BE WITH YOU | Charles Leclerc

Ch 1: Meet Cute

One o'clock.

Vivienne looked up at digital clock hung high up in her lab. "Yes!" She jumped up from her seat and took off her lab coat. It was finally lunch break and after ignoring her growing hunger, she could finally eat.

She hung her coat on the hanger behind the door leading to the hallway, grabbed her purse and left the room. On her way out, she gave greetings to her colleagues and hurried out of the building.

Deciding to go to her favourite cafe, Vivienne walked for five minutes until stopping outside The Swiss Affair. She tucked a loose curl behind her ear and walked in. The warm atmosphere of the cafe enveloped her slowly taking away the red hue on her nose and cheeks.

Feeling lucky there wasn't a line, she walked to the counter only saw her least favourite barista.

"Hi Elias." She greeted with an apprehensive smile. She had learnt her lesson after the first time they met. She flashed him her real smile and he fell in love and started pestering her, a common mistake.

"Vivi! Have you come to finally accept my proposal?" He smirked as he leant against the counter.

Vivienne bit the inside of her cheek before answering, "No, I just came here for my usual. Like always."

He let out a chuckle at her words still not used to her never faltering composure. "One day you'll realise how I'm the love of your life." Elias said before walking to the espresso machine.

Vivienne just sighed and turned around to look out of the building. "So what have you been up to?" Elias asked.

"Just the usual, work. I just started teaching high school chemistry classes." A smile found its way onto her lips. She liked her students and took pride in her work.

"An engineer and now a teacher. Everyday I find more reasons to fall in love with you. You know, I told my mom about us." Elias smirked as he walked back to the counter with her espresso in hand.

"I'm sure she's excited. Don't forget the chicken wrap." She pointed to it in the display case under the counter.

"I won't." He gave a smile as he bent to get her order.

Vivienne payed for order and gave Elias one last smile before heading for the exit. She crossed the street and found herself sitting on the bench that overlooked a park.

In total silence, Vivienne ate her wrap and finished her espresso before discarded the remnants in the bin next to the bench. She sat for a few more minutes, admiring how the snow covered every inch of land without fail.

She didn't regret moving to the Alps like she thought she would. After living in shelter for three weeks, Vivienne had to find a home where she knew she'd be safe and Toubonne was the best place.

All Vivienne wanted was the luxury of living in a town where everyone knew each other. She valued her privacy but in true Vivienne style, helping people was her mission in life.

Her move to Toubonne became the talk of the town for a good week and a half. Word of her beauty spread like wildfire and soon, everyone wanted to see her.

Her demeanour and looks were nothing short of royalty and quickly, Vivienne was named the princess of the town.

She didn't mind the attention. It brought a smile to her face whenever she went to the marketplace and kids run up to her to greet and marvel at her beauty.

And like now, Vivienne heard her name being called by small voices coming from the park. She squinted her eyes, softly cursing herself for not bringing her glasses and caught sight of a group of teenagers.