The bittersweet bubble of our unexpected week of freedom in the mansion began to deflate with a pang of painful anticipation. The news that Brianna and Louie had to leave a day before my family returned hung over us like a shadow. We tried to squeeze every last second out of our time together, but the awareness of the impending separation tinged every laugh and every hug with a hint of sadness.
The morning of their departure dawned with an oppressive stillness. The silence in my room, where we had shared confidences and dreams, was now heavy with unspoken words and contained emotions. As Brianna and Louie finished packing their few belongings, I watched with a lump in my throat, feeling as if a part of my world was preparing to leave.
Louie approached me and hugged me with a force that conveyed his anguish. He clung to my body as if he feared that if he let go, I might vanish. "I don't want to leave, Josephine," he whispered against my hair, his voice breaking slightly. "I'm afraid that if I move away from you... I won't see you again." His confession, so raw and full of fear, made my own eyes fill with tears. I knew his fear mirrored mine, the constant threat of my family separating us hanging over our heads.
Brianna, her eyes bright and her voice trembling, tried to lighten the moment. "Nonsense, big lug," she said, trying to sound firm as she patted Louie on the back. "Tomorrow is Monday," Brianna added, trying to inject a bit of normalcy into the farewell, although her voice still trembled slightly. "We'll see each other at school tomorrow, right?" Her question was a silent plea, a way to cling to routine and the promise of a close reunion, even if it was in the restrictive environment of school.
The sound of the car horn waiting for them echoed in the driveway, an inescapable reminder that time was running out. We hugged Brianna tightly, promising to stay in touch and plan our next meeting. Then, I clung to Louie, feeling the rapid beat of his heart against mine.
"I love you," I whispered, my tears dampening his shirt. "Please, be careful."
He kissed me with a desperate intensity, a kiss that tasted of goodbye and the promise of a reunion. "I will always find you, Josephine. Always."
Watching them drive away in the car was as if a part of the light in the mansion had gone out. I stood at the door, feeling the emptiness of their absence and the growing sense of vulnerability at my family's imminent return. The week of freedom was over, leaving us with precious memories and a palpable fear for the future. The fight for our love, I knew, would intensify with their departure.
The day dragged on slowly, each hour marked by the echo of absence. The immensity of the mansion, once a shared refuge, now felt oppressive, amplifying my loneliness. Night fell like a heavy blanket, and without realizing it, emotional exhaustion dragged me into a restless sleep.
The next day, waking up was abrupt, the awareness of loneliness hitting me hard. The empty space to my left, where Louie used to curl up, and the hollow to my right, where Brianna always slept, leaving a comforting warmth around me, were silent reminders of my reality. I jumped out of bed, impatient to escape the quiet of the room. I quickly washed and dressed in my high school uniform, the familiar rough fabric a small anchor in this sea of emotions. The thought of seeing Brianna and Louie at school, even amidst the rules and stares, was a beacon of hope that propelled me to face the day.
I went downstairs, the silence of my room contrasting sharply with the bustle that already filled the mansion. Entering the dining room, the familiar scene of my parents, my sister, and my brother-in-law having breakfast together greeted me. A pang of surprise shot through me at seeing my sister there – how strange that she hasn't returned to France, I thought – feeling how the tranquility of the last few days was rapidly fading, replaced by the familiar tension of my family's presence. "Good morning," I greeted with distant politeness, the formality of my words reflecting the usual coldness of our relationship. I took a seat at the opposite head of the table, feeling their gazes barely linger on me before returning to their own affairs.
My mother was leafing through a fashion magazine while sipping her coffee, without even looking up to answer me. My father remained engrossed in his newspaper, an unintelligible murmur escaping his lips.
The silence in the dining room was heavy, charged with a tacit indifference I was already accustomed to. No one asked how I had slept or how I had spent the days in the mansion. My presence seemed to be just another formality in the morning routine, a silent figure in the family landscape. I took a piece of toast and began to eat in silence, grateful that at least there were no awkward questions for the moment. The urgency to go to school and reunite with Brianna and Louie intensified in this icy atmosphere. They were my true refuge, the palpable contrast to the coldness of my own home.
A sudden idea blossomed in my mind, an excuse to break the uncomfortable silence and perhaps divert attention from any possible questions about my week in the mansion. "Father," I said softly, my voice barely rising above the rustle of the newspaper, "I wanted to talk to you about my extracurricular classes." The mention of my studies always managed to capture his attention, even if briefly.
