Ami Vitesse

You wouldnt think

two girls who were so different could become good friends, but

in New Orleans of 1860, thats just what happens. We begin with Claire Conner, a courageous
girl who lives in the French Quarter. The Civil War was about to begin, and the French, Spanish,
and U.S. all claimed parts of the beautiful New Orleans. Claire was sitting in the parlor of her
grand house, listening to her wise, gentle grandfather tell stories about his time on the sea. Yet
not one man was lost in that squall, he said with large hand movements. Captain was pleased
with our courage. He even treated us to a show on The Floating Palace when we returned to
land. Claire was amazed. The Floating Palace! How did you get in, Grand-pre? You were just
a seaman! He chuckled and gave Claire an embrace. Ah, mon cher, the captain was
persuasive. He held Claires hand with a twinkle in his eye. Claire felt something cold in her
palm. She looked down and saw silver. A coin! She looked at her grandfather with astonishment.
The captain had payed that much to get in! And that was enough to get a bale of cotton.
Gracie Hudson was amazed at the size of her home. It was amazing! Her father had
described it to her, but he hadnt mentioned the marble fireplace, the carved lions, or the size of
her room! Nothing could break the splendor she felt. Millie, her dog, had even found her place;
the window seat. Gracie ran up the stairway to her room, and Millie followed. Gracie set her
bags down on the bed. She turned her head to the mirror. The face she saw wasnt Gracie. The
blue bonnet had to be removed, and the hairpins needed to be out of her head. Look! There she
was. Gracie fell onto the bed and looked at the ceiling. Millie, I have a great feeling about this
place. Something is going to happen in the French Quarter, and Im going to be a part of it.

Claire had been hearing the great news. There was a new family in the French Quarterand they had a girl her age! Claire could play music with her, recite poems, and try costumes on!
Mama! When will the new family be here?Claire ran into the parlor~and found her mother
with a man and a girl. Daughter, these are our new neighbors, Dr. Hudson and his daughter,
Gracie. Gracie stood and walked to Claire. Madame Conner said to the girls. Gracie, this is my
daughter, Claire. Claire smiled. Hello. How do you like New Orleans? I love it! Madame
Conner smiled. Why dont you girls go play upstairs? Claire smiled at Gracie. Gracie
nodded her head, and both girls went up the stairs to Claires room. This is my room. I have
dolls, a piano, and my parrot, Marsalis. Gracie was interested. A piano? Claire smiled. Her
new friend liked music! They could play the piano all day! Yes. Do you play? Gracie shook
her head. No, but I can sing. Claire sat at the instrument and began to play the keys. What
songs do you know? I have some poetry you could probably sing. I wrote it myself. Gracie
nodded. Yes, that will work. Do you write poetry often? Claire pointed to her desk and
laughed. Its almost all I do! Are you ready? Gracie stood by the piano, poetry in hand.

In the market, I hear voices,

Voices I cant understand.
The sound is beautiful,
From every woman and man.
French, Spanish, English,
All together as one.
The world is at my fingertips,
At my feet, the sun.

Claire stopped playing, and Gracie silenced her voice. Whats wrong? Gracie asked.
Claire stood and looked at Gracie. Claire paced the floor back and forth, her hoop skirts
flouncing side to side. Gracie was confused. What are you thinking of? Claire was so excited.
Yes, her plan was magnifique! Gracie, ami vitesse, my dear friend, you are going to sing at the
orphanage benefit in two weeks at Pierce Park!

Gracie had butterflies. Why had she said yes? She was next on stage and Claire wasnt
here to play the music! What if she forgot the words? What if she tripped? What if her voice
gave out? She saw Madame Conner. Is Claire here? Madame Conner shook her head softly.
My dear, I have heard you sing. You have been practicing for two weeks! Remember, it is for
the children. Gracie nodded and went back to her spot behind the curtain. Oh no, the announcer!
Pour notre prochain acte, Gracie Hudson! She didnt need a translation: it was her time to go.
She gulped and quickly walked out to center stage. Claire was not coming. She looked out to the
crowd. Suddenly, Gracie realized that she didnt need the music. She knew it all by heart.

In the market, I hear voices,

Voices I cant understand.
The sound is beautiful,
From every woman and man.
French, Spanish, English,
All together as one.
The world is at my fingertips,
At my feet, the sun.

Claire felt terrible. She hadnt shown up on time. Yet, Gracie was wonderful! The song
had ended and Gracie took her curtsy. She ran behind the curtain. Claire said, Im sorry I was
late. Please forgive me. Gracie smiled. I will forgive you, but only if you take credit for the
song, too. She pulled Claire to the stage and said to the crowd, The poet who wrote the great
song, Miss Claire Conner! Claire smiled and curtsied. They waved to the crowd and ran back
behind the stage. Thank you so much, Claire! Without your poetry, I wouldnt have done this.
Claire shook her head, Without you, I wouldnt be discovered as a poet. The girls hugged one
another and smiled.