Title: Colette's Search (Chapter 8)

Author: WistfulGuy

Fandom: Pan Am

Rating: PG

Cast: Colette Valois

Disclaimer: I do not own Pan Am the company or the TV series. I am not associated with ABC TV in any way. I am just a huge fan of the show and like to write. Also, please don't sue me…I don't do well in jail and I have no money. Void where prohibited.

***Note: while Colette Valois is fluent in French, I am not. I have chosen to display all her dialogue in English, rather than use an English-French translation utility and risk making her sound like a 3rd grader speaking in broken French. I think you fans can appreciate that ***

Colette was awake and getting dressed for the day before her alarm clock rang. She knew they had two more days before Majestic flew again, so she had to make each day count. Thanks to her efforts and the help of many along the way, she now had an employer and home address for her brother Georges. His home address...she stared at the information on her brother with a sense of wonder. After all this time, accepting her existence as a lone orphan with no family to call her own, she was on the brink of discovering her brother.

She made her way down to the hotel cafe for some breakfast. She was thinking of the best way to approach her brother. Showing up at his place of work might prove awkward, and besides he could have limited time to visit with her then. She figured it would be best to meet Georges at his home.

After ordering her food, Colette noticed Dean walking towards her. She smiled and waved gently.

"Well, you're up and around early," he said.

"That shouldn't be too surprising. I feel like it's Christmas morning and I'm about to open my presents!"

"So, what are your plans from here?"

"Well, I figure that since we have both work and home addresses for Georges, it would be better to try him at home. At least we'd be less likely to be interrupted."

"That makes sense. When do you want to stop by his house?"

"I'm thinking in the early evening. I'm hoping he has a job where he leaves work around 5pm in the evening. I guess the only way to know is to give it a try."

Dean nodded in agreement. He waved over a waiter to order some breakfast. They had time to get ready for the visit to Georges' house.

The cab ride to Georges' house was quiet at first. Colette intently studied her street map, periodically glancing up and around to get a visual idea of where they were. Dean asked her, "You okay?"

"I'm fine. Just want to make sure we don't miss it."

"We won't. You're going to do this."

Colette smiled at Dean, taking his hand and squeezing gently. She thought of how it was nice to him along for this. She was nervous to meet her brother for the first time in her life, and Dean's presence helped relieve her tension somewhat.

"What are you going to say to him?" Dean asked.

"Honestly, I don't know. What I'd like to say is 'Hello, my name is Colette Valois. I am your sister, and I am so happy to finally meet you.' I just don't know what will come out when I actually see him."

"That's understandable. Just say what's in your heart, Colette."

Colette watched Dean intently as he spoke. "Thank you for coming with me, Dean."

"It is my pleasure. Colette, I want you to be happy. Seeing you find your brother is something I'm happy to be a part of, however small my contribution may be."

"Your support of me is greatly appreciated." Colette smiled at Dean.

As she glanced down again to her map, they heard the cab driver say, "We're here."

Colette looked up to the house, a moderate sized house in a suburb of Paris. The light by the front door was on, and someone could be seen through the glass on the front door moving through the house. They exited the cab. As Colette paid the driver, Dean studied the house. "Hmm, well if this is all his it looks like he's making an honest living for himself."

The cab pulled away. Colette reached into her purse for the family photo from Omar. She looked at it for a moment, saying, "Here we go." She walked up the steps to the front door and rang the bell. After several moments, the door opened. They saw a man who appeared to be in his early twenties. He was dressed fairly conservatively, wearing a sweater and slacks. Dean noticed his facial features somewhat favored Colette. It was him...it had to be.

The man asked, "Can I help you?"

Smiling, Colette began to speak, "Hello, I'm looking for Georges Valois. Are you him?"

"I am; what can I do for you?"

"Did you originally grow up in the St. Thomas orphanage in Paris?"

The man was taken aback slightly. He began to look intently at Colette. "Yes, that's correct, how did you know that? What is this all about?"

Colette said, "My name is Colette Valois. I...am your sister."

The man's eyebrows raised and his eyes widened. Tears began to roll down his cheeks. Stammering, he said, "All these years, I thought my family was lost in the war. I...thought I was alone. And now, I have a...sister. Oh, Colette!"

Beginning to weep, he reached for Colette. There he was, her brother. He was real, and he was right in front of her. Her guard was completely down, the tears began to flow unchecked down her cheeks. She quickly went to him and they embraced, both crying deeply. Dean smiled at their emotional reunion.

Georges invited them into his home. Colette swelled with a rush of fulfillment. She did it, she found her brother. After being apart for their entire lives until then, they would never be too far apart again.