(Michael's POV)
Summer had officially arrived.
And with that fact it's now July 14th,aka Bastille Day, the national holiday celebrating the French Revolution.
The symbol of French liberty, equality, and fraternity. As well as the day the French citizens showcase their anger and of French liberty itself by storming a fortress-prison, and killing the warden, and then put his head on a pike. I'd read and watch about it extensively in my past life.
The Bastille, a prison fortress in Paris,that become a symbol of royal tyranny.
On July 14, 1789, revolutionaries storming it, after they're raid on a military hospital, and needed gunpowder,so due to that they stormed it,demanding weapons, gunpowder and the release of prisoners.
The warden Bernard-René de Launay tried to delay the revolutionaries and invited a few revolutionaries to negotiate.
Big mistake.
The crowd wasn't in a negotiating mood.
They broke in, killed him, paraded his severed head through the streets on a pike, and kicked off what would become one of the bloodiest revolutions in history.
King Louis XVI originally believe the Bastille won't fall under civilians, how wrong he was.
King Louis XVI, when informed of the fall of the Bastille, reportedly asked, "Is this a revolt?"
And his advisor replied, "No, Sire. It is a revolution."
Spoiler alert: Louis lost his head too.
Literally.
Same for his wife.
Fun times.
Anyway.
Today, France celebrate that event with festivals, parades, fireworks, and parties.
And our neighborhood was no exception.
Currently, I was in my living room with Jeanne, sitting on the floor in front of the TV, controllers in hand.
We were playing a racing game similar to Mario Kart zipping through colorful tracks, drifting around corners, launching items at each other.
It was going well.
Until Jeanne started cheating.
"Mikey, look!" she said suddenly, pointing at the window.
"Huh?" I glanced over
She pinched my side.
"OW! Jeanne!"
Also damn I fall for the oldest trick in the book.
She cackled and pulled ahead on the track.
Are you kidding me?!
I gritted my teeth and focused, mashing buttons, trying to catch up.
Then she did it again.
This time, she tickled me.
Right under my ribs.
My main weakness.
"JEANNE!" I jerked away, my character swerving wildly on-screen and crashing into a wall.
She zoomed past the finish line, throwing her hands up in victory.
"I win!"
I glared at her. "You cheated."
"I used strategy," she corrected, grinning smugly.
"That's not strategy! That's sabotage!"
"Same thing!"
"It's NOT!"
She giggled and leaned closer. "Want to play again? I'll give you a head start."
"That's a bribe."
And I'm a man with standard.
"It's a generous offer."
"I reject it."
"Your loss!" She stuck her tongue out.
I sighed and reset the game.
This girl is impossible.
But also...
I glanced at her grinning, eyes sparkling, completely happy.
She's having fun and honestly, so am I.
I smiled despite myself. "Alright. One more race. And NO cheating this time."
"No promises!" she said cheerfully.
Of course.
-----------
Later - Evening
-----------
The sun was setting, and the neighborhood had transformed.
Tables were set up along the street, covered with food from bread, cheese, pastries, grilled meats, wine (for the adults), and an absurd amount of desserts.
French flags hung from windows and lampposts. As music played from speakers classic French songs mixed with modern pop.
Kids ran around, laughing and playing.
As adults gathered in clusters, talking, drinking, celebrating.
Mom and Dad were mingling with neighbors.
Mom was chatting with Charlotte and a few other mothers, while Dad laughing with a group of men over wine.
Dad's in his element.
Wine in hand, talking about... probably nothing important.
Jeanne and I sat at one of the tables, plates loaded with food.
She was happily munching on a croissant, legs swinging under the table.
"This is so fun!" she said, mouth full.
"You say that about everything," I pointed out.
"Because everything is fun!"
Can't argue with that logic.
I took a bite of my sandwich ham, cheese, fresh baguette.
It may be simple,but the taste was absolutely delicious.
As people around us were laughing, talking, celebrating and enjoying the holiday.
This is nice.
Just a normal peaceful day.
