A Midsummer Night's Dream

12

DIANA

I stared out the window to my cab at the beautiful city called Paris. Having been here and spending time with my aunt alone was wonderful. I did try to bring up the conversation about Bellamy by hinting stuff but she always changed the subject saying, "Oh petite fille, you ask too many questions!"

Paris was such a dream and more and then I ever expected, a beautiful city of lights, parks, world famous buildings and monuments, fashion, cuisine, sculptures and art, Haussman architecture lining wide avenues and such poise. I had met the most elegant people in my life here when with my aunt at her offices or at her parties, maybe it was because they were rich and old like her but I couldn't know. Last night, I realized I even lost count of how many days were left in France before I returned to New York, maybe 31 or 32.

I clutched my stomach and took a deep breath. Today I was returning to Eguisheim after a month. I had forgotten mostly about the kiss I shared with Theodore on the terrace the night before I left but it was all coming back to me.
Maybe I shouldn't have left the party with him.
Maybe I should have pushed him away.
Why didn't I push him away? Why did I let it happen?
What if he felt embarrassed by it?
What if he never wanted to see me again?
What if he chose Cecilia instead?

I felt like I was going to be sick and I was sweating profusely in my black tennis skirt, neon green crop top and knee high black platform boots. The boots were a gift from Jean Paul Gautier but god, they made it feel like 100 degrees. 

"How much longer until we get there?" I asked my aunt who was sitting in the front passenger seat of her Aston Martin.

"Hmm. About 10 minutes. Why do you ask?" She replied.

"Nothing." I said. I wiped the sheet of sweat off my forehead and huffed.

"The time went by fast, didn't it? I've been reading this 16th century French romance. It's about a knight who doesn't know whether to speak or die." My aunt told me.

"Right." I said, not knowing what else to say.

"It used to be your mother's favourite when she was your age." Marilyn said.

"So does he or doesn't he?" I asked, my curiosity getting the best of me.

"'Better to speak' the princess had said but she stayed on her guard."

"So does he speak?"

"No. He fudges."

"It figures. He's French." I said with a chuckle.

My aunt laughed too.

The car pulled into the Monet estate driveway and I quickly leaped out of the car.
I had to see him. It's the only way to know.

"Hey, Diana! Where are you running off to? We just got here!" My aunt yelled after me.

"I'll be back! Just put my stuff in my room. Thanks driver!" I yelled back and started running.

The shoes were uncomfortable but I couldn't stop. Adrenaline rushed through me and I felt butterflies in my stomach but I didn't know if they were bad or good. I dodged people carrying produce and groups of little kids playing outside on the cobblestone streets.

I got to the Lavigne house and took a deep breath and knocked the door.

Wilbur opened the door with a smile.
"Oh Bonjour, Diana! Comment allez-vous?" He asked.

"I'm fine. Is Theodore around?"

"Oh yes. He's just in the orchard picking some nectarines. Just go around the back." Wilbur informed me.