ENTRY 4
WE'LL ALWAYS HAVE PARIS

She was up before the dawn.

She had been waiting for this day, waiting for a chance to revel in time spent with someone she loved. They had blocked out the whole day, and no one else would intrude.

It was about them.

She dressed in soft pink; layers of airy chiffon and soft cashmere that kept her warm but still gave the allusion of spring.

She had everything planned, everything sorted. It was just a matter of starting.

At ten minutes past seven, she left her apartment.

The world seemed a little brighter, a little softer this morning as she strolled down the street. Perhaps it was the rose tinted glasses perched on her nose.

She walked the ten blocks in buoyant spirits, mentally recounting all that was planned for the day. The bag on her shoulder—slightly fuller than usual—bounced against her side as she practically danced down the street.

She punched the code into the call box below, and when the door buzzed, she stepped into the old building. She floated up the stairs to the third floor, each step bringing her more and more excitement.

When she reached apartment 306, she stopped, adjusting her skirt and her sweater before knocking on the door.

It took a moment, but then it was opening and a pair of tired eyes were blinking blearily at her.

"Bella?" Rose croaked, looking down at her phone. "I thought we said ten."

"Yes, well," Bella said, bounding into the apartment. "Surprise."

Rose closed the door and turned to look at her, arching an eyebrow. "You're so fuzzy."

Bella grinned. "You will be too," she said, patting her bag. "I got you an outfit. And don't fight me, it'll be amazing on you."

Rose frowned. "Okay, why are you here before eight?"

Bella couldn't barely hold it in her anymore. "Change of plans. I got us better reservations, but first you need to get dressed."

She held her bag out to Rose, who took it with a roll of her eyes. A few minutes later, she emerged from her bedroom dressed in the cream cashmere sweater and white pants Bella had brought her. "We look like desserts," Rose said, smoothing the sweater down. Bella grinned.

"I know, delicious right?"

Rose smirked. "So what are we doing so early in the morning?"

"I got us dinner reservations, but we have to leave now in order to make it."

Rose's eyebrows arched beautifully. "Where are we going?"

Bella grinned. "Grab your passport. We're going on an adventure."

"Paris?" Rose asked, looking at the departure gate as they headed over. "We're going to Paris?"

Bella smiled. "A little spur of the moment surprise."

The truth was, she'd been saving for this trip for almost two years.

They were really doing this. They were jet setting, like they had dreamed about in college, and in a few short hours, they would be in Paris, on a Tuesday.

Just because.

Rose could hardly believe it.

They hadn't packed bags, but it had been Bella's intention to take Rose shopping. They looked in stores far too expensive for either of them and laughed as they draped designer scarves around their necks. They bought very little, agreeing to do actual shopping somewhere more affordable.

When evening broke, Bella took them to an exclusive restaurant with a glittering view of the Eiffel Tower. They drank champagne and laughed and reminisced about their friendship, the turns it had taken, and the joys they had found each other.

After dinner, Bella led them to their hotel, the true jewel of their trip. Old and unbelievably expensive, Bella had swung a room at the top with a perfect view of the city.

"Bella," Rose said, falling against the bed, her eyes shutting as she basked in the comfort of the room. "This has been our best Galentines yet."

Bella looked at her friend, a nervous smile on her face. "Yeah."

Rose looked up at her. "What is it?"

Bella bit her lip, then decided to take the plunge. "I was thinking," she hedged. "What if tomorrow we have a Valentine's day?"

Rose sat up. "What do you mean?"

Deep breath. " Rose, I love you. I mean, I've loved you for years, you're my best friend, but I'm also in love with you."

Bella waited, one breath… two…

She watched her friend's beautiful face process her words, and right when Bella couldn't take it anymore, when she was sure she'd ruined the best thing in her life, Rose stood up.

"How long have you known?"

Bella hesitated. "I don't know." She did know. "Two years?" She knew the exact day her friendship with Rose had grown into something more in her heart, but she wasn't willing to put herself out there even more.

Rose reached for her, and her touch was so familiar and comforting, Bella wanted to cry.

"Bella," Rose whispered, stepping closer to her friend. Bella braced for a rejection. Instead, Rose's lips were descending upon hers, brushing her own ever so slightly. Bella's heart beat frantically in her chest, her mind wild with hope. "I love you, Bella. I've never let myself wonder if it's more than that, but," she paused, one thumb brushing over Bella's cheek. "But I'm willing to see if it's more."

Bella couldn't breathe. "Really?"

"I don't want to hurt you," Rose whispered, her voice tight with pain at the thought. "If it doesn't…" she paused. "I don't want this to ruin us."

Bella shook her head. "Nothing could hurt more than keeping this from you for so long."

Rose kissed her again, and a weightless feeling came over Bella. "No matter what," Rose whispered against her best friend's lips, "No matter what happens, I love you. I'll always love you."

Bella smiled, kissing the woman she loved tenderly. "We've had seven wonderful years as best friends. Even if we only have tonight as something more, we'll always have each other, and always have this. We'll always have Paris."

#V3ENTRIES

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