With people enjoying their life.
Jeanne meanwhile finished her croissant and looked at me. "Mikey, do you think they'll have fireworks?"
"Probably. It's Bastille Day, afterall there's always fireworks."
Considering that drones haven't been mainstreamed yet here, not to mention the ban and the stricter regulations of fireworks don't exist here, compared to my original world.
Her eyes lit up. "I love fireworks!"
"I know,you've told me that....multiple times."
"That is because they're AMAZING!"
I smiled. "Yeah, they are."
As night fell, the streetlights came on, and someone announced that the fireworks would start soon.
Soon everyone gathered in the street, looking toward the sky.
Jeanne grabbed my hand, bouncing excitedly. "It's starting!"
I looked up.
And then-
WHOOMP
The firework soon begin being lit.
And soon the fireworks begin to fly.
SCREE-EEEE
With sound of the firework blasting off towards sky can be heard.
BOOM BOOM BOOM
The first firework exploded in the sky as the night sky was filled with red, white, and blue lights, representing the colors of the French flag.
Huh, if i remember correctly for the colour of red you need strontium , while blue you need copper ,and white you need magnesium/aluminum. I thought.
Meanwhile soon the fireworks continue as more popping sound was made.
Then another.
And another.
The sky lit up with bursts of color as gold, silver, green, purple,each one more brilliant than the last.
Jeanne gasped, eyes wide with wonder. "Whoa..."
I watched, mesmerized with the firework
It's beautiful. I thought.
While i may be an adult i still find it cool watching fireworks explode.
Around us, people cheered, clapped, shouted "Vive la France!"
As children played with sparklers.
Sssssssssssss
Meanwhile i was handed a few of the sparklers,and i then gave some to jeanne who was more focused on watching the fireworks.
The fireworks continued, building to a crescendo as a massive finale firework was being readied.
BOOM BOOM BOOM
BOOM BOOM BOOM
You know i sometimes forget how loud firework are,not to mention the shockwave that it creates since i can feel the impact on my chest.
And then
SCREE-EEE
The final firework was launched was huge as it continues to light up the night sky in it's beauty... And explode.
KA-BOOM
The night sky was shining brightly as the firework had explodedand as if a new sun appeared,and then the chain reaction of the firework continues.
The night sky continue to lit up by the spark of the firework.
Then silence.
As the last sparks faded.
Everyone erupted in applause.
Jeanne then turned to me, grinning. "That was the BEST!"
I smiled. "Yeah. It was."
She hugged me suddenly tight, spontaneous, happy.
I hugged her back.
-------
Meanwhile - Dad and Gerald
-------
Edward stood with Gerald,Jeanne's father near one of the food tables, both men holding wine glasses, talking and laughing.
Gerald was a tall, broad-shouldered man with dark hair and a friendly smile. He worked in logistics, which kept him busy and often traveling, but whenever he was home, he and Edward got along like old friends.
"So Edward" Gerald said, taking a sip of wine, "Charlotte tells me that Jeanne and and your son Michael are practically inseparable now."
Edward chuckled. "Yeah. Jeanne's over at our house almost every day. I think my wife adopted her."
"No i think Jeanne adopted Michael" Gerald corrected, grinning. "Since she talks about him constantly. 'Mikey this, Mikey that.' It's all we hear....a lot"
Edward smiled. "Michael's somewhat thesame. He's never had a friend like her before."
"Good kids," Gerald said warmly. "Both of them."
"Agreed."
They clinked glasses and drank.
"By the way," Gerald said, "how was your trip? Charlotte mentioned you were gone for a few days."
Edward's expression didn't change, but internally, he thought:
Oh, you know, just killed a dragon. Normal stuff, but I'm not saying that outloud.
He said, "Just some work that was urgent, nothing exciting."
"Ah. Well, glad you're back."
"Me too."
"Also I heard from Giulia, that you also had to go on a business trip." Edward asked.
" Yes i was actually got called by work, to go somewhere since the company logistics of that area had a problem in shipping things."
