˗ˏˋ꒰ 💭 ꒱ ━ ☐ The serenpidity is the ability to make an unexpected discovery by chance. The serendipitist is the person who knows how to take advantage of unforeseen circumstances and, above all, does not allow chance to dominate them.
France, 1963...
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:; Looking for you You were looking for me Always reaching for you You were too blind to see. - erasure 🏵️
School courtyard, 8:25 AM
On a bench in the shade of a tall tree, Lily-Rose sat with her friends. They chatted happily about the latest news from school and their plans for the upcoming weekend.
A boy approached them, his hesitant steps betraying his shyness. It was Henri Pichon. He wore a timid smile on his lips, looking at them with a hint of apprehension in his eyes.
"Hey, girls," he said, his voice slightly trembling. "I wanted to ask you something..."
Lily-Rose looked up at him, curious about what he had to say. The others also turned to him, intrigued by his nervous behavior.
Gathering his courage, he continued, "Um... So, I... well, I wanted to ask if you'd be interested in coming to my birthday party this Saturday. I know it's a bit impromptu, but I'd really like you to come."
"That's really nice of you to invite us, Henri," Simone began.
The three girls immediately accepted, but Lily-Rose hesitated for a moment. She knew her father was strict about outings, especially at night. Yet, she really wanted to come.
"I'll try to convince my dad to let me go out," she declared, offering Henri an encouraging smile. He seemed relieved and grateful at their positive response.
"Thanks, girls, you're awesome. I hope to see you there," he said with a radiant smile.
With a final wave, Henri walked away from the bench, visibly relieved to have overcome his shyness.
However, before he could walk away completely, another male voice, rougher and more provocative, spoke up. It was Joseph, who had approached without them noticing.
"So, I'm not invited ?" he asked mockingly, sporting a smirk as he met Henri's surprised gaze, all under the watchful eyes of the four girls. Lily-Rose looked down, they hadn't spoken since their last altercation.
"Uh... hey Descamps," he replied cautiously. "It's just... a small get-together among friends, you know..." Joseph raised an eyebrow, feigning offense.
"Ah, I see. So I guess I'm not your friend, huh ?" he quipped with a slight smirk.
Lily-Rose observed the situation : they were polar opposites – Henri, the shy and reserved boy, and Joseph, the rebellious student with a fiery temper.
"It's not like that, Descamps... It's just that..." he began, searching for his words. Joseph waved his hand dismissively to brush off his concerns.
"Oh, relax," he said with a smirk. "I promise not to burn down your house or vandalize anything. I'm just coming to have a bit of fun."
Henri bit his lip, still undecided about what to do. Finally, after a few moments of quick negotiations, he reluctantly agreed with a forced smile.
"Well, in that case, I won't turn down such a kindly invitation," declared Joseph, shooting a knowing look at Lily-Rose before walking away with a triumphant smile. She felt a shiver run down her spine as she watched him leave.
"Why on earth would he want to go to Henri's party ?" Michèle asked, furrowing her brow, once the two boys were far away.
"I don't know why Joseph wants to come so badly," Annick remarked, insightful, "but something tells me it's not just for the party."
Her gaze shifted towards Lily-Rose.
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𝐒𝐄𝐑𝐄𝐍𝐏𝐈𝐃𝐈𝐓𝐘
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Montclair Residence, 8:34 PM
The dining room was bathed in a soft glow from the chandeliers, their light reflecting off the walls adorned with red velvet. Lily-Rose sat at the table between her father and her fiancé, whose gaze scrutinized her every move.
"May I speak to you about something that is important to me ?" she began, her gaze fixed on her plate.
Her father raised an eyebrow, his deep and authoritative voice resonating in the room. "Of course, my daughter. What is it ?"
"It's about a boy from my class's birthday party. I know I am engaged to Guillaume and that my outings are limited, but I really want to go. All my friends will be there, and it would mean so much to me to be able to join them even for a few hours."
Her father looked at her sternly, a hint of annoyance crossing his dark eyes.
"Lily-Rose, you know very well that this kind of worldly festivity is not appropriate for a young lady of your standing. You are engaged to Guillaume, and it is with him that you should spend your time."
Guillaume then interjected, his voice gentle but firm. "You are right. Lily-Rose should focus on her role as a future wife and refrain from such frivolities."
"Please, for once, try to understand. I know we have agreed to this marriage, but it doesn't mean I have to give up all forms of freedom."
Her fiancé remained impassive, his features frozen in a firm expression. "Lily-Rose, you entered into this union willingly. The responsibilities that come with it must be respected." She hadn't even had a choice.
Lily-Rose felt her heart ache painfully as she looked back and forth between her father and her fiancé. She had hoped for some understanding, but she was met with walls of conservatism and tradition.
"Father, please... For once, grant me this freedom. I have complied with your wishes by accepting this marriage. Couldn't you make a small effort for me ? I beg you, for once, grant me this favor. Let me go to this party."
He fixed his daughter with a stern gaze, but after a moment of silence, he sighed deeply.
"Very well. For this once, I will allow you to go. But I expect you to behave with the utmost dignity and to return at the agreed-upon time."
A smile of relief lit up her face. She knew this victory was fragile, but she was determined to make the most of this rare opportunity for freedom.
"You may go, but on one condition... Guillaume will drop you off and pick you up from there. And I don't want to hear about any inappropriate behavior from you."
She nodded. For now, she was grateful to her father for granting her this small freedom, however fleeting it may be.
