Chapter 23

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Today with Charles we are going to go diving. It's all new to me but it's one of Charles's passions. On the other hand, I warned him that we weren't going to see the wreckage of ships that sank or stuff like that because I have a phobia about it. Go see fish yes, but things that are not supposed to be under water is not possible.

Before leaving the hotel we will eat our breakfast first. There are really a lot of choices of pastries, exotic fruits, juices and so on. I make myself a big plate which earns me a comment from my darling who is crazy about my catastrophic diet.

Charles: Do you realize that you took food for 6 people there? And that on top of that you took more candy than other stuff.
Emma: So already you're going to calm down, and it's not my fault it's them who put bins with free candy. I have to take it.
Charles: Not very healty all that.
Emma: Excuse me Mr. elite athlete. Already I took fruit so yes it's healty my little one. And besides, I don't care, I have no one who checks every gram I take. If I want to put on 4 kilos just during this vacation, that's my problem. That's a problem for you, huh?
Charles: Not at all I love you for you, not for your body or your weight.
Emma: Ah so my body is ugly that's what you're insinuating.
Charles: What? But no, I never said that. I try to say cute things and you ruin everything olala.

We laugh, knowing full well that both of us are joking. We finish our meal and go to the room to take the things we need today. In other words, sunscreen, wallets, bathing suits and towels. We then take a taxi that takes us to the place where we are going to do our dive.

I'm super stressed and it shows. The instructor tries to reassure me by telling me that everything is fine and that if ever I can come back up at any time. He teaches me the symbols to say underwater and shows me how the equipment works. Charles who already knows all this focuses only on me. He pats me on the back and holds my hand. We leave with a boat to get above the place where we are going to descend. Before putting on the masks Charles comes to me.

Charles: If you don't like it or what and you panic you come to me ok? Just wave up and I'll come up with you. Either way I'll see in your eyes if you're okay so don't worry too much about the signs etc. It's going to be ok? I love you.

He's really cute, and he really understands me 100%. He already knows how to tell if I'm stressed, angry, sad or happy when we haven't been together that long. Maybe it's because he's my soulmate. Ok, Emma, focus on the activity. I take my breath and put on my mask and air hose. Charles takes my hand and drops down with me. The bottom is very deep and at first I'm a little scared. Charles takes my hand and waves to me that everything is fine. I take a deep breath and tell myself that I have to enjoy the moment. We go down a little lower and we see tons of fish of all colors and shapes. I get more and more comfortable over time and even get to the point where I forget about it all and just follow the fish. It's so beautiful.

After two good hours under water we go back on the boat.

Charles: So how did you find it?
Emma: It was incredible and magical, all these colors and these fish I loved.
Charles: You see once you left your fear behind and enjoyed it was cool huh.
Emma: Yes really!

We go back to our hotel and we go to shower. This afternoon we are going to visit a temple, I can't wait. I love learning more about the culture of the countries I visit. I decide to put on a red skirt and a white top and tie my hair up with two braids.

After visiting the temple we landed on a terrace and there monkeys came. Charles was really not serene and tried to avoid them as much as possible. Obviously one of the monkeys climbed on Charles' shoulders which made for a wonderful photo. He was in a bit of a panic but the waiter told us that those monkeys weren't bad and they were just looking for food. I tried to tell Charles that once he put his fear aside he would find it funny like he told me this morning but he didn't find it very funny. He's not afraid of a lot of things and when he's in a situation of fear he feels really vulnerable and he doesn't like it. The monkeys left as they came and in the end it was a very funny situation.

***

Unfortunately, this is already the end of our trip. I would have liked to stay longer, especially since I'm going to go back to Monaco for my lessons until the last Grand Prix in Abu Dhabi, which means that for more than a month we won't be seeing each other. I would have liked to continue to travel with him and follow him, but I have to do a lot of work and it's better that I do it face-to-face. Arrived at the airport we cuddle for at least 10 minutes. We are so sad to leave each other that no one can separate us at this time. I know we'll call each other as soon as we can, but it's still not the same thing. Unfortunately the time to separate has arrived because our planes will leave without us otherwise. Even though Charles travels by jet they have schedules to respect for air traffic. And I take an airliner. We kiss like we're never gonna kiss again. I board my plane letting a small tear roll down my cheek. I can't wait to find him.

***

I have been alone in Monaco for three weeks now. I was able to make good progress on my homework and see some friends again. Léa came to eat at the house several times and it really made me feel good because this apartment is too big to be in alone. Today I sat down in the living room to work on my latest project. I have to submit a 20-pages file on a sales project for a major luxury brand. It's all fictitious, but it's training for our future jobs. I have my headphones on and I'm really in my world. Despite everything, I can't stay focused for very long, and I'm starting to ask myself questions about my life. The famous existential questions, which we most often ask ourselves in the shower. I realize that it's been a while since I had my period and decide to look in my application. It must be me who's crazy. I open it and realize that it's already been two weeks since I should have had them. I'm really starting to panic and wonder. It's not possible, am I pregnant???

*****

The encounter of a lifetime - Charles LerclercWhere stories live. Discover now