Gerald explained thoroughly.
"Ah i see, Logistic can be dangerous." Edward replied.
" Yeah."
With both of them nodding to eachother.
{Phew looks like Edward/Gerald, bought my excuse}. Both secretly thought.
They continued talking, laughing, enjoying the evening,while hiding the fact they know the supernatural.
----------
Back with Jeanne and Michael
----------
Jeanne was still hugging me, her arms wrapped around me tightly, her head resting against my shoulder.
"You're my best friend, Mikey," she said softly.
I smiled. "You're my best friend too, Jeanne."
She pulled back slightly, looking at me with wide, earnest eyes.
"Do you ever... dislike me?"
I blinked, surprised by the question.
Dislike her?
I thought about it.
Honestly?
No.
She's energetic,chaotic,and while it's sometimes exhausting and annoying.
But she's also kind,loyal,and genuine.
And everything she does even if it's annoying, is because she's just a kid having fun.
How could I dislike her?
"No," I said honestly. "I never dislike you."
Her face lit up with the brightest smile I'd ever seen.
"Good!" she said, then immediately grinned mischievously. "Then let's play again!"
Of course.
She grabbed my hand and started dragging me toward the makeshift game area some of the neighborhood kids had set up.
I sighed but followed.
Yeah.
She's impossible.
But I wouldn't change her.
(Jeanne's POV)
I happily dragged Mikey toward the games, feeling warm and happy inside.
He's my best friend forever.
Though sometimes i had others weird feeling around him
But I didn't know what it was, i had asked mom about it, but she explained that it's how she felt when she was a child, I'll understand it eventually she said.
It's confusing.
But whatever.
I love spending time with Mikey.
So why not do it as much as possible?
That's why I visited him all the time.
That's why I hugged him.
That's why I played with him every day.
Because it made me happy.
And it made that weird, sad feeling go away.
Unknown to Jeanne, deep within her soul, something was happening.
Two faint light golden, warm, holy began to glow brighter.
One of it was that her Sacred Gear was slowly awakening. While it's not active yet.
But the process had begun.
And one day in time from now
She would discover the power sleeping inside her.
Not to mention the spirit that she inherited and is protecting her will helped her in her journey.
But for now?
She was just a five year old girl, playing with her best friend, laughing under the fireworks, happy and free. And that was enough.
As then they continued playing sparklers with the other kids.
---
(Timeskip - 5 Months Later)
---
(Michael's POV)
Christmas was here.
Which meant it had been almost a full year since I'd unlocked my past life memories.
A whole year. It's feel crazy.
Considering what happened during that time.
I find out the world i live in has magic,my family are knights and specifically being templar knights.
And being the descendants of the Templar knight open a whole can of worms or something similar to that, considering the implications, that my family could be hunted down by the church.
From what i understand,the Templar knight here is still and are considered heretics,and Blasphemous.
Pope Clement V, Chinon parchment, doesn't exist or haven't been found here.
Not to mention being the descendant of Nimue is another thing, considering it mean that king Arthur exists here, so Camelot did exist, and the events of it did happened, also Merlin did exist and was subsequently killed or imprisoned by Nimue. My ancestor is really badass.
I sat on the living room couch, controller in hand, staring at the TV screen.
Right now, the living room was in full Christmas mode.
Mom and Dad were decorating and putting up lights, hanging ornaments, setting up the tree.
And Dad was wearing a reindeer costume.
Complete with antlers.
And a red nose.
I stared at him for awhile when i first saw that.
...
Why.
Who suggested this.
And then i turned towards the culprit.
I looked at Mom.
She was wearing an elf costume green and red, with a pointy hat and jingle bells.
She looked adorable.
And also clearly the mastermind behind Dad's humiliation.
Of course.
Mom's behind this.
Dad caught me staring and grinned sheepishly. "Don't judge me, Michael. Your mother has very persuasive arguments."
"I didn't say anything," I replied.
"Your face is saying plenty." dad replied while pointing my face.
