005 ⸺ the catch up.

Evangeline Blanchard stands in front of her mirror, her hands trembling slightly as she adjusts her blouse. She's chosen something simple, yet chic — a pale blue top, paired with dark jeans. Her heart pulses nervously with the realization that she's going to see Charles again, not by a chance encounter on the street, but at his family home, where memories and emotions are bound to resurface.

She takes a deep breath, trying to calm her racing thoughts. Her mother, Genevive, had given her a small, encouraging smile earlier, reminding her that "closure is a bridge to peace, darling.". Clementine had offered to come along, but Evangeline insisted this was something she needed to do alone.

As she grabs her purse and checks her reflection one more time, her phone buzzes with a message from Charles: "Looking forward to seeing you. Drive safe x." the message, though simple, sends a small wave of reassurance through her. She responds with a simple "On my way." and bids her mother and sister farewell.

The drive to Charles' place is short but feels like an eternity. Her mind races with all the things she wants to say, all the things she's rehearsed in her head a thousand times. As she pulls up at the Leclerc family home, her breath catches at the sight of Charles waiting outside for her, flanked by his visibly excited brothers, Lorenzo and Arthur.

"Evie! It's been too long!" Lorenzo exclaims, his enthusiasm infectious as he steps forward to give her a gentle, welcoming hug. Arthur's smile is just as warm as he chimes in, "We've missed you around here!"

Their familiar joviality eases some of her nerves. Pascale Leclerc emerges from the house with open arms, enveloping Evangeline in a heartfelt embrace. "Ma chère! It's wonderful to see you," she says, her voice thick with genuine affection. "You've been missed."
[my dear]

As Evangeline follows Charles inside, she can't help but notice the tasteful decoration around the house, reflecting the family's elegant but warm aesthetic. They move into the cosy lounge where a lavish stretch of afternoon tea awaits, clearly Pascale's handiwork.

Charles motions for her to take a seat by the window where the light dances gently on the fabric of the soft furnishings. As they all settle in, the room buzzing with a mix of nostalgia and gentle laughter, Evangeline finds herself filled with warmth and familiarity. Looking into Charles' eyes, she feels the weight of the past begins to lift.

Here, in the sunlit room with his family's welcoming presence, it seems possible to patch up the gap of years, unravel the silence, and find a path forward together.

As the lively chatter continues, Pascale glances around, sensing the need for a more private conversation between the two. 

She stands, smiling gently. "Why don't we give these two some space?" She suggests, her voice warm but firm. Lorenzo and Arthur nod in agreement, their expressions turning into understanding.

"Of course," Enzo says with a grin, clapping Charles on the shoulder as he passes. "We'll be just outside if you need us," Arthur follows, offering Evangeline a reassuring wink. "Catch up," he encourages softly.

Once the family exits, the room suddenly feels quieter. Charles turns to Evangeline, his expression filled with earnest sincerity. "Eve, before we start," he begins, taking a deep breath, "I want to apologize. That day on the track changed everything, and I've carried the weight of it since. I'm so sorry for the pain it caused you." His voice is steady, but his eyes reveal the depth of his remorse.

Evangeline meets his gaze, her eyes reflecting a mix of emotions. "Thank you, Charles," she finally says, her voice soft yet steady. "Hearing that means a lot. It's been hard, and... confusing. But I appreciate your apology. It's a good place for us to start."

Her response is subtle, acknowledging his remorse while hinting at the layers of feelings still to be navigated.

As Evangeline steps out of the Leclerc family home, the evening air greets her with a gentle coolness, a refreshing change from the afternoon's emotions. She pauses at the top of the steps, feeling lighter yet aware that there's still a journey ahead.

The conversation with Charles had unfolded surprisingly honestly. They had talked extensively, unearthing not just the pain of the past but also sharing their personal growth since the accident. While apologies were made, and genuinely accepted, and laughter even found its way through the initially tense atmosphere, both knew that rebuilding trust and friendship would take time.

They agreed to keep in touch, and not let another few years pass by in silence.

As she walks to her car, Evangeline feels a cautious optimism. Their relationship hadn't fully mended—it couldn't with just one afternoon's conversation— but the foundation for something new, something not damaged by the shadows of what had been, was beginning to form.

She smiles slightly, hopeful about what the future might hold, grateful for the chance to start anew. 

(🎡) MAL SPEAKS,

lowkey a double update yay!!!
(i just wanted to get this kind of emo
chapter out of the way hehe)

this is another scheduled post
so i'm probs asleep! ENJOYYYYY

xoxo,
mal