"I am so sorry, I wasn't looking where I was going," Cosima apologizes profusely, her face barely separated from the boobs into which she just ran face first.
"Clearly," the owner of said breasts exclaims with disgust.
Cosima gazes up into the face of the annoyed woman and, despite the thin line her lips are drawn into and the angry arch of her eyebrows, Cosima is certain she has never seen a more beautiful sight in all her life than of the tall, curly-haired blonde goddess before her.
"Do you mind?" Delphine looks down, indicating the lack of space between them, and Cosima jumps back.
"What is going on out here?" Felix asks as he walks over to investigate. "Oh, hello, Delphine."
"Felix," she responds curtly.
"Delphine?" Cosima asks, looking from Felix back to Delphine. "You're the Cormier's daughter?"
"I am. And who, may I ask, are you?"
"This is Cosima, Leda's new jockey," Felix answers for her.
"I see. Well I hope you intend to pay better attention where you're going when you're riding her."
"What does that mean?" Felix wonders.
"I kinda smacked my face into her chest," Cosima admits.
Felix immediately starts laughing, "And I missed it? Please re-enact the moment for me." Felix pulls out his phone, "I need to record this for posterity."
"Shut up, Felix," Delphine dismisses him, turning her attention back to Cosima. "I guess you can't help the placement of your head given your small stature."
"Nor you your breasts, given your long legs," Cosima replies scanning Delphine's lithe frame.
Cosima is sure she sees the slightest hint of a smile cross Delphine's lips before she glances towards Felix. "Yes, well I just got home, I was hoping to greet the horses."
"I'm sure they'll be pleased to see you," Felix acquiesces. "Go on in."
"Cosima, I guess I'll be seeing you around. Do watch where you're going from now on."
"Yeah, totes, sorry, again, for the boob assault," Cosima smiles as Delphine heads to the stables, her eyes never leaving the backside of the blonde as she walks away.
"That was quite a welcome home," Felix chuckles before noticing Cosima is not paying him any mind. "Cosima. Earth to Cosima." He snaps his fingers in front of her face.
"Huh? What?" Cosima finally looks at him.
"Oh my god!"
"What?"
"I'm not the only one around here with a taste for my own kind am I? You're totally from the Isle of Lesbos, aren't you?"
"If that's your clever way of asking if I'm a lesbian, then yes, I am."
"Well then no wonder you greet women by sticking your face in their breasts."
"I do not greet women that way. I greeted that woman that way because she is extremely tall and we just sorta lined up like that. Besides, it was an accident."
"Uh huh, and you not taking your eyes off her ass just then as she walked away, was that an accident as well?"
"No, that was because she is extremely freakin' gorgeous. Why didn't you tell me? From the way you were talking about her I expected this really nerdy girl, someone who looks a lot more like me than a blonde bombshell."
"Ew, stop, I think I'm going to be sick."
"Felix, really, you can't deny she's beautiful."
"I guess she has a certain appeal, but, still, gag me. Besides she's kind of like my evil step-sister."
"She doesn't seem evil. Maybe a little annoyed, but I did collide with her, so I can't blame her for being angry. But, damn, do you think she'll be around here a lot?"
"I imagine so, she spends every summer back home."
"Wow, okay, wow."
"Seriously? Cosima, stop whatever is going on in that head of yours, just stop it now. She does not have sapphic tendencies. She's had an array of boyfriends over the years and never once have I ever noticed her take an interest in the ladies. And I am certain if she ever experimented at boarding school, Krystal would have told me. That girl can't keep her yap shut for more than 5 seconds at a time and gossip is her lifeblood."
"Hey, I didn't say anything."
"No, but I can see that look in your eyes. It's the same look I got when Pierre hired the new stable boy, Colin. That is lust, my dear, pure and simple. And unlike Colin, who actually does bat for my team, Delphine would be a swing and a miss for you, love. I suggest you go take a cold shower and then continue planning your weekend excursions. Forget about her."
