story tale
Nov. 23rd, 2016 02:09 pmThe cellar of the "Baroque"
The cellar of the "baroque"
Part 1
Julien still had the head full of the reproaches that he had addressed Aline, his wife. Annoyed by the catch of OCI that lasted for nearly three months, it had led to a single deals of the capital up to the village.
Plantes Médicinales Weird Planets -
Plantes Médicinales Weird Planets -
Acérola Vitamine C Weird Planets -
Aloe Vera Weird Planets -
Artichaut Weird Planets -
Ashwagandha Weird Planets -
Boswellia Serrata Weird Planets -
Café Vert Weird Planets -
Cannabis Weird Planets -
Chardon Marie Weird Planets -
Before slamming the door following an ultimate dispute, he was seized of the keys to the House of his grand-parents, (precisely the subject of the dispute with Aline). In passing through the village, he was reviewing its life of adolescent paraded in front of his eyes. This was a long time that it was not income on the places of his childhood. He found that the agglomeration had not changed much, apart from the renovation of a few showcases shops. When he sailed along at a reduced speed the market place, he remembered have often accompanied his grand-father Cyprian for parts of balls, moments of pleasure especially to the counting of points, it was folk. The boulistes braillaient gesticulaient and by measuring the distances that separated the balls to the cochonnet, each wanting to have won. This always ended in a good mood and at the counter of the coffee, the Loser paid the aperitif and him, had the right to his favorite drink, a diabolo mint.
It was only twenty hours and yet the streets were already deserted. He went to park his car on the municipal parking lot, just next to the town hall. Passing in front of the supermarket "BASINO" at the entrance to the village on the road from the capital, he had made his races as well it could enter directly to rest. The day had been exhausting, his moral to zero. He longed to lie down and fall asleep to the faster for more think of nothing. He felt empty of all substances.
It Fila a not hurry toward the street of fortune. The home of his maternal grandfather was the only one in the village to have a fills embellished with an eye of beef and balusters in plaster bordering the two front balconies. Now that he was reviewing the house with the eyes of adult, he had to agree that the ancestor had had of taste, it is he himself who had made the plans. With its facade on two levels and its windows in spiders, it was to be the more plush, at least the most stylish. It was nothing like the other houses the most traditional of the village that is why all the people of the corner had dubbed the "baroque".
As soon as he opened the door, a musty smell made him remember that it was not come for a very long time. The last time, Aline had deigned to accompany, it who does not bore the life that to the capital, she had made an effort and had remained a weekend in "This village at the end of the world" as it is called. By misfortune, it had rained during the two full days which had not helped to change of opinion.
In the hall, its not resounded. He had it all kept in the State, furniture covered with sheets in order to protect it from dust. He went out the packet of candles that he had thought to buy. He kindled two, taking into coast to coast in his left hand while he closed the door of entry. He crossed the lobby and the dining room, went directly to the House of his grand-father, on the ground floor, that to the side of the Blue Lounge. In the great wall cupboard, it chooses a thick comforter, Planta the two candles in a vase in the Earth installed on the night table. He got rid of his overcoat on the backrest of the seat and lay all dressed on the bed. It blew the candles and went up the comforter up to Menton. He slept at the moment where it was found in the black.
A ray of light mischievous crept through the hole of wear of the old component in wood and came the Teasing on the face, which woke up. His surprised look swept the room quickly, surprised to wake up in an unusual decor. Very soon, he remembered that he was in the House of the grand-father Cyprian. It stretched under the Comforter cozy. He felt better this morning. The voltage of the eve the had left. He spent in the toilet, so much the worse, it would draw the hunting of water later when it would reset the counter running but before, he washed the teeth with the brush, the toothpaste and a bottle of mineral water purchased the Eve. It is aspergea the face, quickly passed his hands in the hair for the discipline. He was hungry, his last meal dated of yesterday noon. Its shows marked eight hours. He decided to go to take his breakfast at "Loulou and Simone".
In the bar of the village, Loulou was busy behind the counter to serve the usual customers who were hustling to drink their little black before going to work. As soon as he saw Julien came, he lifted up his arm to the sky.
- Salvation Julien, my friend! That is a long time ago that we do t has not seen in the corner. When es-tu arrived? Thou art come alone? Asked-t-it by launching a quick glance behind Julien.
- Hi my Loulou! He replied with a tone of jovial. The answers are: yesterday evening to the first question, and yes, to the second badina Julien content to see well welcomed by his old friend.
Loulou had quickly made the tour of the zinc and came to its meeting, the open arms. They gave a warm hug under the astonished eyes of Simone who could not recall the' have already seen.
- Simone, i te presents Julien, my best friend. He came home to his grandparents all the summers for the school holidays to the "baroque". We we are known as early as the age of seven years. We immediately sympathized, we were pals as pig, all the nonsense we have made together. You remember, Julien, C was the beautiful life, without worry!
- Yes, I liked come to my grandparents because they left me a lot of freedom. When my mother the criticized them, My grandfather always responded:
- My daughter, parents have the duty to educate their children, grandparents, them, have the duty to spoil their grandchildren. Therefore, I want my unique grandson is pleased to spend the holiday in our company. I want it to keep good memories of us.
- It is true, I remember. You had grandparents sensational. For me it was different, my mother always resisted, she was the only one for M to raise, me and Florence, my sister. I understand now that it was exceeded by the events and I adds to its discharge that I was particularly turbulent.
Does Not Remain standing, come and sit at the counter, I could chat while serving customers. What is you take?
- Give me a coffee with milk and two croissants, I have a hungry Wolf, I have nothing in the stomach since yesterday afternoon replied Julien by settling on a stool.
When Julien removed his overcoat, Simone noticed that his pants and its walks were creased. It made no note but understood that Julien had to have a problem. When she took Loulou aside and mit aware of its deductions, Loulou Countered:
- It is good of the psychology of "good women" here, to understand that a man has problems because his clothes are not ironed. And he began to laugh in returning to serve the customers.
Simone was upset. She knew, his Loulou was sexist. As usual, as soon as it progressed a personal idea on some facts, Loulou The always referred to the rank of "good Women" which corresponded to him, to say "Men have a brain, women have a brain". Well, he was going to see Loulou if its Simone was right or wrong!