"What is it, Josephine?" my father replied seriously, setting aside his newspaper and fixing his gaze on me. I watched him cautiously, weighing my words before speaking.
"I've been thinking," I began softly, "that I've already reached a very high level in several of my extracurricular classes. In music and singing classes, for example, or in cooking. Just like in sewing and etiquette."
My father nodded slowly, his expression inscrutable. "Exactly. That was what we wanted, for you to achieve perfection in everything."
I let out a barely perceptible sigh before continuing with my elaborate excuse. "And just like in those classes, I also feel that I have progressed a lot in others. So, I wanted to ask... what if I stop attending some of them?" I asked softly, trying to sound reasonable. "That way I could use that time to focus on further improving my grades in high school, dedicating myself to assignments and studying to maintain the highest average." The last part, I knew, was what would really resonate with him. Academic excellence had always been paramount in his eyes.
My father pondered my words for a moment, his gaze fixed on an indeterminate point on the table. Finally, he sighed slightly before replying. "That's an interesting proposal, Josephine." His tone was cautious, as if he were weighing the pros and cons. "On the one hand, we have always prioritized excellence in all your areas of training. But it is true that your grades in high school are fundamental for your future."
My mother, who had remained silent until now, leafing through her magazine, finally looked up. "Are you sure about this, Josephine? These extracurricular classes are important for your comprehensive development." Her tone was slightly more doubtful than my father's.
"Yes, Mother," I replied firmly, trying to convey conviction. "I think I need to focus my energies on my main studies now. I have already acquired a solid foundation in the other areas, and I can always resume them in the future if I wish."
My father spoke again. "We will have to analyze your current performance in those classes and your high school grades. If your arguments are sound and your grades support them, we might consider it. But I don't want this to be an excuse for laziness." His gaze was serious, making it clear that he expected total commitment to my studies if he agreed to my request.
"I understand perfectly, Father," I assured him, feeling a pang of hope. This could be my opportunity to have more free time, time I could dedicate to seeing Brianna and Louie without raising suspicion. "I will be happy to show you my grades and my progress in the extracurricular classes."
The conversation hung in the balance, the promise of a future review hanging in the air. I finished my breakfast in silence, feeling a mixture of relief and anxiety. I had planted the seed, now all that remained was to wait and see if it would germinate. The thought of having more time for Louie was a powerful incentive, a light at the end of the tunnel of the oppressive family atmosphere.
"When you get back from high school in the afternoon, I'll have an answer for you," my father said with a seriousness that left no room for argument. "I'm going to call your tutors. If they confirm that you have already reached perfection in their areas, and your high school grades support your commitment, then you will stop attending those classes so you have more time to focus on your main studies. Now go, you're going to be late." His tone was definitive, marking the end of the conversation.
I nodded silently, getting up from the table with a mixture of hope and nervousness. The idea of having more free time was tempting, but it depended entirely on the evaluation of my tutors and my grades. I left the dining room quickly, eager to escape the tense atmosphere and head to school, where I knew I would find the support and understanding of Brianna and Louie. The promise of seeing them was the only ray of sunshine in this gray morning.
For the first time, I felt that my suggestion to drop the extracurricular classes had not fallen on deaf ears. My father's promise of an evaluation was a small step forward, a crack in the wall of his immovable expectations. Perhaps, just perhaps, I could have more free time, time to breathe, and most importantly, time for Louie. A small smile touched my lips as I glimpsed the familiar facade of the high school, a place where, despite the rules, I could be myself and meet my true friends. The thought of seeing Brianna and Louie was a balm for the oppression I felt at home.
I got out of the car and began to walk by inertia towards the classroom where Brianna and I shared most of our classes. The morning at home had left me with a feeling of heaviness, but a pleasant surprise awaited me just before reaching the classroom. There was Louie, leaning against the wall next to Brianna. An even bigger smile lit up my face at seeing him.
I approached them with a casual greeting, trying to keep up appearances in front of any acquaintances. "Hey, guys!" I said in a slightly more animated tone than I actually felt.
Brianna hugged me effusively. "Jo! So good to see you! How was your night? Everything quiet at the mansion?" Her hug and her question were a comforting reminder that I wasn't alone.
