The morning sun streamed through the window, casting a warm glow across Nalani's room. She was jolted awake by the persistent meowing of Nini, who was kneading and scooching closer in her arms. Half asleep, Nalani lifted her arm to let Nini nestle in closer and hugged her. Nini purred contentedly and licked Nalani's cheek, her sandpapery tongue a gentle wake-up call.

Nalani scratched her eyes and stretched, when the sound of clattering plates and the smell of cooked pancakes and French toast wafted through the air. Curious and still groggy, she slowly stood up from bed, rubbing her eyes as she made her way to the door.

"When did we hire a chef?" she mumbled amidst a yawn, her vision still blurry.

"And good morning to you too," Lena's voice came from the kitchen, cheerful and bright. She was placing a plate of eggs and bacon strips on the table. Lena walked over to Nalani and guided her to the table, setting her down gently.

"You're up early today," Nalani noted, her voice heavy with sleep. She accepted a glass of water from Lena and chugged it down in one go.

"I've been sketching a draft," Lena replied, nodding towards her notebook filled with drawings. Nalani glanced over and saw the creative energy in Lena's sketches.

"I guess you finally found your inspiration," Nalani said, putting down her glass. She watched her friend closely for any reaction. Lena didn't look up from her drawing but a small, satisfied smile played on her lips, which made Nalani smile too.

"So," Nalani started, her curiosity piqued. Lena looked up from her sketchpad. "Tell me about this guy you lied to me about. Is he nice?"

Lena chuckled, a bit embarrassed. "He is. He's very nice."

"Is that the only thing you're going to tell me? I mean, you've been going out with him for days and kept me in the dark," Nalani teased, crossing her arms in mock anger.

"I'm sorry, okay? I knew you'd tease me like this, that's why I didn't tell you," Lena laughed. They both laughed together, breaking the last remnants of tension between them.

They continued eating, chatting about Zaire and Lena's adventures with him over the past few days. Lena recounted how Zaire, a journalist from London, knew his way around Paris and had taken her to some of the city's hidden gems. They dined at charming little bistros, explored quaint bookshops, and even visited a few more art galleries.

"Did you know Zaire actually wanted to be an illustrator?" Lena said, her eyes lighting up with admiration. "He has a real talent for drawing, but he never pursued it because his parents didn't believe he could pull it off."

"That's such a shame," Nalani replied, taking a bite of her pancake. "It's wrong of them to focus only on how much money he could make, instead of believing in his passion and talent."

"Exactly," Lena agreed. She pulled out her phone and showed Nalani a drawing Zaire had done of Cloud Strife from Final Fantasy. Nalani's eyes widened in appreciation.

"Wow, he's really good. He could have made it big with these drawings," Nalani remarked.

"Yeah, he regrets not pursuing it," Lena said, a hint of sadness in her voice. Nalani teased her friend, "But hey, at least he met you as a journalist."

Lena laughed, and Nalani could see how much she liked Zaire. Her smiles at the mere mention of his name spoke volumes.

After breakfast, Nalani took a bath and got dressed. She noticed that Lena was still at the table, sketching away. Surprised, she approached her. "Aren't you leaving today?" she asked.

Lena shook her head, not looking up from her sketchpad. "No, I'm staying in."

Nalani nodded, then remembered her own plans. "I'm going to Amelie's house. Mr. Antoine said she wanted to invite us for some baking. But if you want to stay home, that's fine by me too."

Lena's eyes widened in surprise. "Why didn't you tell me sooner?"

"I guess I forgot," Nalani admitted, smiling sheepishly. She was already dressed and starting to put on some makeup. "You coming?"

"Of course I am, just wait for me!" Lena said, jumping up from her chair and hurrying to their room to get dressed. Nalani waited patiently, holding Nini in her cat carrier bag. After about an hour, Lena emerged, fully dressed and with makeup on.

Nalani was waiting by the door. "Ready?" she asked.

Lena nodded, grabbing her bag. They locked the door behind them and went downstairs. Mr. Antoine was already waiting outside, leaning against his car. He straightened up when he saw them.

"Sorry for the wait," Nalani apologized as they approached.

Mr. Antoine smiled warmly. "No problem at all. My wife is very excited for your visit, Mademoiselles."

Lena and Nalani climbed into the car, and Mr. Antoine started the engine, driving them towards their humble residence. The journey was filled with a pleasant silence, each of them lost in their thoughts. Nalani looked out the window, watching the bustling streets of Paris pass by.

They arrived at Mr. Antoine's house, a charming little home nestled in a quiet neighborhood. Amélie was waiting at the door, a broad smile on her face as she waved them in.

"Welcome, welcome!" she greeted them enthusiastically. "I'm so glad you could come. Come in, come in!"

They stepped inside, immediately enveloped by the warm, inviting aroma of baking. The kitchen was a cozy haven, with flour-dusted countertops and the comforting hum of the oven.

"I had thought you'd be too busy to come by," Amélie said, hugging each of them in turn. "But I'm very much glad the both of you could come"

"Of course we would come. I mean if it's a house visit and baking, I'm all for it," Lena replied, smiling and enthusiastic as she is.

They settled into the kitchen, where Amélie had already laid out an array of ingredients and utensils for their baking session. Nini was released from her carrier and immediately began exploring the new surroundings, her tail flicking with curiosity.

"So, what are we baking today, Amélie?" Lena asked, rolling up her sleeves.

"Today, we'll be making macarons and a traditional French tarte tatin," Amélie announced, her eyes twinkling with excitement. "It's going to be a lot of fun."

Nalani and Lena exchanged excited glances, eager to get started. As they began measuring flour and sugar, mixing batter, and shaping dough, the kitchen filled with laughter and chatter.

Amélie shared stories about her and Mr. Antoine's early years in Paris, how they met, and their mutual love for baking. Lena and Nalani listened intently, occasionally sharing their own stories and experiences.

As they worked, Nalani couldn't help but think about the upcoming exhibit and her mother's journal. The past few days had been a whirlwind of emotions and discoveries, and she felt a renewed sense of determination to honor her mother's legacy through her art.

"Your mother would be so proud of you, Nalani," Amélie said gently, as if reading her thoughts. "She would be really happy to see you and I can say that because I see it. How strong and brave you've been"

Nalani smiled, feeling a lump in her throat. "Thank you, Amélie. That means a lot."

By the time the macarons and tarte tatin were ready, the kitchen was filled with the delicious scent of freshly baked goods. They sat around the table, enjoying the fruits of their labor and each other's company.

"This is amazing," Lena said, taking a bite of a macaron. "I can't believe we made these. But mine definitely tastes awful. Don't eat it," everyone laughed at what Lena had said in all seriousness.

"You both did wonderfully," Amelie praised. "I'm so glad you came today. It's been such a pleasure."

As the afternoon turned into evening, they cleaned up the kitchen and prepared to leave. Mr. Antoine, who had been quietly observing and occasionally helping, stood by the door, ready to drive them back.

"Driving them back could wait right, my dear?," Amélie said to her husband, a smile on her lips formed as soon as Mr. Antoine gave her a nod.