"Fine, whatever. Goodnight, Felix." Cosima heads off to her cottage, eats dinner, and spends some time looking at the notes she had pulled up when she collided with Delphine. "Delphine," Cosima finds herself saying the name out loud. She shakes her head, trying to rid her mind of the image of the blonde, but it's of little use. As she lays in bed, closing her eyes to try to bring on sleep, all she can see is that beautiful face framed by a magnificent mane. It's in the wee hours of the night, just before she finally dozes off, that she decides, despite Felix's warnings, she must spend more time with that girl.
When Cosima's alarm clock goes off at 6 am, she doesn't even bother to hit snooze, opting to get up and jump in the shower. She spends a while picking out an outfit for the day, going with a sleeveless tie-dyed dress with leggings. Next, she works on her makeup, and, when she's finally satisfied, exits her cottage and makes her way up to the main house.
Cosima smooths down her dress, then goes to knock, but just as her hand is inches from the door, it swings open, revealing Marie, "Cosima, good morning. Is there something you needed?"
"Good morning, Marie, I was just, um, I was hoping I could take you up on your offer of letting me into your fridge, seems I'm all out of breakfast food."
"Of course, go right in and help yourself. There's a fresh pot of coffee on and a tray of croissants on the counter. I'm actually on my way to the farmer's market. I'll bring back some extra goodies for you."
"Thank you," Cosima smiles as Marie leaves. She enters the house and looks around as she makes her way through the ground floor. It's very quiet as she enters the kitchen and she wonders if anyone else is even home, let alone awake. She spots the croissants and places one on a plate, then grabs a mug and fills it with coffee. She takes her breakfast and sits down at the cozy nook in the corner of the room.
After several minutes of complete solitude as she enjoys the delectable pastry, she hears the patter of feet descending the staircase, then walking the halls, becoming louder with each step. Finally, the source of the noise enters the kitchen and Cosima takes a deep breath at the sight in front of her. Delphine is barefoot, wearing a grey tank top and white boxer shorts, and her hair is swept up in a messy ponytail. Delphine makes a beeline for the fridge, not even noticing Cosima in the corner of the room. She pulls out a pitcher of fresh-squeed orange juice and pours it into a tall glass. Then she puts the pitcher back, closes the fridge and picks up her glass. She turns towards the table and lets out a gasp at the sight of Cosima, who gives her a little wave.
"Cosima, you nearly gave me a heart attack, what are you doing here?"
"Um, I'm having breakfast. Your mother let me in."
"Okay, and why did you fail to announce yourself when I walked in?"
"I didn't want to bother you."
"You didn't want to bother me? Just thought you'd frighten me to death instead?"
"No, I'm sorry, I should have said something." Cosima looks down at her half-eaten croissant, feeling like an idiot for staring at the girl that whole time instead of letting her know she was there.
Delphine takes a deep breath, "It's fine."
Cosima takes a tentative look up at the blonde, "Yeah?"
Delphine nods, approaches the table and puts down her glass, then grabs her own croissant and sits down across from Cosima.
They sit in silence as they eat, Cosima stealing glances whenever she takes a sip from her mug.
"Bonjour, ladies," Pierre cheerfully greets the girls as enters the kitchen, giving Delphine a kiss on the forehead.
"Bonjour, Papa."
"Good morning, Pierre."
Pierre takes his breakfast and joins the girls at the table. "Cosima, Felix tells me he gave you this weekend off. What do you have planned for today?"
"Oh, I think I'll just wander around town, check out some of the sights, get acclimated to the place."
"Delphine?"
"Oui, Papa?"
"What are you doing today?"
"I was planning to go see Krystal at the salon, but, other than that, not much."
"Good, then why don't you take Cosima with you and show her around?"
Cosima takes a sip of coffee, trying to suppress a smile at that suggestion.
"Quoi?" Delphine asks.
"What did you not understand about what I just said? You're not busy, so you should show Cosima around."
Delphine just stares at him, annoyed.
