Upon hearing the dreadful news Zuna went to her mother’s side to comfort her. Zula Mae didn’t want Zuna to see her like this she had one of the servants turn Zuna away and not grant her entry into the bedroom. Zuna was bewildered and could not understand why the mother she loved and adored would not see her at this time. She paced outside the room’s door clasping a charm given to her by her mother a red ruby. As she paced, she rubbed the ruby between her fingers and said, “This too shall pass.” After several days Zula Mae was up and about, she had servants fetch her some warm water and bathed she got dressed and opened the room door. As she opened the door and finally left the room, she had been in for 7 days. She finds Zuna sleeping at the base of the door peacefully grasping the ruby necklace.
Zula Mae bends down and wakes Zuna she grabs her mom with both hands and says, “I’m so sorry for what has happened to you she pauses it will never happen again.” The two women silently hold each other weeping. One of the male house servants comes to inform Zula Mae that the staff has been preparing for the annual Benoit Ball. Zuna looked at the man with piercing eyes and said, “My mother has gone through a terrible ordeal as you well know how dare you come here to talk about this gathering.” The male servant apologized to Zula Mae and stated, but the Master wants the Ball to be fabulous and only you know how to do that.” Zula Mae looked at her daughter and replied I’m not the only one there is someone way better than I could ever be.” Both the male servant and Zuna looked bewildered then Zuna blurts out “Who mother, who can do what you do and make everything perfect.” “You Zuna Benoit you are perfect and now it’s time for the rest of the world to see it.” Zuna was caught off guard by what her mother has just said it didn’t seem real her mom had always been kind to everyone and helpful she never looked down on anyone she was an angel. Zuna had no words her brain stalled to complete a thought she was flabbergasted and humbled. She was unsure if she could fill her mother’s shoes and be the woman she was. Zuna looked at her mother and said “I will always honor and cherish you, but I am not you, how can I be you’re the best of us. Zula Mae smiled and said, “True my child you won’t ever be what I am, but you will always be what you are and that is better than me.” Zuna again in shock but she realized the ordeal her mother just went through and that she may never be the same after it. Her mother needed her to grow up and become the women that she believed she would become.
Zuna picked up the reigns that her mother left for her and started the process of getting the Benoit Ball put together. All of the staff reported to her along with Mrs. Benoit. Together they decided how all of the decorations and party favors would be displayed. It had to be elegant, and first class and it needed to have a wow factor that other high society events just did not have that Cajun flare. Mrs. Benoit was pleased to see how astute Zuna had become her attention to detail was immaculate. Zuna worked from dawn to late in the night she seemed to be possessed. Zula Mae came to see how things were going and to check on Zuna. Zula Mae walked into the grand ballroom and was absolutely astonished at what she was seeing. Zula Mae called out “daughter where are you”? Zuna was hanging some trim pieces the finale touches for the ball. She was so transfixed that she could not hear her mother call out to her almost as if in a trance. Zula Mae sat and waited for her daughter to come down the grand stairs from the upper balcony. Zuna was exhausted and almost passed out when she finally stopped moving.
Two days remained till the property would be lined with horse drawn carriages. All of the debutantes of high society would be on display with their traditional expensive gowns adding a colorful spectacle. Only the cream of the crop would be let inside the manor a true invitation only affair for the rich and socially civilized. All of the stops were pulled to make sure this was the event of the year and all who were invited knew they must show are risk being put off the list. Foreign dignitaries and heads of state would be among the many guests. Zula Mae had made sure Zuna was well rested before the festivities were to begin. She made sure her daughter had eaten enough before she handed her a strange, frosted drink in a special cup that Zuna had never seen before. Zuna asked her mother what this is. Zula Mae replied, “It is a special brew to heal and give you strength.” Zuna was puzzled, not so much by the drink but why her mother did not make one for herself. Zuna asked mother why have you not made this for yourself as well considering all that has happened. Zula Mae replied with her back towards her daughter. The potion as it was taught to me is given as a gift so I cannot gift it to myself.” Zuna looking puzzled replied “but why not.” Zula Mae turned towards her daughter and responded, “Because the sacred magic that makes the potion work would be wasted.” Zuna eyes wide exclaimed “magic -potion.” Zula Mae responds, “Yes child, magic that you need to take into yourself before it evaporates and is gone forever.” Zuna started to ask yet another query but before her lips could purse to form a word Zula Mae says “Drink.”
Zuna lay upon her mother’s bed and as swiftly as a cool breeze blew through the room Zuna was fast asleep. Zula Mae tucked her daughter in to bed and began brushing her beautiful jet-black hair. She whispered into her daughter’s ear “Soon my dearest Zuna Benoit, you will learn the power that you possess I have kept it hidden from you in a secret space to protect thee.” “I had been fortunate to learn the arts from my mother and her mother before her all through the span of time.” “We were known as healers but today they call the chosen one’s doctors, we were spiritual doctors we healed what was not seen.” “They had many names for us back then from sorcerer to sorceress.” “They feared us because we could control the elements and guide our thoughts like magic.” “The irony is they pray to God a majestical entity whose powers are created within the realm of magic.” “Soon my child your gift will awaken, and you will carry our sacred light.”