There was no more that a customer seated at the bottom of the room. Simone wiped the glasses behind the counter. She spoke to Julien who finished its second growing.
- You are going to stay a long time in the "baroque"?
- I do not know, perhaps a week! Replied Julien the mouth full.
Loulou The fixa with insistence. His expressive look wanted to say - it te look! - Simone fit that which saw nothing. She continued:
- your wife will soon join you?
- Simone! Exploded Loulou. You exaggerate to ask personal questions.
- Not! This does nothing! Loulou. No, I do not think, Simone, because I am angry party of the House. It does not know where I am and it has not given blow of wire.
- Oh! This should not be serious. All couples have difficult moments hastened to respond Simone compassionate.
- Yes, continued Loulou, don't worry, Julien. Thee at least, thou hast the beautiful life. Thou hast an excellent business, engineer in electronics and more in a large box foreign. A nice family of three children. This will arrange quickly.
- Well! Let us talk about the excellent work. Everything to begin three months ago when I received a letter from the branch m learner that the company B.M.I. was going to be relocated in India and that I would have a promotion if I decided to emigrate. You think although to forty-five years I can not, all the more that two of the children are going to the university. It is a back door way for me to resign since the company wants to "degrease" as they say. Although Aline is still working as a pharmacist at the Center Hospitalier Universitaire, our train of life to dramatically declined. It is difficult to find work. As soon as I indicate my age, employers do not withhold my candidacy. Aline loses its cold blood, she is afraid of the future. She would like that I sell the "baroque" for us bail out. Me, I am not in agreement to sell the house. On his death bed, grand-father Cyprian had made him swear to my parents and ME also never sell the "baroque".
I can still hear say:
- Never sell the "Baroque", you do not need to use. If a day, you are in the discomfort, come and you install a few time, you will see, this House is a true treasure!
That is why, after the early death of my parents caused by a terrible car accident and after the fact, that of my grand-mother, I have never wanted to sell the "baroque". Aline does not understand why I am both attached, it encourages me to sell.
Loulou cried a long sigh.
- Ah women! It is often a thorn in the flesh!
Simone was not able to contain:
- Go ahead, yet one of your favorite reflections against women! Definitely, you do changeras ever! I …
- if it pleases you, cut Julien, embarrassed to be at the origin of the altercation, do not argue!
- thou hast reason, Julien. Simone! Do the embêtons not with our small disputes.
No need to Simone to respond. Has the nerve manner in which she wiped the glasses, Julien realized she refoulait his anger against Loulou.
He decided to leave. He preferred not to be present when the storm was going to burst between the cafes.
Once out of the coffee, he decided to go to the cemetery to gather on the tomb of his grand-parents. He spent in front of the store of flowers, unfortunately he opened only to ten hours. The journey until the cemetery was not long and the pleasant stroll. He prayed to a time before the tomb or rather left wander its thinking.
It is Revit in the kitchen of the "baroque" experimenting biscuits under the pleasant ferrule of his grand-mother Victoria. The crazy-laughs returned to the ear, often the kitchen finished bleached by clouds of flour, the utensils Salis covered the sink and the table, a true field of battle. Grand'Mère Victoria was "the Grand'Mère cakes" that any child would love to have said it in reviewing the space of a moment his soft face and always smiling.
The image is blotted out, leaving a part of fishing in the river lined with trees which winds at the foot of the mountains. The best place to fish for after grand-father was instead-said of the "Old Mill". They returned sometimes with one or two taken, it was fun and playful. Grand'Mère always fashioned a cold meal succulent and grand-father reserved the privilege of choosing the wine. She accompanied them although it did not appreciate the fishery. It benefited to paint, it placed his easel in the gap, she did not like that we look at its table as long as it was not finished.
At the time, it was not realized that it had as much talent. His landscapes and still lifes that adorn all parts of the House are beautiful.
The Bell of the chapel of the cemetery rang at any fly. She came out of his thoughts.
On the path of the return, he pensa take his lunch at the hostel that it had identified at the entrance of the village and then rétracta As soon in remembering that he had bought the eve everything it needed to make a good in-case.
He walked in the alleys, spent in front of the Church, the presbitaire, herbal, bakery, and many other stores which reminded him at any moment of the segments of his early childhood. Toward noon he returned to the "baroque".
He prepared a sandwich ham and cheese. He had thought to buy butter and some fruit for dessert but by against, it had completely forgotten the wine.
It lit a candle to go to the cave that he knew full of good bottles.
He went down with caution the few steps. The cellar was immense, it was approximately the area on the ground floor of the House. He found himself in front of many racks, it had only the embarrassment of the choice. It set aside the canvases of spiders before removing a bottle at the chance of a locker dusty. In any way, in the glow of the candle, there was not much to choose from. He climbed back slowly taking into a bottle of a hand and the spark plug on the other.
At the time of install the bottle on the kitchen table, he heard type with insistence on the door of entry.
He went to open and was pleasantly surprised to see Loulou.
- Between, Loulou! You graves to PIC, I was going to open a bottle of wine. Thou shalt say what you think. Thee, thou must there know!
- This must be of good wine answered Loulou. Your grandfather being wine dealer, it should not drink "of the Piquette". Ah! In fact, I came for t invite him to come to lunch with us at the coffee shop. Simone has cooked a good Coq au Vin and she insisted that thou joignes to us.
- I am prepared a sandwich that I was going to drag with the wine of grand-father but if you take me by the feelings, I cannot resist a coq au vin replied Julien laughing. Well! Let us take the bottle, we the boirons together.
Julien grabbed the bottle, covered in dust and the rolled in newspaper that he had marked on a chair.
Part 2
Simone had already prepared a table in the bottom of the room.
- here we are, my Simone exclaimed Loulou.
Julien understood as soon as Simone and Loulou had rabibochés. It received them with its most beautiful smile.
- I have brought a bottle which originates in the cellar of my grand-father, I hope that it will not be corked. I was going to the open at the time where Loulou arrived to invite me.
- Thank you, Julien. Sit down. Loulou, opens it during that I bring the entry.