"You don't have to, Delphine, I'm sure I can find my way on my own," Cosima says with a hint of disappointment in her voice.
"Nonsense, Delphine would be happy to be your guide for the day, wouldn't you?"
"Yes, of course, what better way is there to spend my first day home for the summer than giving a guided tour of Virginia," Delphine says sarcastically.
"Parfait," Pierre concludes, turning his attention to today's newspaper.
"I really appreciate this, Delphine," Cosima gives her a small smile.
"Okay, well I guess I better go get dressed," Delphine puts her dishes in the sink and heads back upstairs.
Cosima grins a little wider as she continues her meal.
"Ready?" Delphine asks about a half hour later when she returns to the kitchen, now dressed in tight red jeans and a sleeveless black button-down blouse.
"Yup," Cosima jumps up and heads towards Delphine.
"Have fun, girls," Pierre calls out as they make their way to the front door.
"Thanks," Cosima shouts back, while Delphine says nothing.
Cosima follows Delphine down to the driveway where they reach a black Mustang convertible. Delphine opens the door and gets behind the wheel, Cosima following suit on the passenger side. "This is a really nice car."
"Thanks," Delphine responds as she turns the key in the ignition.
As they head out, they pass Felix, who is shocked to see them leaving together. Cosima gives him a wink as they drive by.
"You better buckle up," Delphine announces as they reach the end of the driveway.
Cosima barely has time to snap herself in as Delphine peels out.
"Holy shit," Cosima yells as Delphine races down the road. Cosima turns towards the blonde, who is looking straight ahead with a sly smile on her face.
"You are a jockey, no? You must enjoy speed?"
"No, yeah, I totally love to go fast, I just wasn't prepared for that," Cosima insists. "So, where are we going?"
"Alexandria."
"Alexandria? How far is that?"
"About an hour or so."
"An hour?"
"That's where my friend works, so if you want the grand tour, you kind of don't have a choice, unless you want me to drop you somewhere?"
"No, no," Cosima insists, not wanting to give up this time with Delphine, "Alexandria sounds good to me."
Delphine speeds up as she drives along the country roads, her hair blowing in the wind, much to Cosima's delight. She eventually pulls onto I-66 and starts obeying speed limits alongside the other cars on the road.
"So you go to Cornell," Cosima says after about 15 minutes of silence.
"Yeah."
"That's cool."
"I guess."
"Must get pretty cold there."
"Yes, quite."
"Have you always wanted to be a veterinarian?"
Delphine nods.
"That's great." Cosima quickly realizes it's not going to be easy to get Delphine to talk and remains quiet the rest of the drive.
They arrive in Alexandria after just over an hour and Delphine pulls into the parking lot of a strip mall. "This is where Krystal works, you can either stay in the car or come in."
"I'll come in." They get out of the car and make their way into the nail salon.
"Excusez-moi, can anyone here do a French manicure?" Delphine loudly inquires.
A blonde, wearing a skin tight pink dress, immediately spins in place. "Delphine!" she screeches, running over in her high heels, arms extended, wrapping them around Delphine once she's within reach. "Aren't you a sight for sore eyes? I'm so happy to see you."
"Likewise," Delphine smiles, hugging Krystal back.
"Let me see your nails," Krystal pulls Delphine's hand up. "Oh, this will not do, not at all. Come on, have a seat, I'm fixing this travesty." She directs Delphine over to her station.
Cosima stifles a laugh at hearing Krystal speak, remembering what Felix said about Leda's reaction to her accent, and walks over to where the girls are now seated, positioning herself behind Delphine.
"Can I help you?" Krystal asks.
Delphine turns her head, "Oh, she's with me."
"Wait, do you have a tiny bodyguard now or something?"
"Tiny?" Cosima quickly responds, "I'd say we'd be about the same height if you weren't wearing those massive heels."
"She's not my bodyguard, but she is tiny. She's the new jockey Papa hired to ride Leda."
"'You got a name, new jockey?"
"Cosima."
"Ooh, that's actually a really cool name. What's it mean?"