Henry had made sure the grounds were immaculate everything was perfect just as the family had wanted it. The guest started to arrive with their gorgeous carriages and beautiful horses. The men were dapper, and the woman were impeccable their gowns were simply stunning. It was the 3rd week of spring, and the weather was warm with a shallow breeze the perfect time for a formal gathering. The guest was greeted by their host as they made their way into the grand ballroom. Walking around the two grand piano’s that sat at opposite ends of the ballroom that was about 50ft wide. It boasted four huge fireplaces in each direction North, South, East and West. The guest lounges sat adjacent to each of the fireplaces. Elegant tables and chairs draped in luxurious fabrics aligned the outer edge of the grand ballroom. The standard of nearly 25ft of space was left open for the dancing that was a premier event of the festivities. An orchestra pit sits near the east wing of the grand ballroom the band is set up and continuously plays elegant music.
Zula Mae received a gift from Mrs. Benoit she opened the gift-wrapped box. The silk black boxes with golden ribbons had a satin finish Zula Mae was stunned. She woke her daughter to get ready for the festivities that had already begun in the grand ballroom. Zuna was a little slow to get herself oriented after sleeping for two straight days. Zula Mae “how do you feel my beautiful daughter.” Zuna still yawning and stretching “huh mom what day is it.” Zula Mae “it’s the special day that you have been working towards.” Zuna looks puzzled “hmm.” Zula Mae “Today is the Benoit Ball.” Zuna “Oh my did I miss everything.” Zula Mae grabs Zuna’s arm “Calm down you have not missed anything, but we need to get bathed and ready to meet your guests.” Zuna blinks twice and shakes her head “What do you mean my guest.” Zula Mae “Ow they didn’t tell you.” Zuna “Tell me what?” Zula Mae “You’re the hostess.” Zuna’s mouth gapped wide open in shock and horror. Zuna “I’m the hostess?” Zula Mae “Yes you are a Benoit after all.”
The guests started to arrive and were escorted into the dining hall for some drinks and to get themselves situated after traveling to the manor. Guest would enter the ballroom at exactly 3pm. The men were sharp as a tack and the women’s ensembles were just simply amazing. All of the young debutants were busy trying to garner attention one trying to outdo the others. For these young ladies stepping out into society and representing their wealthy family was a tradition. However, the ball also allowed these young ladies a chance to find a handsome suitor. Henry came from outside after the last of the guest arrivals had been escorted to the dinning haul. A large man standing over 6'5 he would be making the announcements as the main ballroom doors began to open.
Zula Mae and Zuna were almost ready to go over to the ballroom. The dresses that Mrs. Benoit had gotten them were exquisite normally the servants would not have access to garments of this quality. The finest silk in lays quality stitching along with the felt and suede so soft to the touch. The embroidery was done in the finest rhinestone. Both dresses were designed with a custom fit and Mrs. Benoit who was a perfectionist made sure the tailor was on hand and fitted the dresses to the proportions of the two women perfectly. Finale touches done the two women walked out of the main house expecting to walk across the courtyard as they stepped onto the porch, they saw the main carriage that the Benoit’s used in front of the house with the driver in the seat and the escort at the door. The lady’s looked surprised since the Benoit’s were already at the ballroom and nobody else of importance needed to be transported. As both of the women began to walk past the carriage the escort greeted them. Escort “Hello ladies your carriage awaits.” Both women were astonished as each one was gently helped up into the carriage. Sitting in the luxurious cabin they had no words just looking and smiling.
The ride took about 10 minutes before they arrived in front of the buildings main entrance then escorted in. They went straight to the entrance of the grand ballroom the double doors opened and there stood Henry. As soon as Zuna stepped in she was to stand next to Henry and welcome all of guest to the Benoit Ball. Zuna quickly glanced around the room making sure everything was perfect. As her eyes scanned, she couldn’t help noticing that the room which had people in it was basically empty. Just the help and the band appeared to be present. Zuna asked Henry “Where is everyone?” Henry replied, “They are in the dinning haul.” Zuna jerked her head back with a puzzled expression on her face. Zuna “why are they in the dining room I thought this was a ball.” Henry replies “Well because of tradition nobody enters the main ballroom until the hostess is present.” Zuna “What you mean they have been waiting for me.” Henry smiles showing a mouth full of white teeth then winks at Zuna and asks “Shall we begin? “Zuna nods her head and almost chokes with emotion “Yes.” Henry, then with your permission he nods to the waiter letting him know it is time to open the dining room doors and to send the guests over. The guest line up to go into the main ballroom. Mr. and Mrs. Benoit suddenly appear on the balcony overlooking the ball. Henry takes a deep breath and begins “Here ye, hear ye all in the sound of my voice the great family of Benoit Eric IV and with the permission of your hostess Zuna Benoit, welcome to the Benoit Ball.” Zuna perked up for the first time she was formally introduced as a Benoit to society, and she was ecstatic.
