For Better And For Worse
Chapter 24

Krist arrives at the visitors’ box and who does he see? Gauthier himself.

Gauthier: hello Krist!

Krist sighed and wanted to go back.

Gauthier: what, you’re not happy to see me?

He sits. Their discussion is ironic.

Krist (with a smile): hello Mr. Gauthier, I am delighted to see you again. It’s nice of you to visit me.

Gauthier: It’s natural. It looks like you’re living very well here? (seeing his bandages).

Krist: As you can see, I’m like the king here. I would like to know why you decided to send me to this beautiful kingdom?

Gauthier: quite simply because I really like people who turn their backs on me. And also, so that the luxury here leads them to forget my things in the dark, you know what I mean?

Krist: ah I see very well, that’s really nice of you.

Gauthier: Please.

Krist: you are a man with a big heart Mr. Gauthier, I will pray that your affairs are eternal and that you remain eternally in the shadows.

Gauthier: ah, thank you very much Krist, that really touches me.

Krist: It’s only natural.

Gauthier: well, I was delighted to see you again, I wish you a very good stay here. How many years do you have already, 05 or 04 years to go?

Krist: Five years to be precise, I wish I had 10 to make the most of the beautiful life in this beautiful kingdom.

Gauthier: but no, five years is also a long time, others should also come and benefit from it like you.

Krist: You are right sir.

Gauthier: well, have an excellent afternoon.

Krist: the same to you, Mr. Gauthier or I don’t know who. Your mask will come off one day and you will pay for everything you do.

Gauthier: it’s not you who will make me pay in any case. Bye !

Gauthier leaves and Krist was taken back to the cell.

Krist: guard, I have to speak to Commander Boris, it’s very important.

The guard turns a deaf ear and throws him into the cell.

Aristide: are you okay?

Krist: Let’s just say I’m fine.

Aristide: I’m sorry. That’s always how they annoy newbies.

Krist: I didn’t expect peace and quiet in such a place.

Aristide: So, the visit you received was your wife?

Krist: you would have noticed it on my face right?

Aristide: You are right. So who was it?

Krist: the guy who decided to send me here.

Aristide: oh well, but why did he come to visit you?

Krist: to see if I’m in pain, what else?

Aristide: I’m sorry.

Krist: no, it’s nothing.

Gauthier goes to see the prison director.

Gauthier: good afternoon, Mr. Director.

Director: hello sir, what can I do for you.

Gauthier: I have a favor to ask you.

Director: I’m listening to you.

Gauthier: I would like inmate no. M1997 not to receive any visits for at least a year.

Director: why will I do this for you?

Gauthier: because you will receive a big reward.

He places an envelope in front of him. The director is counting and there are two million inside.

Director: it will be done sir, Mr. Krist will not receive any visitors.

Gauthier: thank you. It was a pleasure doing business with you.

Director: shared pleasure.

They shake hands and Gauthier leaves.

Hair salon.

Having received no customers, the wait was becoming very boring for Isabelle so she decided to go home. Stella therefore stays a few hours and receives a few customers to whom she helps before returning some time later around 5 p.m. Once home, who does she see in the living room chatting with Isabelle? Master Célestin. Her heart skipped a beat, she doesn’t even know why.

Stella: good evening Isabelle, good evening master.

Célestin: good evening Miss Stella.

She headed towards the bedroom and Célestin’s eyes were fixed on her to the point that he completely forgot Isabelle.

Isabelle: everything okay master?

Célestin: yes, yes sorry. You know, it’s difficult for a man to see such a beautiful girl and remain indifferent, it’s something natural.

Isabelle: I see. I hope you are not having any false illusions about her?

Célestin: no, no, don’t worry! I am a responsible and serious man but hey, I am not here to talk about myself but about you.

Isabelle: yes, thank you really for your assistance master, it helped me a lot.

Célestin: Please, I owed it to you and you really need to come out of your shell to relax from time to time. It will do good not only for you but also for your baby.

Isabelle: I will do my best, thank you very much.

Meanwhile, in her room, Stella is still hesitant to go out. She stands in front of the mirror and fixes her head. She finally decides to go out while Master Célestin wants to leave.

Célestin: I will now take leave of you.

Isabelle: okay, really thank you for being a master.

Célestin: It was a pleasure.

Stella is arriving now.

Isabelle: That’s good, Stella, will you accompany Master Célestin to the door?

Stella: uh… yes of course.

Stella joins him and they go out. They walk side by side towards the exit. Célestin doesn’t know where to start. But he finally decides to take the plunge.

Célestin: actually, I’m sorry for what I said to you the other day.

Stella: no, there’s nothing to be sorry about.

Célestin: yes, in fact, it wasn’t the right time and what’s more, it was a brutal approach.

Stella: If you say so.

Célestin: However, know that I was sincere. I really have strong feelings for you Stella. True and sincere feelings that manifested themselves since the first time we saw each other at the anti-drug squad. Since that day, you have always been present in my thoughts and I burned with the desire to share with you what I felt. I never had the gift of picking up girls you know, however, I am able to say what I feel, no matter how.

Stella: I had proof of that.

Célestin: I really want to get to know you more, you know. I already admire you very much and I am sure that I will also admire your personality. So, if you would like to chat another time, could you give me your contact?

Stella: no worries!

So she gives him her contact.

Célestin: thank you. I’ll call you as soon as I get home.

Stella: Okay.

Célestin: otherwise, how do you manage this absence of Krist?

Stella: It’s really difficult for me but I’m doing my best not to be down, I promised her that. The one I worry about is his wife, she’s having a hard time getting over it.

Célestin: it’s true, she needs you to help her get over it.

Stella: yes I know.

Célestin: thank you for the time you gave me, we’ll talk later.

Stella: goodbye!

He gives her a surprise k**s on the cheek.

Célestin: you look really magnificent tonight.

She blushes and gives him a thank you then Célestin leaves. She smiles and goes back inside. Isabelle asks him a question that confuses him.

Isabelle: what’s going on between you two?

Stella: wha…what…what are you talking about?

Isabelle: what is between you and Master Célestin.

Stella: oh well, he… there’s nothing between us.

Isabelle: okay, but I’m sure there will be something. I see you very well.

Stella: oohhh Isabelle, you are certainly deluding yourself.

Isabelle: he’s rather charming, isn’t he, don’t you think?

Stella: Isabelle!

Isabelle: in any case, know that you don’t need to hide anything from me.

Stella: ok I admit, I have a little crush on him.

Isabelle: Hey, here’s someone who’s in love! Enjoy it my darling. It’s wonderful even if sometimes it hurts.

Stella: thanks for the advice, mom!

She smiles fully, caressing Stella’s cheek.