"It means one who runs with horses."
Delphine quickly twists her head towards Cosima, "Really?"
"No," Cosima chuckles, "it means order and decency."
Delphine shakes her head and turns back to Krystal.
"Well, miss order and decency, sit down," Krystal instructs, pointing to a chair to the right of Delphine that's not being used. Cosima does as told. "Let me see your hands." Cosima holds them out for Krystal, who examines her nails. "Oh no honey, you're up after this one."
"That's ok, I'm not big on getting my nails done."
"Yeah, I can tell. Come on, they'll look, like, totally amazing."
"Um, is that okay with you, Delphine?" Cosima asks.
"Yeah, Del, is that okay with you?" Krystal copies.
"It's fine, you can have your nails done, I'm in no rush."
"Great, go pick out a color, sweetie," Krystal points towards the wall of nail polish and Cosima heads over there while Krystal works on Delphine's manicure.
"So why don't you like this new jockey?" Krystal asks while Cosima is out of earshot. "She's gotta be better than that bitch, Rachel Duncan."
"What makes you think I don't like her?"
"You just seem annoyed."
"I just wanted to come see you and catch up, I didn't expect that I'd have to bring a buddy along, but Papa insisted."
"She doesn't seem so bad."
"Well you're fortunate that she didn't walk head first into your boobs yesterday."
"What?"
"She wasn't paying attention and ended up practically suckling from my bosom."
"Come on, you're totally exaggerating."
"Maybe about the suckling, but she did collide with me."
"Sounds like an accident. Come on, what else is going on with you?"
"Ugh, I guess I'm stressed out about school. I had my last final for the term on Wednesday and I think I did shitty."
"Please, you're like the smartest person I know, I'm sure you did fine. Remember senior year you thought Danielle was going to edge you out for valedictorian and you stressed about it for two weeks until the dean told you that it was you?" Delphine nods. "You always put more pressure on yourself than anyone else. Just relax, the school year is over, I'm sure you got totally awesome grades. You don't have to worry about class again till the fall. Just try to have a super fun summer."
"How do you manage to stay so positive all the time? Even when things aren't going well, you're always able to find the bright side."
"I don't know, I just think in spite of everything, even in tough times, you can't crush the human spirit."
Delphine smiles at her friend as Cosima returns.
"Let's see what you got there, babe." Cosima displays the bottle of nail polish she selected. "Ooh, red, I like."
"It's called Little Red Riding Hood, which seemed appropriate," Cosima grins.
"Totally," Krystal agrees. "What do you think, Del?"
Delphine looks at Krystal, then at Cosima, "I think it's a lovely color, Cosima."
"Thanks," Cosima smiles as she sits back down to wait her turn.
"So what's the latest with you?" Delphine asks as Krystal works on her nails.
"Work has been keeping me pretty busy, but I have been dating a few different guys, I don't think any of them are gonna be permanent fixtures in my life though. I really need a man that knows what he wants in life and isn't afraid to go after it. Or maybe a nice sugar daddy."
"Stop," Delphine laughs.
"I'm serious. Sugar daddies worship their young wives and give them everything they want, what's wrong with that?"
"It's superficial, her looks and his money, that's all the relationship is about. Where's the love?"
"Hey, sometimes there's love there or it can grow over time."
"I don't know, it's not something I would want."
"Yeah, and what exactly is it that you want, Del? Where's the great love of your life?"
This piques Cosima's interest and she slowly turns her eyes towards Delphine.
"Where the love of my life is, I have no idea. And, right now, I'm too focussed on getting through school to worry about that. But I once asked maman how she knew papa was the one and she said that when she met him, she felt an instant spark, and from that moment, she couldn't imagine her life without him in it. She said when you meet the one, the one you're meant to spend the rest of your life with, you'll just know. And I know I haven't felt that with any of the guys I've dated."