All of the families had been introduced and placed at their perspective areas inside the ballroom. Zuna had to go the restroom after standing for almost an hour greeting guests. While walking somewhat swiftly Zuna accidentally bumped into one of the guests. She said in a hurried “I’m so sorry Sir. “Zuna ran off to the restroom before he could reply. The lavish gathering had many new faces as new plantation owners were now accepted into high society. When Zuna returned from her excursion she saw her mother dancing and she was oddly surprised. She watched her mother glide through the ballroom as if she was light as a feather. Zuna was between emotions of pure shock and bewilderment thinking to herself how this is even possible. Zula Mae caught a glimpse of Zuna standing there alone and motioned her to come over. Zuna complied and walked to the far east side of the room. Zula Mae turned to her dancing partner and said, “Allow me to Introduce my daughter Zuna.” The handsome gentleman with jet black hair that was trimmed expensively about his head. He was average height around 5'9 his blue eyes could trap a woman in them. Then there was his smile and he emitted absolute confidence. To be in his presence felt like an event rather than just a random meeting. Before the gentleman spoke Zuna realized this is the man she bumped into on her way to the restroom. Zuna’s eyes went wide as the man’s perfect lips began to move. “Hello, Zuna, I am Dr. Jean Dupont It is my pleasure to meet you again.” Zula Mae had a pensive look on her face and questioned “Do you two know each other.” Zuna stood speechless shaking her head “no.” Dr. Jean smiling says, “Oh no we don’t actually know each other; we just had an accidental run in that’s all.” Zuna still pretty much speechless nodded in a confirming gesture. Zula Mae curiously eyes Zuna and gives a half smile “Oh really that’s all that happened? “Zula Mae’s lips pursed as now she is testing Zuna to see if she will crack but the game is up and all 3 begin to laugh uncontrollably.
The event is drawing to a close Henry and many of the tuxedo dressed male servants escorted the guest to their carriages. Before the last of the carriages are brought up Dr. Jean Dupont and Zuna walk to the front of the ball room. Dupont turns to Zuna and smiles at her gently exposing his perfect teeth and chiseled jawline. Dupont “I know it may not be the custom to call on someone in your position, well I’m wanting to know if I request some time with you if that would be, ok? “Zuna looked surprised at the bold and directness of such a request. She gathered her wits to reply “I’m not sure that I could be of much use to you Dr. Dupont, I mean I’m not that kind of girl is all. “Dupont eyebrows arched in dismay “Ow dear I meant no disrespect I was told by your mother that “Zuna enraged say’s “My mother.” Staring into Dr. Dupont’s deep blue eyes seemed to disarm her emotions for a second. Dupont “Can you forgive me I didn’t mean to disrespect you on any level it’s just that I noticed the wonderful job that was done at the Ball, and I wanted to inquire who did all this.” Dupont continued while Zuna had one leg forward as she sloped back with her hands crossed and her eyes tight in a pouting sort of way. “Well, you see I just recently purchased a thousand acres near the capitol in Baton Rouge and I am in need of an expert organizer and decorator, your mother said you would be perfect.” Zuna wasn’t sure if this was one of those elaborate jokes that Henry always played on Mr. Benoit, and she didn’t trust it. Zuna “Are you trying to turn my head Dr. Dupont Sir making sport of me? “Dupont “No ma’am not at all I put that on my family name that this offer is sincere with no other intent.” Zuna “Ok I will think about it then, goodnight.” Zuna hurried past the Dr. and out the door before anyone could blink, she was gone.
Zula Mae had been on the porch of the servant’s house enjoying some freshly squeezed lemonade with the other servants. They told jokes about the high society people who had some interesting quirks that had the bunch laughing hysterically. The laughter could be heard from a good distance away Zuna approached with a tightness in her gaze as she eyed everyone on the porch. Her mother felt a shift in the air and immediately knew something was up and Zuna was upset. Zula Mae stood up and the laughter came to a halt as Zuna approached Zula Mae thanked the bunch for the drinks and the laughs then bid them all a goodnight. Zuna walked past her mother without saying a word. Up the first of two flights of steps towards the third floor. Zuna went straight to her bed and removed the shoes and gown. She poured out some clean water into a cleaning bowl and a small toilet and began to wash her face. Zula Mae walked in and glanced over at her daughter as she was reading for bed. Zula Mae followed suit and began to get ready for bed. The house was quite as everyone was fast asleep, everyone except Zuna who was trying to understand what Dr. Dupont really wanted. Men like him always got anything they wanted from anyone. She was mature and was a full-grown woman after all she knew that the time would come when men would come to call on her but was, she ready for that. She thought about many things in the night and got little sleep. Restless and weary when the rooster’s started to sing. The plantation awoke and so began another day of work for everyone even the Benoit’s.
Continue reading “The Life we live may be an Illusion Part-3” coming soon.
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