The Mystery of Chad Harris: Fate Delivers Us, Chapter Fifteen
 
 

Eve feels the sliver sunlight hit her face. She  moves to wake up. She opens her eyes and sees TC still asleep, his face facing away from the window. She takes her hand and brushes it ever so gently across the back of his ear, and head. He was sleeping soundly. They had made love off and on all night until it was nearly sunrise. She looked beyond him to the nightstand, where the clock said, 11:45. She didn’t want to leave the bed, but she felt she had to. She slipped on her robe, and went out into the living room, and ordered them a champagne brunch. She hurried back to bed, just as TC was waking up. He opened his eyes to Eve watching him.

Eve had to smile. She loved that TC kept himself in such good shape. He was still as handsome as strong as the first day she met him.

" Morning, Mr. Russell."

" Dr. Russell, what time is it?", TC asked, bring Eve down to him for a kiss.

" Almost Noon."

" Noon?"

" Yep.", Eve says, snuggling in under the covers, and giving TC  several kisses on the neck.

" Dr. Russell, what are you trying to do?"

" You should know - we’ve been married 20 years.", Eve says with a laugh, feeling TC’s arousal already. " I’ve ordered brunch, Mr. Russell, so, we can’t linger as much as we might want."

" Well, that gives me enough time to do what’s necessary.", TC says, bringing Eve down to him with a kiss.
 

" Well, how is everyone this afternoon?", Madelaine says to Chad, Whitney, Simone and Piccola.

" Fine.", was the reply from the younger set.

" You all will be leaving us soon. Too soon for my taste. I can’t tell you how much I’ve enjoyed having you here. And, that includes you, Chad. I was so very pleased to meet you."

" Thank you, Mrs. Russell. The pleasure’s been mine."

" The reason that I was late to lunch, was that I was putting together the final touches for a party."

" Something you’re catering, Grandmere?", Simone asks.

" No. A party for all of you. A Mardi Gras party."

" Grandmere, this isn’t Mardi Gras.", Whitney comments.

" I know. But, I felt like it should be. I’ve ordered the King Cakes, and I’ve sent out the invitations. Night after next, this house will be transformed into Mardi Gras. You all have appointments in 90 minutes."

" Appointments for what, Mrs. Russell?", Chad asks.

" For your costumes, of course. What is Mardi Gras without costumes. This will be a full costume ball. "

" A costume ball? I’ve never been to one.", Chad admits.

" Well, eat up, and then the driver will take you to the costume shop. Pick whatever you want."

They ate lunch and were on their way. Madelaine was going over the menu and arrangements when Piccola came in.

" A Mardi Gras celebration?"

" Yes….humor me."

" We have other things to discuss."

" Piccola, you have convinced me that I don’t have anything to worry about. "

" I might have been wrong."

" What?", Madelaine says, dropping her pen. " What happened?"

" I had a dream last night. It was bad. "

Madelaine took Piccola’s hand. " Piccola, your dreams are not foolproof. Besides, we can’t alter the course right now. We know the truth. I have to protect the truth. I have to protect my family. I promised myself that I would."

" I know…..we’ve done a good job so far. We’ll continue on this path."
Madelaine smiled faintly at her, and they discussed the arrangements.
 
 

Chad, Whitney and Simone stood outside of the costume shop.

" Well ladies, let’s go." They entered into the shop, and stared at all the costumes  around.

A Black woman dressed like a gypsy came up to them. " You must be Miz Madelaine’s family."

They all nodded. " I’m Whitney Russell, and this is my sister Simone. We’re Miz Madelaine’s granddaughters and this is our friend Chad Harris. "

" Well, nice to meet all of you. I’m Desiree. Do you know what you want to wear?"

They all shook their heads no. " Well, you all look around, and see what you like. I’ll be studying you to see what I think would suit you."

They separated and went around the shop. Desiree came out of nowhere after some time, and went running up to Simone. " I’ve got it! Just the thing for you!"

She presented Simone with a golden gown with a huge skirt, ala the time of Marie Antoinette. Simone shook her head, and the woman said, " With your skin, and your body, this dress will float on you. We must go!"

She grabs Simone by the hand, motions to one of the other salesladies to help her in the dressing room.

The second saleslady came over to Chad, who was over in the more elaborate male costumes.

" I don’t think that they would be right on you."

" No?", Chad asked.

" No. You would be best suited for an outfit from the past. A Classic outfit from the past." She unzipped a bag, and inside was a tuxedo. " This is an authentic 1925 tuxedo by the DeZane Brothers. They were outfitters of New Orleans society for nearly a century until their deaths in the 1970’s. This tuxedo, with this cape, also a Mardi Gras original design of theirs I think would look dashing on you." Chad looks at the outfit, and goes into the other dressing room.

