We'll Always Have Paris
Prompt: A Picture is Worth A Thousand Words, Valentine's Day (1,000 words).
Date: February 2022
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, stopping at the corner to buy a bouquet of fresh roses. She bought seven, one for every year of their relationship, and then continued on.
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 pink."
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."
Rose considered this, then glanced at the roses in Bella's hands. "Are those for me?"
Bella nodded. "I'll put them in the kitchen. One for every year you've been my absolute best friend," Bella said, leaning over to kiss her friend on the cheek. "Now take my purse and get dressed. I'll be out here."
Rose left, and Bella got to work, tending to the flowers. She shouldn't have bought them so early, she knew that, but she couldn't help it. Roses were her friend's favorite flowers. Some people thought it was narcissistic, but really, it was just who Rose was. Beautiful but prickly and despite the toughness, in need of some pretty delicate care.
When Bella was finished, she turned to see Rose emerge from her bedroom dressed in the cream cashmere sweater and white legged 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?"
Bella hummed. "I got us dinner reservations, but we have to leave now in order to make it."
Rose's eyebrow arched beautifully. "Where are we going?"
Bella grinned. "Grab your passport and phone charger. We're going on an adventure."
Despite Rose's prodding, Bella wouldn't budge. She wanted it to be a surprise as long as she was able to, and it wasn't until Bella stood from the first class lounge where they had been enjoying mimosas, that Rose had any idea where they were headed.
"Paris?" Rose asked, looking at the departure gate as they headed over, tickets in hand. "We're going to Paris?"
Bella smiled. "A quick trip. It's actually closer than you might think and I got an amazing deal."
Rose shook her head. "Clearly," she said, motioning to their tickets. Bella grinned. The truth was, she'd been saving for this trip for almost two years. That combined with favors she'd been able to call in had resulted in a luxury trip just in time for their annual galentines celebration.
The flight was far more comfortable than any Bella or Rose had ever been on—neither accustomed to first class—and when they landed, the giddiness of their adventure had spread to both of them.
They were really doing this. They were jet setting, like they had dreamed about in college, and now here they were, 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, but it was an experience neither would change for anything.
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 lead 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 still glittering Eiffel Tower.
"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," she agreed.
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 her, brushing her own ever so slightly. Bella's heart beat frantically in her chest, her body and 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 friends lips, "No matter what happens, we have right now. We have Paris."
