Shadow Thief

Chapter 2

Second to last day before I left, I have come to the conclusion that I hate Paris because I have no good memories here, but I do love the views and atmosphere. Mainly the views. Think about it at night with everything lit up. A fairytale, I tell you now. If my life had been different I think I could see myself living here, yet it isn't different and I have no reason to stay.

I was currently walking to the local carrefour (a shop). It wasn't too far, because even though I lived in a rough part of the beautiful city, the little place I had was almost hidden away from richer residents and tourists, but still mostly a part of Paris. My brown, shoulder length hair was being a bother, well I couldn't completely blame my hair - I still will - as the brisk, bitter, blustery breeze decided my hair was a new toy to annoy me with. Turning my own body against me, I see how it is.

That was a bit dramatic. Let me start again.

So I'm walking to carrefour minding my own business and you'll never guess who shows up. That's right. André. Not even asking if it was okay for him to join me on my walk he just decided it was fine. Acting like it's legal to walk on a public pathway with no malicious intentions. What is this? The twenty-first century. Oh right, it is. Again with the dramatics, it might be a disease.

Hesitantly, upon noticing my less than pleased expression his sparkling, electric blue eyes glinted with a slight weariness. 'Hey,' his warm accent was nice to hear. I still ignored him.

'Where are you going?'

'Carrefour' I answered politely not wanting to waste my words

He frowned, 'Same, want to go together?'

'Fine.' the huge grin that crept onto his face instantly making me regret that decision.

'So, you are leaving?'

'Tomorrow.' his face fell, 'Why?' I questioned, confused.

'Just wanting to see how much longer I had a neighbour,' I nodded in response.

Sudden squawking interrupted us, drawing my attention up. Bird after bird after bird swarmed over us, flying fast. I noticed that they were crows. In winter, that was strange, especially a murder this large. But I'm not an expert. I'm probably wrong.

'Wow, normally crows are around in October.' André said in awe. Maybe I wasn't wrong. I shrugged it off. Birds are animals, they can't always be predicted, but it didn't stop the goosebumps appearing on my skin. It didn't stop André from subtly glancing behind us.

We walked past a small cafe and André stopped suddenly. I kept on walking until he said, 'Want to grab a drink?'

'No,' I continued forward. He stepped in front of me.

'Come on,' he insisted , 'I'll pay.' Now that got my attention. I walked into the cafe. I could practically hear the smirk playing on his face as he followed behind.

Inside what I saw was astonishing. It was the most extravagant and mouth-watering display of goods I had ever seen. Stacks of bread of all kinds, from brioche to baguette to everything in between. Including, focaccia, pain de campagne, ficelle and sourdough. The sight of them made a growl rip from my belly and that was before I laid my eyes upon the sweeter treats. Rows of patisserie. Encased in glass, cakes or gateau's of all kinds were elegantly decorated. Macarons and profiteroles. Madeleine and eclair's. Opera and palmier. And everything you could ever imagine to find in a cafe.

It was laid out neatly too. Blue and grey napkins and chairs. Curtains with a delicate clean white fabric embroidered on it a gold pattern. Tables with a glass top and plates with knives, forks and spoons carefully placed.  Everything was perfect. Stumbling through the doorway, I felt very out of place in this beautiful bakery: as it was a bakery I now realised. It defied the usual standards but I wasn't sure it welcomed the rabble. I prepared to leave when André stopped me, 'It's fine. I am paying. Remember.'