Southern Belles, A Novel about Love, Purpose & Second Chances by Sarah Dzuris Anderson
Chapter 19: La Bonne Vie
CeCe had settled into Paris leaving just before Labor Day to start her fourth and final year of undergraduate school. She found a nice Christian family to live with that helped make her feel comfortable and safe. The mother of the home was a volunteer coordinator for various social service agencies. CeCe was able to try out several volunteer placements while she worked on her French and took classes at the university there. She sent me at least one postcard a week. In return, I sent her my weekly column from the newspaper along with a freshly colored masterpiece from Lucy. I could hear pieces of the CeCe I knew and loved written in her postcards—telling of the adventures she’d been on and exploring her life’s purpose. On one particular postcard, she shared how she had started volunteering at a girl’s home. She met girls that had been abused, some on drugs, and some that had gotten pregnant and left to fend for themselves before they even reached their fifteenth birthday. Every postcard after that included stories about one of her experiences at the girl’s home. I could hear something rising up in her. It was passion and a determination to give hope to these girls who had never known the definition of love. These young girls had been rejected, abandoned, and their future’s cursed from attaining the good life. CeCe knew what it was to feel alone and hopeless. She could identify with them and knew how it felt to feel like a mistake and a failure. CeCe had finally found what made her truly happy—a high that no drug contained—bringing life and hope into the cold, dark world these girls survived in. In the midst of giving all she had to offer, CeCe found the peace she needed to forgive herself and turn her pain into someone else’s freedom. She attended church and began a friendship with God she had strayed away from earlier in life for feeling she was a letdown to Him. She learned to laugh again, and love the person she was and the one she was becoming. She began to respect herself in a way that upheld her dignity and made her even more beautiful than she already was. She was finding security, in her identity, for the first time and didn’t have to hide behind her skills, charm, or wit. I enjoyed getting her postcards; I was happy that she was finding happiness again.
In the meantime, I stayed busy working towards my Bachelor’s for journalism while working part-time at the newspaper. My columns were successful and I was promoted to writing half-page articles for the newspaper. I picked up my book, again, and made several revisions to tell the true story of two southern belles who would forever be best friends despite the good and the bad. I had only three chapters to go until it was complete.
At Christmas time, CeCe surprised me and came home for two weeks. I was so excited to wrap my arms around her. She brought Lucy a Parisian doll with matching dress for her to wear. She brought me a pair of beautiful hand-made silver and sapphire earrings. It was after I saw that CeCe was in the best place of life that I told her about Eric and me. She was quiet at first and said very little. She listened mostly and after a few moments, smiled warmly and said she was happy for me. She said that she was glad I was happy and deserved a good guy in my life. I thanked her and apologized for not telling her earlier—that I didn’t want to upset her. I told her that we were just friends for the longest time and held off from being anything other than just friends but eventually grew closer as we spent more time together. On Christmas Eve, CeCe and her parents gathered with my whole family, Eric and I on the farm. For Christmas, Eric had gotten me my first cell phone. I was so excited. I felt bad for only getting him a pair of sterling-silver cufflinks shaped like a treble clef. He said he really liked the cufflinks and was happy I liked the cell phone. After celebrating at our home, we all went to mass and afterwards Richie, CeCe, Eric and I went to Tru Rox for late night munchies. Eric and I kept our usual hand-holding and flirting to a minimal in front of CeCe, out of respect. She shared some funny stories, at the diner, about her accidently ordering Tete de Veau at an upscale restaurant one day. It wasn’t until after she took a few bites that her waiter asked her how she liked the veal brains. She thought she had ordered steak. She recalled running to the bathroom to vomit up as much as she could. Since that day, she has become a staunch vegetarian, she laughed as she told us the story. She told Eric and Richie about the girl’s home that she’d been volunteering at and stole all of our attentions with the stories of heartbreak and healing. She was fervent about what she was doing and planned on coming back to the states after she finished up school to work at a girl’s home. Her dream was to, one day open a home for girls that would provide support and care for girls who’d been abused, raped, pregnant, and girls with eating disorders and depression. She also wanted to offer hope and counseling for women who’d felt an unbearable loss after having an abortion. She was captivating when she spoke. Anyone who heard her talk about her dream couldn’t help but be pulled into her visions of greatness. Her zeal was magnetic and she was absolutely beautiful. I knew she would do great things and achieve her dream. I was so proud of her and moved by her charisma that she inspired me to finish the last three chapters of my book.