"That's probably cause you've dated the wrong guys. I mean Paul was hot, not gonna lie, I'd have done him, but he wasn't a good match for you. And I know you blamed Felix for scaring him away, but let's be a real, Del, you were never into him for anything more than a nice distraction and his bedroom prowess. You're like super smart in school and stuff, but totally stupid when it comes to who you choose to date. But you do have the best French manicure this side of the Mississippi, if I do say so myself."
"You are the best," Delphine agrees as she admires her digits.
"Nailed it!" Krystal exclaims with a smile and a wink. "Alright, up, switch seats with Cosima, it's her turn to get the Krystal treatment. Go stick your hands under the dryer."
Cosima and Delphine change places and Krystal begins Cosima's manicure. "So, hon, tell me all about yourself."
"What do you want to know?"
"Everything. Where are you from, how long have you been a jockey, what are your interests, who are you dating, the whole Cosima bio."
"Okay, well I'm from San Francisco."
"Oh my gawd, I totally want to visit San Francisco. Do you ride around on a trolley all the time?"
"Well, not all the time, but I've ridden it a lot."
"That must be so fun."
"It's fun the first few times, I guess. Then it just feels normal, like riding the bus."
"It always looks so romantic in the movies."
"I guess it can be romantic. Anyway, I've been a jockey for about 6 years on the California circuit. This will be my first time competing over here in these huge televised races."
"Are you ready?"
"We're getting there. It's still pretty new with me and Leda, but I'm encouraged by our progress. I think we should be good to go for the Arkansas Derby next weekend. Felix has been putting us through our paces, but Leda is a really solid horse with a lot of stamina and speed."
"She's little though, compared to the rest of field," Delphine suddenly interjects. "You think she can keep up with the pack of bigger, stronger horses?"
"I think so and sometimes being smaller has it's advantages. We don't need as much room to run, we can work our way around the others better, sneak up on them."
"Are you talking about yourself or Leda?" Delphine wonders.
Cosima grins, "Both, I guess."
"I think you'll do well," Krystal decides.
"Yeah?" Cosima asks. "What makes you think that? You haven't seen me in action yet."
"There's a positive energy coming from you. I have a sixth sense about these things, you're gonna be great."
"Thanks, I hope you're right."
"I am. Now, keep going, tell me more, are you seeing anybody?"
"Nope, I'm single. I haven't really had time for a serious relationship lately, been too focussed on training."
"What is with the both of you, you shouldn't, like, let work and school be all consuming, you need a social life, too. I mean, I work hard, but I play hard, too, ya know?"
"Yeah, I feel you, we'll see."
"And what do you like to do in your spare time?"
"I read a lot."
"Ooh, have you read the latest Danielle Steele novel? It is to die for."
"No, sorry, I haven't. Lately I've been re-reading On the Origin of Species."
Delphine turns her head towards Cosima, "You have?"
Cosima nods, "It's one of my favorites actually."
"Mine too. Are you interested in science?"
"Well, I was a bio major in college, so yeah."
"You went to college?" Delphine asks.
Cosima laughs, "Wow, don't sound so surprised."
"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have assumed. Just, you said you've been a jockey for 6 years and you don't look very old."
"Yeah, I did both simultaneously. I ran a lot of small races when I started out and made sure to make time for college. I'm not gonna be a jockey forever, so I wanted to have something to fall back on. I'm 25, by the way."
"No way? I'll be 25 on May 5th," Krystal chimes in.
"Cool, that's just after the Kentucky Derby."
"Yeah. Good old cinco de drinko, as I like to call it," Krystal grins. "Del will be 25 in December, on the 21st. She is such a Sagittarius, too, totally intelligent, independent, honest, but quick-tempered."
"I am not quick-tempered," Delphine bellows.
"See what I mean? When's your birthday, Cosima?"
"March 9th."
"A Pisces. So you must be extremely sensitive and loyal."
"Hmm, I guess."
"Don't mind Krystal, she was in charge of writing horoscopes for our school paper and developed an obsession with astrology."
"It's not an obsession, just a little hobby. Ooh, maybe I'll do your chart. I bet I could tell you your perfect love match."
