Eyes Don't Lie | Charles Leclerc

Part 63 | Birds Of A Feather

September 20, 2023

The sun was just beginning to rise over Monaco, as I made my way to the cafe where I was meeting my maman. It felt nice, being back home for a few days. The familiar streets, the quiet mornings...everything had a calming effect. The few days at home had given me a chance to rest and fully recover, both mentally and physically, from the crash. But I was carrying something else on my mind now...something that felt bigger, more important, and a little scary.

As I pulled up, my heart raced, though for a different reason than usual. Today, I wanted to talk to my maman about something that's been lingering on my mind. I stepped out of the car, taking a deep breath as I adjusted my jacket. 

I hadn't told Aria about this breakfast. She was still sleeping when I slipped out of the apartment, her body wrapped up under the covers, breathing peacefully. I'd left her with a soft kiss on the forehead, whispering that I'd be back soon. There was something deeply comforting about knowing she'd be waiting when I returned.

I walked in, the familiar scent of coffee and pastries instantly filling the air. There, sitting by the window, was Maman. She looked up as I walked in, her face lighting up as she waved me over. I could see a hint of concern in her eyes, as if she'd sensed the weight on my mind even before I'd sat down.

"Mon fils!" she greeted warmly, standing up to give me a hug.

"Maman," I said, hugging her tightly. Her embrace always brought a sense of peace, reminding me of home in ways nothing else could.

As we settled down and ordered our coffee, I looked out the window, gathering my thoughts. The silence between us was comfortable, but I could tell she was waiting for me to speak. I took a sip of my coffee, and then, with a small smile, I finally broke the silence.

"I wanted to talk to you about something," I began, looking up to meet her gaze. Her expression softened, her eyes encouraging me to continue.

She reached across the table, resting her hand on mine. "You know you can tell me anything, Charles."

I nodded, taking a deep breath. "It's about Aria. I...I think I want to marry her."

The words came out softly, but they felt powerful. Saying them out loud made it real, and for a moment, I was almost overwhelmed by the weight of it. Maman's eyes widened slightly, but the surprise quickly gave way to a warm, knowing smile.

"Oh, Charles," she said, her voice barely a whisper. "You really love her, don't you?"

I nodded, my heart swelling at the thought of Aria. "I do. It's more than just love. I feel...complete when I'm with her. She's been there for me in ways I can't even explain. She understands me, even the parts of me I struggle with. She's helped me through some of the darkest moments, Maman and I did the same for her."

She gave my hand a reassuring squeeze, her eyes teary. "Charles," she began, "I adore Aria. I truly do. I see the way she's changed you, the way she's brought light back into your life. I haven't seen you like this in years." 

She laughed softly, wiping a tear from the corner of her eye. "When you talk about her, you're so...complete. She's brought out this happiness in you, one that I knew you deserved but hadn't seen in a long time. But tell me, are you sure you're ready for this?"

Hearing her words made my heart swell. Aria's impact on my life was undeniable, but knowing that my maman saw it too meant everything to me. I nodded, fighting back my own emotion. "I don't know how she does it, but she has this way of making me feel understood. Accepted. She's seen me at my worst, and she's still there. And every time I look at her, I just...I know."