I tried not to laugh.
Beside me, Jeanne was completely focused on the TV screen, controller in hand, tongue sticking out in concentration.
As usual.
Jeanne had basically become a permanent fixture in my life over the past five months.
During summer break, she'd been at my house almost every single day, and now that school had started again, she still stuck to me like glue.
We sat next to each other in class.
We played together during recess.
We walked home together.
We did homework together.
Basically spend
Not that i mine about it.
Honestly, it's nice having her around, especially her video games,and having someone you can play video games with.
Currently, we were finishing an RPG we'd been playing for months a sprawling fantasy epic with hundreds of hours of content.
We were finally on the last boss.
"Mikey, buff me!" Jeanne shouted, mashing buttons.
"I'm trying! The boss keeps interrupting!"
"Then distract it!"
"I AM!"
We fought in coordination, as our characters on-screen continue to dodge attacks, casting spells,and executing combo run.
Finally we were able to finish the boss off.
As the boss was then cut down down,the screen showed.
______
VICTORY
———
And the ending cutscene played.
Jeanne threw her hands up. "WE DID IT! WE FINALLY FINISHED THE GAME !!"
I grinned. "Yeah, We did."
She hugged me suddenly, squeezing tight.
"That was SO fun! We should play the sequel next!"
...
Wait
"There's a sequel?" I asked in shocked.
Since holy the game took months to finish,and it was a grind to do. Heck even the speed runner who finishes this game took a few days.
"Yeah! It came out last month!"
Of course there is.
"Alright. We'll start it after Christmas."
I'm definitely going have to watch videos of speed runner playing this game.
"Yes!"
Meanwhile, Mom and Dad were whispering to each other near the tree.
I couldn't hear what they were saying, but they kept glancing at me and smiling.
Suspicious.
Very suspicious.
"Hey, Mom," I called. "What are you two plotting?"
Mom turned, looking innocent. "Plotting? We're not plotting anything, tesoro."
"Uh-huh. Sure." I replied with not a so convinced face.
Dad grinned. "You'll see soon enough."
Great.
They're definitely planning something.
I knew that Grandma Vivienne and Grandpa Edgar were visiting today.
And Mom's parents Nonna and Nonno were coming too.
Her brothers can't go to attending something.
So somewhat a full family reunion.
This is going to be chaotic.
Since i also expect Dad to immediately run and hide when Nonno arrived, even though Nonno had technically approved of dad marrying mom.
Nonno was somewhat petty,and cause
Dad to be terrified of him.
And honestly, I don't blame him.
Nonno's intimidating, especially when he's in a business suit.
Meanwhile - Edward and Giulia
Edward adjusted his reindeer antlers, trying not to laugh.
"Michael has no idea," he whispered to Giulia.
She smiled. "He's going to be so happy."
"You think so?"
"I know so."
Edward grinned. "Good."
Then he sighed. "Though, did you really have to pick the reindeer costume for me?"
Giulia looked at him with mock innocence. "You look adorable."
"I look ridiculous." Edward replied while having his hand pointing at his costume.
"That too." She kissed his cheek. "But you're my ridiculous reindeer."
Edward sighed but smiled. "I love you too."
"I love you too." Giulia replied.
--------
Meanwhile - Britain
--------
(Lavinia's POV)
I stood in my bedroom, the one Grandma and Grandpa had given me, as i was staring at the luggage packed and ready by the door.
This is it, i'm really leaving,and heading to France.
The luggage was big...really big, because Grandma had taken me on a shopping spree.
Clothes,books,toys. Everything I could possibly need.
Grandpa's wallet had taken a serious hit.
I'd seen him clutch his chest dramatically looking like suffering a heart attack, when Grandma showed him the receipts.
But he'd smiled and said, "Anything for you, kiddo."
I love them so much.
I looked around the room one last time.
This place had been my home for months.
The first real home I'd had since my parents died.
And now I was leaving.
But I'm not losing it.
I'm just... Going to another home one that is in France.
