Chapter 36
“Well, well,” Monique said, looking at the cover, “it is Nicole’s journal.”
“Your mother’s journal,” Jean Claude taunted, looking at Danielle, “how sweet. My mother’s been after this for years. “
“So you said,” Henry answered, glaring at Jean-Claude.
Jean made no motion that he had heard, instead he continued. “Wherever did you find it, Danielle, and what is he doing with it?”
He began to walk over to Monique to look at the journal. As he passed, Danielle noticed something hanging from the side of his belt. It looked like, well, it looked like a sword.
Monique was still holding on to the journal for dear life, not letting go. Henry was still trying to grab it back, but Monique kept pulling it away. All the while, she looked at Danielle.
“Come, Monique,” Jean called, “let’s take a look, shall we?” He tried to take it from her, but Monique wasn’t giving it up. She loved having two boys after her.
“Danielle, here,” she called out suddenly and threw the journal in Danielle’s direction. It landed on the ground, next to Henry, who promptly scooped it up. Danielle went for Henry’s sword.
“Engarde,” she said, to Jean.
Jean Claude stood there looking at her. He had forgotten all about the journal.
And so did Henry.
“Danielle,” he pleaded, “don’t do this. Not now.”
Jean Claude continued to stare. “What are you talking about?”
Danielle ignored him. “The sword,” she said, it’s beautiful. Where did you get it?”
Jean smiled. “Found it this very morning. It was poking it’s little head out of the ground.”
“Do you know how to use it?” Danielle asked.
“Do you? I don’t think so.”
Monique walked over to Jean and shook her head. “You are making a big mistake, Jean Claude,” was all she said.
“Want to find out?” Danielle answered.
Henry was looking up at the sky.
“Don’t do this, Jean,” Monique said, “please listen to me,”
Jean turned to Monique. “Shut up,” he said. “Whose side are you on, anyway?”
Monique shrugged and nodded. “Alright,” she said, “I tried to stop you, but you won’t listen.”
Jean was not paying any attention. He was focused on Danielle. He drew his sword.
So did Danielle. Blades began to clash.
Jean tried to fight back, but he really didn’t know how. Danielle, however, knew exactly what she was doing.
“Alright,” Henry said, in her ear this time, “If you are going to go through with this, do it gently and take it easily.”
Danielle nodded and faced Jean again.