Free Kiki and Jacques by Susan Ross

he had a stomachache and get by with Dad, but he knew that he could never fool Grandmère Jeannette.
    Jacques cut out of practice early and dragged his feet along the sidewalk on his way to the bridal shop. He paused at every cross road and nearly jumped out of his skin when he saw a skinny kid in a hooded jacket standing in front of the library. As soon as the kid turned, though, Jacques snorted with relief; it was just a weirdly tall girl from sixth grade.
    When Jacques passed by the Army Navy Store, Mr. Silverstein waved to him through the display windows. Jacques waved back but wondered why Mr. Silversteinwas wearing a bow tie to spend the day selling cargo pants and hoodies.
    By the time he reached the bridal shop, Jacques felt better. The sun was shining through lazy clouds. It was just an ordinary Saturday. Duane was all talk, and always had been. How a kid like that could ever get a girl like Monique to marry him was impossible to figure.
    Jacques went to check that the alley-side door was locked, then settled into tidying the showroom and hanging up gowns. He only twitched a little when the front bell jingled.
    Grandmère Jeannette smiled broadly as she stepped forward to greet Mrs. Labelle, who walked in with Lucy right behind her.
    â€œ
Bonjour
Jeannette,
comment ça va
?” Mrs. Labelle offered enthusiastic air kisses. “My niece is going to a wedding next month, and she needs a pretty dress. I told my sister you could find us a nice bargain.” Mrs. Labelle whispered the word
bargain
while Lucy rolled her eyes. “It’s gonna be first class. They’re having a band up from Boston.”
    Jacques looked at Lucy, who immediately turned the other way and stamped one foot.
    â€œC’est bon!”
Grandmère Jeannette exclaimed. “Of course we’ll find somethin’ real special.” She glanced sideways at Jacques as she took Lucy to the sales rack. “I have just the perfect dress for you,
chérie
.”
    â€œI’m going to get a Coke,” Jacques blurted out. “My throat hurts wicked bad.”
    Jacques fled through the door and onto Main Street.Yvonne’s House of Pizza was a block and a half away, next door to the library. Jacques hadn’t had any lunch and couldn’t remember whether he’d eaten breakfast. He plunked down at the cracked Formica counter in front of the restaurant window and ordered two slices. Across the street, a group of Somali kids were coming out of the library. When he spotted Kiki on the steps, Jacques jumped from the stool and hurried outside.
    â€œHey,” Jacques called over. “What are you doing here?”
    â€œOh hi! The library has free tutors today.” Kiki smiled. “But to tell the truth, they are not as good as you at explaining math.”
    â€œYou want something to eat?” Jacques pointed to the pizza place.
    Kiki licked her lips as she shook her head. Two Somali girls stood in the doorway behind her, staring.
    â€œWhat about later?” Jacques asked.
    â€œMohamed has a job with Mr. Silverstein, and I am supposed to meet him at the mosque when he is done.” She nodded toward a simple storefront on the side street behind them.
    â€œYour brother is working at the Army Navy Store?”
    â€œOnly for today,” Kiki replied. “Mr. Silverstein asked him at the church party. He will help move some heavy things. Hooyo has not found work yet, so the pay is good for us.” Kiki motioned toward the Somali girls, who were beginning to giggle between whispers. “The tutor will start again soon. I should go back.”
    Jacques shuddered as he turned away. Mohamedat the Army Navy Store? What if . . . ? He bent over his knees and sucked air. It was a good thing, maybe. There was no way Duane would try anything now. No way at all.
    When he walked back into the bridal shop, Jacques was whistling.
    â€œYou feelin’ better?” Grandmère Jeannette