Scott is lying on his bed, reading a comic book, while Cosima comes in and out of the bathroom in different outfits.
"What do you think of this one?" she asks as she spins around in a burgundy, sleeveless, knee-length dress with a beaded peter pan collar.
"It looks great, Cosima. Just like the last 4 outfits."
"Dude, I want to look nice."
"Why? You said it's not a date."
"Shut up. I need to look presentable at Christmas dinner."
"You look presentable, now please stop changing," he begs.
"Okay, okay, but what about my hair? Down or up?"
"I don't know. Up?"
"Yeah, you're right. Up is better with this dress." She ties her dreads up in a bun and then starts to tackle her makeup.
"Cosima?"
"What?"
"It's 7:30."
"Shit!" She finishes as quickly as she can, runs out of the bathroom, puts on a couple chunky bracelets and rings, steps into her heels, and stands in front of Scott. "So?"
"Perfect," he smiles. "Now go have fun."
"Thanks," she grabs her coat and overnight bag and rushes out the door.
When Cosima steps off the elevator, she sees Delphine waiting by the fireplace wearing a red suede skirt and black sleeveless top. She takes a deep breath, composes herself, and walks over. "Hey, Delphine, sorry I'm a little late."
Delphine turns from the fire to Cosima, the flames reflecting in her eyes, "No problem." She looks Cosima over and smiles, "You look great."
"Thanks, so do you," Cosima grins. "Joyeux Noël!"
"Joyeux Noël! Nice pronunciation."
"I've been working on it," Cosima admits. "Figured I'd be using it a lot tonight."
"Good because my family probably won't understand anything else you say."
"Oh wow, right, yeah, well that should be interesting with my limited vocab. I'm counting on you to interpret for me."
"It might be hard to interpret when 20 people are speaking, or more likely shouting, French at you all at once. My family doesn't understand the concept of one at a time. Just nod a lot."
"Nod a lot? That's your brilliant advice? What if they say something I don't agree with?"
"Then you're screwed. They don't take kindly to disagreement." Cosima looks at her, aghast, and Delphine can't suppress her laughter, "I'm kidding. Most of them understand and speak English just fine."
"Not funny, Delphine," Cosima shakes her head.
"Grand-Mère is the only one who doesn't speak English. In fact, my cousin Henri's wife, Katie, is American, so you won't seem completely alien."
"Gee, thanks, I wouldn't want to be the alien you brought to Christmas dinner."
"Come on, E.T., time to take you to my home."
They put on their coats and walk out into the crisp night air, stopping at a black Jeep in the parking lot.
"I should have figured you for an SUV-type, with the whole skiing thing, but for some reason I pictured you in a little red sports car."
"A sports car is not very practical in the snow. What do you drive?"
"The bus."
"Pardon?"
"I don't technically drive a bus, I ride it. I, um, I don't exactly have a license. You know how I tend to lose control and fall on my butt a lot skiing?"
"Yes."
"Imagine me driving."
"Point taken."
"It's cool that you drive on the right side here, at least," Cosima observes as they get in the car and head onto the road.
"Yes, I've been to England and it is awkward driving on the left."
"Have you been to the United States?"
"I visited New York once, when I was 17. I really enjoyed it. That was my only time in the states, but I've been to Canada. My oncle, Matthieu, moved to Montreal about 15 years ago and we've been several times to visit the family. It's absolutely beautiful there."
"I've never been to Canada, but there's a company with headquarters in Toronto I've been thinking of applying after I graduate, The Dyad Institute."
"Oh, yes, I've heard of them. Their work is quite cutting edge. They're on the cusp of breakthroughs in many disciplines. Their immunology papers are very intriguing."
"They do a lot of revolutionary stem cell research as well, so they're at the top of my list, but I just wish they were located somewhere a little warmer. After Minnesota, I think I'd prefer some heat."
"Oh, please, by the end of this trip, you'll have a newfound appreciation for the cold."
"Doubtful."
"We'll see."
