𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐑𝐄𝐃𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐃, joseph descamps

𝟎𝟑𝟒. gentle collaboration

SHE STANDS IN FRONT OF THE MIRROR, a slight shiver of excitement running through her body. She has chosen a long-sleeved white blouse, fitted at the waist, which highlights her silhouette, and a skirt that falls just above her knees. She completes the outfit with tights and black leather ankle boots, not forgetting her red scarf.

As she steps outside, she takes a deep breath, filled with hope for the new year. In the street, the morning light illuminates the façades of the houses, and she greets neighbors with a smile. Upon arriving at school, she feels slightly nervous as she enters the building. However, the rumors about her that had troubled her so much now seem like a distant past, and she likes that.

"Happy New Year !" she exclaims as she approaches her classmates.

Michèle and Simone enthusiastically return her wishes. "Happy New Year, Aimée ! How were your holidays ?"

"They were... good, thanks. I spent some time reading." The conversation continues, filled with laughter and anecdotes, but a shiver of anxiety runs through Aimée at the thought of seeing Joseph again.

The bell rings, shrill and clear, echoing in the hallway. Students take their seats in the classroom, and Aimée heads to her usual spot. Just then, Mrs. Giraud enters the room. "Hello everyone, and Happy New Year. This year, we're going to create a balanced seating plan," she announces.

Murmurs of curiosity ripple through the room as the students exchange glances. Mrs. Giraud begins to call out names, assigning seats side by side with disconcerting ease. Aimée, her heart racing, waits to find out who she will be paired with. But when the teacher finally says her name, a chill grips her.

"And Bernard will sit next to Descamps," she declares, a satisfied smile on her face.

A knot forms in her stomach. She slowly turns her head towards Joseph, who stands to her right, an impassive expression on his face. He glances at her briefly, then looks away, as if he has decided to ignore her.

The first moments are silent and tense. Other students exchange amused whispers, and Aimée focuses on her desk, avoiding Joseph's gaze. Was it really a good idea to be sitting next to him? She tries to reassure herself, telling herself that she just has to ignore him.

But soon, Mrs. Giraud announces a partner exercise. The room buzzes with excitement as students begin to turn to their neighbors. Aimée feels trapped. On one hand, she wants to talk to him, to break this barrier of indifference, but on the other hand, fear of what might happen fills her with hesitation.

"Well... I guess we're supposed to work together," she murmurs, trying to hide her embarrassment.

Joseph looks at her, and she can't help but notice the change in his gaze. "I guess so, yeah," he replies casually.

Her anxiety thickens as they take out sheets of paper. Words seem to stick in her throat, but it's time to set aside the awkwardness and focus on the task. She forces a smile. "So, where do we start ?"

Their eyes meet, and a heavy silence settles between them. "Maybe we could start by... exchanging our ideas on the topic ?" she suggests, her voice a bit louder than the hesitant whisper she had intended.

He stares at her for a moment, as if weighing his words, then he sighs. "Okay, but only if you promise not to correct me every time I say something," he jokes, a smirk forming on his lips.

"Okay, I won't correct you. But just to be clear, I have some ideas about the topic." She unfolds her sheet of paper, revealing the instructions for the exercise that Madame Giraud had handed out.

Joseph, clearly interested, leans in a little closer. "What's the topic again ?" he asks, quickly flipping through the papers on his desk.

"We need to analyze Philippe Pétain's collaboration with Germany during World War II," she explains, her fingers nervously playing with the corner of her sheet. "I thought we could discuss the consequences of his actions on France and the populations."

"That makes sense. I bet you're thinking about how he sacrificed the freedom of the French to buy time against the Germans, right ?"

"Yes, exactly ! Pétain sought to establish an authoritarian regime under the guise of protection, but it came at a high cost to our country." She's pleased to see that he knows historical details, as she had thought of him as a complete idiot at the beginning of the year.

With a mocking glance, he adds, "And who could forget how he treated the Jews and those who resisted ? The dark pages of our history." His voice tinges with a hint of sarcasm, but Aimée can sense he's trying to relax.

They continue to exchange ideas, the atmosphere, while still a bit strange, starting to loosen up. As they take notes, she steals a furtive glance at him. His expression is focused, his brows slightly furrowed. For a moment, she finds herself admiring the way he bites the pen, absorbed in thought. It's both intriguing and frustrating.

"You know, I've never understood why you have this reputation as a troublemaker," she eventually says, breaking the silence. "I mean, you seem like a smart guy."

"Maybe I'm bored. Or maybe I just prefer to do things my way. And who needs the teachers' approval anyway ?"

"I guess I'm one of those who prefer to stay on good terms with them," she replies, amused. "But maybe you should try it, just once. It could open a few doors for you."

Their eyes lock, and Aimée realizes that the strangeness hanging between them is gradually dissipating. They are beginning to see each other in a new light.

But the moment is interrupted by the bell signaling the end of class. She feels almost disappointed.

"Well, I guess we survived our first collaboration," she says as she stands up, trying to keep her tone light.

"For now," he replies with a smile. He gives her one last look before heading toward the exit.

However, a mix of boldness and excitement surges within her, and she abruptly stands up and grabs his arm. Her heart races, a sudden impulse pushing her to act without thinking.

"Joseph," she begins, her voice slightly trembling, "you have my permission to climb through my window tonight."

He turns around, surprise painting his face. "What ?!"

She feels warmth flood her cheeks, realizing her words. "I mean... if you want to talk about the exercise or anything else. It could be... interesting."

"Interesting, huh ?" Joseph smirks. "Are you sure that's a good idea ?"

"I'm sure you're agile enough to climb a simple gutter. Last time, you nailed it."

"Alright, I can't say no to an offer like that. But promise me you won't scream if I fall."

"No promises," she throws back with a laugh, before realizing how brave she sounds. It's both exciting and terrifying. "But I'll do my best to catch you if it goes wrong."

"Then, see you tonight. Get ready to be impressed."

Maybe this collaboration isn't so bad after all.