"Uh, okay, yeah, whatever you want." Cosima chances a glance over at Delphine, who rolls her eyes.
"I saw that, Delphine. I really should run your chart again, it's been ages." Krystal puts the finishing coat on Cosima's nails, "Voila!"
Cosima hold up her hands in front of her face, "Whoa, they look great. And you put little horseshoes on my thumbs? That's awesome! How much do I owe you?"
"Oh, please, honey, this one is on the house. Yours too, Del."
"Thank you so much," Cosima smiles.
"Merci, mon ami. Let me take you to lunch."
"I can't today. Raincheck though?"
"Why don't you come over tomorrow night for Sunday dinner? I know my parents would be thrilled to have you."
"That sounds like a plan, you know how much I love your mother's cooking."
"Perfect, dinner's at 7:30."
"Great, see you then, love ya," Krystal and Delphine exchange cheek kisses and a hug. "Nice meeting you, Cosima. I assume I'll be seeing you tomorrow, too?"
Cosima looks to Delphine, who nods, "Yes, Cosima will be there."
Cosima can't stop the smile that spreads across her lips, "See you tomorrow. Thanks again!"
"You're welcome. Just don't touch anything, they still need time to dry."
Cosima holds her hands up in the air, "I won't."
Delphine holds the door open for Cosima as they leave the nail salon. "What do you feel like having for lunch?"
"Is there anything I can eat without using my hands?"
"I don't think so."
"Well, do you want to hand feed me?" Cosima smirks.
"No, I'm not going to hand feed you. Besides, by the time we get to lunch, your nails should be dry, your highness."
"Fine, you choose the place since you know the area a hell of a lot better than I do." They arrive at Delphine's car and Cosima stands by the passenger door, "Um, would you mind?" Delphine rolls her eyes and opens the door for Cosima. "Thank you."
Delphine closes the door, goes around to the other side and gets in. "Delphine?"
"Yeah?"
"Can you buckle me in?"
Delphine flares her nostrils, but reaches around Cosima for the seatbelt and pulls it over her before snapping it into place. "Anything else?" she asks, her face mere inches from Cosima's.
Cosima glances into Delphine's eyes, thinking there's so much more she wants, "All good, thanks."
They drive for about 15 mins before Delphine pulls off the road, "I hope you like sushi."
"Yeah, totally. Do you think my nails are dry?"
Delphine quickly touches a nail, "Yes."
They get out of the car and enter the restaurant, where they are immediately seated.
After perusing the menu, the waitress comes to take their orders.
Delphine goes first, "I'll have the phat roll."
"California roll," Cosima requests. Delphine snickers as their waitress walks away. "What's so amusing?"
"California roll?"
"Yeah?"
"It's just so cliche."
"Hey, I like what I like," Cosima defends.
"Okay, you're right, no judgement."
"Whatever, you're totally judging."
Delphine laughs.
"I think I liked it better when you were ignoring me."
"I wasn't ignoring you, I just…"
"Didn't want me tagging along with you?"
"Look, Cosima, I don't know you, we didn't exactly have the best first meeting, and, yeah, maybe I wanted to go see Krystal and do my own thing today, but I'm sorry if I offended you. I've had a rough week. I promise I'm not a bitch. Can we just start over?"
"Well, if you promise you're not a bitch," Cosima smirks. "Hi, I'm Cosima Niehaus, nice to meet you."
"Delphine Cormier. Enchantée." They shake hands across the table. "Tell me something about yourself."
"Wait, are you Delphine Cormier of Cormier Farms?"
"Oui."
"Wow, I'm the new jockey riding your family's racehorse, Leda."
"Isn't that a coincidence? Of all the sushi joints in all of Virginia I run into you. Incroyable!"
"Totally incroyable," Cosima mimics poorly. "And what do you do for a living?"
"I'm in veterinary school."
"Cool! So, like, dogs and cats?"
"Horses actually."
"Horses? That's great, I love horses. Obvs. How long have you wanted to be a vet?"