I picked up Mochi the blue cat plushie the one Michael had won for me and hugged it tightly.
"We're going to see him again," I whispered.
Grandma's voice called from downstairs.
"Lavinia! Come eat! We're leaving in an hour!"
I took a breath, grabbed my coat, and headed downstairs.
Alright.
Let's do this.
Downstairs - Kitchen
----------
Grandma had prepared a light meal, some sandwiches, fruit, tea. Considering we're going to a lot when we arrive at Michael house.
Grandpa sat at the table, looking over some documents, probably making final arrangements.
I sat down and started eating.
"Excited?" Grandma asked gently.
I nodded. "Yeah,a little nervous, but... excited."
"That's normal." She smiled. "You're going to love it there. And Michael will be thrilled to see you."
My heart warmed at the thought.
Michael.
I'm finally going to see him again.
Grandpa looked up from his papers. "Teleportation leaves in an hour. Make sure you've got everything."
I nodded. "I do."
"Good."
Grandma reached over and squeezed my hand. "This is the start of a new chapter, Lavinia. A good one."
I smiled.
Yeah.
It is.
---
After finishing her meal, Lavinia stood in the designated teleportation room a cleared space in the basement where Grandma had set up an elaborate magic circle.
The circle glowed faintly, intricate patterns and runes etched into the floor, pulsing with spatial energy.
Lavinia stared at it, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness.
This is really happening.
Grandma walked over, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder.
"Lavinia, your grandfather and I will still visit often," she said warmly. "But while you're in France, continue your magic studies. Train with Michael. And if you have any questions about magic, you can ask Edward aka Michael's father ie your dad if I'm not available. Alright?"
Lavinia nodded. "Okay, Grandma."
"Good girl."
Grandpa Edgar appeared at the top of the basement stairs, carrying multiple pieces of luggage,large suitcases, bags, boxes—all stacked precariously in his arms.
Lavinia's eyes widened.
How is he carrying all of that?!
An average adult man would probably be crushed under that weight.
But Grandpa Edgar descended the stairs with ease, not even breathing hard, muscles barely straining.
Grandpa's really strong.
Like, REALLY strong.
He set the luggage down near the magic circle and stretched his back. "Alright, that's everything."
Grandma checked the circle one last time, making sure the coordinates were correct and the energy flow was stable.
Then she turned to them. "Ready?"
Lavinia took a deep breath and nodded. "Ready."
Edgar cracked his knuckles. "Ready."
Grandma stepped into the center of the circle, gesturing for Lavinia and Edgar to join her.
They stood together, with Lavinia between her grandparents, luggage surrounding them.
Grandma raised her hands, and the magic circle began to glow brighter.
The runes spun.
As the sound of humming appears with power.
"Hold on," Grandma said calmly.
FLASH
As a brilliant light engulfed them.
The world blurred into a mess and they soon vanished.
Meanwhile - France
(Michael's POV)
I stood in my room, staring at the mirror.
I was wearing a Santa costume.
Your typical red suit, with white fluffy trim, a black buckle belt,and a red droopy pointy hat.
Now you might be thinking on why am i wearing this ?
The answer is simple.
Mom
This is Mom's doing.
Jeanne had left earlier to go home and change into her own Christmas outfit apparently, her mom had something planned for her too.
Probably something equally ridiculous, from the looks of it.
I walked to the window and looked outside.
Snow was falling gently, covering the neighborhood in a soft white blanket.
It's actually really pretty.
Christmas in France.
Not bad.
I heard voices downstairs, Mom and Dad talking, preparing for the family gathering.
Grandma and Grandpa are coming.
And Nonna and Nonno too. But sadly her brothers can't come.
This is going to be chaotic.
But in a good way.
I turned away from the window and headed toward the door.
Alright.
lete do this.
As i opened the door and head downstairs i was greeted with a cheerful mood.
"Merry Christmas!"
The living room was already buzzing with energy.
Mom and Dad stood near the Christmas tree, both still in their ridiculous costumes Mom in her elf outfit, Dad in his reindeer getup.