She went over to Whitney and presented her with a 1940’s vintage Mardi Gras outfit in red and purple. Whitney looked at the outfit and shook her head, " It’s a little too ‘showy’ for me."

" It will be perfect.", the saleswoman assured her. She led Whitney to her boss’ office.

It was kismet, because all three came out at the same time: Simone, in a golden ballgown, harkening back to the 1800’s, Chad, in his 1920’s outfit, and Whitney, in her 1940’s siren gown. They looked stunning.

Just then, TC and Eve came into the shop and are stopped dead in their tracks.

"Whitney…Simone….. you look so….beautiful!", Eve says, the tears forming in her eyes.

" Awe, Mom…don’t. ", Simone admonishes.

" Yes, Mom…please don’t.", Whitney says, sharing her sister’s embarrassment. Sometimes her mother just got so ‘emotional’ about these types of things.

" Well, I understand your mother’s position, and she’s right. You are beautiful, and Chad, you’re one snazzy dude."

Chad beams as he says, " Thanks, Coach Russell."

" Well, T.C. Russell. Still as handsome as ever.", Desiree said, coming over to TC and Eve.

" Desiree, my mother said you had the best costume shop in all of New Orleans. Meet my wife, Eve."  Desiree extends her hand, and Eve takes it. " Since you’ve done such a wonderful job with my daughters, let’s see how you can fix up Eve and myself."

" Leave it to me, TC. Everything will be fine."

Whitney, Simone and Chad leave to get back into their street clothes and they come out as TC and Eve are discussing costumes with Desiree. " Mom, we’re going to go.", Whitney said.

" Whitney, would you stay? I’d like to talk to you about something.", Eve asked. " Chad, Simone, you can go on."

Chad and Simone leave. Once they get outside, Simone turns to Chad, " Well, what do you want to do, Chad?"

" You hungry? I found this terrific ice cream place."

" I bet I know what shop you’re talking about, and the answer is YES!" They leave on their way to the ice cream shop.

Whitney watches as Simone and Chad leave. TC is talking costumes with Desiree and Eve comes over to Whitney. " What is it, Mom?"

" I wanted to talk to you about Chad."

" Mom.."

" Whitney. I just want you to be honest with me. That’s really all your father and I want. You know that I’m not as fond of Chad as your father is, but, I am concerned about your feelings for him."

" My feelings?"

" Please, Whitney. I’m your mother. I know you."

" Mom, I don’t know what to say, because, in all honesty, I’m confused about my own feelings. I’ve never really had a boyfriend, and before Chad, no guys really interested me. He makes me mad and happy at the same time. He scares me and comforts me simultaneously. Do I make sense?"

" Yes. Oh Whitney…I’m just overprotective. I don’t want you making the wrong decision about a boy. Choosing the wrong boy to get involved with can ruin a young girl’s life, and you’re my daughter. I don’t want that for you."

" You think Chad’s the type to ruin a girl’s life?"

Eve thought about it awhile, and sighed. " No. I don’t. I don’t think he’s good enough for you, but, that’s my own hang-up about certain things. There’s nothing deficient  in Chad’s character that would lead me to believe that he would hurt you in any way. I may not want you to date him, but, that’s my preference, not because I think I have anything solid on him."

Whitney hugged her mother. " Thank you, Mom. I don’t think Chad is bad news either. He just challenges me. I’m not used to people challenging me."

Eve reaches out and touches Whitney’s face. " My baby girl. When did you become a woman? When I wasn’t watching?"

" You’ve watched me like a hawk, Mom."

" And, why do I sense a tone of bitterness in t hat remark?"

" Mom.."

" It’s OK, Whitney. I understand. I’ve always known how strict I was with you girls. I won’t apologize. It’s because I love you and always will."

Whitney nods. " I’ve always known that, Mom. Simone, too.", and she goes over to hug Eve.  " Now, let’s find you a terrific costume!", and they go and look at the choices of the saleslady.
 

" I knew this was the place you were talking about!", Simone said, as she dipped her spoon into her homemade pralines and cream ice cream. " Grandmere has been bringing me here since I was a little girl."

" It’s definitely Da Bomb, that’s for sure."

" So, what do you think Mom wanted to talk to Whitney about?"

" Probably me."

" You’re probably right. I don’t think my Mom hates you anymore, Chad. She’s just weary of you."

" Yeah, I’ve noticed. She’s not as frosty as she used to be towards me."

" It’s going to take her awhile. She’s not a bad person. She’s not even really that much of a snob. She’s just very protective of Whitney and me. She’s always been that way…hovering over us since we were kids. Sometimes, it’s hard to breathe."