"Where would you like to work after you get your PhD?"
"I don't know. Paris has a lot to offer, but sometimes I think maybe I'd like to live somewhere else, experience a different culture. New York, Frankfurt, or maybe Toronto and the Dyad like you
"Hey, that'd be cool. We could be the next Watson and Crick."
"Or a double dose of Rosalind Franklin."
"Yes, even better."
"It's something to consider. If they'll have me, that is. Working for the Dyad could be an opportunity of a lifetime."
"They'd be crazy not to hire you."
"Or you as well," Delphine smiles. "What kind of music would you like to listen to?"
"Oh, you choose, it's your car."
"But you're my guest, I want you to enjoy the ride."
"Well, I mostly listen to electronic, dance, alternative. Stuff like Grimes, Major Lazer, Animal Collective." Delphine looks at her like she has two heads. "I take it you've never heard of any of those."
"Sorry."
"Don't sweat it, I know it's not the most universal. What do you like?"
"Cœur de pirate, Superbus. Are you familiar with either of them?"
Cosima shakes her head, "Nope."
"Most of their songs are in French."
"Let's listen to your music. It'll immerse me a bit in your language before dinner."
"Okay, but on the way back we'll listen to yours." Delphine hooks her phone up to the stereo and music fills the car. They listen in companionable silence as song after song plays.
"What do you think of this one?" Delphine finally asks.
"I like it. It's kinda whimsical, but there's also a real longing underneath. And, hey, some of it's in English."
"Yes, actually most of Emilie's music is in English, this one just happens to be my favorite."
"I see why. I'll need to check out the rest of her stuff."
As they pull to a stop, Cosima has begun to sing along to the music, "Depêche mon amour, depêche mon amour."
As Delphine cuts the engine, and the music turns off, Cosima notices Delphine staring at her, "Was I that bad?"
"Non, not at all, you have a lovely singing voice."
"Merci," Cosima blushes before looking out the window. "Is this it?" She motions towards the two-story stone house they're parked in front of.
"Oui. We have arrived."
"Time for Christmas with the Cormiers," Cosima claps her hands together.
"Brace yourself."
They get out of the car, grab their bags, and make their way to the front door.
"Ooh he's here already!" Delphine coos as she notices a car parked in the driveway.
"He who?"
"Sebastian," Delphine smiles, "the love of my life."
An ache immediately settles in Cosima's stomach as the words leave Delphine's lips. As they reach the porch, the front door swings open revealing a very attractive young man with dirty blonde hair and hazel eyes.
"Del!" the man shouts enthusiastically before picking Delphine up in a bear hug and swinging her around.
"Pose-moi par terre!" Delphine shouts through laughter.
He puts Delphine down and kisses her cheeks before noticing Cosima, "Qui est-ce?"
"Hi, I'm Cosima, you must be Sebastian," Cosima extends her hand.
"Ah, no, I'm afraid I am not nearly as handsome or charming as Sebastian," the man laughs as he takes her hand.
"This idiot is my brother, Luc. Luc, this is my friend, Cosima."
"Nice to meet you, Luc."
"The pleasure is all mine," Luc kisses her hand. "So, an American. How do you two know each other?"
"Cosima is a guest at the hotel."
"Your sister is teaching me how to ski."
Luc looks Cosima up and down quizzically, "How old are you?"
"12. Don't I look it?" Cosima smirks.
"She's my age, Luc. I let Cosima in the class as a special case."
"Must be a very special case if you also brought her to Christmas. Come on in, everyone is waiting for you."
They enter the house and are immediately rushed on by a crowd of people hugging and kissing Delphine.
Delphine introduces Cosima around. There's her cousin Andre, his wife Sabine, and their son Gabriel. Cousin Victor and his boyfriend, Matthieu. Cousin Henri, his wife Katie, and their daughter Nathalie. Cousin Lucie and her boyfriend Martin. Cousin Odette and her husband Michel. Her oncle Francois and tante Marianne. Tante Sylvie and oncle Gérard. Her sister-in-law, Luc's wife, Danielle.
