Today seems like absolute bliss in comparison to the events of the past couple of days and I'm just glad that the day has finally come, It's Valentine's Day; the day I've planned to ask Odette to be my girlfriend. Technically, we haven't actually started dating yet, I mean we've been on dates, but it doesn't seem like we're one of those couples that makes everything official - as long as we're happy, that's all that matters. On saying that, she may think completely differently, it's not like I know Odette like the palm of my hand - if anything I've learned more about her from other people - so potentially I should prepare myself for a rejection.

I begin to panic, if she does reject me then we're here together for another four days, not that it would be awkward but I would admittedly feel emotionally wounded. I just need to think optimistically now, I need to plan everything perfectly - how will I ask her? I have no idea!

Panic rises yet again and I'm forced to calm my racing heart, she's lay in bed right beside me, she would notice if I started to hyperventilate. Deep breaths, deep breaths...in...out...in...out, that's better. Odette's pale form lies silently in the plush bedding of her adolescent bed - the room from last night that I stormed into happened to be hers, we fell asleep shortly after our outbursts; mine of anger and hers of sadness. I repeatedly reminded her of how much she meant to me and what an incredible impact she has made on my life, I thanked her, over and over again until she fell asleep feeling nothing but the warmth of my breath across her face. It was nice end to an unfortunate evening.

As of right now she sleeps soundly as I lie awake contemplating the day ahead, I've planned everything perfectly with small suggestions here and there from Ben and the lads - I just hope everything goes smoothly though, there's still room for a complete disaster and I'm praying that it never happens. Her gentle eyelids flutter as she dreams, something pleasant I hope, this morning is beautiful and it's all because of her; our day has barely begun and I already feel like I've touched the sky and floated among the stars.

As predicted, the sun beams through the thin voile that covers the window, the warm early morning sunset billowing in and preparing me for our day ahead; I glance at all of the pictures around the room - some portraits of old family members and some more recent, however the majority of the room is much like Odette herself, introverted and discreet. I wrap my arms further around my gentle angel and place a soft kiss to her temple - hopefully the disruption will wake her, that's my intention anyway, we have a long day ahead and I'm too excited to wait any longer. Like a childish schoolboy I decide to torment her, poking out my tongue and licking a small spot on her forehead.

She laughs instantaneously, pushing my face away, "well good morning to you too."

'Good morning Harry,' her hands sign sluggishly as if it takes a strenuous amount of effort to reply to the movement of my lips. Odette's face remains buried in my neck and I divulge in the warmth that she effortlessly exhales from those beautiful roseate lips. How could I get so lucky?

After various minutes of tickling and silent laughter Odette and I make our way to the kitchen. A small note hangs from the fridge, sealed by a magnet displaying a family holiday that the three girls must have been on - Odette's cheeks flushed as always with a demanding smile that I've grown to love so much; Odette slips the note from its light vice and translates the French cursive. 'Mama and Evelyn have gone to visit the neighbours, they'll be back soon.' I take the chance to raid the fridge, turns out Julia keeps a very well stocked fridge and I decide to make blueberry pancakes - I can't really go wrong with them considering that Odette is a fan of anything berry related! 'Are you making berry pancakes?' She asks in shock and happiness...I think.

"Yes, I thought you'd like them." She leaves me with a shy nod and sits herself at the dining table as I'd asked. Considering its Valentine's Day I decide to cut the pancakes into a heart shape, cliché I know, but I'm not too sure whether she's realised the days significance yet. The sweet aroma of the pancakes slithers around the house and I dust the dish with icing sugar and a few loose blueberry's for garnish. I'm actually really proud of today's breakfast. I don't think I've ever put as much thought and effort into a dish for anyone - I mean I've made mum a Mother's Day breakfast with Gemma, but normally I just make a sandwich or nibbles whenever it's just me and the lads.

