is it you think you are doing"? Zuna slowly turned and spoke, " I'm helping." Zula Mae " Really? First, you hurry off to bed and now you show up late and you call that help"? Zuna's face turned a rosy, red color as she was totally embarrassed. Zuna looked down "I'm sorry mom." Zula Mae " Look at me child, never be sorry own what you have done, and be at peace with it always." Zuna " Yes ma'am " Zula Mae's eyes squeezed tightly "Zuna Benoit do you know what you have done"? Zuna looked puzzled "That I ...I am not sure what, I woke up late ... I guess." Zula Mae " No that isn't it that you have done it" Zula Mae pulls out a letter that she had hidden in her gown. Zuna looks surprised " What is that "? Zula Mae " It's a formal invitation for you to join Dr. Jean Dupont for a getaway in Paris France." Zuna's eyes go wide " What " Zula Mae " Yes Zuna Benoit you've been keeping secrets, I thought you loved your mom hmm how could you hide this from me"?  Zuna's face pinched " Hide ...I didn't think I mean he asked but I said I would think about it, I never said yes." Zula Mae eyes Zuna carefully and replies " Ok all is well he didn't send the letter anyway."  Zuna's eyebrows squint " What " Zula Mae holds her face together before she starts laughing. 

Dr. Dupont has his custom tailor fit him for his trip back to France. He is particular about every detail which is why he was a standout in med school. Attention to detail was his father's claim to fame and he had to live up to his name. What would the people who called upon the Dupont name think if he were to visit empty-handed with no maiden by his side. He had always shined them on when he was questioned about it many times before. He was always too busy with school or patients to attend to but so many debutantes wanted to be by his side and yet none had made that leap. There was something unattainable about him, but nobody ever could quite figure it out. He was a mystery all to himself, his brilliance as a physician stifled any rumors that may be brought on by suspicion. Brand his butler for the past 6 years headed towards the fitting room. Brand " Dr. Dupont you have received some stationary would you care for me to read it to you Sr." The Dr. raises his left index finger and nods. Brand opens the stationary with the Benoit seal and family crest on it. Brand " The family of Benoit Eric IV would like to inform Dr. Jean Dupont that the family has approved of Zuna Benoit to accompany the party to France." 

Zula Mae was excited for her daughter to get to travel abroad. The trip would take 10 weeks to go to France. Zuna spoke and wrote very well in English she also taught her native tongue of French. Mrs. Benoit and Zula Mae went on many trips with Zuna to get fitted for the many outfits she would be needing for this journey. Zuna had a mind to back out of everything since there was so much fuss going into every detail of the trip. It was overwhelming at times all of it was bit much for Zuna's taste. When she saw how her mother lit up with pride whenever the mention of her going to France was brought up, she knew she had to do it. 

Subscribe for Part-2