Falling from the Top

Chapter 33

The sun stayed up late as the days warmed up. Soon, sunny days appeared while some rainy ones still lingered over Paris. The general mood was happier, and I couldn't help but engorge myself in this lightness of life. Most days, I walked to school and bathed in the sun while the coolness of the morning still chilled my skin. That morning was different though. The sky was grim for the first time in days, announcing thunder. I wanted to stay cuddled up in my bed all day, especially since it was Saturday.

Unfortunately, a ring at the door forced me out of it. Still wearing my extra-large pyjamas, I walked lazily to the door. Alice was out, studying with some of her friends.

Grumbling, I opened the door to an overly excited Jack. "Ugh. What do you want? It's  Saturday." I whined.

He rubbed his hands together. "I have a surprise." He took a step back in a very comedic manner. "Tada!"

As he stepped back, fear surged from my stomach to my heart. I stopped breathing, taking in his surprise. Well, when I say 'surprise', I mean a grown-up man, muscles and all, with emerald eyes. In one word, Etienne. I was delusional or what? I looked back at Jack, and seeing his eyes sparkle with malice, I knew this was real. 

"Hey," I choked out. His expression was anxious, clearly embarrassed. A small smile touched his lips.

"Hey, I  didn't know it was you we were coming to see," he blurted, looking sharply at Jack. I imitated him.

"You could've sent me a text or something." I really hoped I sounded unaffected.

"What? No! It would've ruined the surprise!" Jack looked genuinely pleased with his trickery. Oh, how I regretted all the kindness I'd ever given him. Not that there were many.

I looked down at my PJs, feeling self-conscious, and said, "Well, come in."

I let them in and slipped away to change into something a little more appropriate. When I came back, they both sat at the kitchen island, chatting casually.

"Do you want anything to drink?" I asked politely.

They both refused and I sat across from them.

"What are you doing here?" I said, not aiming my question at anyone in particular.

"Well, Etienne showed up this morning at my door and I have class today, so I thought 'where can I leave him?'. And your name popped up in my head. He didn't really have a choice. He just followed." He stopped and took a deep breath. "Hope you don't mind."

I raised my eyebrows. "Why would I? It's not like you barge into my apartment on a Saturday morning, way to early might I add. And it's Saturday, exactly, we don't have class." I pointed out.

He shifted on his seat. "I have a study group that meets up today at uni and I really don't want to miss it." He whined.

I sighed. "And you?" I shifted my gaze to Etienne but never really met his eyes. "What are doing in Paris?"

He rubbed his nose, clearly a reminiscence of his glasses. "I had a sudden envy to come and visit my grandma. She's quite old and I'm staying with her for a week. I don't have class. Anyway, I thought I come and say hello to Jack. And here we are."

I nodded, dismissing his explanation a little. Jack got up suddenly. "I have to go. It's been fun and all but time-consuming. I'll see you both tonight. My place? Perfect."

And he was out.

"How can we refuse?" I murmured ironically. A small snicker came from across the table.

I looked at Etienne, who was as embarrassed as me now that our buffer was gone. "If we are going to spend a whole day together, might as well start with breakfast."