"And these are my parents, Xavier and Susanne."
"Cosima, lovely to meet you," Susanne smiles as they shake hands.
"Thank you, you as well. You have a really wonderful daughter."
"I agree," Xavier nods. "We did a good job with this one. Luc, I'm still not sure about."
"I heard that," Luc yells.
Cosima glances around but doesn't see anyone else that could be this mysterious, handsome, love of Delphine's life.
"What do you do, Cosima?" Susanne asks.
"I'm in grad school."
"Cosima is a scientist, too," Delphine interjects. "She's studying for her PhD in biology."
"Ah, no wonder Delphine befriended you. We are all quite dim when it comes to understanding anything Delphine says in regards to science," Xavier remarks.
"Phinny," a small voice suddenly shouts.
"Mon amour," Delphine squeals. She's quickly on her knees as a little boy rushes into her arms. She scoops him up and plants kisses all over his face. "Cosima, come meet Sebastian."
The ache that had taken hold of her gut earlier quickly releases as Cosima approaches the pair. "Hi there, Sebastian."
"Peux tu dire bonjour à mon ami Cosima?" Delphine prompts the boy.
"Bonjour," Sebastian repeats with a smile and a little wave.
"Bonjour," Cosima responds back.
"Sebastian is my nephew, he turned three last month. Isn't he absolutely stunning? He has his mama's brown curls and his papa's hazel eyes and big smile."
"And your dimples," Cosima observes.
"You think?"
Cosima looks from Sebastian to Delphine, "Yeah, totes."
"Sucre d'orge," Sebastian squeals as he wriggles from Delphine's arms.
She puts him down and he rushes to the entrance of the living room where an older woman stands holding a plate full of candy canes. She lowers the plate and Sebastian grabs one in each hand before scampering off.
"He's also a rascal like his papa," Delphine laughs.
"What is this, pick on Luc day?" Her brother complains as he, too, grabs a couple candy canes.
"Isn't everyday pick on Luc day?" Andre responds as he plucks a candy cane out of Luc's hand.
"Come, there's one last person you must meet," Delphine signals Cosima to follow her. "Mémé!" Delphine greets the older women affectionately, kissing her on each cheek before embracing her tightly.
"Ma petite princesse," the older woman coos.
"Cosima, this is my Grand-Mère, Adeline."
"Enchantée de faire votre connaissance, Madame Cormier."
Delphine stares at Cosima with surprise.
Adeline grins and pinches Cosima's cheek, "Tu as un très beau sourire."
Cosima gives Delphine a questioning look.
"She said you have a beautiful smile."
"Merci," Cosima smiles broadly.
"Cosima est Américaine, elle ne parle pas Français," Delphine clarifies.
"Hey, I parle a little Français," Cosima insists.
"Elle est très mignonne," Adeline laughs.
"Je suis d'accord," Delphine nods her agreement.
"I'm what?" Cosima asks.
"You're very cute," Delphine responds.
Cosima blushes, "Please tell her she is very beautiful and has a lovely home."
Delphine translates and Adele squeezes Cosima's hand tenderly before offering them both candy canes and then continuing to pass them out to the others.
"Where did you learn what you said to Mémé?"
Cosima pulls the candy cane from her mouth, "I may have peeked at Scott's French phrasebook and memorized one line I thought would come in handy tonight. How was my pronunciation?"
"Pretty good, but it's votre with an ah sound at the end not an eh sound."
"Votre," Cosima repeats.
"Très bien!"
"Hey, what are they doing?" Cosima points towards the kids sitting around the coffee table.
"They're building a gingerbread house. It's a Cormier Christmas tradition."
"Oh man, it's been forever since I built one of those. Do you think— no, never mind."
"No, tell me what you were going to ask."
"Do you think they'd mind if I helped?"
