Chapter 59

Charles I know I'm just a good-for-nothing who couldn't do anything with his life. The only opportunity I had to do good, I ruined it by doing anything. I wonder why Cécile came back with me, when at that time I had nothing to please. I lived with my parents and they did everything to make me a responsible man, but I only had my head in alcohol and women. When I met Cécile, she was distraught and on her own. She did not know to which saint to devote herself. I liked her right away. I don't know if it was love or pity, but I wanted to be with her, to protect her. She was so beautiful and innocent and I only wanted to be with her. Despite the fact that she was pregnant by another man, I had decided to bring her home and make this child mine. It was the first time I had done something meaningful and I felt it deep inside me. I had lied to my parents that Cécile had become pregnant with me. And right away, they liked her. They were so happy that I was