"Oh, for as long as I can remember. From the moment my father introduced me to the horses, I've wanted to take care of them. I had a toy doctor bag that I carried to treat my sick stuffed animals and when the vet, Dr. Rimbaud, would come by to examine the horses, I'd follow him around like I was his assistant and hand him band-aids because, at the time, I thought band-aids fixed everything."
"That's adorable," Cosima smiles just as the waitress approaches the table with their food.
They both whip out their chopsticks and begin eating.
"This is really great," Cosima says.
"Yeah? Not too boring?"
"No, not at all. How's yours?"
"Very good. Want to try it?"
"No, that's okay."
"Come on, try something new," Delphine picks up a piece of her roll with her chopsticks and extends her arm towards Cosima. Cosima moves her mouth towards the chopsticks and takes the bite. Delphine watches as she chews and swallows. "So?"
"That's actually really good."
"See? One should not live on California roll alone."
"You're right, you're right, oh wise one," Cosima concedes. "And you totally just hand fed me."
Delphine wags her finger, "You're very cheeky."
Cosima gives her a little smile as they continue eating their food. Later, Delphine insists on paying when their check arrives.
"What do you want to do now?" Delphine asks as they leave the restaurant.
"You're the expert, I'm at your mercy. Be my guide."
"Okay, let's go."
Delphine takes the scenic route back towards Paris and points out her favorite restaurants, shops, and sites.
"This is my favorite park," Delphine says as they pull off the road. "They do hot air balloon rides and have the loveliest duck pond."
The girls get out of the car and start walking around.
"My father used to take me here all the time when I was little."
"It's very nice and clean," Cosima observes, looking around.
"Are parks in San Francisco not clean?"
"No, they are, for the most part, but they're a lot busier than this. It's so chill here, like you can come and just be. You know?"
"Yeah. I used to come and study here from time to time in that gazebo over there."
"Really? Even though you have all that property back at your place?"
"Sometimes I'd study at home, or even in the stables, but other times I just wanted to get away from everything and everyone, so I'd come here. You have to see the pond, but first we need some contraband."
Delphine approaches a family enjoying a picnic, "Excuse me, do you have any spare bread?" The mother nods and hands her a slice of bread. "Merci."
They walk a little further into the park until they come to a bridge that runs across a small pond filled with ducks.
"Oh wow, look at all of them," Cosima says as she rushes onto the bridge.
Delphine walks up next to her, "Here, throw some in."
"Here ya go, duckies," Cosima tosses pieces of bread into the water and the ducks scurry for them. "Oh, look at the little one, he can't get any. Hey, little buddy, come a little closer, get away from those big ducks." The duck seems to understand her because he separates from the quack pack and moves closer to the bridge. Cosima drops a piece right in front of him and he quickly scoops it up. "Alright!" She pumps her fist in the air.
"Look at you, you're a regular duck whisperer," Delphine observes with an impressed smile.
"What can I say? Animals adore me."
After they've fed the ducks, they walk across the bridge. "You see this spot right here," Delphine indicates the edge of the pond. "I may have once pushed Felix in there."
"No way!"
Delphine nods.
"Why'd you do that?"
"He was pissing me off. I think I was 12 and Felix was 9. Oh, did my father yell at me after that. He wouldn't let me see or ride the horses for a whole week. That may not sound like a long time, but I was always riding my favorite horse, Doudou, so I was devastated to be away from him for a week."
"Did you stop picking on Felix after that?"
"Pick on him? He deserved it, he was always starting with me and getting on my nerves. Still does, actually.
"He might have mentioned you two have had a bit of a contentious relationship. Something about a my little pony incident."
"Mon dieu! That brat painted my little pony black. Who does that?"
Cosima giggles, "Sounds like a typical sibling relationship to me. I wish I had a little brother or sister. I'm an only child."
"Yeah, so am I."
"But you had Felix, I mean yeah he annoyed you, but it was still another kid around. My parents are great, but it's not the same as having someone closer to your age to play with and share stuff with."