"Judging by how poorly their walls are holding up, I think they'd appreciate the assistance." Delphine walks over to the kids and, after a short conversation, waves Cosima over. "Build away."
Cosima smiles giddily, plops down on the floor with the kids, and gets to work.
As Delphine watches them construct the gingerbread house, Katie sidles up next to her, "Cosima seems nice."
"Yes, she's very nice."
"When did you meet?"
"Tuesday."
"Tuesday? Wow. You two became fast friends."
"I suppose."
"Did I hear correctly, you're teaching her to ski?"
"Yes. It was a placement mixup, but she fits in surprisingly well with the kids."
"I can see that," Katie laughs as they watch Cosima throw a piece of candy in the air and catch it in her mouth while the kids try to copy her feat, to varying degrees of success.
"She has a very childlike, playful quality. She complains a lot about her lack of skill on skis, but she doesn't give up, no matter how often she falls. She's also quite smart, her PhD concentration is in evolutionary developmental biology." Delphine stops when she notices Katie staring at her, "What?"
"Nothing," Katie shrugs, "I'm just glad you found such a wonderful, new friend."
"Thank you," Delphine smiles before turning towards Cosima, "so am I."
"Delphine," Cosima calls out, "are there any more of these gummy candies? We need to add them to the facade."
Delphine grabs a bowl off the mantle and brings it over to the coffee table. She holds it just out of Cosima's reach, "For the gingerbread house, not your mouth."
"Yes ma'am," Cosima promises as her tongue pokes out between her teeth, suppressing a sly grin.
Delphine grabs a candy and pops it in her own mouth before handing the bowl over with a wink.
Thirty minutes, and several pilfered candies later, Cosima and the kids present their creation.
"C'est magnifique," Adeline praises.
"Cosima, you are welcome to come every Christmas and help with the gingerbread house. What a lovely job," Susanne exclaims.
"Thank you. It was a lot of fun. The kids did most of the work, though."
"Don't be modest, Cosima. You're the only reason that house is standing. I saw you stop Sebastian from eating the back wall," Luc laughs.
"I covered the bite mark with frosting," she admits.
"Here," Delphine whips out her phone, "let me take a photograph of the four of you with your creation."
Cosima and the kids gather around the gingerbread house as Delphine snaps pics.
Xavier then gets everyone's attention and starts rounding them up to head to midnight mass.
Delphine turns to Cosima, "Do you want come with us to church?"
"Yeah, totally. I'm here to be completely immersed in the French Christmas experience, right?"
"C'est vrai."
—
"So," Delphine leans into Cosima as they leave the church, "what did you think?"
"That was pretty incredible and I really liked the hymns. I mean, I'm not suddenly going to turn religious and start attending mass regularly or anything, but it was a really lovely service. And that is a gorgeous cathedral."
"Yes, it is. My parents were married there. The photos in their wedding album are quite amazing. Whenever I'd look through it as a little girl, I would envision having my own wedding there one day, walking down the aisle towards the altar in my white dress with a long, flowing train trailing behind."
"I can picture that," Cosima nods. "You—, uh, it would be beautiful."
"Now, however, I think maybe I'd prefer a simple wedding at the top of one of the pistes on Mont Blanc. We'd say our vows then ski down the mountain."
"That definitely sounds like something you'd like. You just better find someone who can stay upright on their skis. That would suck if they tumbled down the mountain on your wedding day."
"I'll be sure to make skiing prowess a prerequisite for marriage," Delphine laughs.
"Good idea."
When they return home, Adeline, Xavier, Sylvie, and Victor head into the kitchen while everyone else gathers by the fireplace, chats, and listens to Christmas music. Cosima is asked about her life and she explains her studies. As soon as she mentions that she's currently observing the regeneration of organs in salamanders, Delphine gets excited and starts questioning her findings, while the others get lost trying to follow along with their rabid scientific discussion.
Nearly a half hour later, Adeline rings a bell and everyone immediately stops what they're doing and heads into the dining room.