" I can see that. But, she loves you, Simone. You don’t know how lucky you are."

" I do, know, Chad. Especially since meeting you." Simone looks at Chad with an open mouth. " I’m sorry, Chad. I must have sounded.."

" Naw, Simone. You were just telling the truth. I’ve made people all my life feel better about their homelives. Happens when you find someone with NO homelife. So, cut your Moms some slack, Simone. I would have given anything to have anybody in my life show 25% the amount of concern your mother and father show you."

" I know. I know that I’m lucky."

" I wanted to talk to you, Simone. About us."

" Us?", Simone says with a little hope in her voice.

" Yeah. I wanted you to know that I consider you one of my best friends. I just don’t mean in Harmony, I mean EVER."

" Oh, a friend."

" Yeah, a friend."

" It’s because you see me as a child, isn’t it? A little girl?"

" Simone, you’re not a little girl. You’re just not old enough for me."

" And Whitney is? She’s only 2 years older than I am!"

" But, we both know that Whitney is far older than her age is. She was born old. Too old with regards to certain things. Not old enough with regards to others."

" And, I’m an immature child.", Simone says sadly.

" Actually, you have what I think it’ll take Whitney years to get: a sense of bravery, Simone. PLEASE, don’t change that. Don’t be fearful. Be your brave self. Be the Simone that puts herself out there for her beliefs and her friends. When you argue for someone, they feel SO special. I know I have, the times you’ve stood by my side, when I didn’t even think I deserved defending. That courage, that sense of self, is something that Whitney doesn’t have. "

" But, she’s beautiful."

" And, so are you."

" You’re just saying that."

" No, if I was ‘just saying that’, I’d say you have a ‘nice personality’. But, you’re beautiful, Simone. Just not for me. There is some guy out there though, that will take a look at you and fall instantly."

" Yeah, where is he?", Simone pouts.

" Right around the corner. Simone, and it won’t be just one. It’s gonna be a whole bunch. Your dad is gonna have to beat them off."

" And, you know he’ll do it too.", Simone said, looking at Chad, and they both cracked up.

" Simone, that isn’t funny…it’s HILARIOUS!", and they cracked up some more. They know  that TC’s temper is no joke, but, it was so appropriate for this moment. Once they stopped laughing, Chad looked Simone in the eyes, and told her, " You know, he’s going to have to be a special guy. Because, he’s not only gonna have to deal with your dad. He’s gonna have to deal with ME too, because I’m not gonna have you goin’ out with any rif raf. "

" Oh, so it’s like that, is it?"

" Damn straight, Simone. I got your back."

Simone hugged Chad. " I’m glad we talked."

" Feel better?"

" Not now. But, I know I will."

And, they finished their ice cream.
 

The next few days go fast, as the house is transformed into a Mardi Gras wonderland. The decorations are lavish, and to all but the most jaded of partygoers would fail to be impressed by Madelaine Russell’s party.

Chad spent a great deal of time around the house, watching the level of detail that went into the evening. Madelaine even brought the previous year’s float onto her property.

Chad was sitting in the corner of the living room, watching the decorations when Piccola comes by.

" Impressed?"

" Yeah. Got to admit that I am. Where did she get a FLOAT?"

" Well, that’s on loan to her from her Krewe."

" Krewe?"

" Mardi Gras is divided amongst the different Social Clubs, or Krewes, as they’re called. Each Krewe builds their own float, has their own ball, and parade. You don ‘t go to a Ball unless you’re invited. We belong to the Zulu Krewe."

" Zulu?"

" Yes. Madelaine’s parents were among the original founders of the Zulu Krewe. Madelaine herself has been Queen of the Zulu’s a record five times. "

" I can see that."

" Well, you have to go dress. Tonight should be fun."

Chad leaves to go dress.

Everything is set. The guests are to arrive in less than 10 minutes. Madelaine is reigning over all, giving last minute orders, dressed fantastically in the costume that she wore when last named Zulu Queen. The headpiece alone took a month to make. But, she looks, and walks and has the presence of a Queen. It’s undeniable.

TC and Eve walk down the stairs and greet Madelaine.

" Mama, you look wonderful. As always." TC kisses his mother.

" Yes, Mother Russell, you do look fabulous."

" Thank you, Eve. And, I see Desiree was able to find something suitable for you too.", Madelaine says, through a faint smile.

" I agree. Eve looks absolutely beautiful.", TC saves, kissing his wife.

TC takes Eve by the hand, and they go out into the courtyard to look at the float.

Simone, Whitney and Chad all came down at the same time.

" Wow! You took look fabulous.", Chad says.

" You think?", Simone asks.

" Absolutely, Simone. You’re gonna knock some guy dead."

