The Exchange Student

Petit Pastís

Camila was an early bird, and so was Beatrice. Ava was loudly snoring when the two sisters decided to go out for breakfast. They went to Petit Pastís - the bakery right next to Beatrice's building.

There were two little tables outside of the bakery, there was no room inside. It was getting warmer, but they were both dressed in comfortably big and warm hoodies.

"So, they actually agreed ?" Beatrice was in shock. She was truly amazed by her younger sister. She knew how difficult it was to convince their father.

"Yep," she grinned, but her leg couldn't stay still, it had been twitching pretty hard for the past fifteen minutes. "I think it has to do with the fact that you live here as well. Maybe it reassures them."

"Probably." Today was the last day of February, it was the middle of the school year. But she already had next year all figured out. She'd be in an art school in Barcelona. Madrid was out of the equation now that she knew Camila will also move here and that Ava still has two years to go before finishing her licence. She'd still look for options in Madrid, because she was determined to enrol in a school she'd actually like. She really needed to start looking since admissions would open soon. Beatrice glanced at Camila's leg, still jerking. "What's the stress for, Cam ?" She asked, concerned.

Camila's self-awareness stilled her leg. "Oh, bad habit. I'm just excited for tonight, it'll be my first party."

"Ah. I see." Beatrice sighed in relief, she sincerely hoped that Camila had found peace in her decision to move to Barcelona. "It'll be okay. Say one word if you're uncomfortable and I'll kick everyone out."

"Not necessary, I'm sure your friends are great, but thanks." Camila said joyfully. "Even Ava ?" The grin was back on her face.

"No." Beatrice smirked, she had missed the little teasing from Camila. "You already like her more than you like me."

"True." Camila laughed. She sunk her croissant in Beatrice's orange juice ; probably the most disgusting thing that Beatrice would see today. "But, sincerely though, she's great, Bea. I'm happy for you."

Beatrice shyly smiled, she'd be blushing if she hadn't been in much worse situations. "Thanks. I'm really happy to be with her."

Camila rolled her eyes, but eventually gave a gentle tap on the top of Beatrice's hand. "It shows."

"And what about you, Cam ? Is there anyone ?" Beatrice tried to be laid back, but she couldn't hide her overprotective energy.

"No," Camila sighed and shook her head. "I'm going to die alone, but that's fine." Camila's leg started jerking again. It wasn't related to what she was saying, because she was obviously kidding. It felt like something had caught her eye.

"Don't worry, I'll get you a cat. Or multiple cats." Beatrice teased, but Camila wasn't paying attention to her anymore.

"Barcelona is lovely," Camila whispered in an almost imperceptible voice.

Beatrice turned around to get a look of what had caught Camila's attention. Or who.

A young man, barely in his twenties, was standing in front of the bakery's door, hesitant to walk in. He glanced at the girls' table, avoiding eye contact with Beatrice and giving Camila the tiniest smile.

Beatrice groaned, and re-centred her focus on Camila. "Seriously ?"

"What ? I'm sorry I'm not blind," Camila scoffed. She was getting slightly defensive.

"Sorry. He's just- he seems too old for you." Beatrice frowned. She disliked the idea of Camila allowing strangers to flirt with her.

"It doesn't bother you to date younger people, though."