The last customer had just come out, they could eat without be disturb.
Loulou opened the neck of the bottle always packed. He grabbed the corkscrew and opened carefully.
Simone brought the quiche lorraine just output of the oven. Loulou served the wine.
- To Your Health trinqua Loulou. Simone lifted up his glass also.
- Has the two of you! Replied Julien.
Loulou TIF turn the liquid in the glass to foot, he appreciated the ruby red color of the dress, the huma the content and then aspirations a small quantity. He did pass from one side to the other of the mouth which inflating her cheeks alternately, (gesture of professional tester). Julien the watched with a smile Thrasher because he thought that his boyfriend in was a little too much for a bottle of wine that his grandfather had the buy at the corner grocery store. Finally, Loulou Avala the wine. He Frowned. Rested abruptly the glass. Without a word, he tore the paper Journal. Julien was ashamed, the bottle was frankly covered with a thick layer of dust. He lives his buddy was cleaning the Label with frenzy.
- the name of God, Julien! Exulta-t-he is shaking in his chair as a owned. Name of God!!!! Repeated-t-it. It gesticulait and shouted for joy while shaking the head.
Simone was angry.
- Do not blasphemy, Loulou! Thou hast not ashamed of evil spoke of the religion?
Julien took not the insult to the clergy, him, he was worried for his buddy Loulou who seemed disturbed.
- Loulou, quiet-toi! The wine is it so bad that you lose the ball?
- tastes, Julien and thee also Simone answered Loulou a little more quiet.
They are executed. Simone enjoyed immediately the beverage.
- C is an excellent wine! I can say that I have not bu of such a quality since a very long time.
Julien was in agreement. He nodded his head as a sign of approval.
- It is true that it is friendly the wine of grand-father Cyprian.
- My Julien, replied Loulou energized in him tending the bottle and it is also true that thou art nil in wines. Thou findest friendly a vintage Bordeaux, a Mouton Rothschild of 1932, my poor Julien, I hope that thou art best in electronic! It is simply "the little Jesus in the panties of velvet". You realize how Ta bottle must cost? No, to see thy head, I do not believe!
Bewildered, Julien examined the Label with attention.
- It is incredible! I took a bottle at random. I wonder if there is other of this quality in the cellar of grand-father or if it is a unique bottle, can be a gift from a grateful client.
Loulou went a crazy laugh:
- Well, the generous donor was to be called Onassis or the Shah of Persia for make a gift If prestigious!
- Do you really think that it has as much value as you say ? Asked Simone surprised of the great knowledge of its Loulou in oenology.
- I do not know its exact value but you can trust me, this bottle is inaccessible for lambdas drinkers.
Simone was chagrinée to see its quiche cool in the plates.
- start to eat, quiche will be cold!
- Eat resumed Julien and then we will visit the cellar of the "baroque".
The meal was excellent. The coq au vin de Simone, a small wonder, in addition, accompanied by this Mouton Rothschild, closing the eyes, Julien would have believed in the restaurant The most famous of the capital.
- Simone, I congratulate you for this wonderful meal complimenta Julien as soon as the last bite of the chocolate mousse swallowed. It was the feast of a king, I gives you "the three stars Julien" plaisanta-t-it.
- Simone reddens with pleasure, the compliment him went right to the heart.
Loulou badina:
- say rather that it is the "Mouton Rothschild" who has embellished the ordinary.
Simone glanced furious with her husband. Without a word, it served the table and returned with the cafes.
Loulou sheepishly leaned over to Simone, gave him a small pat on the shoulder and attempted to explain:
- Tu es a stove out peer, my Simone, I wanted to say that this bottle of exceptional wine had completed with wonder the scrumptious meal.
Simone realized that it was his way to apologize. It is Garda to respond, took the Party of smile and Changed topic:
- Drink quickly the coffee and will inspect the cellar of the grand-father Cyprian.
Fitted with electric lamps, they found themselves in the cellar, in the bottom of the stairs.
- wow! Exclaimed Loulou, this cellar is immense. This is the first time that I y between.
Simone took her husband by the arm for fear of falling into the black. Julien who had entered the first, their was a sign of the follow up to the bottom of the cellar.
- C is the cave of Ali Baba exclaimed Loulou amazed to see that all the racks without exception were filled with bottles.
Silent Simone applied to pass between the cobwebs hanging out of the vaulted ceilings. Julien stopped at random in front of a rack, it opened a bottle and handed it to Loulou. Julien enlighten the bottle of his lamp during that his friend was cleaning the bottle. Six eyes look forward set the label wishing to know quickly the provenance. Loulou could not retain its enthusiasm, it clama:
- Bingo! Julien, thou hast won the jackpot!
- What? What do you say? Asked Julien.
Loulou épela slowly to that her boyfriend is permeates much of the information.
- Cha-teau of Y-quem, Sau-ter-NES of 1903.
- It is a good thought? Hastened to ask Julien.
Loulou is énerva.
- Tu te moques me? When I think that your great-grandfather was a trader in wines deemed in the region and in the whole country. I do not understand that it does not has ever initiated. Of course it is a good thought, it is even a bottle that collectors t buy to price of gold.
Julien remained speechless. Her eyes was the coming and going between Loulou and the bottle.
- eh! Julien! Wake up! Let us look in the other racks. Julien handed the bottle to its place and spent in the last row in the deepest of the cellar. It chooses a bottle and Loulou took yet of the cleaned.
- Good God!!!! The latter is a Bordeaux Pétrus. Let us look at later. And this time he announced a Romancee Conti. Julien, i te guaranteed that thou hast The Cellar The better supplied throughout the country. Your grandfather t has left a large bonanza.
- How do you know the different wines and their values? Julien asked in a state of excitement advanced.
- You know me. I have never liked the school, for me learn was a true torment. By contrast, toward TEN-seven years I fell by chance on a book of Oenology and since then I am interested and I continues to inform me on the best wines of the country and elsewhere. It has become a passion. This is not because I sell the ordinary wine at the bar that I do not know. In addition, each year, I am going to all the exhibitions of the traders, in the wine fairs, and I move even in the chais, I love the tastings. I said, it is a passion.
