Isla's POV
I woke up this morning feeling in a surprisingly good mood. Yesterdays nosebleed had significantly less blood than usual, meaning I was getting better. Lucas texted me last night before bed asking if we could meet up. Apparently he had something important to tell me.
Quickly throwing on a pair of mom jeans and a sweatshirt, I hurried out of my room to make some coffee. Elliot was sitting at the dining table, laptop open and typing away. I could feel his gaze on me as I rushed to find a mug.
"Morning," I greeted Yann, but he didn't respond. I gave him a puzzled look, but he didn't even look at me.
"Where's everyone else?" I asked, still getting no response. I noticed Yann sneak Elliot a look who pursed his lips, looking away. Opening the fridge, I pouted when I noticed we ran out of milk. Pulling out my phone, I texted Lucas.
Me: U got milk?
Lookass: um, yeah
Lookass: why?
Me: I ran out. I'm coming rn, have it ready
Lookass: ur joking
Me: nope, coffee comes first
Lookass: fine, hurry up
I grinned, grabbing my travel mug and phone.
I debated on saying bye, but decided to just leave and pulled the door shut. It was a lot colder in Paris this past week, indicating that fall was around the corner.
"Hey!" I greeted, giving Lucas a hug. He lifted the jug of milk in his hand with a smile.
"I got your prized possession," he said making me laugh. I sipped my coffee as we walked down to the cafe.
"Order first?"
"Sure," I nodded.
"So, I have some news," he began, rubbing his hands.
"Spill," I grinned, leaning forward and crossing my hands over the table.
"So, I met someone last week at a restaurant," he began, making me shuffle in my seat excitedly.
"Oh my gosh, who's this lucky chick?" I asked, probably looking like a maniac, leaning so far across the table.
"Um, well," Lucas mumbled, a sheepish grin on his face. His cheeks turned pink as he covered his face.
"Come on! I can't take the anticipation."
"Well, it's a guy for starters," he said quietly. My eyes widened in surprise as I processed what he said. I leaned back in my seat, looking around carefully. When I noticed no one was paying attention, I squealed, clapping my hands together.
"I'm so freaking happy for you, what the heck! Why didn't you tell me?"
He shrugged, thanking the waitress as she placed our food on the table.
"I just sort of realized it a few months ago. But I didn't know who to tell except you."
"Wow, do you have a pic of this guy?" I asked curiously.
"Promise you won't try to take him?" Lucas asked, grinning widely.
"No promises," I giggled, taking his phone.
"Oh damn, he's hot," I commented, "I'm impressed, you're pulling in some goood fish."
"I can't believe you just said that," Lucas mumbled, covering his face as if he was embarrassed.
"What? That he's hot or that you're a good fisherman?"
"Both!" he exclaimed, shaking his head. We stared at each other for a moment before bursting into laughter.
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"I can't believe you said that to him!" Lucas exclaimed, doubling over in laughter. My cheeks hurt from smiling and my face was hot from laughing.
"I can't believe it myself!" I chuckled, coming to a stop in my driveway.
"Well, you better get ready for the ball," I teased, wiggling my eyebrows.
"God I hate you," Lucas sighed, rolling his eyes. I laughed lightly, opening the door and stepping inside.
"Fix that hair!" I called as I waved goodbye. I snorted as he flipped me off.
I quietly made my way to my room. I could hear the shower running in Saskia's room and Linette's door was cracked open. They were already getting ready and it was only 1. The ball started at 5 and ended at 8. I decided to take a shower before getting ready.
Lookass: forgot to ask because i got distracted,
do you want me to pick you up?
me: ummm, idk I'll text you around 5:30
Lookass: ok sounds good
me: thx
I was out of the shower within 20 minutes and scrolled through my phone as my hair air dried. None of the boys had spoken to me today. It was a weird atmosphere in the house, some sort of inexplicable tension.
Maybe they're ignoring me?
But why? I didn't do anything. We were fine last night after dress shopping. I went to bed early though. They stayed up to play cards.
I'll ask Saskia or Linette.
Pulling out my phone, I texted Lucas telling him to pick me up on his way. If my friends were going to ignore me, two could play that game. I had a strong feeling Elliot had something to do with this. I knew he had heard my phone call last night with Lucas, but I doubt that had anything to do with whatever was going on.
"Bro I'm starving," I heard Yann mumble as I descended the stairs. I carried my heels in my hand, phone in the other. Thank god my dress had pockets again.
"Then eat," Elliot replied, tossing him the packet of bread. The two didn't acknowledge my presence as I walked to the door. I heard a car pull up and I quietly pulled the door closed. Slipping on my heels, I waddled to his car. The smell of light cologne hit my nose as I sat in the back seat.
"Hola chica," Lucas grinned, turning to look at me from the drivers seat.
"Hi, I'm Isla," I greeted, sticking my hand out to the man sitting in the front seat.
"I'm Alex, nice to meet you," he grinned. He was wearing a dark blue suit that complimented his warm olive toned complexion. I noticed he didn't have a Parisian accent, it seemed to be more from the south, maybe Marseilles.
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I stood at the top of the staircase once again, looking down at the crowd on the polished marble floor. I kept my eyes trained on the entrance, waiting for Saskia and Linette to arrive.
"There you are," Florian said, earning a confused look from me. My eyes widened as I recognized him from the party.
"Florian! How are you?" I asked, leaning in to give him a hug.
"Pretty good, I wanted to see how you're doing."
"Oh I'm perfectly fine now, thank you," I smiled. Looking over his shoulder, I noticed a girl in an emerald green dress, walking around awkwardly.
"That's my date, Elise," Florian introduced.
"Nice to meet you," I smiled, "You look stunning."
"Nothing compared to you, blue really suits you," she said softly, her voice angelic.
"Do you sing?" I asked abruptly, catching her off guard.
"I do, how did you know?"
"You're voice is beautiful."
"Thank you," she mumbled, her cheeks turning pink. "Elliot wasn't wrong when he said you were observant."
I titled my head to look at her, a curious look on my face.
"What do you mean?"
"Oh Elliot can't sto-"
"Okayyy, that's enough," Florian interrupted, drapping his arm over Elise. "See you around Isla!"
"Yeah," I muttered, watching them leave. "See you."
Once again, I found myself alone. Lucas was having a good time with Alex and I didn't want to disturb them.
I was about to sit down on the top staircase when I spotted Saskia's white blonde hair at the door. I practically flew down the stairs, a smile returning to my face. Finally someone to talk to.
"Saskia!" I called, weaving through the guests to get to her. She looked up hearing her name clearly making eye contact. I waved excitedly once she saw me, only for her to turn swiftly, tugging Linette along with her. Linette glanced back at me, a unreadable look on her face but a small frown tugging at her lips. My hand dropped back to my side as I watched them hurry into the ball room.