BETWEEN US

The Weekend Before

Chapter one

Solène’s POV

Saturday mornings were supposed to be peaceful.

Mine wasn’t.

My phone had been vibrating against my pillow for what felt like five minutes, and I was determined not to answer it.

Eventually, I reached out from under my blanket and grabbed it.

Élodie: Are you awake?

I stared at the message.

Another one appeared.

Chloé: She isn’t.

Then:

Élodie: She’s definitely sleeping.

I smiled.

Me: I’m awake.

Three dots appeared almost immediately.

Élodie: Finally.

Chloé: We’re going out today. Don’t make excuses.

I sat up.

“Who said I was making excuses?”

My phone buzzed again.

Élodie: You.

I laughed.

Those two knew me too well.

I dragged myself out of bed and got ready, choosing something comfortable because I had no intention of spending my Saturday worrying about looking perfect.

When I walked downstairs, Mum was already in the kitchen.

“You’re finally up.”

“Good morning to you too.”

She smiled and pushed a plate toward me.

“Eat.”

I sat down beside Dad, who was scrolling through something on his phone.

“You’re going out?”

“Yeah. With Élodie and Chloé.”

“Back before dinner?” Dad asked.

I nodded.

“Of course.”

Mum looked at me for a moment.

“You know Monday is your first day of final year.”

I stopped chewing.

“I know.”

“Nervous?”

“A little.”

Dad looked up from his phone.

“You’ll be fine.”

I smiled.

“I know.”

But somehow, saying it out loud made everything feel more real.

Final year.

After this, things would change. University. New places. New people. New responsibilities.

For now, though, I didn’t want to think about any of that.

A few hours later, I met Élodie and Chloé in town.

The three of us spent the afternoon wandering around Lyon, stopping for food, looking through shops we couldn’t afford, and talking about absolutely everything.

Mostly school.

Mostly boys.

And occasionally our very uncertain futures.

At one point, Chloé looked at both of us.

“Promise we won’t let final year ruin our friendship?”

Élodie immediately held out her hand.

“Promise.”

I placed mine over hers.

“Promise.”

We laughed.

It was just another Saturday.

Just the three of us, enjoying the last weekend before school started again.

And for once, I wasn’t thinking about what came next.

I was simply happy to be exactly where I was.