Jeanne's parents were here too.
Charlotte,Jeanne's mom was also in a female Elf costume, complete with the green dress, white fur trim, and a green elf hat.
And Gerald.
Jeanne's dad...was in a reindeer costume.
Just like Dad.
I looked back and forth.
God damn both looks ridiculous.
Also not to mention on the fact both mom and Jeanne mom clearly setting it up.
Thankfully i won't be wearing that any time in the future.
Meanwhile Dad stared at Gerald.
And Gerald stared back at Dad.
Both men stood there in matching reindeer costumes, antlers and all.
Dad broke the silence. "...Did our wives coordinate this?"
Gerald sighed. "Probably."
"I feel ridiculous."
"You look ridiculous."
"So do you."
They both sighed in unison.
Realising they were both tricked by their respective wives. But atleast there's someone else suffering as well.
Meanwhile Michael trying his best not to burst out laughing.
(Michael POV)
I tried really hard not to laugh.
I mean come on dad's already looked ridiculous,but Jeanne dad in one as well,make it more hilarious, though hope i don't get hit by karma in the future. And will be wearing one,but hell no cause i will not get convinced to wear one.
Meanwhile Jeanne then appeared.
She came bounding into the room wearing a girl Santa costume, a red dress with white fur trim, a Santa hat, and even little black boots.
She looked really adorable.
"Mikey!" she called, running over and hugging me. "Merry Christmas!"
I hugged her back. "Merry Christmas, Jeanne."
She pulled back, grinning. "You look so cute in your Santa costume!"
"You too."
She beamed.
Ding-dong.
The doorbell rang.
Mom's face lit up. "Oh! That must be my parents!"
She immediately started heading toward the front door,and had her arm towards Dad.
Dad's face went pale.
"Wait—" he started.
Too late.
Mom grabbed his arm and dragged him toward the door.
"Edward, come on. You're greeting them with me."
"But—"
"Now."
Dad looked at me desperately, as if hoping I could save him.
I just shrugged.
Sorry, Dad.
You're on your own. And good luck
And then did a thumbs up.
While cackling inside my head.
With Dad showing a 'How could you do this to me !?' .
Mom yanked the door open, pulling Dad along with her.
I followed behind, curious.
Might as well greet them too.
Jeanne had already met my mom's parents before they'd visited a few months ago so she wasn't nervous.
But Gerald looked slightly uncertain.
Charlotte nudged him. "Come on, Gerald. You should meet them too."
"Do I have to?" he muttered.
"Yes."
He sighed and followed.
Mom opened the door wide, revealing two figures standing on the front step.
Nonna and Nonno.
Mom's parents.
Nonna,Nonna Isabella was a petite, elegant woman in her sixties with silver hair tied in a neat bun. She wore a long coat and a warm smile.
Nonno,Nonno Antonio was tall, broad-shouldered, with a thick mustache and sharp eyes that could probably make grown men cry.
He looked like a retired Italian general.
Or a mafia boss.
Or both.
Intimidating didn't even begin to cover it.
"Mamma! Papà!" Mom said happily, stepping forward and hugging them both.
"Giulia, cara mia," Nonna said warmly, kissing both her cheeks.
Nonno smiled with a rare, genuine smile reserved only for his daughter. "You look well, piccola."
Then his eyes shifted.
To Dad.
Dad, still in his reindeer costume, antlers slightly askew, looking like he wanted the ground to swallow him whole.
Nonno's expression didn't change.
But his eyes narrowed slightly.
"Edward," he said evenly.
"Antonio," Dad replied, voice slightly strangled. "Good to see you."
"Is it."
Welp ...Nonno's in intimidation mode.
Mom elbowed Nonno gently. "Papa. Be nice."
Nonno's expression softened slightly. "I am being nice."
"You're glaring."
"I always glare."
"Not at Edward. You approved of him, remember?"
"I approved of him as your husband. That doesn't mean I can't glare."
