The ones who live hidden in plain sight (A discovery of witches story)

Start of something

This could be the start of somethin' new

It feels so right to be here with you, oh

By Olivia Rodrigo

Camille was sitting in a London café, enjoying the end of a well-deserved day off. In the month and a half she'd been in a relationship with Andrew, these moments spent together had become even better. The golden light of dusk filtered through the café's large windows, creating a warm atmosphere. She was happy, rested, what more could you ask for?

Andrew, sitting opposite her, was sharing anecdotes about his day with his students, his face lit up by a sincere smile. He was beaming as he enthusiastically described the small successes and challenges of his day. Camille listened attentively, her heart warming with every word. The exchange was pleasant and unpretentious, full of laughter and complicity. The conversation was interrupted by the unexpected arrival of a young man, twenty years old, she thought.

- Benjamin!' exclaimed Andrew, surprised. He turned towards her, a certain new tension palpable. This is my brother, Benjamin. Benjamin, this is Camille.

She stood up with a frozen smile, not expecting this meeting. Andrew greeted her warmly, his gaze then landing on Andrew:

- I had to drop in on London, and I thought I might surprise you. I called, but now I understand why I didn't get a reply.

Camille blushed. Andrew, although obviously happy to see his brother, seemed tense. Camille, trying to lighten the mood, suggested:

- Why don't you join us?

Andrew turned to Benjamin.

- I'm sure you've already made plans for now, but... dinner tonight?

- Tonight's fine. He replied with a friendly smile. Camille, I hope to see you there.

- If it's all right with you,' added Camille, turning to Andrew, 'I wouldn't want to interfere with your family reunion.

Andrew shook his head.

- No, no, it's not that at all. I'd be... delighted to have you here.

The two brothers exchanged a look that betrayed an undeniable complicity, but Andrew was nervous. Dinner at Andrew's a few hours later was a mixture of cordiality and underlying tension. The meal was delicious, prepared with care by Andrew, who was brilliant once again. At first, the conversation was a little stiff, with each participant making an effort to appear at ease. Andrew seemed particularly careful not to make any false moves, his gaze moving from Camille to his brother with an underlying concern. Thomas, for his part, seemed to be trying to lighten the mood, but there was a slight hesitation.

Gradually, as the meal progressed and laughter and anecdotes were exchanged, the atmosphere eased. The initial barriers were lifted, and so was the atmosphere. Camille got to know Andrew's family better: Anastasia, the mischievous seven-year-old sister, and their parents, whose faces and colourful stories were recalled with affection. The initial barriers crumbled, and the conversation became increasingly fluid and natural.

At the end of the evening, Camille got up to leave, feeling full of gratitude for this shared moment. The smiles were exchanged and the lively conversation had dispelled the nervousness of the initial welcome. As she thanked Andrew and Thomas for their welcome, she felt happy to have been able to be present for this moment of reunion, discovering a little more about Andrew and the family dynamics that surrounded him.

Camille reflected on the dynamics she had just discovered. She had seen Andrew as a more complete man, with a family which, though different from her own, was warm and close-knit. She found this family dynamic comforting, and she couldn't help but feel a deep admiration for the way they interacted. The warmth and closeness she observed were more than she had ever experienced with her own mother or father. She longed for that same harmony and family happiness for herself, happiness like that one day.