Laid out on a long buffet table is a cornucopia of food. There's escargot, foie gras, scallops, oysters, lobster, smoked salmon, sausage, roast capon, lamb, as well as whipped potatoes with garlic and cheese, haricot verts, and an endive and walnut salad.
"Are you kidding me?" Cosima asks as she gapes at the spread. "I've never seen this much food in my life."
"Welcome to the Cormier réveillon," Luc emphasizes with a pat to his stomach. "After enjoying Memé's feast, I think you'll definitely want to make the trip back here next year."
"I just might," Cosima says as she joins the others in filling her plate. "This is unbelievable."
"Just wait until the thirteen desserts," Katie adds.
"Thirteen? How am I possibly going to have room for all that."
"Trust me, you'll make room."
As everyone sits down with full plates, red wine is poured and Xavier holds his glass in the air, "À votre santé."
"À votre santé," everyone repeats, clinking their glasses.
As they eat, Cosima cannot help the delighted noises coming out of her, "Mmm. Mmmmm. Mmmmmmmmm."
Delphine giggles, "I take it you're enjoying your meal?"
"Oh god, yes. Your grandmother made all this?"
"Oui. She spends several days prior to Christmas preparing everything."
"Damn! How do I say this food is outstanding in French?"
"C'est délicieux," Delphine whispers in her ear.
"Adeline, c'est délicieux," Cosima repeats loudly.
"Merci, Cosima," Adeline smiles and blows her a kiss.
Delphine gives Cosima's leg a little pat as they continue their meal.
Once everyone has finished, Cosima insists on helping clear the plates. When she returns to the dining room, the table previously occupied by the main meal has been replaced with the aforementioned thirteen desserts. The course consists of dry figs, almonds, raisins, hazelnuts, melon, oranges, pears, oreillettes, fried bugnes, black nougats, white nougats, shortbread cookies, and an incredible looking buche de noel garnished with marzipan holly berries and pine cones.
Cosima's mouth drops open at the sight and she nearly salivates. "Try this," Delphine brings a fork with a piece of the buche de noel to Cosima's lips.
"Holy watershed!" Cosima exclaims as she bites down on the chocolate confection. "That is insanely incredible."
"It's Mémé's specialty. She even makes them for many of her church friends' Christmas dinners." Cosima's mouth waters even more watching Delphine use the same fork to feed herself a piece of the cake.
"Okay, I'm officially coming back next Christmas," Cosima declares as she partakes in more of the dessert.
After everyone's bellies are full, and the dining room and kitchen cleaned up, they start getting ready for bed. The older crowd take the upstairs bedrooms while Odette, Luc, and Henri head up to the attic and come back down with a pile of sleeping bags and pillows. They spread them out around the living room and everyone chooses their spot for the night.
"Here, Cosima, come lay next to me," Delphine pats the sleeping bag adjacent to hers.
Cosima immediately feels a warmth spread throughout her body at the thought of sleeping next to Delphine, while she tries to play it cool, "Awesome, thanks." She settles down into the bag, "It's been a long time since I was in one of these."
"You don't camp much?"
"No, I think the last time was a 5th grade field trip. How 'bout you?"
"Last summer a group of us went camping, but we stayed in yurts and slept on cots."
"That's not camping."
"Yes it is," Delphine contends.
"How do you figure?"
"We were in the woods, had to fish for our dinner, sat out by a fire, used an outhouse."
"Sounds real rough," Cosima rolls her eyes.
"Don't knock it till you try it, it's tougher than it sounds."
"I think I can deal with staying in a yurt for a couple days."
"And what about the bugs and bears?"
"There were bears?"
"Well, I didn't actually see one, but I'm pretty sure I heard one."
"Was it a French bear? Did its growl sound like hon hon hon?"
"Hon hon hon? Is that how you think the French speak?" Delphine reaches out and pinches Cosima.
"Ouch, no, I don't think that."
"Good," Delphine pulls her hand back. "So tell me more about your salamander observation. Have you seen them regenerate yet?"
