Do I Have the Right to Be Loved?

Chapter 3 - The Arrival of Daniel

A few days had passed since the start of school, and already the familiar scent of routine was enveloping Jeanne and her friends' days. Their mornings had settled into a gentle, steady rhythm: classes, homework, and those long hours spent at the back of the classroom, where the sounds of pens scratching on paper and muffled whispers filled the space. Yet, despite this regularity, something precious lingered-a sense of camaraderie that made everything bearable. Summer, with its lightness and carefree nature, felt like a distant memory, but the bond between them still warmed their hearts.

That morning, as usual, they had settled at the back of the room, in that space they considered their refuge. Jeanne, her gaze lost beyond the window, watched the sea. Its constant, soothing motion offered her a silent escape. She could almost taste the salt in the air, hear the waves crashing against the rocks. This mental getaway had become her way of anchoring herself in class, even as her mind drifted far away.

Next to her, Thomas was absorbed in his doodles. His drawings had no apparent logic, but they always reflected a piece of his thoughts at the moment. Jeanne found it fascinating how he managed to put his emotions on paper without ever really realizing it. This was his escape, and she respected that space, allowing him to express himself without interruption.

Behind them, the atmosphere was slightly more animated. Mattheo, true to form, had found a new game: discreetly launching paper balls at Lynne. His accuracy was impressive, each little improvised ball landing right in their friend's hair, provoking a mixture of frustration and amusement in her.

Lynne, with a falsely annoyed sigh, turned around, a smile tugging at her lips. "Can you please stop?" she whispered, pushing away yet another ball. "I swear, Mattheo, one day you're really going to get yourself kicked out with your nonsense."

Mattheo stifled a laugh, ready to launch another ball. Jeanne, watching the scene from the corner of her eye, couldn't help but smile. These moments of carefreeness were like bubbles of happiness, a counterbalance to the monotony of school days. They had the ability to make the everyday feel lighter, to create little sparks of joy where others would only see endless hours of classes.

But the atmosphere shifted slightly when the classroom door suddenly swung open. All eyes instinctively turned toward the entrance. A young man walked in, unhurried, relaxed, as if time had no hold on him. Jeanne, like the rest of the class, was intrigued by this sudden appearance.

The boy wore a neat uniform, but his demeanor contrasted with that polished look. His tousled hair seemed to have escaped any grooming efforts, and a black eye marked his face, adding a touch of mystery to his appearance. Yet, despite this apparent neglect, he exuded a certain presence, as if nothing could truly touch him.

"You're late, sir...?" the teacher asked, peering at him over her glasses.

"Daniel Carl," he replied casually, with no trace of embarrassment.

The teacher sighed, exasperated, but didn't push the matter. "Take a seat. But try not to be late again."

Daniel nodded, not really paying attention to the remark. He scanned the room for a place to sit but seemed too absorbed in Mattheo and Thomas's antics to focus on Jeanne and her friends. Eventually, he chose a spot further away, distant enough not to disrupt their little group.

Jeanne quickly looked away. The mystery surrounding Daniel didn't awaken any particular curiosity in her. True, he had something enigmatic about him, but she preferred to stay in her bubble of tranquility, where everything was predictable and comforting. No unnecessary distractions, no boys with unsettling looks. Her life was stable enough, and she didn't want to complicate things.

Once the class ended, the bell rang, releasing the students from their stupor. Jeanne and her friends left the room together, laughing and chatting as if nothing else mattered. On the way out, Jeanne noticed a few curious glances directed at Daniel, but it didn't surprise her. A newcomer, especially one with such a striking appearance, always attracted attention. But to her, it didn't matter. Her priority was those moments of camaraderie with her friends.

They headed toward the beach, as they often did after school. The air was still warm, and although autumn was approaching, summer seemed to linger, offering them a sweet interlude before the first chills arrived. The fine sand beneath their feet, the sound of the waves in the background-everything felt perfect.

At the beach, good cheer reigned supreme. Thomas and Mattheo, always the first to seek out mischief, suddenly took off running toward the water, not even bothering to change clothes. Lynne, surprised, stared at them with wide eyes before protesting with laughter. "No, you're not going to do that!"

But it was too late. The two boys plunged into the water fully clothed, dragging Lynne along with them, despite her cries of protest mingled with laughter. Jeanne, standing on the sand, watched them with an amused smile. It was so typical of their dynamic, this way of making every moment extraordinary.

A laugh escaped her as she watched them splash joyfully. Their soaked clothes clung to their skin, but nothing seemed to amuse them more. Jeanne eventually joined them, unable to resist the call of the sea and the urge to share this moment of madness. Together, they all found themselves in the water, laughing out loud like children, forgetting about school, homework, and worries.

As she observed them, Jeanne felt a wave of happiness wash over her. These moments, these instances where nothing else mattered but their friendship, were the ones she cherished most. It didn't matter what mysteries like Daniel or the daily routine held. As long as she had her friends, she felt invincible, ready to face anything.