Contemplating my newly found culinary skills I walk over to Odette's patient silhouette at the oak dining room table. She stares out of the back door onto the vast hillside that is her garden, contemplating something seriously in depth I assume. "Breakfast is ready." She smiles at my presence and the plate in front of her, noting the shape of the pancakes and placing a sweet kiss to my cheek. Maybe now would be a good time to ask, should I? Perhaps first thing in the morning isn't the best idea, I should let her wake up first. But what if she rejects me then? I should just ask her now.

"So I wanted to tell you something, or rather ask." I mutter, my fork playing with my pancakes.

'What is it?'

"I think that you're so amazing, as you know, and you mean so much to me. You've made a huge impact on my life since I met you and I just wanted to know if-"

"We're back!"

Fuck. Moment ruined.

It's fine Harry, we can try again later no big deal, just keep calm and we'll be fine. My mind soothes itself and I'm left having an internal battle of wills. One part of me is calm and the other hysterical. "Welcome back." I control my emotions and attempt to pull myself together. The girl you love is say in front of you Harry, don't be a fool.

"Hey you two! We brought Mr and Mrs Fournier for breakfast, they made blueberry muffins!" Julia cheers as the two guests enter the room carry a small Tupperware box filled with blueberry muffins. The lady runs over to Odette and wraps her in a hug, it must have been a while since she saw her too. "Oh did you make blueberry pancakes Harry?" Julia smells the air intrigued.

"Yes, would you like some? I'm not that hungry." Not after all of this mornings stress, and now this, being interrupted when I was just about to ask Odette about our hopeful and upcoming relationship. Julia seems to recognise the expression on my face and her eyes sparkle - she knows how I feel about her daughter but I think she's just happy that I'm doing something about it, or I was going to until of the intervention. She realises her mistake and her eyes fill with guilt, "oh Harry I'm so sorry."

"No, no, it's perfectly fine. We have the entire day. Enjoy the pancakes I'm going to get a drink, excuse me." I place a kiss to Odette's cheek as she speaks to the over flamboyant  Fournier's about something in French, Evelyn gives me a lasting hug as I pass her and walk to the kitchen.

The rest of the morning seems to go a lot more smoothly, we had chosen to explore the village more - Odette wanted to relive her more optimistic childhood memories with me firmly by her side, and I happily jumped at the opportunity to get to know her. As we walk through the diligent streets I listen to stories of her life and divulge in the proffered information; she hasn't stopped talking all morning and I absolutely love it.

'I remember walking down this street with Mama as we went to pick up food.' She smiles as we make our way through the narrow walkway, 'and mama, Evelyn and I used to eat at this café for every celebration.'

"Can you remember the first time you ever came here?" I challenge, seeing if I can squeeze any more precious information out of her.

She sighs, 'mama and I came here when she got her first ever pay check. Peter had just left us and she had gotten a job as a gardener, she took us out to celebrate.'

"A new beginning?"

'The best day of my life.' She stares at a certain table in the café and I see her eyes gloss with an old memory, reliving the best day of her life. 'I've had a lot more of them since I met you.'

Somehow I feel like that was more of an internal statement than something she was supposed to share with me, but nevertheless I can't help but smile at her words. As predicted, Odette's eyes suddenly widen and her cheeks flush at her own words, her black eyelashes flutter in shock and she delicately places a strand of hair behind her ear - I bet she wishes she was invisible right now, but as always it's a pleasure to see the effect I have on her, it's moments like this when I think back to her letter.

"I'm glad I can help. Now, why don't we go in and celebrate." Odette doesn't really get much of a choice as I grab her hand and drag her with me into the small café, it looks out onto the spacious canal that runs through the town centre - passers by just admiring the views or discussing what to do next in their fluent native tongue.

'What are we celebrating?' She chuckles.

