Elle’s POV
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One year later.
“Baby?” a voice groaned from the bed as I washed my face in the bathroom. I walked back into the room and saw my girlfriend, May, stretching awake. “Bonjour, mon amour,” I smiled, kissing her lips softly. “How’d you sleep, magnifique?” she asked, her voice still thick with sleep. “Quite good. I didn’t want to wake you—you looked so peaceful.” I explained, earning a sleepy laugh from her. “Merci beaucoup.” She yawned, stretching again.
For the past six months, I’d been living in France with May. It was… everything I’d wanted. I knew what people thought—‘You got back together with Alex? For shame!’—but that wasn’t the story. Alex was toxic. I’d left her and met the holder of my heart at a concert about ten months ago. May works as an interior designer and sells her paintings on the side. I’m working on my second novel, after the first one became unexpectedly successful. They’re talking about a movie adaptation. I’m considering going to school for directing, but nothing’s official yet. I’d studied French in school, but living here required a refresher. Most of the time, May and I speak English, which she’d been fluent in when we met. She’s been teaching me French little by little, and she says I’m doing quite well. It feels… right. A healthy relationship, a beautiful country, success, and finally, happiness.
As for Billie… we rarely speak. The last time I saw her was at my going-away party. I’d considered not inviting her, but I hadn’t wanted to be petty. We spoke about her visiting, about staying in touch, but it never happened. Maybe someday we’ll be friends again, visit each other, but you never know. May and I are going to England this weekend, and I’m bursting with excitement. I haven’t seen my family in about four months, since Elizabeth’s birthday in August. We’re going to spend a few weeks there. May’s parents passed away a few years ago, and she doesn’t have anyone to spend the holidays with, so we’re spending them together.
“Belle Elle,” May whispered, running a thumb across my jawline. “What’s the plan for today, ange?” I asked. “I’m going to finish my painting and maybe clean the studio if you’d like to help,” she wiggled her eyebrows. “Alright, I’ll help,” I sighed, smiling. “Any other plans?” she questioned. “I might go out to get groceries and work on my novel,” I shrugged. “Okay, would you like me to come with?” she asked, sitting up in bed. “Only if you want to. I don’t want to distract you if you have a deadline.” I answered. “There isn’t a deadline yet. And I’d love to get out of the house. Maybe we can go to a café while we’re out?” she suggested. “Sounds lovely.” I stretched and headed for the bathroom. “Wait for me!” she exclaimed, jumping out of bed and rushing after me. “I’m dating a child,” I giggled as she wrapped her arms around my hips. “I’m older than you, so shut up,” she rolled her eyes, laughing. “By three days!” I laughed. “Considering my birthday is on the 27th and yours is on the 30th, that makes me older. I don't make the rules." She shrugged, her hands slipping under my shirt, her nails tickling my sides. “Stop!” I laughed, trying to squirm away from her grasp. “Big kids make the rules,” she responded, lifting my shirt over my head.
After our shower, I walked to our bedroom and picked out clothes. “Oh my god, let’s match!” I exclaimed, finding matching coats. “And you say *I’m* a child?” May muttered. “What was that?” I asked. “Whatever you say, amour,” she agreed with a smile.
Elle’s outfit ^^^^^
May’s outfit ^^^^^
(This is May, by the way)
“Are you ready?” I asked, finishing changing. “Yep, let’s go, femme,” she smiled, draping her arm around my shoulders. I grabbed our shopping basket, and we left. May led me to the market, and we walked side-by-side, laughing as we navigated the stalls.
After browsing and buying groceries, we decided to head to the café around the corner. We ordered: a café au lait and a croissant for me, something stronger for May. “Are you excited to go to England?” I asked once we sat down. “Hmm, am I excited to go to England? Absolutely. Am I excited to go with you and meet the people who raised you so wonderfully in person? One hundred percent,” she answered, squeezing my hand across the table. “I’m excited for you to meet them as well. They’re going to love you,” I smiled.
About half an hour later, we returned home. I headed toward my study, while May jogged to our room, changed into painting clothes, and disappeared into the studio. May used to be a model, and she’d earned a good sum. She’d bought the house a while back, and I moved in with her after trying long-distance. It hadn’t worked out well, and we broke up. Then May sent me a plane ticket and a letter, asking me to move in with her. I accepted, and six months later, here we are, still together and happier than ever. I can’t wait for my mum and the rest of my family to meet her. I paused my typing when my phone buzzed—a FaceTime call from Mum.
“Hey, Mum,” I smiled as her face appeared on the screen. “Bonjour,” she said in a silly voice, wiggling her eyebrows. “You’re such a weirdo.” I giggled. “Gee, maybe I shouldn’t let you come stay in my home for three weeks.” She raised her eyebrows. “I’m sorry, I take it back,” I apologized. “Speaking of which, there’s something I have to tell you.” Mum sucked through her teeth. “What is it?” I asked. “So, you remember Billie, yes?” she questioned. “Mum, of course I remember Billie. What are you getting at?” I furrowed my eyebrows. “She has a show in London and then the rest of the time off. She called and asked if she could stay here for a bit, and I agreed. She asked if you were coming home, and I told her yes.” She explained. “Oh.” It was all I could manage. “She wants to see you, Elle.” She added.