Before CeCe left for her last semester in France, I gave her a copy of my book to take with and read on the plane. Although, I hated to see her leave, I knew I would see her in five months and this time she’d be here to stay. I drove to the airport with Lucy, CeCe and her parents to see her off. I hugged her and told her how proud I was to be her best friend and that I loved her. I stood hand-in-hand with Lucy and waved goodbye to CeCe as she walked down the corridor to board the plane. From the floor-to-ceiling windows, we watched her plane pull away and take off. I reached for Bev’s hand as her plane soared high. I could see tears running down from beneath her sunglasses. She hugged me briefly and bent down to take Lucy’s hand and head towards the parking lot. Bev and James had gotten closer to Lucy almost as if they were filling a space that could have been a what-if. Lucy had taken to them and it made my heart happy to see them enjoy her presence. I followed slowly behind as I took one more look at CeCe’s almost non-existent dot in the sky. Streams of white clouds were all I could see before I turned back around to catch up with them.
Around five AM one early February morning, I awoke to a phone call from CeCe. I had been in a deep sleep snuggling with Lucy when my cell phone rang. I grabbed it after about the fourth ring. CeCe’s voice was squeaky and she was talking so fast.
“Char I met the most incredible man today. I’m so sorry it’s early and I probably woke you up but I just had to call you. I’m so excited. He’s so sweet and wonderful and funny and kind and Ahhh…awesome.”
“That’s great CeCe.” I moaned with my eyes still closed half asleep.
“Okay, I won’t keep you on the phone but I just had to tell you. I think I’m in love.”
“What?” I opened my eyes.
“I know it’s crazy but I can’t help it.”
My mind flashed back to Skylar and I remembered feeling that way about him after only a few hours. A pang of tightness sat on my chest. “It’s not crazy Ce. I’ve been there before—I’m happy for you.”
“Thanks, I’m happy for me too.” She giggled elatedly.
“Is he a cute Frenchmen?” I asked, barely waking up.
“No, he’s American but that’s okay. He could take on a Frenchmen any day.”
“What’s his name?”
“Christian but he usually goes by Chris.”
“That’s a nice name.” I said, looking at the ceiling.
“It is—isn’t it? Christian and CeCe sound good, doesn’t it?” She said in a perky voice.
I smiled at her enthusiasm at five AM in the morning. “CeCe it sounds great.”
“Okay, I know you were sleeping so I’m getting off the phone with you. I love you and I’m so happy!”
“I love you and I’m so happy you’re so happy CeCe. I’ll talk to later.”
“Bye Char. Kiss Lucy for me.”
“Bye Ce, I will kiss her for you. Love you.” I said before hanging up the phone.
Almost awake, I laid there for a few minutes,
In March, after the final edits to my book were made, I sat down with my boss at the newspaper. I gave him a copy of my book and gave him a short [hour-long] synopsis of my book pouring my heart into every detail I shared. He flipped through several pages and sat it down on his desk.
“So, what do you think?”
“What do you want me to do with it? We publish small-town newspapers not novels here, Char.” He said curtly.
“Sir, I know what we do here. But I’ve read your books and I know you’re a writer at heart. I’m a writer at heart. This is my story and I just need someone to help me get it out there. You’re that person for me—you can help me get it out there.” I pleaded with him smiling, with nervous energy at times, exposing my mile-deep dimples.
“Why would I do that?” He looked at me from below his thick bushy eyebrows.
“Because I know you know a good story when you see one. I’m that story. I just need someone to believe in me.”
“I can’t make any promises. I’ll read it when I get some time and tell you what you need to revise.” He said shooing me away with his hands. “Get back to work now; we’ve got deadlines around here.”
“Oh thank you. Okay, I’m going back to work. Thank you again.” I said as I ducked out of the office, smiling.
I peeked around the corner a moment later. I caught him reading my manuscript. I stayed fixed on his facial expressions for a minute or two before he looked right up at me.