I cast a fleeting glance at Louie, trying to convey everything I felt without words. He returned a soft smile, his eyes full of a tenderness that no one else would understand. "Hello, Josephine," he said simply, his voice low and slightly hoarse, making me remember our passionate goodbye from the previous morning.
"Hey, Bri," I replied to my friend before turning my attention back to Louie, trying to sound casual. "Everything quiet, all things considered." I knew they would both understand the subtext of my words. "Quiet" at the mansion always came at a price.
Brianna gave a little jump of joy, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. "Guess who switched to our classroom!" she exclaimed, almost singing the words.
"How so?" I asked, my smile widening at her obvious excitement. I looked at Louie, seeking an explanation.
He shrugged with a mischievous smile. "Well, Samantha wanted to switch to the classroom I was in because her cousin is there. And well... I took the opportunity. I talked to the principal and explained the situation, asking if I could make some changes." His tone was casual, but the mischief in his eyes revealed that there had been more to the conversation than he was letting on.
Brianna interjected, unable to contain her excitement. "And the principal agreed! She said that since there were openings and it didn't affect the distribution of the groups, there was no problem. So now Louie is officially in our classroom!" Her joy was contagious, and the idea of having Louie with us in class, even under the watchful eyes of the teachers, was a small triumph amidst the uncertainty.
I looked at Louie with genuine surprise and growing happiness. "Seriously?! How did you do that?" The thought of spending more time together, even in such a formal setting as school, was an unexpected relief.
Louie winked at me. "Let's just say I was very... persuasive. I explained that it was important for my academic performance to be close to my... study partners." His emphasis on the last phrase made Brianna burst out laughing.
"Very special study partners!" Brianna added with a knowing smile.
The bell rang, announcing the start of the first class. We walked together towards the classroom, the news of Louie's classroom change creating a bubble of joy between us.
Upon entering the classroom, the seating arrangement fell into place almost naturally. Brianna took a seat in the front row, her usual restless energy seeking proximity to the blackboard. I sat right behind her, allowing myself a full view of the classroom, but already feeling Louie's presence behind me. He took the seat directly behind mine, and almost immediately I began to perceive his gaze fixed on the nape of my neck. It was a constant sensation, a soft invisible pressure that kept me aware of his closeness.
As the class progressed and the teacher turned to write on the board or interact with other students, a subtle caress interrupted the monotony. Mischievous fingers would extend from behind to brush against the sensitive skin of my neck, a fleeting but electrifying contact. Other times, it was the cold tip of his pencil that traced invisible lines on my skin, sending shivers that ran down my entire body, making me tremble with a mixture of surprise and forbidden pleasure. I tried to maintain my composure, concentrating on the lesson, but the constant awareness of his presence and his discreet touches turned every minute into a sweet and exciting torture. I knew it was his way of reminding me that he was near, that despite the formalities of the classroom, our bond remained intact, a shared secret in the midst of the crowd.
The bell announcing the change of period rang, but our next class teacher didn't arrive. A murmur of confusion ran through the classroom before the class representative confirmed that the period was free. In a matter of seconds, our classmates got up from their desks, each one scattering in different directions, eager to take advantage of the free time. Brianna, Louie, and I looked at each other, a tacit understanding shining in our eyes. The classroom door remained closed, sealing our small improvised sanctuary from the bustle of the rest of the school. We knew no one would return soon.
Louie jumped to his feet, his contained energy finally released. "Finally..." he whispered with a mischievous smile before shortening the distance between us. He wrapped me in his arms tightly, pulling me towards him, and planted a kiss on me that stole my breath. It was a kiss charged with the frustration of hours of restraint, the need to feel close without the restrictions of the classroom. His lips moved with an intensity that made me completely forget where we were. Beside us, Brianna let out an audible "Awww," touched by the scene.
"Guys," I said, my voice slightly more serious, although the emotion of our recent kiss still fluttered within me, "I have to tell you something. It's not certain, but there's a possibility my father will give me some free afternoons. I was talking to him about my extracurricular classes and the workload of high school." I paused, observing their reactions.
"And?" Brianna asked, her eyes shining with curiosity. Louie looked at me attentively, his arm still wrapped protectively around me.
"And... he mentioned that if my grades are good and my tutors confirm that I already have an advanced level in the other areas, he might consider reducing some of my extracurricular activities so I can focus more on school," I explained, trying not to sound too hopeful. "If that happens, we could use those afternoons to spend time together at Brianna's house, with the excuse of doing some homework or class projects." The idea of having free time to be with them, without the constant scrutiny of my family, was a tempting ray of hope.
