Page 38 of Bluebird

Adrien

It's been two weeks since semester break started. Weeks ago my classmates were already talking about their vacation plans. Beach here, party there, adventure trip. I came to terms with the fact that I would be spending my summer alone in Strasbourg quite a while ago.

élias went to Bretagne with Nika on the very first weekend and Philipp's parents are going on vacation in three days. He could go with them, but yesterday he wasn't sure if he really wanted to. "My parents have been going to the same campsite on Lake Constance for 20 years. It's not that exciting now," he said, and I can fully relate.

Honestly, I'd like to go home, but it's still difficult with my parents. My mother cries on the phone that I don't show up anymore and in the same breath tells me that new people with a "beautiful daughter my age" have moved into the empty house across the street. When I tell her that girls aren't my thing, she takes a deep breath to say “You just haven't found the right one yet." That's exactly why I don't come home anymore, Maman.

Philipp and I have seen each other a lot in the last two weeks. Eating ice cream, going to the movies, going for a walk. Three days ago, I wanted to go to the swimming pool, but he turned me down. Instead, we went to a lake. It was nice there too and the water was great and refreshing, but Philipp was weird.

At first he didn't want to go in the water at all, then he went in wearing a t-shirt. When we got out, he wanted to let the wet thing dry on his body. When I offered him my dry tank top, he almost panicked. I haven't been able to find out what his deal was, but I didn't want to open a can of worms. He was already insecure enough all day anyway, I didn't want to make it any worse for him.

My phone rings. It's élias. "Hey, where are you?"

"Home, why?"

"Do you have any plans for the next two weeks?"

"I don't know, maybe with Philipp, if he's not going on vacation with his parents. Why?" I can hear him whispering in the background, probably to Nika, but I can't hear him.

"Okay, how fast can you pack?"

"Why?"

"Nika and I were planning to go to a campsite on ?le de Saint-émile tomorrow, but she got a call from Joshua this morning. The crew had a last-minute invitation to dance at this big event. He's trying to get as many couples together as possible. So, do you want to come with me instead. Please?"

"That's on the Atlantic coast, isn't it?"

"Yes, exactly, near Nantes."

I don't need to think about it for long, I'm definitely going to this island. With élias, it's sure to be super relaxed and I'm absolutely in the mood for sun, beach and the ocean. "You said tomorrow?"

"Yes, exactly, can you do that?"

"Definitely. Do you need me to bring anything?"

There's another whisper in the background, then I hear élias again. "Do you have a tent?"

"Not a particularly large one, but it’s big enough for two people. I have an air mattress too."

"That sounds perfect! And you don't mind if we share a tent?"

Me? Why should that bother me? "No, it's fine by me! I'm looking forward to it! Will we meet there then?"

"Yes! Why don't you call me when you cross the bridge to the island? Then I'll come to the reception and you can check in." I can hear the genuine enthusiasm in élias's voice, and I am a little happier instantly.

"Done. I'm leaving at five in the morning, so if I make good time I should be there around 3 pm."

We say goodbye and I run into the bedroom. It's just past 6 pm. I have to pack quickly and then go to bed early. As I lie under the comforter at half past nine, I realize that I should let Philipp know. I don't feel guilty about leaving him here since Nika is coming tomorrow and he'll be busy dancing. I quickly send him a message and wish him a good night.

Shit, shit, shit. I overslept and now I'm over an hour later on the road than I had planned. I don't know why my alarm didn't go off, but when I woke up and looked at my clock, I almost fell out of my bed. 06:08. Fuck.

Without giving it a second thought, I grab my bag and set off. At my first break just before Reims, I grab a coffee and a croissant. I make good time as far as Paris. There's traffic on the Périphérique – as always. From Nantes onwards, I no longer know my way around and need the navigation system. I nervously fish for my phone to attach it to the holder. Three new messages from Philipp. Shit!

I haven't looked at my phone all day. My heart starts beating nervously, hoping he didn’t want anything important. But he’ll have to wait until I get to the island. I'm not checking my phone while driving. It's forbidden and I have no desire to get into an accident while I’m distracted.

I was about to dial élias's number, but when I look out of the window, my breath catches and I forget everything else. The Atlantic Ocean.

I love the endless expanse of the sea, I always have. I'm so happy that I can be here. I'll never forget what élias did for me. Oh fuck! élias! I quickly dial his number.

"Hey! Where are you?!"

"Sorry, I'm late. But I'll be there soon. Google maps says seven minutes to drive."

As we stop talking on the phone, I turn into a village. The streets are narrow, the houses low and white, many with blue shutters. The campsite is already signposted, according to that I have to turn right here, then I'm on the street that leads to the campsite. I'm driving slowly uphill when I... No, that can't be...