5

0 0 0

by Lencredemesnuits

by Lencredemesnuits

Sasha steps back slightly and pauses.
• "You're scaring me. Did something happen on the way?" she asks, concerned.
• "No, nothing serious, don't worry."
• "Do you want to sit somewhere nearby before we go home?"
• "I'll explain once we get to your place, it's really not urgent."
• "As you wish, my dear."
She smiles and nods for me to follow her. The station is crowded with travelers waiting for their buses. I finally take a deep breath of fresh air as I escape this oppressive crowd. I then follow my friend. The street is very charming. Its sidewalks are flowered and tree-lined, and their cobblestone edges give it an authentic feel.
As we walk, I think about what I said to Sasha earlier. In the heat of the moment and stress, I somehow revealed that I had been hiding something from her these past few days, even though we usually tell each other everything. It's a bit too late now to tell her nothing at all. But I don't want to admit that I feel bad about a guy I liked way too quickly and foolishly... A guy who is apparently in a relationship... A guy who probably only saw one interest in me: to have fun, to challenge himself to seduce me before ghosting me so easily. Well, after all, I might not need to go into details about why I looked so upset when she asked if I had a good trip.
During this walk to her place, we talk about everything and nothing.
These ten little minutes of walking lead us to a splendid mansion. It is set back. An imposing gate also directly sets the tone.
• "Here we are!" exclaims Sasha.
• "Wow, your house is huge," I reply, still amazed. "I've always been a fan of this architectural style."
• "Come on, let me show you around, my dear."
We enter this tastefully renovated home, combining original charm with modernity. I could almost get lost here. I feel very small and almost embarrassed, but Sasha easily puts me at ease as usual.
In the hallway, there are beautiful childhood and family photos, which she shows me one by one.
• "You were already so cute, definitely. You look a lot like your mother."
• "Are you kidding? I had hamster cheeks."
• "And you still do, haha. But that's what makes you charming."
She blushes slightly and smiles.
• "Alright, shall we put your things in my room?"
• "I'm following you."

* * *

Sasha's room is like an artistic and magical bubble in the middle of this house. It's as if every detail of this room reflects a piece of her vibrant personality. I place my bag near the wardrobe and my jacket on the coat rack.
• "So, my dear, what got you in that state earlier?" she asks, sitting on her bed and motioning for me to do the same.
• "Oh, you know, I overreacted a bit because of the end-of-week fatigue."
• "Come on, tell me. You know we tell each other everything."
• "To make it short, let's say I saw someone on the bus that I used to see, and who has apparently moved on very quickly."
• "A guy?"
• "Yes."
• "Who?"
• "I don't think you know him."
• "Listen, Elie," she continues. "Indeed, I don't know who this guy is or what happened between you two, but one thing is for sure: if he left you and for someone else, he's got crap in his eyes. He'll never find better than you. It's impossible."
• "You're sweet, haha, but don't worry, we really only saw each other very briefly. Nothing happened between us. And you know what? I don't want to think about him at all. I'd rather enjoy this evening with just you."
I don't want to dwell on the subject and I especially want to turn the page. Sasha gently pinches my cheek and smiles.
• "You're right. So, let's enjoy."

* * *

11:05 PM
📳 Zach: "Elisa?"
11:06 PM
📳 Zach: "Are you asleep?"
11:13 PM
📳 Zach: "I dreamed of you, I can't fall back asleep..."
11:15 PM
📳 Zach: "Well, it was more of a nightmare, I think."
00:23 AM
📳 Zach: "We need to talk, Elisa."
00:45 AM
📳 Zach: "I know I owe you an apology for what happened in the dunes. Can we talk on the phone if you prefer? To clear things up."
1:00 AM
📳 Zach: "???"
3:00 AM
📳 Zach: "..."
3:36 AM
📳 Zach: "😔"
3:38 AM
📳 Zach: "Sorry to bother you... I won't insist any longer."
3:40 AM
📳 Zach: "But if you change your mind, contact me."
3:52 AM
📳 Zach: "Good night, latecomer 😘"
3:53 AM
📳 Zach: "Sweet dreams."

* * *

7:55 AM
📲 Delete 13 messages? Yes

I put my phone down and plug in the charger. Then I turn over in bed to try to sleep again, and I look at my friend who is still sleeping so peacefully next to me. Even with her eyes closed, she embodies gentleness and wisdom. She is as beautiful physically as she is inside her heart, and I suddenly feel extremely grateful to have her by my side. I think back to our unexpected meeting. This girl immediately inspired me, but I had no idea she would become so essential to my life in just over a week. A small curly lock falls on her sleeping face, just in front of her eyes. Without even knowing why, I suddenly lift my hand and gently brush her hair aside to clear her face. Suddenly, Sasha moves slightly and weakly opens her still sleepy eyes. I didn't mean to wake her. She looks at me. I give her a slight, innocent smile. She returns it, and we close our eyes at the same time.