Page 97 of You + Me – Against the World

The next few days fly by, impossible to hold on to. The nights follow the days, full of sighs, secret meetings, and danger. Vadim visits me in my small, adolescent bed, then leaves on tiptoe. When it’s my turn, I sneak into the guest room, find him asleep, and curl up against him until the wee hours of the morning.

Paris seems made for him. The neighborhood cinemas, the museums, the bistros, the markets… He wants to see everything, do everything, experience everything. I’ve rarely seen him smile so much. But he still remains himself: sharp, sarcastic, passionate, and free. Exactly how I love him. I notice my mother studying him on several occasions, when his arguments hit the mark or when he makes me laugh. And I see her understand, little by little, what I feel, and why he is so important to me.

One day, we kiss right in front of her.

Before leaving Paris, we go back to film our favorite spots in the city. We wander the streets without knowing where they will lead us, hugging at every intersection, every red light, and sometimes in the middle of the crosswalk, ignoring the horns of impatient drivers. We play grown-up in a chic restaurant that my mother treats us to. We act like kids, playing endless games of I-dare-you.

And we get back on the plane.

Drunk on happiness, on memories.

More in love than ever.

Stronger.

Capable of anything.

33

“Do you dare to run away?”

I’m almost serious when I confront Vadim with this question, as soon as he arrives on campus on Monday morning.

“Okay, but we’ll have to run fast. We’ll have Keith, the dean, and the head of the community service program on our heels. Ready?”

“Hmm… The only good things about going back to class here are: first, we don’t have to wear as many clothes, and second, I only have to close my eyes to remember you in Paris wearing that ridiculous pom-pom hat.”

“That’s the last time you make me wear something like that, Lancaster.”

“Good thing I filmed you with it on.”

“You did what?”

“Oh, nothing.”

“Alma, if you show that video to anyone, I’ll tell everyone that you dance to the Spice Girls in your pajamas with your little sister!”

“First of all, it was Just a Girl by No Doubt. And second, you were humming it in the shower!”

“No way!”

“I have the proof right here,” I say, tapping the front pocket of my bag before running away.

Shouting my name, along with a few fresh threats, Vadim chases after me. I bump into a few students as I flee, before stumbling and finding myself in the arms of Clémentine, who was quietly waiting for class to start.

“Alma, careful! You almost made me drop my croissant!”

“Hey, Clem. Sorry. Wait, you’re cheating on Twix? Is something wrong?”

“Well, since I didn’t get an invitation to France, I’m bringing France to me.”

“Oh, Clemy, darling! It wasn’t planned, I swear. We decided at the last minute.”

“Well, he had time to get ready and jump on the plane, didn’t he?!” my best friend blurts out, shooting a dark look at Vadim.

“Hey, D’Aragon!” He flashes the kind of wide, toothy smile you would see on someone in a holiday photo.

“It was already a miracle my mom said yes—I was afraid she’d change her mind if I invited you too,” I try, attempting to make amends.