- Then, you think that my grandfather had made a collection of great wines?
- Thou hast well said that he had made him swear not to sell the house. That there was a Treasury. Well! This is thy Treasury. My old! Thou shalt not have made the trip for nothing. I say unto thee, Julien, you'll win the jackpot. I know an expert in wines, if you want, I shall call, and he will give thee approximately the market value of your cellar.
- Of course! I would appreciate because I do not know. Thank you, Loulou!
Reassembled in the kitchen, Loulou hastened to call on his mobile the buddy expert in wines. At the beginning, he explained that he had not too the time to go to the village.
- It is in agreement, he replied vaguely, I could come to the end of the week.
But when Loulou began to enumerate the wines found in the cellar. There, Loulou felt the expert shall shake. Then, when Loulou him announced the quantity of famous bottles, he understood that he was in turmoil.
- tomorrow morning at eight - eight hours Pé-Pé-aunts, bégaya-t-it.
- Has tomorrow! And that is, the case is in the bag replied Loulou in speaking to Julien.
Three weeks later, Loulou was mounted to the capital, invited by Julien. Simone was only the bar. They spent the day together. After a lunch in the best restaurant "The Garden of the Senses", they had rendered to the sales room where had place the sale of the cellar of the "baroque".
The publicity made by the sales room on this sale of wines as exceptional as prestigious had attracted the greatest specialists and collectors of the country and certainly from abroad. The room was packed, curious whether were grouped into the corridors. The Offers reverberated everywhere, even by phone for the purchasers who wanted to remain anonymous. Loulou and Julien, well placed, the gap on the side of the dais of the auctioneer. They do not lost not a crumb. Loulou was fascinated by the electric mood that caused the announcement and the presentation of the prestigious bottles and Julien médusait by the value of the bottles of grand-father Cyprian.
Through the showcase of the bar, Simone lives Loulou out two cartons of the trunk of the car. It hastened to go in and help. They laid on the counter. The next questioner of his wife, Loulou replied:
- It is a gift of Julien, you think although I would not have even been able to buy one.
- Your boyfriend Julien is a boy very grateful. Look at what happened to thee, this morning, just after your departure for the capital she said by showing a huge cardboard stored in the bottom of the room.
- That is what is it? Asked Loulou approaching the parcel.
- I do not know but a word is taped to the cardboard.
Loulou helped Simone opened the cardboard with alacrity. As soon as he realized that it was a wine cellar, Loulou could not prevent to exclaim:
- It is crazy, my boyfriend. Do you realize, Simone, it has made me a beautiful gift. I do not happen to believe that this wine cellar is for me. Simone continued to remove cardboard and opened the cellar, it examined the interior and came out a dozen books on the oenology during that Loulou read the small word of Julien.
My Loulou,
It is for te thank.
Now thou hast the content and the container.
Alice has promised me to come more often to the "baroque".
She sees the village of another eye, perhaps because of the treasury of the cellar.
I do not seek to know more.
My life is back to normal, more quiet.
I continue to look for work but I am less stressed.
Embraces Simone for me.
Has soon.
Your boyfriend Julien
Loulou had tears in her eyes, moved by the gesture of his friend. Simone approached her husband and asked:
- In fact, the auction is mounted to how many?
- Oh yes! Badina-t-it is quickly wiping the eyes of the setbacks of its handle, it is true, I didn't said. Well! In my opinion, the sale would have been able to mount more.
- Good, then? How many? Redemanda Simone impatient.
- a simple little million euros answered Loulou with a laugh.
Simone dumbfounded repeated:
- a simple little million euros!
- She walked a chair and sat on them heavily.
- Well, my Simone, you see that your Loulou has the hollow nose When it comes to wines !
Simone was listening already more, it merely to repeat:
- a simple little million euros!
The beautiful blond of the most high cell
The beautiful blond of the most high cell
It was a time, in the famous prison of the counted Alcatraz, a beautiful young blond girl, chained in the highest of cells. Seven guards of the building, all more without pity as the others mistreat the girl to all days the hammering of blows and the violating without scruples. One day, a new guardian made his entered in the prison, and when he got wind of the treatment that is served to the beautiful blond of the highest cell, he became red of anger and clama that it was unacceptable. The seven other guards to found greatly surprised: it was the first time that a guardian was experiencing compassion for a prisoner.
Taken of fear to the idea that the new guardian tries to help the beautiful blond, they engaged an old lady and the did go for a fortune-teller. They had paid for it to do believe in the new guardian that, if it intervened between the men of the guards and the prisoner, it would happen a great misfortune to the beautiful blond and that she would die. The new come live well that this was a ploy on the part of other guards and decided to come to the aid of the young girl.
One evening, while all of the Guards slept, the new went to the most high cell and freed the young blond girl, giving him money and new clothes for that person is recognized. She thanked him and fled to speed.
Sixteen years passed without that person in prison n to hear talk about the beautiful blond from the highest of cells. The new custodian, now made old, had long been done at the idea that she was without doubt dead. The counted of Alcatraz was a dark place, without joy or laugh, where the inhabitants lived in the misery and poverty. A young girl walking there had that little chance to highlight alive.
Yet, the beautiful blond was in life. She had well quickly worn the money that the guardian had given him and, to survive, had no other choice than to sell his body to which wanted well. Its existence does not appeared to him little better that the time where she resided in its prison, but at least possessed-it now the means of escape from the hell that was his life.
Each night, before falling asleep, the beautiful blond took a syringe and fitted in its veins a poison which drove in a deep sleep. She would have wanted this Sleep persists up to a hundred years, but alas this lasted only a night.
A beautiful morning, while the beautiful blond believed open the eyes on the life of martyrdom it led, she was surprised to wake up in a world where children played to the flask and where of passers by walking in the street in smiling and laughing. She looked up the head toward a radiant sun which warm vast green expanses in all the counted. She could not smell any way the rays on his skin or the caress of the wind on his face, but it is in Mocha. Because to default to no longer feel the life, she did not feel now more pain.