“Oh sorry, I just wanted to say thank you again.” I smiled and waved before I dashed out of his sight embarrassed and ecstatic that he was reading my book.
Two weeks later, I found my manuscript in a manila folder on my desk. I quickly opened it up and flipped through each page cautiously. There was nothing. On the very last page of the very last sentence stood a period placed there by red ink. Below it read ‘not bad kid’.
“Not bad? What does that mean? Not bad but not so good either?” I rushed at my boss—frustrated at his one red spot and three word response to my 300-page blood, sweat and tears.
“It means I passed it on to some friends at a small publishing company. You’ll probably make only a few dollars but you’ll have published a book at the ripe old age of twenty-one? Twenty-two?” He asked.
“It’s getting published?”
“I didn’t say that. They have to read it and see if they like your story.” He said with a flat affect.
“Oh my goodness—I could be a published writer?” I screamed, running over to him kissing his cheek spontaneously.
“Oh wow, Oh, calm down there young lady. There will be none of that here.” He said pulling away.
“I’m sorry I’m just so happy. This book is a part of me—it’s like another child.” I said ecstatically. “Thank you for passing that along. I know you didn’t have to—so thank you.”
“Do you work around here—I mean other than on your book?”
“Yes, sorry. I’m going now. Thank you again.”
I ran out of his office and did a happy dance around the corner before I felt someone watching me.
“Hmm.” I heard him clear his throat.
“Working, I’m going now.” I smiled and continued on to my desk before turning around to catch a glimpse of him smiling.
That night I got home and told my parents. I told Eric and called CeCe. I told her that it was; hopefully, only a matter of time before my first book was published. I asked all of them to pray that someone would see the heart I put into the book. CeCe encouraged me. She said that my book was destined to be a number -one best seller with the New York Times. I giggled at her comment and daydreamed about the possibility of that. I continued working at the newspaper while working on my journalism degree. I welcomed CeCe’s postcards and stories. She was madly in love and having the best time of her life. It was only a year ago that her life had been in shambles. A lot had happened over the past year and we were all blossoming into the lives we had dreamt about as kids.
I waited patiently for weeks after my boss submitted the manuscript. I hadn’t heard anything. I bothered him about once a week but he hadn’t heard anything either. I began worrying about the manuscript being rejected or sold or anything that would cause it to fail. The longer it took, the more I began to doubt myself. Eric continued to encourage me but it was hard to comfort my heart which had birthed this story out of love and patience. It had taken several years to finish the book. I couldn’t wait any longer. Every time I heard the phone rang, I ran to it hoping it was the publishing company.
On May 1, 1999 at about 4:30 PM, I received a call from a Mrs. Kisielewski from Chance Publishing. She said she had received my book amongst a stack of many others. She loved my book, with one exception—it needed a new ending. All but the last three chapters could stay. It needed to leave the reader wanting more at the end. We talked briefly and she said that if I could rework those chapters and get it back to her within four weeks, I may get it published. A few days later, I received the manuscript back with several remarks and positive feedback. I thought about the ending. My book portrayed two strong women, who stuck by each other through life’s challenges and joys with great characters peppered throughout. The ending left off with the two best friends finding happiness. My character ended up with a great guy that should probably have ended up with the best friend. I thought about Eric and CeCe. CeCe had found true love and it wasn’t Eric. I, on the other hand, had found a great friend but it wasn’t the love I wrote about when I spoke of Skylar’s character. I pondered this for many days, trying to figure out how I could rewrite the ending to allow the reader to feel like a part of their world.
A week after the phone call with Mrs. Kisielewski, CeCe called. I could tell something was up. She had been on top of the world for several months now. She could barely contain herself.
“Char, are you sitting down?”
“No, are you okay?”
“I’m fine—super fine actually.”
“Good CeCe. What’s going on?”
“Okay, are you ready?”
“Yes CeCe, tell me already.”
“Are you sure?” She asked giggling.
“Yes—go ahead before I fall asleep.”
“So, you know how I’m in love with the most incredible person in the world?”
“Yes, you tell me every time we talk.”
“Well I’m going to be a Mrs. soon—Christian asked me to marry him!”