"Yes, actually, I had one that grew a new tail. It was pretty freakin' cool."
"I'm sure it was. I wonder how far away we are from humans being able to regenerate like that."
"They're starting to grow body parts in labs, but for our bodies to do that, man, I don't know. I mean, it could be so helpful to amputees and people in need of organ transplants. Can you imagine the body having the ability to regenerate a new liver, kidney, lungs, or even a heart?"
"It would be incredible."
"And also kinda scary."
"Yes, can you imagine if you woke up and had grown another limb overnight?"
"Would it help me ski better, you think, if I had three legs?"
"Probably not," Delphine giggles.
"Gee, thanks."
"Are you two going to talk science all night or let us get some sleep?" Luc complains.
"Sorry," Cosima apologizes. "I guess we probably should try to sleep."
"Yes, Père Noël won't come unless we do."
"Père Noël? Oh," Cosima realizes, "Father Christmas. Yes, we wouldn't want Santa not to stop by."
"Trust me, you do not want to be around Luc if he doesn't get his presents."
"I heard that," her brother grumbles.
"Bonne nuit, Cosima."
"Bonne nuit, Delphine," Cosima repeats. She then watches Delphine's eyes close and takes a moment to observe her beautiful, peaceful face, lit only by the moonlight streaming in through the window, before removing her glasses and shutting her own eyes.
—
Cosima wakes to the sounds of the children running around shouting "cadeaux." She sits up, yawns, and rubs the sleep from her eyes.
"Oh, good, you're awake," Delphine says gleefully.
"What time is it?"
"Just after noon. Would you like some coffee?"
"Noon? Wow. Um, yeah, I'd love a cup of coffee, actually, thanks."
"How do you take it?"
"Black, please." Delphine goes to the kitchen and Cosima puts on her glasses. She smiles as she watches the kids pick up presents from under the tree and shake them.
"Here you go," Delphine hands her a mug. "I also brought you a croissant."
Cosima takes a bite, "Yum, thanks."
Delphine sits down next to Cosima on the floor, "Did you sleep well?"
"Yeah, I slept really well, actually. Have you been up long?"
"No, maybe half an hour or so."
"Everyone is still in their pjs," Cosima observes.
"That's another of Memé's traditions. We all open presents Christmas morning in our pajamas."
"Cute. I'm glad I'm properly dressed for the occasion then."
"Yes, I meant to tell you last night, I really like your pants."
"Ah, yes, the double helix print, not nerdy at all."
"No, not at all. At least not to me."
"You're both nerds," Luc interrupts. "Now come and open presents."
Everybody gathers around the tree and exchanges presents. Cosima watches as the kids light up while unwrapping their new toys and the adults admire their new gadgets and clothing. She's shocked out of her quiet observation when Delphine hands her a nicely wrapped present.
"For me?"
"Yes."
"You shouldn't have."
"Open it," Delphine instructs.
Cosima tears off the wrapping paper, opens the box, and laughs when she sees what's inside, "Very nice."
"What is it?" Luc asks.
Cosima holds up an I heart skiing t-shirt for all to see.
"Now everyone back home will know just how much you love to ski," Delphine states.
"Thank you, I'll wear it proudly. Um, I didn't have too much notice about coming here, so I didn't have a chance to really go shopping, but I did grab some stuff for you all." Cosima goes to her duffel and comes back with a plastic bag. She then turns it over and unloads mini bottles of shampoo, conditioner, body wash, hair gel, lotion, and aftershave onto the coffee table.
"Cosima, did you rob housekeeping?"
"No. I helped myself to the complimentary hotel offerings that may have been left unattended on a housekeeping cart in the hall outside my room."
"Well this aftershave is my favorite, so I am grateful for your sticky fingers," Xavier says as he takes a couple bottles.
"Papa, do not encourage her. She should not have taken these."
"Delphine, I can't believe you work there and never bring any of this home to us," Susanne reprimands as she uses some of the hand lotion.
