[DISCONTINUED FOR NOW] 1960s France, where a new era unfolds with sweeping changes. Amidst the societal upheaval, Nadine Magnan embarks on an extraordinary journey within the walls of a recently turned coeducational high school.
[Mixte 1963]
[Josep...
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The morning sun spilled through Nadine's lace-curtained windows, casting a warm glow over the quaint room. Posters of her favourite actors and singer adorned the walls. The air was filled with the delicate fragrance of lavender from a vase on her dresser.
The room echoed with the lively tunes of a crackling radio, a timeless soundtrack to her life. A familiar melody filled the air, setting the tone for the day ahead. The vinyl crackle accompanied the soothing voice of Brigitte Bardot weaving a musical tapestry.
Nadine stood before her full-length mirror, reflecting on the significance of this day. The anticipation of the day could be felt in her stomach as she carefully selected each garment, the rustle of fabric blending harmoniously with the nostalgic melody. A stylish crème coloured A-line dress, draped over her frame.
As the lyrics of Bardots ballad filled the room, Nadine fluffed up her hair in an effort to achieve some volume, a final touch to her ensemble. Her reflection looked back at her, a mixture of annoyance and dread washed over her as her mother called for her from the kitchen.
"Nadine! Your brother and sister are already ready to go, hurry along." She shouted impatiently.
Nadine didn't necessarily have the best relationship with her siblings, nor her parents. The familial bonds that should have provided solace felt strained and distant. From the constant effort to please her parents or the everlasting comparisons to her siblings.
This caused her to keep to herself in the solace of her room. This self-imposed isolation inadvertently became a breeding ground for tension between her and her family.
With a decisive nod, she turned off the radio, leaving behind the echoes of the song. Nadine quickly checked inside her bag making sure her current book and pack of cigarettes were safely tucked away and walked down the hall.
"Ready to go?" Jean-Pierre asks Michele and I. We both answer with a nod as our mother turns to us again.
"Stay with your brother, and make sure to keep out of trouble." She says as the three of us walk out the door and into the cobblestone streets.
I walk a few feet behind Michele and Jean-Pierre not engaging in the conversation they were having.
"I hope your friends are nice." Michele comments but her enthusiastic tone was shut down with Jean-Pierre telling her to stay away from his friends.
I could tell this slightly upset Michele.
"As of now we are not siblings, I don't know either of you." He spoke as he looked at Michele and then turned his head around to look back at me before walking off ahead.
We both come to a stop. "His just being an ass, don't worry about him." I tell her which provides her with some comfort.
She begins walking forward towards the school again before turning back around to me. "Are you coming?" She asks
"No thanks, I'll catch up." I say before she continues walking.
Looking around, I find an alley way that's slightly tucked away from prying eyes, before rustling through my brown messenger bag for a cigarette and a lighter.
Leaning against the cool embrace of the stone wall, I take a contemplative drag from the cigarette, watching tendrils of smoke dance into the crisp morning air. Beneath the veil of smoke, I find a brief sanctuary.
With each exhale, I release the weight of unspoken words and unmet expectations. The rhythmic inhale and exhale become a silent dialogue, a conversation between myself and the ephemeral tendrils of smoke that rise into the atmosphere. The distant sounds of students chatting and the muffled footsteps towards the school serve as a backdrop to my solitary moment.
As the last traces of the cigarette burn away, I stub it out against the rough surface of the wall. I push myself away, straightening my posture. With newfound resolve, I step out of the alley way and continue walking up to the school.
The school courtyard sprawls before me, a mosaic of excitement and anticipation. Towering brick walls encircle the vibrant energy within, while students chatter animatedly, forming a tapestry of eager faces. The scent of freshly cut grass and the distant hum of conversations permeate the air as I navigate through the crowd.
The boys' gazes, like curious fireflies, flicker in my direction as I make my way toward the notice board. Their lingering looks create an unspoken tension.
Boys around me smirk as I walk past, letting out low whistles and comments about my body.
"They do have breasts." One boy with glasses, sitting on a bench says to his friend. I try to ignore and continue to walk.
"She's a looker" one of the boys near Jean-Pierre says, drawing his attention. I catch a glimpse of his reluctant glance, a fleeting acknowledgment of the unspoken allure that seems to envelop me.
I reach the notice board where my sister, a brown haired girl and a boy all stand around.
Michele turns around to me and smiles before introducing me to the girl. "Simone, this is my sister Nadine." I greet the girl before turning towards the boy.
"And what is your name." He seems a bit shocked that I asked him a question and he takes a moment to answer. "Uh, Henri, or Pichon. Whichever you prefer." He says and reaches out to shake my hand.
Just as a rather pretty blonde girl walks into the school, the morning bell rings and everyone makes their way towards the centre of the Quad awaiting the first day to start.
A/N First chapter! Hope you guys liked it. I also just realised that the perspective changes like halfway through from third to first person, sorry about that.
This chapter was a bit shorter then what I usually do but it was mainly an introduction to the story so expect longer chapters in the future!
