D'accord- La Fête

Chapter 2

Back in his dorm room at the university, David pulled a small safe from underneath his bed. He held the cool box in his hands, staring at his reflection in the shiny metal.

He opened the box to reveal a thick stack of euros, alongside his signed limited release pressing of Melanie Martinez's debut album. He gazed at Melanie's gap teeth and sighed. He loved Melanie, but Sandrine was something else. Sandrine had beautiful hair and perfect facial symmetry that he loved to draw. As an art major, David came to Paris to study the beautiful architecture and romance-era art in the Louvre, and the impressionist art at the Musee D'Orsay. And while he was doing his research and sketching the beautiful Paris cityscape, he discovered his muse. Sandrine.

They had met when Rachid forced him to go the Stephane's party at the cafe, and he was captivated by her beauty. He was too afraid to talk to her, worrying that he would say something he didn't mean, or something offensive.

Later that week when he was practicing his still life art, Sandrine arrived, accompanied by Rachid. Rachid, the good wingman that he is, asked Sandrine if she would pose for David's sketch project. She accepted and he sketched her while awkwardly asking about her interests.

He lifted the Melanie Martinez album out of the safe and picked up the paper that lay beneath. He gazed at his sketch of Sandrine, and he noticed a little wet drop on the corner. The tears came fast, staining his art.

He would never be with Sandrine. She had Pascal, and Pascal made her happy. David knew that Sandrine's happiness was important. He valued her happiness above everything. But still, deep down, David was selfish. He wanted Sandrine to be happy with him, not Pascal.

He put the drawing back in the safe and tucked it safely back underneath his bed. Reaching into his jeans pocket, he pulled out his cell phone and called Stephane.

"Stephane? You said you wanted me to help with the party?"

Stephane's voice was slightly muffled over the phone.

"Oh yeah, can you help us set up the decorations? You are really good at that, being an artist and all."

"Stephane, being an artist does not translate into party decorating. But that's besides the point, I suppose. When do you want me over?"

"Around six. The party is tomorrow, so I just want everything ready today."

"Alright. See you soon."

David hung up on Stephane and threw his phone on the bed.

What am I doing? I don't even like Pascal.

David walked into the kitchen and started to angrily peel an orange.

I know why I'm decorating Pascal's party.

It was hard to admit to himself the real reason behind his supposed altruism.

He just wanted a reason to be near Sandrine.