Winter in Paris, year 2001
Our senior year is nearly coming to an end. Next year we will be graduating, my best friends with me...and Silvan.
His blond hair got longer, I think it had reached below his elbows now.
As for me, I continued to get my regular hair appointments at the salon.
Recently, I've started visiting Mrs. Bleu's Salon out of habit, even if I just had my hair trimmed there.
I've begun availing of their nail spa treatments just to admire Silvan's long tresses, shining bright like the snow.
He would bring baked goods from Cordon Bleu's to let me sample some of his first attempts at cookies, macaroons and tarts.
Despite being an amateur baker, it's not so bad. It tastes just like a fairytale, where poor girls get their princes and live happily ever after...
"Does it taste terrible?" He asked me.
"What? No, it's good. Just a couple more and my stomach is full."
By the time the salon is empty, Silvan would close up store early to get home to his sister.
I found myself staring out into the window, quietly thinking how the year happens to run so fast.
Before I knew it, I found myself standing out into the cold as Silvan locked up the shop's door.
"Come with me, Sophie wanted to meet you for a long time. We're having supper with Monsieur Bleu. You haven't forgotten?"
I blinked. "Of course."
He came closer, his gloved hand seemed to lightly dust my head.
"You've got snow on your hair... Where's your bonnet?"
I sneezed. "I forgot to bring it."
Trying to wrap my scarf around my head, Silvan took off his wool bonnet and put it on my crown instead.
"You can have this."
I looked up at him, his golden locks angelic with the snowflakes landing on it.
"Are you sure?"
"Yes. I'm warmer with a head of long hair while you are sure to be feeling the chill."
Adjusting the woolen thing on my head, deep in thought, I wondered how Sophie would be like.
As we started walking ahead alongside the street, the gust of bitter wind almost carried me away until Silvan placed an arm around me.
He said that Mr. Cordon's house is a couple blocks away, but it sure seemed dangerous to try walking in this kind of weather.
"Are you okay?" He asked.
"Yes, I'm fine." I said.
"I feel terrible dragging you out in this kind of weather. Actually, I wanted to make it up to you."
I nodded in reply, too numb in the biting cold.
"Can I be your partner in our winter school dance?"
The question made me gasp, turning to look up to him in surprise.
Why, out of all the belles in our school, he chose to ask me.
"Of course." I said, utterly delighted. So much so that I laughed, the warm mist rising up in the air.
Silvan stared at me.
"Are you sure?"
I grinned, tugging down the scarf around my neck to show him my joy.
"Yes, I would love to."
Walking down the streets that cold winter day, knowing that we would be ending the year together because of a silly dance... made my day a little bit brighter.