*We are saying that we should not dream of his life, but live well its dreams. But when one lives in a nightmare, it is sometimes preferable to dream to fall asleep for never more wake up.*
The cellar of the "baroque"
Part 1
Julien still had the head full of the reproaches that he had addressed Aline, his wife. Annoyed by the catch of OCI that lasted for nearly three months, it had led to a single deals of the capital up to the village.
Plantes Médicinales Weird Planets -
Plantes Médicinales Weird Planets -
Acérola Vitamine C Weird Planets -
Aloe Vera Weird Planets -
Artichaut Weird Planets -
Ashwagandha Weird Planets -
Boswellia Serrata Weird Planets -
Café Vert Weird Planets -
Cannabis Weird Planets -
Chardon Marie Weird Planets -
Before slamming the door following an ultimate dispute, he was seized of the keys to the House of his grand-parents, (precisely the subject of the dispute with Aline). In passing through the village, he was reviewing its life of adolescent paraded in front of his eyes. This was a long time that it was not income on the places of his childhood. He found that the agglomeration had not changed much, apart from the renovation of a few showcases shops. When he sailed along at a reduced speed the market place, he remembered have often accompanied his grand-father Cyprian for parts of balls, moments of pleasure especially to the counting of points, it was folk. The boulistes braillaient gesticulaient and by measuring the distances that separated the balls to the cochonnet, each wanting to have won. This always ended in a good mood and at the counter of the coffee, the Loser paid the aperitif and him, had the right to his favorite drink, a diabolo mint.
It was only twenty hours and yet the streets were already deserted. He went to park his car on the municipal parking lot, just next to the town hall. Passing in front of the supermarket "BASINO" at the entrance to the village on the road from the capital, he had made his races as well it could enter directly to rest. The day had been exhausting, his moral to zero. He longed to lie down and fall asleep to the faster for more think of nothing. He felt empty of all substances.
It Fila a not hurry toward the street of fortune. The home of his maternal grandfather was the only one in the village to have a fills embellished with an eye of beef and balusters in plaster bordering the two front balconies. Now that he was reviewing the house with the eyes of adult, he had to agree that the ancestor had had of taste, it is he himself who had made the plans. With its facade on two levels and its windows in spiders, it was to be the more plush, at least the most stylish. It was nothing like the other houses the most traditional of the village that is why all the people of the corner had dubbed the "baroque".
As soon as he opened the door, a musty smell made him remember that it was not come for a very long time. The last time, Aline had deigned to accompany, it who does not bore the life that to the capital, she had made an effort and had remained a weekend in "This village at the end of the world" as it is called. By misfortune, it had rained during the two full days which had not helped to change of opinion.
In the hall, its not resounded. He had it all kept in the State, furniture covered with sheets in order to protect it from dust. He went out the packet of candles that he had thought to buy. He kindled two, taking into coast to coast in his left hand while he closed the door of entry. He crossed the lobby and the dining room, went directly to the House of his grand-father, on the ground floor, that to the side of the Blue Lounge. In the great wall cupboard, it chooses a thick comforter, Planta the two candles in a vase in the Earth installed on the night table. He got rid of his overcoat on the backrest of the seat and lay all dressed on the bed. It blew the candles and went up the comforter up to Menton. He slept at the moment where it was found in the black.
A ray of light mischievous crept through the hole of wear of the old component in wood and came the Teasing on the face, which woke up. His surprised look swept the room quickly, surprised to wake up in an unusual decor. Very soon, he remembered that he was in the House of the grand-father Cyprian. It stretched under the Comforter cozy. He felt better this morning. The voltage of the eve the had left. He spent in the toilet, so much the worse, it would draw the hunting of water later when it would reset the counter running but before, he washed the teeth with the brush, the toothpaste and a bottle of mineral water purchased the Eve. It is aspergea the face, quickly passed his hands in the hair for the discipline. He was hungry, his last meal dated of yesterday noon. Its shows marked eight hours. He decided to go to take his breakfast at "Loulou and Simone".
In the bar of the village, Loulou was busy behind the counter to serve the usual customers who were hustling to drink their little black before going to work. As soon as he saw Julien came, he lifted up his arm to the sky.
- Salvation Julien, my friend! That is a long time ago that we do t has not seen in the corner. When es-tu arrived? Thou art come alone? Asked-t-it by launching a quick glance behind Julien.
- Hi my Loulou! He replied with a tone of jovial. The answers are: yesterday evening to the first question, and yes, to the second badina Julien content to see well welcomed by his old friend.
Loulou had quickly made the tour of the zinc and came to its meeting, the open arms. They gave a warm hug under the astonished eyes of Simone who could not recall the' have already seen.
- Simone, i te presents Julien, my best friend. He came home to his grandparents all the summers for the school holidays to the "baroque". We we are known as early as the age of seven years. We immediately sympathized, we were pals as pig, all the nonsense we have made together. You remember, Julien, C was the beautiful life, without worry!
- Yes, I liked come to my grandparents because they left me a lot of freedom. When my mother the criticized them, My grandfather always responded:
- My daughter, parents have the duty to educate their children, grandparents, them, have the duty to spoil their grandchildren. Therefore, I want my unique grandson is pleased to spend the holiday in our company. I want it to keep good memories of us.
- It is true, I remember. You had grandparents sensational. For me it was different, my mother always resisted, she was the only one for M to raise, me and Florence, my sister. I understand now that it was exceeded by the events and I adds to its discharge that I was particularly turbulent.
Does Not Remain standing, come and sit at the counter, I could chat while serving customers. What is you take?
- Give me a coffee with milk and two croissants, I have a hungry Wolf, I have nothing in the stomach since yesterday afternoon replied Julien by settling on a stool.
When Julien removed his overcoat, Simone noticed that his pants and its walks were creased. It made no note but understood that Julien had to have a problem. When she took Loulou aside and mit aware of its deductions, Loulou Countered:
- It is good of the psychology of "good women" here, to understand that a man has problems because his clothes are not ironed. And he began to laugh in returning to serve the customers.
Simone was upset. She knew, his Loulou was sexist. As usual, as soon as it progressed a personal idea on some facts, Loulou The always referred to the rank of "good Women" which corresponded to him, to say "Men have a brain, women have a brain". Well, he was going to see Loulou if its Simone was right or wrong!
