THE ATMOSPHERE IN THE COURTYARD this morning, the first of November, is unusual, as if filled with a strange tension that hangs in the air. The groups of boys seem more restless than usual. Whispers ripple through the crowd like an electric current, and Aimée, sitting off to the side with the other girls, can't help but notice her classmates' odd behavior.
Mr. Bellanger, the supervisor, paces the courtyard with a scrutinizing gaze, seemingly wondering what might be brewing. "What have the boys come up with this time ?" he mutters to himself, irritated. The sophomore boys are buzzing with excitement. Debates break out sporadically, sometimes escalating into disputes that draw attention. Throughout the morning, the hushed conversations have intensified, and the stealthy movements only add to the atmosphere of curiosity.
Aimée suddenly notices Daniel Applebaum darting across the courtyard, heading straight for the bathrooms. Near the entrance, Dupin and Descamps stand guard, looking serious, while a line of boys waits nearby. The whole scene is curious, to say the least.
Aimée narrows her eyes, watching Yves Lamazière hastily adjusting his belt. The boys waiting in line at the bathroom keep whispering and glancing around furtively, as if expecting to get caught. Joseph's smirk as he exchanges a few words with Dupin doesn't escape her notice either.
Michèle, still sitting beside her, follows Aimée's gaze. "This is so weird, I swear... What do you think they're up to ?"
Aimée shrugs, a small smile forming on her lips. "I have no idea, but it's probably something really stupid. With them, it always is," she says in an amused tone.
Simone then chimes in, arms crossed over her chest. "If you're so curious, go see what's going on."
The redhead sighs, finally tearing her gaze away from the bathroom door, which has just closed behind Lamazière. "I'm not that interested," she lies with a smirk, though deep down, she knows this curiosity will nag at her until she gets some answers.
Then, the bell rings, signaling the end of the break. Aimée's gaze meets Simone's and Michèle's, who both shrug. Their faces reflect the same curiosity tinged with frustration, but they seem resigned. The mystery will have to wait.
The students start dispersing, heading back to their classrooms. Aimée follows the flow, but not before casting one last glance toward the bathroom. This time, it's Joseph she sees emerging, his face showing unmistakable amusement. He briefly meets her gaze, a glint of mischief in his dark eyes before he looks away.