Brianna let out a choked cry of excitement. "Seriously?! That would be amazing, Jo! We could watch movies, listen to music, whatever!" Her enthusiasm was contagious, and the simple thought of having more time together filled her with joy.
Louie gently squeezed my shoulder. "Do you think your father will really consider it?" His tone was more cautious, aware of the strict rules in my house.
"I don't know," I admitted with a sigh. "He said he would call my tutors and review my grades. He'll give me an answer this afternoon when I get back from school. But at least... at least he didn't dismiss the idea completely." That small glimmer of hope was enough to keep me optimistic.
"Even if it's just a few afternoons, it would be great," Brianna added, already making plans in her mind. "We could make our own snacks."
Louie smiled, caught up in Brianna's enthusiasm. "And I could help you with that math 'homework' you always struggle with, Josephine." His wink and playful tone made my heart flutter. The prospect of having more alone time with him, even under the guise of studying, was exciting.
"Yes," I said with a smile, feeling a surge of hope. "We could do a lot of things. But first... first I have to pass my father's evaluation." The uncertainty still lingered, but for the first time in a long time, I felt a small door opening towards greater freedom and more time to be with the people who really mattered.
Louie smiled mischievously and, without warning, gently took my hand and pulled me towards him, making me sit sideways on his lap. His grip was firm but tender, and his closeness made my heart skip a beat. Brianna watched us with a knowing smile, already accustomed to our discreet but constant displays of affection.
"This way you're more comfortable planning those 'study sessions'," Louie whispered in my ear, his warm breath sending shivers down my spine. His closeness was intoxicating, and for a moment I completely forgot that we were in an empty high school classroom, with the possibility of someone walking in at any moment.
"Louie..." I murmured, feeling my cheeks flush slightly at his boldness. Although I loved his closeness, there was always the worry of being discovered.
He simply squeezed my hand and gave me a look full of affection and complicity. "Relax, Josephine. We're alone for now. And I'm just making sure you're paying attention to our future plans." His playful tone failed to hide the intensity of his feelings, and the simple fact of having him so close made me feel invincible, capable of facing any obstacle that stood in our way.
"Did I tell you that you look beautiful today?" Louie said, his gaze sweeping over my face with an intensity that made me blush even more. His eyes shone with sincere admiration, making me feel special and desired.
"No, you hadn't said it," I replied with a shy smile, feeling a pleasant warmth spread through my chest. His compliments, though simple, always managed to disarm me.
"Well, I'm saying it now," he continued, gently caressing my cheek with the back of his hand. "You are... radiant, Josephine. As always, but especially today." His voice was a soft whisper, full of a tenderness that only I could understand.
Brianna, who was watching us with an endearing smile, added in an amused tone, "Yeah, Jo, you're glowing. It must be the excitement of having Louie officially in our classroom." She winked at us, making us both chuckle softly.
"Maybe," I said, returning Brianna's smile before turning my gaze back to Louie. "Or maybe it's because I'm sitting on my boyfriend's lap in the middle of an empty classroom."
Louie squeezed my waist gently. "That could also be a reason." He leaned in and kissed me tenderly on the lips, a sweet and quick kiss but full of deep affection. "But the main reason is that you always look beautiful, Josephine." His gaze was sincere, and in that moment, surrounded by his love and Brianna's friendship, I felt that anything was possible.
"Alright, lovebirds," Brianna interrupted with a mischievous smile, looking at the watch on her phone. "As much as I'm enjoying this display of teenage affection during class time, I think we should make the most of these last few minutes of freedom before some clueless teacher decides to show up."
Louie sighed dramatically before helping me up from his lap. "She's right. Freedom is fleeting, especially in this place." He took my hand, interlacing our fingers. "So, plans for this afternoon, apart from the dreaded audience with your parents?"
"I guess it will depend on what they decide," I replied with a hint of uncertainty. "But if I get some free time, the first thing I'll do is call you both. I need to tell you."
"And we'll be here, anxiously awaiting your call," Brianna assured me, giving me a quick hug. "Whatever happens, Jo, remember what we talked about."
I nodded, feeling her unconditional support. I looked at Louie, whose grip on my hand tightened slightly. "I'll call you as soon as I have news, good or bad." I gave his hand a small squeeze, trying to convey my love and determination without words.