"I don't know, your tune might be different if there was another kid touching and destroying all your stuff."
"Maybe," Cosima's eyes scan the park and settle on a truck by the sidewalk. "Ooh."
Delphine follows her line of sight and laughs, "You want ice cream?"
Cosima nods, "Yes, come on." Cosima runs off and Delphine chases after her. "Hey, do you think they have Eskimo Pies?"
"Eskimo?"
"Yeah, you know, chocolate-covered vanilla ice cream bar?"
"I don't think I've tried that."
"Wow, okay, then I definitely hope he has it." They get to the front of the line. "Hey, man, do you have Eskimo Pies?"
"Sure do," the vendor exclaims.
"Great, I'll take two."
"That'll be three dollars."
Delphine reaches for her wallet and Cosima covers her hand, "I got this one." She hands the man three singles in exchange for the ice cream bars.
"Big spender," Delphine laughs as Cosima hands her an ice cream. "Thank you."
"No problem." They unwrap their Eskimo Pies and Cosima watches Delphine take a bite. "You like?"
"Mmm, it's delicious."
"Yup," Cosima grins as she starts on hers.
They walk in the direction of the car as they both finish devouring their treats, "Ready to head home?"
Cosima nods and they get in the car, arriving at the farm about 10 minutes later.
"You know, you're not so bad, once you get to know you," Cosima says as they reach the walk up to the main house.
"You're not so bad yourself, when you're not walking into my chest."
"Believe me, I've walked into worse."
"Worse? How bad was I to walk into?"
"I didn't mean it like that. I meant I've walked into some pretty hard objects, you were quite soft by comparison."
"I'm glad my breasts could act as a cushion for your sensitive head."
"Well, technically, it was my face, but yes, they did cushion the impact."
Delphine smiles, "Goodnight, Cosima."
"Goodnight, Delphine."
Delphine walks up the path to the house, while Cosima strolls to her cottage. Right when she walks in, she gets a FaceTime call.
"Hey, Tony!"
"Hey, Dreads, how's it going?"
"It's going pretty good."
"What's with that dopey look on your face?"
"What dopey look?"
"That one. Where your eyes are all big and you can't stop smiling."
"I don't know what you're talking about, this is my normal face."
"Dude, have you met someone?"
"What? No."
"You have, haven't you? That's the only time you look like that, when you get all moony over someone."
"I'm not moony."
"Uh huh, sure. So what have you been doing all day?"
"Just hanging out, exploring a little of my new state."
"Alone?"
"No."
"Who were you exploring with?"
"Oh, uh, Delphine, Pierre's daughter."
"Delphine, huh? What's this Delphine like? Is she younger, older?"
"She's my age. She's alright, I guess."
"Fuck!" Tony exclaims.
"What?"
"You have the hots for your boss's daughter."
"I do not!"
"Dreads, this is Tony you're talking to, how long have I known you? I saw that little smile when you said her name and then when you said she's alright. Spill. Now."
"Ugh, okay, maybe I do kinda like her."
"I fucking knew it!"
"Chill, man, not like anything is gonna come from it, she hardly even likes me as a friend, let alone more than a friend. Besides, I've been told she's strictly into guys."
"That's too bad. Is she a hottie?"
Cosima grins, "She's beautiful. And she's got this incredible accent, it's not as thick as her parents', and you can tell she's been living in America a long time, but it's intoxicating. I bet I could listen to her read the phone book and never get bored. But she's also really smart and has a great sense of humor."
"Shit! You're so gone already, I can tell through the phone."
"I'm not gone, I'm just… I don't know, it's a little crush. I'll get over it."
"Sure, whatever you say."
"Shut up! I'm tired, I'm going to sleep."
"Yeah, so you can have sweet dreams of Del-fine, I bet."
"You're a moron, Tony. Goodnight." Cosima ends the call and shakes her head at her friend's stupidity.
When she slowly drifts off to sleep, though, sure enough her dreams are full of Delphine