𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐑𝐄𝐃𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐃, joseph descamps

𝟎𝟑𝟐. close to the heart

THE LAST DAY OF CLASS BEFORE winter break finally arrives. Aimée walks into the high school with a calm smile. She feels light, as if the snow covering the outside world has also erased part of her burden. She even has a good breakfast that morning.

However, as she moves down the hallway, she notices that something is off. The furtive glances and whispers surrounding her quickly dampen her spirits. Groups of students turn to look at her as she passes, their murmurs turning into giggles as she approaches.

A wave of discomfort washes over her, and her smile slowly fades. What is happening ? Why does everyone seem to be looking at her ?

Aimée heads toward the corner where Michèle and Simone are, hoping to get some explanations. They are chatting animatedly, but their smiles fade when they see her approaching.

Simone, who usually knows everything, lowers her eyes while her friend purses her lips, hesitating to speak. "Hey, girls, what's going on ?" Aimée asks, her voice filled with growing concern. "Why is everyone looking at me like this ?"

The brunette launches into an explanation, her voice barely a whisper. "Well... there's a rumor going around. They say you and Joseph... well, that you've been seen kissing. You know, we didn't doubt it for a second. You'd rather kiss Felbec than that one-eyed guy !"

Aimée's heart tightens. "What ? That's ridiculous !"

"I know, but people don't seem to see it that way."

Michèle adds apologetically, "And there are boys talking about stuff... you know. They say you even slept together in the gym."

Aimée feels her face burn. She can't believe such degrading rumors are circulating about her. "I have to talk to him," she declares abruptly.

Without waiting for a response, she pushes her way through the hallway, determined to find Joseph. She finds him outside, surrounded by his friends. He looks like he's having fun, laughing at a joke, but his smile freezes when he sees her approaching.

"Joseph," she calls out, trying to hide her nervousness behind a facade of calm. "We need to talk."

He turns to her, crossing his arms over his chest, a mocking smile on his lips. "Oh, look who just woke up from the dream world. What brings you here, redhead ? Came for fashion advice, or maybe on how to kiss without embarrassing yourself ?"

His words hit her like a slap. Why is he acting this way ? She knows he has a sarcastic side, but right now, he seems intent on playing the disdainful game, and it hurts. "I know about the rumor. It's not funny."

"Rumor ? What rumor ? That I had fun kissing a girl who could be in a horror fashion show ?" He chuckles lightly, his buddies joining in his laughter. "I'd rather sleep with Mrs. Giraud than with someone like you." He bursts into laughter, and Aimée feels herself shrink under his gaze. "Seriously, your red hair draws attention, but not in a good way. And your little tits makes it look like you still have a little girl's body."

Next to him, Jean adds with a smile, "You almost look like an anorexic. Have you thought about eating a real meal once in a while ?"

Aimée freezes, looking down, unable to find a response. Is this a facade to maintain his image, or is it how he truly feels ?

She turns on her heels without a word, her heart heavy, and heads to her class, her face on fire and tears threatening to spill. She knows she should focus on herself, but she can't help feeling lost, as if the whole world is mocking her.