Call from Destiny | COMPLETED | English

CHAPTER SIXTY-SEVEN: Paris and a Blind Date

C L A I R E

After our little trip to Rome, we went back to our hotel, the Ibis Budget Paris La Villette. We decided to go here since it seemed cozy and we could travel to more places in this spot. Since we were traveling for only a week, we needed to save some money in order to visit and scratch some things off the bucket list. 

I looked at my alarm clock and even if I pressed the snooze button, it still wouldn't turn off. Oh wait, I don't have that alarm clock. It is Sierra's. I almost facepalmed at this point. 

Groaning groggily, I sat straight up and looked to my left. I can see Sierra sleeping well even though her alarm is ringing next to her. She held her pillow tight and slept with her legs cuddling it, extended straight, and posed on the side. 

I just smiled at the way she looked as I stood up and turned off the alarm clock. Since I'm already awake, why not order some breakfast for both of us?

Before I could go out of the room, I heard the creak in Sierra's bed as I saw her stretch and yawn.

"I thought I set up my clock before bed," she mumbled as I immediately laughed. I told her that I was the one who turned it off since it woke me up. Her cheeks suddenly turned red, apologizing in a quick manner, even telling me that it probably sounded like a fire alarm for how loud it was. 

She then stood up, telling me to already prepare and take a bath. "Let's eat out."

She decided to go first and I waited for her to finish. After a few minutes, she was wearing a dark blue T-shirt and shorts while her hair was in a towel. I soon came next, taking my spare towel in the bath, and took a shower. 

After I finally chose what to wear, I looked at myself in the mirror. I chose a black dress that I hadn't used yet. It was supposed to be for a special occasion. The dress reached down on my knees and it was backless. The clothing was tied on my neck and I wasn't quite sure if this would be a great look for the day. 

Of course, I paired it with black laced-up stilettos that seem quite fashionable for Sierra's try-out photos. After all, she said that she couldn't find a model for her photography contest so she asked me about it instead. And since we were in Paris, it seems fitting to dress the part.  

When we were finally ready to go, I took my phone from the desk and at the same time checked if there were any new messages or calls to me.

Seven missed calls from him.

After all that he did, I don't think talking to him right now is what I wanted to happen. 

I just rolled my eyes and looked at the messages from Benedict.

Benedict | June 12, 2021

Claire, Sam and I are going on a date for a special surprise. I didn't tell her but decided we should date in Paris. How cool is that? I also set up a blind date with you so that the four of us can double date. I'll just tell you where when we're really in Paris.

This message was from two days ago. I was quite surprised when he mentioned Paris. Sam probably missed me and accidentally told him about Paris so he thought of surprising her. Well, I guess it was quite understandable since Sam's birthday was next week. 

I wondered if they were already here though. Since I know how to wait, I'll wait for Benedict's text to me. But still, a blind date? I'm scared of not knowing who I was about to talk to. 

I shrugged suddenly at the idea. Maybe I really need to move on. After all, he doesn't seem to care about me.

"Are you ready?" Sierra asked me as I turned my attention back to her. Turning off my phone, I gave her a nod. Well, another day awaits. 

---

"I think we got enough pictures for today!" Sierra exclaimed before smiling at me. After we ate breakfast earlier, we decided to visit the Avenue des Champs-Élysées to take photos and even at the Arc de Triomphe. 

Since it was already afternoon, we decided to chill on the shades and enjoy the ambiance of Paris. Now, I know why they called it the City of Love. I could feel how cozy and how the hues of orange really fill the sky and how romantic it looked in the city. 

Before I could even answer her, I heard the ringtone of my cell phone. She looked at me and I excused myself for a minute to check. Once I opened it, I saw Benedict's message in the notifications on my lock screen.

Benedict | 1:42 pm

Go to Le Train Bleu. Wear something nice. Sam's waiting outside. Sam will just guide you to the table when you're there. 

Right now? I mean, it's too fast. I also don't know my blind date. Sam didn't even text me who it was. Well, Benedict said I should wear something nice. I guess this black dress would do. 

"Friends?" Sierra asked as I gave her a nod. 

"They're here in Paris as well. They set me up on a blind date." I could see her smiling a bit before agreeing. 

"Well, you do look like you need some romance. Have fun in the city of love, as they all say." I don't really think that works for me though. I just got out of a breakup. If you could even call it one --- considering that he never really answered my messages. 

I was about to ask her if she would be fine if I go ahead but she seemed to know what was on my mind already. She told me to meet up with Sam and Benedict and that she'd be waiting for me at the hotel. 

I'm scared.

But if this would take my mind off him, then so be it.