Chapitre Un
We were only kids when we met. I'll never forget the day. It was the glorious summer of '98, just as the buzz of the world cup was dying down. We returned to training in mid-July, and as was common-place around that time of year, there were new recruits to the academy. One guy in particular caught my eye, just sat in the corner of the room looking a bit shy. I was sat with my usual group of friends but couldn't help looking over. I think he was doing the same. We caught each other and made eye contact, and he quickly put his head down and averted his attention.
Later on in the canteen I was just finishing up my dinner, shovelling down some pot au feu (beef stew with mixed vegetables to you English speakers out there. It's my favourite meal! J'adore pot au feu!) and when I looked up, I saw that same guy from earlier on. "Excusé moi, could I sit with you?" he asked in such a sweet, velvety voice. "Of course" I replied. He proceeded to sit down, at first saying nothing, as we both continued to eat. After a few seconds, he set down his fork and cleared his throat before introducing himself. "I'm Yohan" he croaked, a look of trepidation on his face. "Great to meet you Yohan, I'm Mathieu" I smiled back at him. I extended my hand and he grasped it firmly, looking reassured by my warmth. The conversation soon began to flow and in those 30 minutes or so of lunch break a bond quickly formed between us. We got onto the topic of room arrangements and Yohan expressed his worries about having nobody to share with, but before he could continue, I offered to share with him. There was something about this guy that I liked, and I could tell that underneath the shy, retiring exterior lay a fascinating young man.