The Things I Wish I Had Told You

Part 14.

As the sun set over the sparkling turquoise Seine, the brasseries decorated themselves in a glowing aura that enchanted local Parisians and foreigners alike. An ineffable energy flowed through the winding streets of the Left Bank, spreading cheer and artistic expression across the city. I hadn't felt such warmth and inspiration before; London was always too stark and busy for such enjoyment. When we finally arrived at Louise's family abode, I was utterly enamoured by the tundra of artisan rooftops, sporting a variety of iron-crafted balconies, each with their own stories to tell. As she pushed open the ageing shutters, Louise and I stepped out onto the small, only slightly terrifying balcony, where I perched my arms over the balustrade to absorb as much of the city's beauty as I could. Meanwhile, Ambrose stepped out onto the adjacent platform to enjoy his first Parisian smoke, emanating a similar aura to that of an existentialist philosopher. 

"Are you ready to meet the others?" Louise turned away from the balcony, letting her used cigarette fall a few storeys below and the last essence of smoke diffuse into the brisk air.

"Who are we meeting again, exactly?" I asked, curious about who Louise's 'philosophical friends' were. She chuckled, before reminding me of their names. First there was Antoine Renoir, who as Louise described, was more interested in finding a way to escape the 'eternal shackles of corporate capitalism' than studying, but was apparently a local revolutionary at La Sorbonne, nevertheless. Then there was Claudie Signet, who incidentally attended LonU as well, but we had never crossed paths before now, evidentially. Despite her family owning a thriving vineyard in Bourgogne, she still sought to separate herself from her heritage and throw herself into the up-and-coming so-called 'woke' social scene. There were a couple of others, such as Jacques Varenne and Gigi Montaigne, whose presences were not often known at their group's gatherings due to other engagements with each other. They congregated each Friday like clockwork at a small, underrated Brasserie just near Quai Voltaire. Of course, such meetings were not quite the same without Louise and Claudie, but upon returning to Paris, they have since resumed their social rituals.

Their beloved brasserie could be spotted immediately, since it's red and orange stripped covers were simply unavoidable. As soon as we arrived, Claudie stood up to introduce herself. She leaned in for two confident kisses on either check. I didn't think much of it until each of the others followed with the same mannerisms. Although the greetings were distinctively more affectionate, they were a refreshing change from the usual sweaty armpit hugs you'd expect from your average student at LonU. But Louise's friends were nothing of the sort. For Antoine and Jacques seemed like the types to never be caught dead wearing a hoodie, unless perhaps they were taking a run or cycle along the Seine. Such a gathering did not appear to have called for any sort of dress code and yet, Gigi arrived with a chic frilled dress paired with a leather jacket and heeled boots. Her dirty blond curls were purposely messy and as they fell delicately around her face and behind her shoulders, she leaned in to grab Jacque's arm. Meanwhile, Claudie sported a delicate cappuccino-coloured lace camisole, which happened to match the colour of her eyes and jeans that drew one's attention to her natural curves in a subtle, yet attractive manner. I was beginning to feel out of my element wearing my usual attire that would invoke approval by London standards alone. Within two minutes of sitting down, a few bottles of red wine were brought to the table. Such action was exhibited almost as quickly as the cigarettes were taken from their pockets and bags and lit.

"All the youth these days feel so obligated to be in an exclusive couple. It's like they are in some race to lock themselves up with someone else." Antoine remarked with a sophisticated and deep Parisian accent. As he spoke such words, he placed his cigarette down onto the ashtray before continuing to motion with his hands.

"Would you say that's what we are, Alec?" Louise turned to Alec, clutching his arm and waiting hesitantly for his response.

"I guess so. Well, we've never been in an open relationship," He replied, pushing his hair away from his face and behind his ears.