The following days passed by in tranquility, and Delphine slipped back into her familiar routine.
Each morning, she would wake up early, get ready for school, and stride out the door with her backpack resting comfortably on her shoulder.
Her days were filled with attending classes, where she would listen to her teachers and write down notes.
The last tests were almost done, but her determination to excel pushed her to spend every spare moment for studying and reviewing.
When she returned home, she would have lunch with her mother before immersing herself once again in the world of textbooks and study materials.
The busyness of her days left little room for daydreaming or allowing her mind to wander.
Yet, as nightfall descended and she settled into the comfort of her bed, the events of a few days prior seeped back into her thoughts.
The enigmatic presence of the guy had etched itself deeply within her consciousness, as if they had a special connection somehow.
His piercing eyes, a mesmerizing blend of blues and greys that shimmered with shifting hues under varying lights, lingered vividly in her mind's eye.
Dark, perfectly styled hair framed his handsome features, contrasting against his pale skin and amplifying the intensity of his gaze.
In two different moments, their eyes had locked, sending a shiver cascading down her spine.
It felt as though he carried a deep message meant solely for her, igniting an insatiable curiosity within her heart and mind.
Delphine couldn't help but wonder about that mysterious guy.
Why had their paths never crossed before?
Did he live within their small community or in the city?
Was he a visitor, perhaps a tourist, or had he recently moved there?
The tantalizing possibilities danced within her mind.
Would fate ever align their destinies again?
And if their paths were to intertwine, what would happen between them?
The desire to confide in her lifelong friend, Dorian, stirred within her, yet she knew deep down that he held no answers.
After all, the guy was still a stranger she met twice and they had never talked.
As sleep gently caressed her weary form each night, these thoughts lingered on the precipice of her consciousness.
The following day would unfold, with Delphine going on with her peaceful and busy life, yet harbouring a secret yearning for the mysterious guy whose presence had left an indelible mark upon her soul.
During one of their usual lunches, Delphine's mother broke the silence with a question that carried weight. "So, are you thinking about your plans after high school? In September you can already start studying for the university tests."
Delphine's gaze remained fixed on her plate as she answered, her voice tinged with uncertainty, "Not really. I need more time to clear my mind..."
There was no denying that Delphine possessed an exceptional academic prowess, particularly excelling in the humanities.
The study of literature, history, philosophy, and even Latin was not simply a task for her; it gave her a profound sense of joy and satisfaction.
In her free hours, she would immerse herself in books, exploring the realm of psychology, a subject that she not studied at school.
Understanding the complexities of the human mind captivated her, leading her to introspect on her own thoughts and behaviours.
The book she had found in the library about dream interpretation had recently sparked a renewed curiosity within her.
She was thinking about pursuing a psychology degree.
Delphine's train of thought was abruptly interrupted as her mother's voice filled the room, breaking through her contemplation.
"Anyway, I'm organising a dinner on my birthday's day" her mother announced, changing the topic of the conversation.
Delphine's face brightened with enthusiasm, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "Yes, it's a wonderful idea. Dad will be home, and we will finally have a chance to spend some quality time together."
Delphine's mother leaned in closer, eyes alight with excitement.
"I was thinking of inviting a few people, nothing too big. What do you think about inviting Dorian?" she inquired, waiting with bated breath for Delphine's response.
Delphine grinned and shrugged, giving her consent. "Sure, that sounds great!"
With Delphine's approval, her mother's voice took on a persuasive tone. "And since there will be other guests, I thought of having a slightly more elaborate dinner... a fish dinner with some fine wine and a delicious cake for dessert."
Delphine's sharp retort pierced the air, her tone laced with apprehension. "Mom, you know I don't like fish! I can't stand it!"
Her mother responded calmly, reassuringly.
"I understand, but we can prepare something different for you or even order food. It's just a dinner, after all" she said, reaching out to touch Delphine's hand, her head slightly tilted.
Delphine's confusion echoed in her words. "I don't get it. Why are we having a fish-based dinner with all those people? It makes me feel sick just thinking about it."
Delphine had always made an effort to respond politely, respecting her parents above all else.
However, this time, she was visibly upset.
"Come on, dear, we're in a coastal town, and I know the perfect place to get the freshest fish" her mother persisted confidently, unwavering in her stance.
Delphine's mother spoke convincingly, determined to achieve the outcome she desired.
Reluctantly, Delphine relented. "Alright, I'll join your dinner, but only because it's your birthday."
A look of joy spread across her mother's face.
"Oh, thank you! You're the best!" she exclaimed, planting a grateful kiss on Delphine's cheek before rising to tidy the table.
A few minutes later, Delphine's fingers danced across the keys of her phone, typing a message accompanied by a series of scared emojis.
"Guess what!"
She hit send, and within seconds, Dorian's reply illuminated the screen. "What???"
Delphine tapped the call button, swiftly diving into an explanation with a hint of sarcasm before Dorian could interject.
"Mom has this brilliant idea for her birthday - a dinner party. And guess what? It's going to be a fish based dinner. Oh, and of course, you're invited" she exclaimed, her tone dripping with sarcasm.
Dorian sounded visibly perplexed as he responded "Um, is there any way to convince her to choose something else?"
Delphine sighed, a tinge of annoyance coloring her voice as she replied "No, I tried. It's a lost cause, and I've already said yes. By the way, we'll call your father tomorrow to arrange for buying fresh fish" she added, her irritation evident.
"Oh... okay... don't worry, it'll be fine. Maybe you won't be the only one eating something different. Who knows, there might be someone else who is vegetarian or allergic to fish and..." Dorian trailed off, attempting to find a silver lining.
Delphine couldn't help but smile at the way he tried to calm her, cutting him off mid-sentence. "It's fine, it's fine. You're right, it will be fine."
Returning the smile, Dorian changed the topic after a brief pause.
"Well... have you thought about the class party? It's coming up soon."
Delphine's voice grew sheepish as she confessed "Oh, actually... I completely forgot about it."
"Isn't it on the same day as the dinner, right?" Dorian inquired.
Delphine reassured him "Oh... no, no, don't worry about it."
"Okay, let me know when you decide. Have a good night, Delph" he concluded, his tone filled with care and tenderness.
"Good night, Dory. Love you" she whispered as they closed the call.