Dad looked like he wanted to die,while alswo sweatdropping.
I stepped forward. "Hi, Nonna Hi, Nonno."
Nonna's face lit up immediately. "Michael! Tesoro!"
She knelt down and pulled me into a warm hug, kissing my cheeks repeatedly.
"You've grown so much! Look at you! So handsome!"
I smiled. "Hi, Nonna."
Nonno's expression softened completely when he looked at me.
"Michael," he said, voice warm. He reached down and ruffled my hair. "Good to see you, boy."
"You too, Nonno."
Jeanne peeked out from behind me, waving shyly. "Hi, Nonna! Hi, Nonno!"
Nonna beamed. "Jeanne! Cara! Come here!"
Jeanne ran over and got scooped into a hug.
Nonno nodded approvingly. "Good girl. Still taking care of Michael?"
"Always!" Jeanne said proudly.
... Taking care of me, more like I'm the one taking care of her.
Gerald stepped forward hesitantly, extending a hand. "Hello, I'm Gerald, Jeanne's father."
Nonno looked at him.
Studied him.
Then shook his hand firmly. "Antonio, Giulia's father."
"Pleasure to meet you."
"Mm."
Why can't Antonio accept me like that, Edward Thought.
Gerald looked slightly terrified.
Charlotte thankfully then stepped forward, saving him. "I'm Charlotte, Jeanne's mother. Lovely to meet you both."
Nonna smiled warmly. "Lovely to meet you too, dear."
Nonno nodded. "Welcome."
Mom ushered everyone inside. "Come in, come in! It's cold out there!"
Nonna and Nonno stepped inside, removing their coats.
Dad visibly relaxed now that Nonno's attention had shifted.
Poor Dad.
Nonno terrifies him.
Mom closed the door and clapped her hands together. "Alright! Everyone's here! Well—"
"Almost everyone except fir a few people."
I blinked. "Almost a few?"
Mom and Dad exchanged a look.
That look,the one that meant they were hiding something.
"What do you mean, 'almost'?" I asked suspiciously.
Mom smiled. "You'll see soon, tesoro."
Ding-dong.
The doorbell rang again.
I turned toward the door.
Who else is coming other than Grandma and Grandpa ?
Mom walked over towards the front door and opened it.
As the door opened, and standing there were Grandma Vivienne and Grandpa Edgar.
"Vivienne! Edgar!" Mom said warmly, stepping forward to hug them both.
"Giulia, dear," Grandma said, smiling as she returned the hug. "Merry Christmas."
"Merry Christmas!"
Dad stepped forward next, grinning. "Mom. Dad. Good to see you."
"Edward," Grandpa said, clapping him on the shoulder. "Looking... festive."
Dad glanced down at his reindeer costume and sighed. "Don't start."
Grandma chuckled. "You look adorable."
"I look ridiculous."
"That too."
I walked over, smiling. "Hi, Grandma. Hi, Grandpa."
Grandma immediately knelt down and pulled me into a warm hug. "Michael! Mon petit! Merry Christmas!"
"Merry Christmas, Grandma."
Grandpa ruffled my hair affectionately. "Good to see you, kiddo. You've been practicing your magic?" He whispered on the last part.
"Every day."
"Good boy."
Jeanne stepped forward, a little shy actually but smiling. "Um... hi. I'm Jeanne. Michael's best friend friend."
Grandma's expression softened immediately. "Jeanne! We've heard so much about you."
She extended her hand, and Jeanne shook it politely.
"Nice to meet you, ma'am."
"Please, call me Vivienne. Or Grandma, if you'd like." She smiled warmly. "Any friend of Michael's is family."
Jeanne beamed. "Thank you!" Her expression change from shy to her typical personality.
Grandpa nodded at her. "Edgar. Good to meet you, Jeanne."
"You too, sir!"
Then Grandpa turned back toward the door.
"Alright, let me grab the gift."
Gift?
He stepped outside for a moment, then came back carrying....
What..... What the hell !?