"You too, Maman?"
"I forgot you had access to these at the hotel. Guess you won't be needing this," Cosima reaches to take back a small pouch she had saved for Delphine.
Delphine's eyes pop open and her hand reaches out to still Cosima's. "A Kinky-Curly travel kit? Where did you get this?"
"It was at the bottom of the cart."
"They never leave this in my room. It must be reserved for the suites."
"Does that mean you'll accept it?"
Everyone looks at Delphine, awaiting her response.
"Perhaps I was a little hasty, I'm sure the hotel has plenty more supply where this came from. Thank you, Cosima."
"You're welcome," Cosima grins.
"Cosima, I approve of the influence you're having on Delphine," Xavier commends. "She's usually very straight-laced, as you Americans say."
"Excusez-moi, I am not straight-laced," Delphine protests.
"Plus maintenant, apparemment," Luc mumbles.
Delphine glares at her brother just as the doorbell rings. "Oh, the final present has arrived," Delphine announces as she rushes to answer the door. She returns with a large box. "Pour toi, Sebastian."
The little boy runs over and tosses the lid off the box. He glances inside and his eyes widen in surprise, a gigantic dimpled smile immediately spreading across his face.
"Chiot," he shouts as he reaches in and picks up the cocker spaniel inside.
Everyone oohs and ahs at the sight of Sebastian holding the puppy.
Luc looks from the puppy to Delphine in shock.
"Hope you don't mind, Luc, but Danielle said it was okay."
Luc then looks to his wife who is smiling at their ecstatic son. "Non, I don't mind. Thank you, Del."
"Phinny," Sebastian squeals, causing Delphine to glance in his direction, only to notice he wasn't speaking to her.
Luc immediately starts laughing, "Now I really don't mind."
"Seriously?" Delphine shakes her head.
"She does kinda look like you," Cosima observes. "I think it's the curly ears."
"You should feel special, Del, you're the first in our family to have a dog named in their honor."
Delphine swats at her brother before kneeling down on the floor to pet her namesake.
After playing with the puppy for a while, then getting dressed and indulging in leftovers, Cosima and Delphine make the rounds saying their goodbyes.
Adeline embraces Cosima warmly and tells her she's welcome back any time.
"Merci beaucoup."
The rest of the family echoes the sentiment.
"You've all been so welcoming, thank you, truly, for a really lovely Christmas."
Cosima steps over to Delphine who has just finished hugging Sebastian and the puppy.
"Oh, look, you two are under the mistletoe," Luc points out.
The girls look up to see the plant perched above their heads, then glance at each other. Delphine shrugs and then inches her face close to Cosima's. Cosima's lips pucker slightly and her eyes instinctively close as Delphine nears. Then she feels it. Delphine's lips land on her right cheek, followed by her left cheek before pulling away. Cosima's heart drops in that moment, though she tries to play it off with a smile to match the one on Delphine's face.
Delphine turns back towards her family, who have all gathered in the foyer to see them off, "Joyeux Noël."
"Joyeux Noël," they repeat with smiles and waves as the girls exit the house.
Luc carries their bags to Delphine's Jeep, gives them each a warm hug, and off they go.
"And you were worried about intruding," Delphine says as they drive away. "My family adores you."
"How do I know when they were talking amongst themselves in French they weren't dissing me?"
"You don't," Delphine teases. "No, they really did like you."
"The feeling is mutual. Your family is wonderful and so much fun."
"They have their moments, I suppose," Delphine shrugs.
"Oh please, now I know why you're so amazing—" Cosima freezes when her brain registers what her mouth just said.
"Thank you."
They fall into a silence as Cosima turns and stares out the window.
"You okay?" Delphine asks with concern at her suddenly quiet companion.
"Yeah, yeah, totally. I think I'm just in a bit of a food coma."
"That does often happen after Memé's réveillon."
"I don't think I'll be able to eat for a week after all of that."
"Really? A week? Because I may have stolen an extra slice of buche de noel for you."
