How Paris Changed My Life

13

"Who is it?" James's voice broke the quiet as he pulled away slightly from me.

I reluctantly let my hand slip from his cheek and reached for my phone, glancing at the screen. "It's Olivia. I'll call her back later. I don't want to interrupt this moment."

"No, it's fine. Just answer it. It might be important," James suggested, his concern evident.

"Alright, I'll pick up," I replied, dialing the call. "Olivia? What's up?"

"Where...where are you?" Olivia's voice was breathless, and I could hear the sound of the wind rushing past her. It was clear she was cycling rapidly.

"I'm walking down the street with James right now. Why? What's going on with you? Why are you cycling so fast?"

"Which street are you on? We'll explain when we get there," Olivia said, her tone indicating urgency.

I looked at James, whose eyes were wide with confusion. "We?" I asked, perplexed.

"We're on the street where James lives," I said into the phone.

"Alright, stay where you are. We'll be there in about ten minutes," Olivia instructed before hanging up.

I put my phone away and turned to James, who was still staring at me with a puzzled expression. "We?" he repeated, clearly still trying to make sense of the situation.

"I don't know what could have happened," I said with a sigh, trying to process the sudden turn of events. "I hope it's nothing serious."

"Me too," James agreed.

I sat down on the sidewalk, leaning back against a nearby mail post. James joined me, and I rested my head on his shoulder. The wait felt interminable, each minute stretching into what seemed like an eternity. Finally, in the distance, I spotted Olivia approaching, with someone else riding alongside her. As they drew closer, I could make out Max's familiar figure.

When they were within shouting distance, Olivia and Max waved energetically. Their expressions were bright and cheerful, which was a welcome relief. I felt a wave of relief wash over me.

"Nothing too bad, I guess," James said, his voice filled with relief.

"No, fortunately," I agreed. We stood up and walked towards them. Olivia dismounted her bike with a flourish, letting it fall to the ground. She rushed over and enveloped us in a warm hug.

"We finally found you!" Olivia exclaimed, clearly relieved.

Max joined us, his face beaming. "What's the emergency? Why did you drag us out here?"

"We were at a party, and..." Olivia began, but she was cut off by my incredulous reaction.

"You were at a party? And you're back already? What's going on? It's ten o'clock!" I interrupted, my voice tinged with disbelief.

"Yes, I know. Max and I thought you should know about something important," Olivia explained.

"Well, tell me already! I've been waiting for ten minutes!" I demanded, my curiosity getting the better of me.

"It's about Liam, but you actually need to see it for yourself. Would you like to come with us to the party?" Olivia asked, glancing at James for confirmation.

I looked at James, who nodded in agreement. "Sure, why not? How are we going to get in?"

Olivia's face broke into a mischievous grin as she pulled out two wristbands. "With these. I've been working at the entrance, so I grabbed a few extra just in case you showed up."