" Thanks.", Simone says sadly, finally realizing that it wouldn’t be him. " I’m going to go check out the float.", Simone says and leaves.

" Well, Miss Russell, you look like something out of a movie."

Whitney blushes. " You look pretty good yourself. But, something is missing." Whitney looks at Chad, examining him. " I know! Chad, the outfit came with a top hat. And that distinctive cane. "

" Whitney, that is so old-fashioned."

" Don’t let Grandmere hear you say that. A proper costume is one of the necessities of Mardi Gras. You don’t want to be in her doghouse, do you?"

" Oh, hell no. That’s the last place I want to be. I’ll go back and get it."

" Then, I’ll see you later?"

" Only if you save me a dance."

" I will.", she says shyly.

Chad goes upstairs, and Whitney goes outside. Several groups of people have already arrived, and Whitney sees Simone surrounded by three young men in costume. She smiled, happy to see her sister as a center of attention. Whitney looked over at her parents, who were on the float, talking with old family friends, one of whom Whitney knew had designed the float. She watched the closeness of her parents, always admiring the obviousness of their love, even after all this time.

The party seemed to pick up with rapid speed, with a majority of  the guests arriving within a 20 minute window. The house was teeming with people. And, in the middle of it all, was Madelaine DeLong Russell.

Madelaine went from group to group, enjoying her guests. She was totally in her element. The ultimate New Orleans hostess. This town was in her blood as deep as anything. Stylish, polite, witty, charming….she was as Southern as a Southern Belle could be, and you couldn’t help but admire her.

Madelaine was smiling to a guest across the room, as she stopped to talk to a waiter at the bottom of the stairs. TC caught his mother’s eye, and she winked to him, and he smiled back at her. He watched his mother, as her eyes went away from him, towards the stair case. He watched, in slow motion, as his mother’s smile evaporated from her face, to where a look of shock, then horror came across it, and the next thing he knew, his mother had collapsed on the floor.

" Mama!", TC yelled, rushing across the room.

Chad was already holding Madelaine in his arms. " Mrs. Russell? Mrs. Russell? Are you OK? Are you Ok?", he was saying.

Eve, having heard TC’s yell, was on her way to Madelaine. " Let me through. I’m a doctor. "

She got to Madelaine, who was still out cold, and took her pulse. " Her pulse is racing, TC."

" Let’s take her to the Library.", Eve commands.

TC picked his mother up, and took her into the Library. Eve ordered a maid to bring her a cold compress. Chad joined them in the Library, as did Whitney, Simone, and Piccola, who was walking furiously fast with her walker.

" Eve? How is she?", TC asked.

Just then, Madelaine began to come to. " What happened?"

" You fainted, Mother Russell. How are you feeling?"

" I fainted? Why?" Madelaine looked around the room, and stopped when her eyes fell upon Chad.

" You know why, Madelaine.", Piccola said. " You haven’t been taking care of yourself. You’ve been too involved with this party. Eve, Theodore, you can leave now.  I’ll look after Madelaine."

" Miz Piccola, I don’t mean you disrespect, but, maybe Mother Russell needs medical attention."

" Nonsense. I’ve been lookin’ after Madelaine since the day she was born. I’m not stopping now. Now, you go on. ESTHER!", Piccola yells.

A maid appears in the doorway. " M’am?"

" Get Mrs. Russell and myself some of my special tea."

" Yes, M’am."

Madelaine looked at TC, who was clearly worried. " I’ll be fine, Theodore. Piccola’s always taken good care of me."

" Alright, Mama." TC kisses his mother and they all leave.

Piccola sat on the table, holding Madelaine’s hand.

" I’m sorry you had to go through that, Madelaine."

" Piccola……Piccola…." Madelaine says, with tears forming in her eyes.

" I know…..I know. Maybe you should go up and rest for the duration of tonight."

" The party…."

" Will go on, Madelaine. It was brilliantly planned by you, so you know how well things are going on out there. You don’t need to be upset anymore. We both know what has you upset. You don’t need to see it again. "

Esther returns with the tea, and Madelaine and Piccola drink their cups in silence. After it’s finished, they make their way towards the back of the house, where Madelaine’s parents had an elevator installed years ago. They take it upstairs, and Piccola takes Madelaine into her room. She helps her out of her costume, and into her nightgown. Piccola puts Madelaine to bed. She sits on the edge of the bed and holds Madelaine’s hand.

" You were a baby when your Mama put you in my arms and made me promise to keep you safe. I promised her all those years ago."

" You kept it, Piccola."

" I’ve tried. "

Piccola stayed there until the mild sedative in the tea put Madelaine to sleep. Piccola got up and left the room to rejoin the party.