Le ciel est bleu

Chapter 9

"Oh, you're finally done," Floret remarked, her voice tinged with a hint of disappointment as she recalled the plans she had once envisioned for celebrating Timothée's thesis completion. The awkwardness between them was palpable, an undeniable undercurrent that permeated their interaction.

"Yes, how about you?" Timothée responded to his attempt to brush off the uneasiness evident in his voice.

"I finished a few months ago," Floret replied, her tone carrying a mix of accomplishment and wistfulness.

"Congratulations," Timothée offered his words betraying a trace of uncertainty.

Curiosity sparked within Floret as she observed the ring on Timothée's finger. "So, who's the lucky lady?" she inquired, unable to hide the flicker of curiosity in her eyes.

"It's Becki, how did you know?" Timothée asked, surprised by Floret's keen observation.

"I figured because of the ring. I suppose you did have a lot in common with her. And you're still working at Caltech, right?" Floret queried, seeking to catch up on the fragments of Timothée's life she had missed.

"Yes, I'm still at Caltech," Timothée confirmed, "how about you?"

"I'm still at 12th Avenue, I did however apply at other places so if I do get the chance, I'll probably move. And I hope I do."

Timothée listened intently, a mixture of admiration and a tinge of nostalgia washing over him. "That's great. So what're your plans for the future, I mean are you seeing someone?"

Floret's smile grew wistful as she spoke again. "As for my plans, I've done some soul-searching and come to the realization that love and marriage may not be meant for everyone. After giving it my best shot, with you, I've decided to focus on other aspects of life. I've decided to adopt and as it is, I'm not getting any younger so that is my best option."

Timothée's gaze softened, his heart aching for the woman who had once held his heart. "I'm really proud of you. I hope everything goes well."

"Thank you, Doctor Voight," Floret responded, her voice carrying a hint of melancholy. "I think it's time for me to leave. My cab is waiting outside."

As Floret walked towards her waiting cab, Timothée couldn't help but gaze at her retreating figure, a mixture of heartbreak and longing swirling within him. He recognized that she had moved on from their past, yet he couldn't escape the feeling that she deserved a better ending, a love story that hadn't unfolded for them. Thoughts of Floret lingered in his mind, casting a shadow over the ride home with Rebecca, as he contemplated the roads untaken and the bittersweet nature of their encounter.

As they embarked on their journey back to the Voight residence, Timothée insisted on playing accordion music, Rebecca finally gave in to his demands.

"I suppose I can appreciate French accordion music," Rebecca commented, her voice filled with a hint of amusement. "There's something undeniably romantic about it. What's the title of this song?"

Timothée paused the music, reaching for the cassette to read the label. His fingers delicately traced the inscription, "Histoire D'un Amour." In an instant, he was transported back in time, memories flooding his mind of the past he had shared with Floret. Their first car ride and the conversations that took place about their lives, books, and passions-are all connected to this very melody. How could he forget? That was the first time she realized her love for him.

Lost in the depths of his thoughts, Timothée was momentarily startled when Rebecca's voice broke through the reverie. "What're you thinking?"

His gaze shifted to Rebecca, a gentle smile forming on his lips. He hesitated, debating whether to share his bittersweet memories. "Nothing specific," he finally replied, his voice carrying a touch of wistfulness. "I was just reminded that 'Histoire D'un Amour' translates to 'love story' or 'love affair' in English."