𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐑𝐄𝐃𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐃, joseph descamps

𝟎𝟐𝟓. winter sweets

THE MONTH OF DECEMBER settles in gently, and with it, the cityscape transforms under a thick blanket of snow. The snowflakes fall, dancing as they cover the roofs and sidewalks in a soft whiteness. The store windows light up with festive decorations, and the smell of hot chocolate wafts through the air. But for Aimée, this time of year is anything but magical.

As the Christmas festivities approach, a dull anxiety settles in her heart. The holiday meals, the treats, and the sweets that will flood her table frighten her. She can't help but think of the delights surrounding her, the pressure weighing on her to enjoy these moments while knowing she can't afford to give in.

That midday, Aimée decides not to eat. She escapes the bustling cafeteria, letting her classmates mock the trays filled with food. She knows that the invitations to share a meal will come pouring in, that questions will rain down. To avoid temptation, she prefers to isolate herself in the gym.

Upon entering, she senses the smell of polished wood and the calm that reigns in the space. The echoes of footsteps on the hardwood soothe her, just like the enveloping silence. She heads to a distant corner, where she can lose herself in her thoughts, away from prying eyes.

She sits on the bench, observing the emptiness of the gym, her thoughts wandering. That's when she hears the gym door open. Her heart races as she turns around.

Joseph enters, a playful smile on his lips, holding an orange in his hand. He approaches her, and she feels trapped in the web of their previous interactions. This tension, that moment in her room... She blushes at the thought of what happened.

"Hey, Miss Math Whiz," he says, sitting on the bench next to her. "I've been looking for you. I thought you might need this." He offers the orange to her.

Aimée feels embarrassed, hesitating to accept the fruit. "Why are you... I'm not really... I just needed some peace." She rubs her arms, searching for an excuse.

"Peace or not, you need to eat," he insists, his smile shifting to a more serious expression.

"I just don't feel hungry."

He doesn't let up, raising an eyebrow skeptically. "We all know that's not true. Take the orange. It won't hurt. And hey, it's better than nothing, right ?"

She feels trapped by his insistence, and finally, she takes the orange, her heart racing. "Thanks," she murmurs, feigning a smile, even though her mind is still consumed with worry.

He leans forward, curious. "What's really going on ?"

She sighs. Why does he have to be so attentive ? "It's just... It's Christmas, you know ? There's a lot... of food. And all that. It's complicated for me," she finally admits.

"It's just food, redhead. It doesn't define who you are."

"It's easier said than done," she retorts. "You don't know what it's like."

"You're right, I don't. But I know I don't want to see you starving. So, start with that orange. If you manage to eat it, we can talk."

Aimée sighs and starts peeling the orange, watching the juicy segments, the citrus aroma blending with the fresh air of the gym. As she bites into a wedge, she realizes he's right, even if it's a small step. The sweetness of the fruit brings her a reprieve, and an involuntary smile forms on her face. Joseph looks relieved to see her react this way, and for the first time in a long while, she feels warmth spreading within her, as if the winter cold is softened by his presence.

"See ? It's not so terrible," he says, satisfied.

Aimée nods, her mouth full, her thoughts still muddled. She feels like she's living a moment outside of time.

"So, ready for our next math session ? I bet I can teach you to solve an equation or two," he says, pretending to be serious, but his gaze betrays his amusement.

"As if you're a math exper t! You mean you're going to tutor me ? I'm not sure that's a good idea," she says, crossing her arms with a false defiance.

"Come on, Aimée. It's not like I'm going to give you cooking or baking lessons," he replies with a laugh, letting out a false exaggeration.

"I'm not sure that's a good idea," she admits, nervously fiddling with her fingers.

"What are you afraid of ? It's just math. Nothing too serious. And I've got a stash of jokes about mathematicians, just so you know."

"Jokes about mathematicians ? That must be disastrous." She gives him a mock disdainful look, but her mind is already elsewhere, wandering to the memory of their last encounter in her room.

There had been warmth in the air, an intimate atmosphere as they were surrounded by open books and scribbled sheets of paper. And then there was that moment — that suspended moment when he stood over her.

"So ? Are you sure ?"

She shakes her head to chase away the memories, trying to regain her composure. "No, not really. What scares me is... the last time. I can't focus on math when all I can think about is... well, you know."

Eyebrows raised, he leans slightly toward her, a smile on his lips. "I don't know what you're talking about. You know, math can be so distracting that it's normal to lose your train of thought. But I have to admit, I'm a little disappointed. I thought you were a model student, the queen of math."

She looks down, biting her lip. The last time, the charged atmosphere between them had unsettled her so much. The words wouldn't come. She could feel the warmth of her memories rising to the surface, that moment when everything changed, when they crossed a boundary she didn't know they needed to cross.

"You know, I even thought about suggesting we do math tonight. Just the two of us, a math book, a hint of tension, and a bit of orange for dessert," he continues, feigning lightness, as if he's trying to make her smile.

"Oh, is that your plan ?"

"Exactly ! But I promise I won't make any jokes about mathematicians. Just a few about oranges," he replies. "So, what do you say ? We start with math tonight, and I promise to make you laugh at least once," he says, giving her an encouraging smile.

"One laugh ? That seems a bit short for all the built-up stress," she jokes, appreciating his attempt to lighten the mood.

"Okay, two laughs then. I'm sure I can sneak in a few. And besides, I wouldn't push you onto the bed if you prefer."

She looks up, her embarrassment fading slightly in the face of his humor. "Oh, that's a huge sacrifice ! I'm impressed by your ability to show restraint."

"Who knows ? Maybe tonight, I'll be particularly daring."

She shakes her head, pretending to be outraged. "I didn't know you were so daring. Be careful, I might start to get scared."

He leans in slightly, a more serious expression on his face. "No, seriously, Aimée, I want you to feel good. I don't want what happened last time to be a barrier between us. We can do whatever you want, whether it's math, jokes, or just talking about everything and nothing."

"I know you're sincere. It's just... math isn't the only thing that scares me."

Joseph purses his lips, perplexed. "You mean you're afraid of oranges ? I get it, it's a fruit with many facets."

"Idiot."