There was no more that a customer seated at the bottom of the room. Simone wiped the glasses behind the counter. She spoke to Julien who finished its second growing.
- You are going to stay a long time in the "baroque"?
- I do not know, perhaps a week! Replied Julien the mouth full.
Loulou The fixa with insistence. His expressive look wanted to say - it te look! - Simone fit that which saw nothing. She continued:
- your wife will soon join you?
- Simone! Exploded Loulou. You exaggerate to ask personal questions.
- Not! This does nothing! Loulou. No, I do not think, Simone, because I am angry party of the House. It does not know where I am and it has not given blow of wire.
- Oh! This should not be serious. All couples have difficult moments hastened to respond Simone compassionate.
- Yes, continued Loulou, don't worry, Julien. Thee at least, thou hast the beautiful life. Thou hast an excellent business, engineer in electronics and more in a large box foreign. A nice family of three children. This will arrange quickly.
- Well! Let us talk about the excellent work. Everything to begin three months ago when I received a letter from the branch m learner that the company B.M.I. was going to be relocated in India and that I would have a promotion if I decided to emigrate. You think although to forty-five years I can not, all the more that two of the children are going to the university. It is a back door way for me to resign since the company wants to "degrease" as they say. Although Aline is still working as a pharmacist at the Center Hospitalier Universitaire, our train of life to dramatically declined. It is difficult to find work. As soon as I indicate my age, employers do not withhold my candidacy. Aline loses its cold blood, she is afraid of the future. She would like that I sell the "baroque" for us bail out. Me, I am not in agreement to sell the house. On his death bed, grand-father Cyprian had made him swear to my parents and ME also never sell the "baroque".
I can still hear say:
- Never sell the "Baroque", you do not need to use. If a day, you are in the discomfort, come and you install a few time, you will see, this House is a true treasure!
That is why, after the early death of my parents caused by a terrible car accident and after the fact, that of my grand-mother, I have never wanted to sell the "baroque". Aline does not understand why I am both attached, it encourages me to sell.
Loulou cried a long sigh.
- Ah women! It is often a thorn in the flesh!
Simone was not able to contain:
- Go ahead, yet one of your favorite reflections against women! Definitely, you do changeras ever! I …
- if it pleases you, cut Julien, embarrassed to be at the origin of the altercation, do not argue!
- thou hast reason, Julien. Simone! Do the embêtons not with our small disputes.
No need to Simone to respond. Has the nerve manner in which she wiped the glasses, Julien realized she refoulait his anger against Loulou.
He decided to leave. He preferred not to be present when the storm was going to burst between the cafes.
Once out of the coffee, he decided to go to the cemetery to gather on the tomb of his grand-parents. He spent in front of the store of flowers, unfortunately he opened only to ten hours. The journey until the cemetery was not long and the pleasant stroll. He prayed to a time before the tomb or rather left wander its thinking.
It is Revit in the kitchen of the "baroque" experimenting biscuits under the pleasant ferrule of his grand-mother Victoria. The crazy-laughs returned to the ear, often the kitchen finished bleached by clouds of flour, the utensils Salis covered the sink and the table, a true field of battle. Grand'Mère Victoria was "the Grand'Mère cakes" that any child would love to have said it in reviewing the space of a moment his soft face and always smiling.
The image is blotted out, leaving a part of fishing in the river lined with trees which winds at the foot of the mountains. The best place to fish for after grand-father was instead-said of the "Old Mill". They returned sometimes with one or two taken, it was fun and playful. Grand'Mère always fashioned a cold meal succulent and grand-father reserved the privilege of choosing the wine. She accompanied them although it did not appreciate the fishery. It benefited to paint, it placed his easel in the gap, she did not like that we look at its table as long as it was not finished.
At the time, it was not realized that it had as much talent. His landscapes and still lifes that adorn all parts of the House are beautiful.
The Bell of the chapel of the cemetery rang at any fly. She came out of his thoughts.
On the path of the return, he pensa take his lunch at the hostel that it had identified at the entrance of the village and then rétracta As soon in remembering that he had bought the eve everything it needed to make a good in-case.
He walked in the alleys, spent in front of the Church, the presbitaire, herbal, bakery, and many other stores which reminded him at any moment of the segments of his early childhood. Toward noon he returned to the "baroque".
He prepared a sandwich ham and cheese. He had thought to buy butter and some fruit for dessert but by against, it had completely forgotten the wine.
It lit a candle to go to the cave that he knew full of good bottles.
He went down with caution the few steps. The cellar was immense, it was approximately the area on the ground floor of the House. He found himself in front of many racks, it had only the embarrassment of the choice. It set aside the canvases of spiders before removing a bottle at the chance of a locker dusty. In any way, in the glow of the candle, there was not much to choose from. He climbed back slowly taking into a bottle of a hand and the spark plug on the other.
At the time of install the bottle on the kitchen table, he heard type with insistence on the door of entry.
He went to open and was pleasantly surprised to see Loulou.
- Between, Loulou! You graves to PIC, I was going to open a bottle of wine. Thou shalt say what you think. Thee, thou must there know!
- This must be of good wine answered Loulou. Your grandfather being wine dealer, it should not drink "of the Piquette". Ah! In fact, I came for t invite him to come to lunch with us at the coffee shop. Simone has cooked a good Coq au Vin and she insisted that thou joignes to us.
- I am prepared a sandwich that I was going to drag with the wine of grand-father but if you take me by the feelings, I cannot resist a coq au vin replied Julien laughing. Well! Let us take the bottle, we the boirons together.
Julien grabbed the bottle, covered in dust and the rolled in newspaper that he had marked on a chair.
Part 2
Simone had already prepared a table in the bottom of the room.
- here we are, my Simone exclaimed Loulou.
Julien understood as soon as Simone and Loulou had rabibochés. It received them with its most beautiful smile.
- I have brought a bottle which originates in the cellar of my grand-father, I hope that it will not be corked. I was going to the open at the time where Loulou arrived to invite me.
- Thank you, Julien. Sit down. Loulou, opens it during that I bring the entry.