Cosima swiftly turns her head towards Delphine. "You didn't?"
Delphine nods, "It's in my bag."
"Okay, that I'll definitely make room for. Thank you."
"My pleasure."
"I should eat it in front of the boys back at the room and watch them drool."
"You're cruel."
"I know."
"Hey, you were supposed to play your music on the drive back. Hook up to the stereo, I want to hear what you like to listen to." Delphine hands her the end of the auxillary cable and Cosima plugs in her phone. Soon the car is filled with pulsating sound.
Delphine starts bopping in her seat to the beat. "I like this, what's it called?"
"Water Prayer, it's one of my faves."
"I can hear why, it's a great dance song. Which reminds me, I've yet to see those moves Scott spoke so highly about. Do a little for me now."
"In the car? I kinda need my legs to dance."
"You can move your upper body. Come on, please," Delphine entreats with puppy dog eyes.
"That look," Cosima points, "that's so where Phinny gets it."
"Shut up and dance," Delphine pokes at her playfully.
Cosima acquiesces and starts rolling her upper torso while her hands take on a life of their own, swaying and swirling.
Delphine admires Cosima's moves with a giant smile and soon she's mimicking the intricate gestures with her free hand.
They spend the rest of the trip seat-dancing to Cosima's music, with Delphine getting really into Go by Grimes, tapping on the steering well and bouncing her head, her curls doing their own little routine as a result.
"I enjoyed that," Delphine says as they pull in front of the hotel.
"I'm glad, not everyone appreciates that type of music."
"No, I mean, yes I liked the music, but I meant I enjoyed the last couple days, spending the holiday with you."
"Oh, yeah, ditto, obvs. I had a really good time. Thank you so much for inviting me."
"De rien. I'm really glad you came."
"Me too," Cosima smiles. "Aren't you going to park the car?"
"No, I'm meeting up with the other ski instructors for drinks at Les Caves, a bar in town. I was actually supposed to be there about fifteen minutes ago."
"Oh, then I won't keep you." Cosima opens the car door and gets out, with Delphine following to help unload her bag from the trunk and give her the saved slice of buche de noel. "Thanks. So I guess I'll see you Monday morning."
"Yes, back to the slopes."
"Back to falling on my ass."
"Oh hush," Delphine playfully swats her arm.
"Have a good night, enjoy the weekend."
"You too."
"Bye," Cosima gives her a little wave.
"Bye," Delphine repeats as Cosima heads into the hotel.
The boys are in the midst of a heated game of Agricola when the door to the suite swing opens. Cosima drops her bag, kicks off her shoes, and trudges over to the couch.
"Hey, Cosima, welcome back. How was it?" Scott asks as she plops down next to him.
"It was great. Delphine's family was great. The food was great."
"If everything was so great, why don't you look or sound so great?"
"Because Delphine is great."
The guys look at one another with confusion. "Did either of you understand that?" Scott asks. Kenny and Eugene shake their heads.
"Ugh," Cosima groans, "what I mean is that Delphine is great, like really, really great and it felt so great being with her. Everyone was there with their significant other, and then it was Delphine and I, and I couldn't help wishing that we were together as more than just friends."
"How do you know she wasn't thinking the same thing?"
"Honestly, a couple times I wondered why she brought me, that maybe there really is something happening between us. Once in a while, I'd catch her looking at me and I'd feel this connection in her eyes, or she'd touch me and my whole body jolted with a surge of electricity, we even slept side by side in sleeping bags just inches away from one another. Everything felt so promising. But then we got caught under the mistletoe before we left and it was hella awkward and she did that European cheek kiss thing and I knew then that it was all in my head. We're just friends."
"I know you'd like it to be more, but it's not terrible having a great, new friend, is it?" Scott asks.
"No, I guess not," Cosima agrees. "She's really cool and fun and I guess there are a lot worse things in this world than being friends with Delphine Cormier."
"Great!" Scott exclaims and gets a glare from Cosima in return.
