A Glimpse of ESMERALDA II: Assault on a Mambo

Dominique, now over 80 years old, awoke at 3:00 a.m. from a disturbing dream. Her grandmother had come to her in the dream and told her to beware. “Il faut se méfier! You must beware!” Esmeralda had been dead for almost thirty years and had never appeared to her until now. Dominique was unaware how to interpret the dream. Her grandmother never conversed with her in French, yet now she was, so that had to mean something. Esmeralda’s grandmother Sophia only spoke in French after her husband had been killed, which is why Esmeralda, raised by her mother and grandmother, was so fluent in the language.

Dominique thought, “Why would Grandma warn me to beware in French? Her grandmother was from Haiti. Does this mean I need to go to that island nation? Or perhaps New Orleans, Casandra’s second home? French was common in both places.”

That morning, Dominique caught the next flight available to New Orleans.

She landed in the city and checked into the Ritz. She spent the evening relaxing in the lobby and having dinner in the hotel restaurant, then called it a night. She made a point to speak to every Black female she met that worked at the hotel. Her approach let the women know they had something in common, regardless of her White appearance. She was actually gathering information about the location of the Black community in general and Tremé in particular. The following morning, she caught a cab to Tremé, seeking out various Haitian cultural sites. After visiting various shops, she entered a shop selling books on spells and potions. Upon entering the shop, she could sense her grandmother’s presence and knew this was her destination.

The young woman behind the counter immediately noticed Dominique but continued to wait on customers. Once the shop was empty, however, the woman approached Dominique and asked if she could assist her.

She said, “Bonjou, madame. Let me introduce myself. My name is Blanche Frontier. How may I assist you?”

Dominique replied, “Bonjou, little sister. I am just visiting the neighborhood. Actually, I’m looking for an elder. I’m sure you recognize my glow, as I yours. I need some advice from a senior.”

The young woman smiled and said, “Yes, I recognize your glow and understand your request. Please come with me.”

The woman escorted Dominique to the back of the shop and offered her a seat.

“Madame, please wait here for a moment. I will bring you what you’ve requested.”

Five minutes later, an elderly woman entered the room.

“Bonjou, madame. Tu cherches mon aide? Parlez-vous francais?”

Dominique was embarrassed that she only understood some of the greeting and was unable to communicate properly with this elder.

She said, “Je ne peux pas converser en Francais. I cannot converse in French.”

The elder shook her head, then said, “That’s so disappointing because you should. I asked you if you seek my assistance. At the level of mystique you have achieved, you have greatly handicapped yourself. Anyway, so, what can I do for you, young lady?”