The last customer had just come out, they could eat without be disturb.
Loulou opened the neck of the bottle always packed. He grabbed the corkscrew and opened carefully.
Simone brought the quiche lorraine just output of the oven. Loulou served the wine.
- To Your Health trinqua Loulou. Simone lifted up his glass also.
- Has the two of you! Replied Julien.
Loulou TIF turn the liquid in the glass to foot, he appreciated the ruby red color of the dress, the huma the content and then aspirations a small quantity. He did pass from one side to the other of the mouth which inflating her cheeks alternately, (gesture of professional tester). Julien the watched with a smile Thrasher because he thought that his boyfriend in was a little too much for a bottle of wine that his grandfather had the buy at the corner grocery store. Finally, Loulou Avala the wine. He Frowned. Rested abruptly the glass. Without a word, he tore the paper Journal. Julien was ashamed, the bottle was frankly covered with a thick layer of dust. He lives his buddy was cleaning the Label with frenzy.
- the name of God, Julien! Exulta-t-he is shaking in his chair as a owned. Name of God!!!! Repeated-t-it. It gesticulait and shouted for joy while shaking the head.
Simone was angry.
- Do not blasphemy, Loulou! Thou hast not ashamed of evil spoke of the religion?
Julien took not the insult to the clergy, him, he was worried for his buddy Loulou who seemed disturbed.
- Loulou, quiet-toi! The wine is it so bad that you lose the ball?
- tastes, Julien and thee also Simone answered Loulou a little more quiet.
They are executed. Simone enjoyed immediately the beverage.
- C is an excellent wine! I can say that I have not bu of such a quality since a very long time.
Julien was in agreement. He nodded his head as a sign of approval.
- It is true that it is friendly the wine of grand-father Cyprian.
- My Julien, replied Loulou energized in him tending the bottle and it is also true that thou art nil in wines. Thou findest friendly a vintage Bordeaux, a Mouton Rothschild of 1932, my poor Julien, I hope that thou art best in electronic! It is simply "the little Jesus in the panties of velvet". You realize how Ta bottle must cost? No, to see thy head, I do not believe!
Bewildered, Julien examined the Label with attention.
- It is incredible! I took a bottle at random. I wonder if there is other of this quality in the cellar of grand-father or if it is a unique bottle, can be a gift from a grateful client.
Loulou went a crazy laugh:
- Well, the generous donor was to be called Onassis or the Shah of Persia for make a gift If prestigious!
- Do you really think that it has as much value as you say ? Asked Simone surprised of the great knowledge of its Loulou in oenology.
- I do not know its exact value but you can trust me, this bottle is inaccessible for lambdas drinkers.
Simone was chagrinée to see its quiche cool in the plates.
- start to eat, quiche will be cold!
- Eat resumed Julien and then we will visit the cellar of the "baroque".
The meal was excellent. The coq au vin de Simone, a small wonder, in addition, accompanied by this Mouton Rothschild, closing the eyes, Julien would have believed in the restaurant The most famous of the capital.
- Simone, I congratulate you for this wonderful meal complimenta Julien as soon as the last bite of the chocolate mousse swallowed. It was the feast of a king, I gives you "the three stars Julien" plaisanta-t-it.
- Simone reddens with pleasure, the compliment him went right to the heart.
Loulou badina:
- say rather that it is the "Mouton Rothschild" who has embellished the ordinary.
Simone glanced furious with her husband. Without a word, it served the table and returned with the cafes.
Loulou sheepishly leaned over to Simone, gave him a small pat on the shoulder and attempted to explain:
- Tu es a stove out peer, my Simone, I wanted to say that this bottle of exceptional wine had completed with wonder the scrumptious meal.
Simone realized that it was his way to apologize. It is Garda to respond, took the Party of smile and Changed topic:
- Drink quickly the coffee and will inspect the cellar of the grand-father Cyprian.
Fitted with electric lamps, they found themselves in the cellar, in the bottom of the stairs.
- wow! Exclaimed Loulou, this cellar is immense. This is the first time that I y between.
Simone took her husband by the arm for fear of falling into the black. Julien who had entered the first, their was a sign of the follow up to the bottom of the cellar.
- C is the cave of Ali Baba exclaimed Loulou amazed to see that all the racks without exception were filled with bottles.
Silent Simone applied to pass between the cobwebs hanging out of the vaulted ceilings. Julien stopped at random in front of a rack, it opened a bottle and handed it to Loulou. Julien enlighten the bottle of his lamp during that his friend was cleaning the bottle. Six eyes look forward set the label wishing to know quickly the provenance. Loulou could not retain its enthusiasm, it clama:
- Bingo! Julien, thou hast won the jackpot!
- What? What do you say? Asked Julien.
Loulou épela slowly to that her boyfriend is permeates much of the information.
- Cha-teau of Y-quem, Sau-ter-NES of 1903.
- It is a good thought? Hastened to ask Julien.
Loulou is énerva.
- Tu te moques me? When I think that your great-grandfather was a trader in wines deemed in the region and in the whole country. I do not understand that it does not has ever initiated. Of course it is a good thought, it is even a bottle that collectors t buy to price of gold.
Julien remained speechless. Her eyes was the coming and going between Loulou and the bottle.
- eh! Julien! Wake up! Let us look in the other racks. Julien handed the bottle to its place and spent in the last row in the deepest of the cellar. It chooses a bottle and Loulou took yet of the cleaned.
- Good God!!!! The latter is a Bordeaux Pétrus. Let us look at later. And this time he announced a Romancee Conti. Julien, i te guaranteed that thou hast The Cellar The better supplied throughout the country. Your grandfather t has left a large bonanza.
- How do you know the different wines and their values? Julien asked in a state of excitement advanced.
- You know me. I have never liked the school, for me learn was a true torment. By contrast, toward TEN-seven years I fell by chance on a book of Oenology and since then I am interested and I continues to inform me on the best wines of the country and elsewhere. It has become a passion. This is not because I sell the ordinary wine at the bar that I do not know. In addition, each year, I am going to all the exhibitions of the traders, in the wine fairs, and I move even in the chais, I love the tastings. I said, it is a passion.