“Oh my goodness! Really?”
“Yes, I’m so excited. I had to call my parents first and tell them before I called you. But you were next. It’s so cu
“You haven’t known him that long—are you sure you’re ready for this?” I asked skeptically, not even having met him myself.
“Yes, I’m sure. When you know—you know.” She quipped.
“Please don’t get offended but you’re not pregnant are you?” I asked cautiously.
“Okay, I would usually take offense to that but because I’m so stinking happy I’ll just ignore you said that. No—I’m not pregnant. Besides it’s not possible. We haven’t had sex. We want to do it right—with my past and his strong conviction not to take something from me until it’s his rightfully.”
“Wow.” I said. “I’m sorry and I am very happy for you. When’s the big date?”
“So, I know it’s kind of crazy but we don’t want to wait—well mostly I don’t want to wait. I want to attack his body and he won’t let me until our wedding night. Also, you know how I’ve always wanted to get married at the Greyfield Inn on Cumberland Island—they only have one opening all summer and it’s in three weeks. So my mother is booking it today and is sending out last minute invites tomorrow. I don’t really care who comes as long as you’re there.”
“Three weeks—are you sure you’re not rushing this?” I asked, surprised by the engagement and a shotgun wedding.
“Yes, we’re rushing it but it’s okay. Really, it’s okay, I’m happy.”
“Just tell me what you need me to do and I’ll do it.” I said trying to support my best friend who was having a break in sanity.
“I’m sending you a checklist—my mother will call you to get together soon. I won’t be able to come back until about three days before the wedding because I have graduation over here and my parents are flying over for a few days and then flying back with me.”
“You won’t be here until 3 days before your wedding? Do you even have a wedding dress? What am I wearing?”
“No worries, I’m picking out my dress here and I will be bringing back my bridesmaids dresses too.”
“Oh, okay.”
“You don’t need to worry dear. My mother is hiring a wedding planner today and she is paying her well to get everything done ahead of time. There’s only a few things on my checklist—no worries.”
“Okay, well I just want to see you some before you run away with Mr. Perfect—and I never see you again CeCe.”
“I promise we will spend time together. I will always make time for you and Lucy.”
“I know. It’s just that it’s so sudden. I wasn’t expecting to hear that from you but I’m happy for you.”
“It’s only a matter of time before it happens for you too Char. Eric’s great and a keeper for sure. In fact, if I weren’t marrying Christian, I might try stealing him away from you.” She joked.
“Hmm…you’re funny CeCe. Thanks, Eric is great but I don’t know if he’s the one.”
“What do you mean?”
“He’s wonderful in every way. It’s just that the few hours I did spend with Skylar, forever ago, ruined it for anyone else. I know it’s ridiculous because Eric is pretty wonderful.”
“Yeah, Eric is pretty wonderful. A good guy is hard to come by.” CeCe said firmly.
“I know. Forget about me. I’m very happy for you and I’m happy too. It’s a day to celebrate your great news!”
“Thanks, I’ll see you soon. I’ve got to call some more people and the rest of my bridesmaids—tell Richie he’s going to be a bridesman.”
“Ha-ha, he’ll love that. I hope you got him something pretty to wear.” I giggled. “I love you and congratulations again.”
“Oh wait—I forgot to tell you…I cut my hair short and it’s so cute.”
“You did? I bet it’s beautiful, CeCe.”
“I love it—it’s just past my chin. I can’t wait to show it to you. Okay, I love you and can’t wait to see you and Lucy soon. Bye.”
“Thanks, I love you too CeCe. Bye-bye.” I said, before hanging up the phone.
The next few weeks flew by and I was still plotting up different endings for my book. Time was running out soon and I was busy with work and CeCe’s wedding. I was out of school for the semester and that helped to free up some of my time.
CeCe called after graduation to fill me in on the ceremony. She said that she made sure to take plenty of pictures to show me when she got back tomorrow afternoon. Her parents were already home and getting ready for the wedding. She invited Lucy, Eric and I over for dinner tomorrow night at her parents to meet Christian and his parents.
I accepted the offer, despite my busy schedule, so I could see CeCe and meet the love of her life.