LOVING AARON

CHAPTER 3

As I slowly opened my eyes, I felt a gentle nudge from Nanny Claudette, who was sitting beside me with a warm smile. "Good morning, Nanny Claudette," I said, my voice still husky from sleep.

"Morning, peach! How did you sleep?" she asked, adjusting the sheets and fluffing my pillows. Her gentle touch and soothing voice helped me wake up gradually.

"Great," I mumbled, stretching my arms and yawning. "Are you ready for strawberry crepes? The chef made them especially for us."

My stomach growled at the mention of breakfast, and I sat up straight.

Nanny Claudette helped me out of bed, and I groaned, still feeling a bit sleepy. She chuckled and handed me my robe. "Come on, Elodie. Let's get you downstairs for breakfast."

We headed to the dining room, where my plate was already waiting. Mr. Eugene, one of our household staff, greeted me with a warm smile. "Good morning, Elodie," he said, his eyes crinkling at the corners.

"Please, Mr. Eugene, just call me Elodie," I said, digging into my crepes. "You're older than my father, after all!" I teased him playfully.

He chuckled and patted my hand. "Okay, Elodie. I'm driving you today, since Roger called in sick."

My expression turned concerned. "Is he okay?"

Mr. Eugene reassured me, "It's just a cold, don't worry. He'll be back to his usual self soon. Whenever you're ready, Elodie, we'll head out."

After finishing breakfast, I quickly showered and got dressed in a comfortable tan sweater and long skirt. I left my hair in its natural waves and opted for minimal makeup, adding just a bit of eyeliner, mascara, and clear lip gloss.

After finalizing my outfit, I headed out of my bedroom, feeling confident and ready to start the day. Mr. Eugene was waiting for me in the hallway, his warm smile a familiar comfort. But before I could join him, Nanny Claudette intercepted me, her expression hinting at a serious conversation.

"Elodie, dear, your father wants to see you in his study before you leave," she said, her voice low and gentle. "He has something important to discuss with you."

I nodded, recalling our last conversation, which had left me feeling uneasy. I made my way to his study, my heart beating slightly faster. I knocked softly on the door, and he invited me in.

"Elodie, come in," my father said, his voice firm but slightly disapproving. "I want to talk to you about tonight's party."

I entered his study, feeling a sense of trepidation. I was already running late to open up my cafe, but it seemed my father had other plans. The room was dimly lit, with only a single lamp casting a warm glow on the dark wood paneling. My father sat behind his massive desk, his eyes fixed on me with an intensity that made me squirm.

"Yes, Father?" I asked, my eyes fixed on his stern expression.

He looked me up and down, his eyes lingering on my outfit. "Elodie, you're wearing...that?"

I looked down at my tan sweater and skirt, feeling a sense of confusion. The sweater was soft and comfortable, and the skirt fell just below my knees. I had thought it was a perfectly reasonable outfit for a day at the cafe.

"What's wrong with it?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.

He sighed, his expression a mix of disappointment and frustration. "You look like a librarian, Elodie. A nun. That skirt is too long, and that sweater is too...plain. You need to dress more...fashionably. More...youthfully."

I felt a flush rise to my cheeks as I realized what he was getting at. He wanted me to dress more revealingly, more provocatively.

"But Father, I'm just going to the cafe," I protested. "I'm not trying to impress anyone. And besides, I like this outfit. It's comfortable and practical."

He shook his head, his expression unyielding. "You're representing this family, Elodie. You need to dress like it. And tonight, at the party, you need to dress like a young woman, not a schoolmarm. I expect to see you looking...presentable. No more of this...frumpy nonsense."

I nodded, feeling a mix of irritation and frustration. But I knew better than to argue with him. "Yes, Father. I won't disappoint you, I promise."

He nodded, seeming to accept my answer. "Good. I expect to see a different Elodie tonight. One who looks like she's worth being seen with."

What?

I felt a wave of humiliation wash over me, like a punch to the gut. "Oh, and Elodie," my father added, his voice dripping with condescension, "The Dumount family will be attending the party tonight. I expect you to be on your absolute best behavior. One misstep, and you'll regret it."

My heart sank, and a lump formed in my throat. The arranged marriage. He's still going through with it. I'd been trying to push the thought to the back of my mind, pretending it wasn't happening, but here it was, staring me in the face.

I felt like a pawn in a game I didn't want to play, a mere puppet on strings. My father was pulling the strings, and I was forced to dance.

"Yes, Father," I muttered, my voice barely audible. I nodded and headed out of the room.

This was my life.

I headed out, trying my best to shake off the weight of my father's words. I got in the car, assuring Mr. Eugene every minute that I was fine, even though I wasn't. We eventually arrived at my cafe, which was already open for business. "Elodie!" Daniel, one of my best friends and coworkers, called out as I walked in. We had met in high school baking club, where our shared love of sweet treats and good conversation had brought us together. Daniel, who was bisexual, had been the first to approach me, and we had quickly become inseparable. Charlotte, who was straight, had joined our little group soon after, and the three of us had been a team ever since.

We had supported each other through thick and thin, from school projects to personal struggles. We had been there for Danny when he came out to his parents, and Charlotte and I had been a rock for him when he faced bullying from our classmates. We had celebrated each other's victories, from Daniel's first relationship with a guy.And we had been there for each other's heartbreaks, from my own parents' disapproval to Daniel's struggles with his identity.

As I walked into the cafe, Daniel and Charlotte were already hard at work, prepping for the day's customers. "Thank you, Danny," I said, engulfing him in a tight hug. I really needed a friendly embrace right now. Daniel laughed and patted me on the back, and Charlotte smiled from across the room, her eyes shining with warmth. We had been through so much together, and I knew that no matter what my father threw my way, these two would always have my back.

Charlotte asked, "Elodie, are you okay?" Her voice was laced with concern.

I took a deep breath, feeling my worries slowly unravel. "I'm fine, thanks," I replied, my voice steady.

As I gazed out the window, the sunrise unfurled its vibrant colors, painting the sky with warm hues of peach, coral, and sky blue. The beauty of the scene soothed my frazzled nerves, wrapping me in a sense of calm. The sun's gentle warmth on my skin was a comforting embrace, chasing away the chill of anxiety.

"Let's get to work!" I exclaim, my enthusiasm echoing through the kitchen. We all slip on our waist aprons, ready to dive into the day's baking tasks. I start gathering ingredients for the beignets, while Lotte takes charge of the cupcakes. Danny, meanwhile, is fixated on his phone, a goofy grin spreading across his face.

His phone buzzes again, and his cheeks flush with a telltale blush. "Who are you texting, Danny boy?" I tease, leaning against the counter with a playful smirk.

Danny quickly drops his phone, avoiding eye contact. "Nobody," he mutters, trying to brush it off.

Lotte chuckles, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "You're blushing, Danny!" she points out, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

I join in, whining like a baby, "Come on, Danny, spill the beans!"

Danny shrugs, his face still flushed. "Just a new transfer... our new anatomy teacher," he admits, his voice barely above a whisper.

"And I really like him guys, I really like him"

Lotte and I exchange a knowing look, and she lets out a playful "Ouuuuuu!" Danny's face turns an even deeper shade of red, and I can't help but smile at my friend, who looks completely smitten.

As I watch Danny's lovestruck expression, I can't help but wonder if I'll ever experience that same thrill of falling for someone.