The sunlight gently filtered through the curtains of Aïnis's bedroom, casting golden rays across her face, still heavy with sleep. She blinked, stretched her arms, and let out a long yawn. It was far from her first day at university, but every morning, she felt that strange mix of excitement and accumulated fatigue.
She turned over in bed, staring at the ceiling, letting her thoughts wander between her classes, her friends, and… Blake, always lingering somewhere in the corner of her mind.
After a few minutes, she got up, slipping her feet into soft slippers, and headed to the bathroom. She took her time getting ready—a small ritual she enjoyed, even if she approached it with the precision and care of someone who knew every detail mattered. Her blonde hair fell in natural waves over her shoulders. She brushed it gently, letting a few strands frame her face, then chose a simple yet elegant outfit suited for her already busy day: a light cream-colored dress and matching ballet flats.
She spent a moment in front of the mirror, adjusting her collar and sleeves, checking her nails and her light makeup. Once satisfied, she took a deep breath, ready to face the day.
Once her hair was brushed and her outfit chosen, she murmured to herself: — Okay… this is going to be fine today…
Once ready, she went downstairs. Rose, the servant, looked at her with a smile. — Good morning, Miss Aïnis. Did you sleep well?
— Pretty well, thank you, Rose. And you?
— Always well, she replied while putting away a few plates. Would you like tea or coffee?
— Tea, please. Violet cassis. I don't really like coffee in the morning anymore.
— Alright, my lady. I'll bring it to you. Make yourself comfortable.
She walked over to the table where her father, Victor, was reading on his tablet. He looked up when he saw her.
— Good morning, my daughter. Did you sleep well?
— Yes, Dad, Aïnis replied, sitting across from him. And you?
— Always… busy, as usual. But you know why I asked you to join me for breakfast. I wanted to spend some time with you. How are your classes going?
Aïnis took a bite of toast and thought for a moment. — It's going okay, she murmured. I already know my professors, my classmates… but sometimes it's a bit… heavy, you know? The expectations and all that.
Victor nodded. — I know. But I believe in you. You're capable of handling all of that.
— Thank you, Dad, she replied with a smile. I… I'm trying.
— You don't have to "try." You're already doing it, he said gently. And I see it.
Rose placed the tea in front of her. — Careful, it's hot.
— Thank you, Aïnis said as she took a sip. Mmm… perfect.
Breakfast continued in a pleasant atmosphere, filled with anecdotes about university.
— So, did anything funny happen recently? Victor asked.
— Oh, nothing special… well, almost. Sofia spilled her coffee on her notes yesterday and completely panicked. I had to hold myself back from laughing—it was hard!
Victor smiled slightly. — Always there to observe little disasters, huh?
— I can't help it, she replied, laughing.
At that moment, Blake entered the hall, dressed in a dark suit, calm as always. — Miss, he said simply. The car is ready.
— Thank you, Blake, she replied with a slight smile. Let's go.
During the drive, they talked about everything and nothing.
— So, how have classes been going since the two weeks after the semester started? Blake asked.
— Pretty well. We started a new chapter in literature. It's fascinating… but a bit long. And you? How's work? Is it hard to watch over a young girl all day? she added ironically.
— Yeah, don't even get me started. She's really annoying to deal with, he said teasingly.
Aïnis smiled. — Yeah, I understand. A girl as incredible as her—I imagine you never get bored. You can talk, laugh… it changes things a bit.
— Just a little, Blake murmured with a discreet smile.
When they arrived at the university, Aïnis got out of the car and waved goodbye to Blake. She greeted a few classmates as she passed and headed toward the main building. Several boys walked by, casting curious glances at her. She responded with a mix of humor and light teasing.
— Hi, Aïnis, one of them said. Still as radiant as ever!
— Thanks, she replied with a smile. And you, still late for math class?
They laughed, and Aïnis felt lighthearted. Then, as expected, Raphaël arrived and slipped his arm around her.
— So, this is my wife! he murmured softly.
— Stop it, what if someone hears you? she replied, amused. Let's just say that… for today.
— Don't worry, I'm protecting my wife, he added with a wink.
— I can see that, she replied with a chuckle.
The friends then sat at a table, talking about their projects, their classes, and what they had planned for the weekend. The exchanges were lively and rhythmic, and Aïnis felt fully integrated, enjoying these simple yet precious moments.