Chapter 7

The boys had several delays in town and arrived late. Pascal was not one to wait around on people, so when she saw that they were not to be ontime, she went out into the gardens to inspect them. When they arrived, someone would come fetch her. Pascal's rose gardens brought her endless joy and serenity. There was nowhere on earth where she felt so at peace and so very relaxed. Suddenly she heard some noises coming from the orchards. She cautiously made her way to the opening of the orchards where the apple trees were. Pascal then began to smile. It was the boys. She figured that her grandfather had told them a few places where she might be found. She approached them trying to make as little noise as possible. The boys had their backs turned to her. She stood there for a moment silently listening to their conversation.

"This place is incredible. I have never seen so much land in my life. This is so beautiful. I wonder where she is," said Justin.

"You like my home, no?" Pascal gave her infamous mischievious half-smile. Startled, they all turned around and smiled back. Justin broke out into a huge grin and winked at Pascal. She looked ravishing. She was wearing a flowing, pale blue, silky dress with a floral print, and she was barefoot. He found that so cute. Her hair was drawn up into a lazy bun with several strands of hair hanging loose around the sides of her face. She did not have alot of makeup on. Perhaps just a bit of powder, pastel eyeshadow, and a touch of lipgloss. He could not get over how naturally beautiful she was. She blushed ever so slightly at the wink but immediately recovered. Remember, she had to be the hostess. "I thought that we would have tea out here in the orchards if that suits you all." She led them over to some tables and chairs sitting underneath a giant apple tree. The refreshments had already been layed out. They all took a seat while Pascal poured the tea. "I thought that only the English drank tea in the afternoon," Joey remarked.

"Well, you see, my grandfather's mother was English, so he got used to drinking tea as a child," Pascal answered. A soft breeze was blowing, and everyone remarked how peaceful and relaxing everything was. Justin was anxious to find out everything he could about Pascal. She in turn was curious about him as well. The other boys nodded at each other to give them some time alone. Justin glanced at them gratefully as they said, "Well, we are going to go take a look at the rest of the grounds, so we'll be back in a bit". Suddenly, Justin and Pascal found themselves completely alone with one another. However, neither one felt nervous or embarrassed. Justin began the conversation. "Have you lived here all of your life?"

"Yes, my grandfather had this house built when he and my grandmother began having children. They knew they wanted to have a large family, so they built a home big enough for their children to have plenty of room."

"Cool. Are your grandparents your mom's parents or your dad's?"

"They are my father's parents," Pascal replied slowly and with hesitation.

"Where are your parents if you don't mind me asking?" Justin questioned. Pascal took a deep breath and said quietly, "My parents died in a car accident when I was three". Justin immediately regretted even asking. The last thing he wanted was to make her sad. "I am so sorry. I shouldn't have asked," he looked at her closely. This was obviously a girl who had had a bit of a troubled life. He thought it was not too great having divorced parents, but here was someone who had no parents.

"Do not worry about it. I do not really even remember them. The only real reminders I have of them are photographs and stories my grandparents told me about them. They say I am just like my father since I love to read, write, and play the violin and piano."

"You play the violin and piano? Not too many people play the violin. How long have you been playing them?" She loved music! This was good news indeed.

"I began playing the piano at age five and the violin at age six. In fact, I use the same violin that was my father's," Pascal said with modest pride.

"Are you good?"

"I would like to think that I am. I practice all the time. I would absolutely love the chance to get to perform the violin professionally."

"You must be good then. I hope you will let us hear you sometime since you will be touring with us. By the way, I am really glad that you are going to be our interpreter," Justin said with a coy smile.

Pascal returned the smile and said, "Me too. I could not imagine letting go of an opportunity such as this,"

"Yeah, and it will give you and I time to get to know one another," Justin boldy replied. Pascal melted. Could this be happening? She was not unpopular with boys, but she certainly had never had a boy be this forward with her. She liked it, and she liked him. The two continued talking and getting to know one another. Both were fascinated with the achievements and interests of the other. After an hour had gone by, they decided to return to the house. When they entered the house, they found the other boys in the drawing room along with the boys' manager, Blaise, and a woman with blond hair. "Pascal, this is my mother, Lynn," Justin said proudly. Lynn extended a friendly hand Pascal's way. Pascal shook it warmly, and said, "It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. Justin has said so many wonderful things about you. It is so nice to see a mother and son that are obviously so close." Lynn was deeply impressed by this girl. This was the type of girl she had always wanted him to date she could already tell. "We are so lucky to have you touring with us. The boys think you are quite a unique character," Lynn returned the compliment.

The next hour or so was spent going over and signing Pascal's contract with the boys. After that was taken care of, the boys requested that Pascal play the violin for them. Most girls would have been a bit too shy to do such a thing, but Pascal adored performing the violin, so she gladly accepted the request. The boys listened in fascination as Pascal adroitly performed Vivaldi's "Winter", Haydn's violin concerto in C major, a solo from Offenbach's Overture to "Orpheus in the Underworld", and Grieg's "Anitra's Dance" from the opera, Peer Gynt. Justin watched Pascal intently the entire time. She was amazing. It was not often, he found, that people had such extraordinary talent with musical instruments, especially the violin. When she finished, she gave a modest bow and went to carefully put the violin back in its case. "That was so incredible!" Justin gushed. "We play instruments but not like that," he said shaking his head.

"Well, you make up for that with your singing. Lance, I hear that you are quite gifted with the piano. Perhaps we could have a dual sometime, aye?" Pascal said with a twinkle in her eye.

Lance laughed. "You would probably kill me!" It was getting late, and the boys needed to get back to their hotel. The plan was set for Pascal. She was to meet them at the airport at 6:00 AM two days from then to venture to Quebec. Tomorrow, the boys were going to rest, and Pascal would pack. Justin and Pascal lingered behind the rest of the party leading to the cars. "I am really looking forward to this. Touring is hectic, but I think we will have a good time together, don't ya think?" Justin smiled. Pascal nodded coyly and smiled back. Justin leaned towards her and placed a kiss on her cheek. "See you Wednesday," he said softly. Pascal waved as they left. She turned slowly and dreamily waltzed into the house and upstairs to her room. Today had been a tres bien day, and hopefully the next few weeks would be even more delightful.