The voice of the opera singer barreled throughout the ancient church, the sound brought shivers up my spine.
As the opera singer sang it seemed her facial expressions contorted; her eyes widen, her mouth opened wider, her flaming red hair seem to be dancing to its own tune. I huddled closer to Chelsea wishing I was sitting between her and Sacha because certainly it was warmer between them, then sitting on the end as I was.
After a few solemn songs the opera singers sprang into a Christmas carol… "Up on the House Tops Rein-Deers Pause…" Sacha looked over at me teasingly whispered, "Hooves!" He was referring to an inside joke about Chelsea who once sang, "Hooves" instead of "Pause." Chelsea poked him, with that we started to giggle. Uncontrollable giggles. Isn't it like that when you are suppose to be serious something silly, trivial, happens making you laugh unexpectedly. French Husband was not amused. I felt like I was five years old, and though the feeling was inviting, I got control of myself and acted accordingly: mature.
Throughout the evening familiar songs echoed with a French twist. Have you ever heard Silent Night or O Holy Night, in French? I found myself playing, "Name that Tune" in my head. You see I am not that mature when it comes to hearing Christmas carols sang in Operatic French. Especially Frosty.
It seemed fitting that when the opera singers sang, "The Little Drummer Boy" Chelsea poked me (I thought not this again- now what joke is going to be shared.) "Mom, Mr. Espresso is standing in the back of the church." I glanced back and saw him sheepishly smiling at Chelsea. (Ah love how good it looks.)
After the song hit its last note she slipped to the back of the church to invite him to come sit with us. When she returned alone I gave her a look that asked, "Where was he?" Chelsea leaned to my ear whispering, "He left." She didn't seem bothered, instead she glowed a certain rose.
Mr. Espresso is bashful. Though driving through a downpour, to the obscure little village, coming in at the middle of the opera concert, just to have a peek at the one he loves… made both of us giggle all over again-— and that time I didn't stop… it was music to my ears.
Photos: Of two old paintings inside of the church where we listened to Christmas carols.
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