The anxiety that came with the news of Claire Giroud's arrival, had the siblings rushing around the apartment.
In the two days they had to prepare for their mother coming, they restocked the fridge, cleaned every little corner that can be dirty, hid all of the boxes that lead to the fact Aurora was moving out and bought tons of scented candles, to place all around the apartment.
The young girl made some double chocolate chip cookies, while her brother went to pick up mama Giroud. Baking was something that would calm her down when she was nervous.
Pacing back and forth, a loud knock on the door grabbed Rory's attention.
The mail man handed her a champagne coloured envelope. Save the date was written in gold cursive. Inside of the small envelope, she found two sparkly cardboard pieces. On one was written her name and on the her brothers.
25th July 2021. Athena Fernandez and Antoine Griezmann invite you to share there happiness and join them to celebrate their marriage.
Hearing Olivier's voice from the hallway, she placed the invitation next to the rest of the mail on the kitchen counter and head to welcome the two.
...
For the older sibling, seeing his mum was a bit of a stressful situation. Fair to saу, it has been a while since last seeing her. Olivier preferred to call her once in awhile to make sure she was well and updated her on his life.
Last time the two talked, he mentioned briefly the divorce. Claire Giroud was everything but happy with her son's decision and tried what was in her power to change his mind. Unsuccessfully.
His phone was buzzing with messages since the morning.
When Athena heard Claire was traveling to London, she felt like she needed to step back for a second and cut all communication with her ex. Yet, when Olivier asked her not to do it and not to let his mother to step in their relationship again, the young woman listened to him.
This time she was only his friend. And he doesn't need to tell his mother who he is talking with and not. Athena needed to know everything was going smoothly and Olivier was alright.
Taking his phone out of the pocket of his jeans, he read the most recent text from her.
" Good luck. Call me later."
The few simple words, eased the anxiety and put a smile on his face. Fixing his eyes on the screen, he didn't saw the woman he was waiting for made her way towards him.
" Why is that look on your face Olivier?"
In the shock of hearing his mother's voice, the footballer almost dropped the device on the ground.
The woman standing in front of him, was staring at his features trying to find the reason for that smile.
A man going through a difficult break up and everything that follows would not be smiling for no reason.
Her eyes lined with black, red lipstick on her lips, hair in perfect curls cascading down her back.
Claire Giroud kept her intense gaze on her son, until he spoke.
" I... I am happy to see you again, mother."
Convinced by his words, she went ahead and embraced him in a motherly hug.
Surrounded by the familiar scent of her perfume, the memory from the last time Olivier had seen his mum creeped in his mind.
A few weeks later, Athena had left him.
...
Back in the warmth of the apartment, the delicious smell of baked cookies and the meal Aurora prepared, filled the space.
The table was set and it was time for a family dinner. After a few quick questions from Claire, asking how her children have been doing everyone was silently eating their food.
" I forgot to ask. How are the things between you and Jen Olivier?"
The older woman broke the silence. Sensing her brother's unwillingness to answer their mother's questions, Aurora kicked him under the table.
" I told you. The divorce is finalized and there is nothing you can do about it."
His voice filled with annoyance didn't pleased his mother, neither the respond she got. Claire furrowed her brows in an disapproving look.
Placing down the cutlery, she stared at him.
Aurora sitting in between them, kept moving her eyes from one to the other. This wasn't going to end well, she thought.
" And I told you to fix it. You were perfect together."
" You think that because you are the one who choose Jen. Not me."
A humourless laugh left his mouth. Perfect. There is no such thing as perfect.
Claire introduced him to Jen a few months before Athena and him broke up. Her friend's daughter, really nice girl, Olivier had to meet with Jen to make his mother happy. That's what Claire said.
She kept insisting that her son had to spend more time with her, than with his girlfriend. Of course, Athena didn't like it, but the situation didn't put her in a place she can do anything about it.
" Yet, you got married and had a child together. You cannot step out of their lives, Olivier."
" Never said I am going to leave my daughter. I married Jen because of you, mother!"
Infuriated with this conversation, the Frenchman rose up from his seat.
He didn't even had the time to process the break up, before his mother set up another date with Jen. He likes her,she is a nice and smart girl. She just wasn't his girl.
Few months later, Olivier found himself in an unhappy marriage.
" Olivier Giroud come back here! I am not finished!"
" I have nothing to say to you, mother."
Grabbing his phone and keys, ready to leave the house he saw his mother pick up something from the mail on the counter.
" Save the date."
She read out loud. The following sentence had the woman full with amusement. The initial shock quickly disappeared and a small smile was now present in her lips.
" Antoine Griezmann and... Athena Fernandez. Interesting, very interesting."
The invitation he was expecting to come was now in his mother's hands. She ripped the paper and threw it in the garage bin.
" Do you have something to tell me, Olivier?"
Yeah, I don't think I like this chapter. But I am in a really good mood soo...
There is so much snow outside. Winter paradise. I feel like a child on Christmas.
Also... This made my day and I had to share it.
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