"Us." That fluorescent beam of happiness lights up her expression as I continue, "Odette, you've come so far and accomplished so much and it's a privilege to be able to be in your company. I couldn't be prouder of you." Breathe Harry, now is your chance, just tell her how you feel, "throughout the time that I've known you I have begun to develop strong-"

"What can I get the lovely couple today?" A waiter interrupts. His French accent beaming and his flamboyant and charming personality resonating between the small gap in the middle of Odette and I. His voice ruining my moment once again; chocolate brown eyes flick from the both of us as he waits obliviously for an answer.

Odette removes her hands from mine to look at the menu and I feel my heart shatter at the gesture - nothing negative was meant by the action but I sincerely miss the feel of warmth from her silky touch or the way her hands fiddle nervously in mine when she's embarrassed. Those little gesticulations that only Odette does are the things I miss as we lose contact, the two people in my company both oblivious to my internal disappointment.

"And what would you like sir?" Mr French waiter asks.

"Whatever you recommend will do just fine, thank you." I hand him the menu knowing that I have no clue what any of the contents are or how to understand it - I have complete faith that whatever he bring's will be delicious.

To my surprise Odette clasps my hands again in hers, squeezing tightly, 'What were you about to say before the waiter came?' Oh shit, I wasn't expecting that! I was prepared before somehow, now I don't know how to react. I've completely frozen in my chair issuing every ounce of dignity I have not to stutter...

"I-it doesn't matter."

Well there goes my dignity.

Her expression is sorrowful and for a moment I feel like her piercing blue eyes can see right through me, right into my soul - and it terrifies me. It's almost as if she knows what I'm trying to do and she pities all of the interruptions that we're greeted with. I try to ignore the idea of her pity and assume that she knows nothing of my plan to further or relationship.

Our lunch is incredible and I can't help but feel overjoyed that I'm spending my day with Odette and experiencing the happiness of her youth; the first time here must have been a turning point for her, an instant moment when Odette and her mother knew that their lives were about to change for the better and it's a privilege to share a moment just as special with her. Even though Odette doesn't realise I feel like this is our turning point, as if the relationship between us will develop into something great. To my delighted surprise Mr French waiter brought me a glass of still water and a French delicacy called 'Cassoulet' which tasted absolutely amazing and helped me to conclude that the waiter had an impeccable palate.

The multicoloured structures of the buildings that surround us feature in my view, Odette is sat opposite me with the stunning buildings behind her and the canal flowing effortlessly through the town - my breath involuntarily catches at the sight and despite all the beauty that surrounds me, I only seems to care about one thing. 'Lets go dancing,' she erupts arbitrarily as the soft skin on her hand grazes mine to pull me up. She drags me to a building filled with exotic and draping flowers, stone arches everywhere we pass until I notice a group of people in the centre; the entire motion sudden in contrast to the calm I was previously enveloped in.

Odette walks up to a middle aged lady, leaving me behind to continue my examination of the area; after a friendly hug and long lost greetings she returns to me yet again. 'María says you're very handsome.'

'Did you tell her I'm taken?' My eyebrows raise questioningly and she giggles.

'No but I told her that you're mine so hands off.' Her small joke makes me smile, who knew that my stunningly attractive French neighbour could get so possessive over little old me.

'And you, are mine.' The feel of her soft skin tingles my fingers as I graze my hands against the exposed skin on her lower back. She stands so close, I can smell her fruity perfume that's how close she is, her chest rising up and down against mine.

Lips. Soft lips is all I feel, they taste of berries as always and I divulge in the familiar taste. I love her - being so close and intimate with her just through a kiss. It's astounding the emotion that floods my heart at the simple act, I'm taken away to another world when I'm with her, that's just what she does to me.

Odette breaks away for breath, her lips a swollen pink colour from our feverish embrace of unannounced emotion and her eyes sparkling with something I recognise in myself. After a short quint smile she is whisked off by a dancer, the crowd around us completely oblivious to our previous engagement; and suddenly I don't care that she's been swooped away, in that moment I know that even though she can't say it - or maybe hasn't even realised it herself yet - but she loves me, just as I do her.

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