- Then, you think that my grandfather had made a collection of great wines?
- Thou hast well said that he had made him swear not to sell the house. That there was a Treasury. Well! This is thy Treasury. My old! Thou shalt not have made the trip for nothing. I say unto thee, Julien, you'll win the jackpot. I know an expert in wines, if you want, I shall call, and he will give thee approximately the market value of your cellar.
- Of course! I would appreciate because I do not know. Thank you, Loulou!
Reassembled in the kitchen, Loulou hastened to call on his mobile the buddy expert in wines. At the beginning, he explained that he had not too the time to go to the village.
- It is in agreement, he replied vaguely, I could come to the end of the week.
But when Loulou began to enumerate the wines found in the cellar. There, Loulou felt the expert shall shake. Then, when Loulou him announced the quantity of famous bottles, he understood that he was in turmoil.
- tomorrow morning at eight - eight hours Pé-Pé-aunts, bégaya-t-it.
- Has tomorrow! And that is, the case is in the bag replied Loulou in speaking to Julien.
Three weeks later, Loulou was mounted to the capital, invited by Julien. Simone was only the bar. They spent the day together. After a lunch in the best restaurant "The Garden of the Senses", they had rendered to the sales room where had place the sale of the cellar of the "baroque".
The publicity made by the sales room on this sale of wines as exceptional as prestigious had attracted the greatest specialists and collectors of the country and certainly from abroad. The room was packed, curious whether were grouped into the corridors. The Offers reverberated everywhere, even by phone for the purchasers who wanted to remain anonymous. Loulou and Julien, well placed, the gap on the side of the dais of the auctioneer. They do not lost not a crumb. Loulou was fascinated by the electric mood that caused the announcement and the presentation of the prestigious bottles and Julien médusait by the value of the bottles of grand-father Cyprian.
Through the showcase of the bar, Simone lives Loulou out two cartons of the trunk of the car. It hastened to go in and help. They laid on the counter. The next questioner of his wife, Loulou replied:
- It is a gift of Julien, you think although I would not have even been able to buy one.
- Your boyfriend Julien is a boy very grateful. Look at what happened to thee, this morning, just after your departure for the capital she said by showing a huge cardboard stored in the bottom of the room.
- That is what is it? Asked Loulou approaching the parcel.
- I do not know but a word is taped to the cardboard.
Loulou helped Simone opened the cardboard with alacrity. As soon as he realized that it was a wine cellar, Loulou could not prevent to exclaim:
- It is crazy, my boyfriend. Do you realize, Simone, it has made me a beautiful gift. I do not happen to believe that this wine cellar is for me. Simone continued to remove cardboard and opened the cellar, it examined the interior and came out a dozen books on the oenology during that Loulou read the small word of Julien.
My Loulou,
It is for te thank.
Now thou hast the content and the container.
Alice has promised me to come more often to the "baroque".
She sees the village of another eye, perhaps because of the treasury of the cellar.
I do not seek to know more.
My life is back to normal, more quiet.
I continue to look for work but I am less stressed.
Embraces Simone for me.
Has soon.
Your boyfriend Julien
Loulou had tears in her eyes, moved by the gesture of his friend. Simone approached her husband and asked:
- In fact, the auction is mounted to how many?
- Oh yes! Badina-t-it is quickly wiping the eyes of the setbacks of its handle, it is true, I didn't said. Well! In my opinion, the sale would have been able to mount more.
- Good, then? How many? Redemanda Simone impatient.
- a simple little million euros answered Loulou with a laugh.
Simone dumbfounded repeated:
- a simple little million euros!
- She walked a chair and sat on them heavily.
- Well, my Simone, you see that your Loulou has the hollow nose When it comes to wines !
Simone was listening already more, it merely to repeat:
- a simple little million euros!
The beautiful blond of the most high cell
The beautiful blond of the most high cell
It was a time, in the famous prison of the counted Alcatraz, a beautiful young blond girl, chained in the highest of cells. Seven guards of the building, all more without pity as the others mistreat the girl to all days the hammering of blows and the violating without scruples. One day, a new guardian made his entered in the prison, and when he got wind of the treatment that is served to the beautiful blond of the highest cell, he became red of anger and clama that it was unacceptable. The seven other guards to found greatly surprised: it was the first time that a guardian was experiencing compassion for a prisoner.
Taken of fear to the idea that the new guardian tries to help the beautiful blond, they engaged an old lady and the did go for a fortune-teller. They had paid for it to do believe in the new guardian that, if it intervened between the men of the guards and the prisoner, it would happen a great misfortune to the beautiful blond and that she would die. The new come live well that this was a ploy on the part of other guards and decided to come to the aid of the young girl.
One evening, while all of the Guards slept, the new went to the most high cell and freed the young blond girl, giving him money and new clothes for that person is recognized. She thanked him and fled to speed.
Sixteen years passed without that person in prison n to hear talk about the beautiful blond from the highest of cells. The new custodian, now made old, had long been done at the idea that she was without doubt dead. The counted of Alcatraz was a dark place, without joy or laugh, where the inhabitants lived in the misery and poverty. A young girl walking there had that little chance to highlight alive.
Yet, the beautiful blond was in life. She had well quickly worn the money that the guardian had given him and, to survive, had no other choice than to sell his body to which wanted well. Its existence does not appeared to him little better that the time where she resided in its prison, but at least possessed-it now the means of escape from the hell that was his life.
Each night, before falling asleep, the beautiful blond took a syringe and fitted in its veins a poison which drove in a deep sleep. She would have wanted this Sleep persists up to a hundred years, but alas this lasted only a night.
A beautiful morning, while the beautiful blond believed open the eyes on the life of martyrdom it led, she was surprised to wake up in a world where children played to the flask and where of passers by walking in the street in smiling and laughing. She looked up the head toward a radiant sun which warm vast green expanses in all the counted. She could not smell any way the rays on his skin or the caress of the wind on his face, but it is in Mocha. Because to default to no longer feel the life, she did not feel now more pain.
*We are saying that we should not dream of his life, but live well its dreams. But when one lives in a nightmare, it is sometimes preferable to dream to fall asleep for never more wake up.*