A massive wrapped gift.
Like,it was huge.
Easily tall or more as me, and just as wide.
What the hell is that !?
Jeanne's eyes went wide. "Whoa..."
Jeanne's parents,Charlotte and Gerald both blinked in surprise. Seeing the size of the present
Charlotte whispered, "That's... a very big gift."
Gerald just stared. Don't know whether to be impressed or diminished.
Mom and Dad, meanwhile, were smiling.
They knew about this.
They were in on it.
Grandpa carried the giant box into the living room and set it down carefully near the Christmas tree.
It was wrapped in shiny red paper with a big gold bow on top.
Grandma walked over, smiling. "We brought something special for you, Michael."
I stared at the box.
What could possibly be that big?
A bike? A piece of furniture? A small car?
Grandpa gestured toward it. "Go on, kiddo. Open it."
I hesitated. "Right now?"
"Right now," he confirmed, grinning.
I looked at Mom and Dad.
They were both smiling way too much.
Okay.
Something's definitely going on.
I walked over to the giant box, Jeanne following close behind, equally curious.
"What do you think it is?" she whispered.
"I have no idea," I whispered back.
I reached for the bow, untied it, and started pulling at the wrapping paper.
The paper tore away easily, revealing the
plain cardboard box,and it's lid.
Okay.
So whatever's inside is it.
I glanced at Grandma and Grandpa.
They were watching, smiling, clearly enjoying this.
I grabbed the lid and lifted it.
And inside
A person suddenly popped out of the box.
With blonde hair, blue eyes, wearing an elf costume.
"Michael!"
She lunged forward and hugged me tightly.
I froze since that voice and that face.
"Lavinia?!"
She pulled back, beaming. "Surprise!"
I stared at her, completely shocked.
Lavinia is here.... in France, in my house.
On Christmas....
What.
I turned to Mom and Dad, my eyes clearly asking: Can you guys EXPLAIN why she's here !?
Mom stepped forward, smiling warmly.
"Michael," she said gently, "meet your new big sister."
She gestured to Lavinia.
"Lavinia Reni de Montfort."
My brain short-circuited.
Wait.....WHAT !!!
Big sister!?
DE MONTFORT!?
ADOPTED!?
My mouth opened, but no words came out.
Lavinia smiled shyly. "Hi, Michael. I'm... I'm your sister now."
I just... stared.
trying to process on what i just heard.
Error 404: Brain not found.
Meanwhile, Jeanne,who had been standing beside me,froze completely like a statue.
Her eyes were locked on Lavinia.
Specifically, on Lavinia hugging me.
Her expression was unreadable.
But I could feel the tension radiating from her.
Charlotte,Jeanne's mom stepped forward, smiling warmly. "Congratulations, Giulia! Edward! "
Gerald nodded, though he looked surprised. "Yeah, congrats. Though... did Charlotte know about this?" With Gerald looking at his wife.
Charlotte shot him a look. "No of course what makes you think that !?"
"Just checking."
Nonna and Nonno,Mom's parents meanwhile looked equally shocked.
Nonno turned to Grandpa Edgar, his expression serious. "Edgar, you'll have to explain this later."
Grandpa nodded. "Agreed."
Nonna looked at Lavinia, her expression softening. "Welcome to the family, cara."
Lavinia smiled shyly. "Thank you."
Then Jeanne spoke.
"Michael."
Jeanne voice was calm...too calm. Not to mention she was calling me Michael,not her signature " Mikey!"
I turned to her.
She was smiling,but not a good kind.
But her eyes were... sharp.
"Who is she?"
I swallowed. "Uh... this is Lavinia Reni... De Montfort My friend. Who is now my sister,who I met when I was in Britain."
Goddamn i don't know but holy I'm terrified of Jeanne. Is it because of my subconsciouss what, since I'm supposed not to be terrified.
Jeanne's smile didn't waver. "Your friend."
"Yeah." I answered truthfully.
"From Britain."
"Yeah." I confirmed it again.
"And you didn't mention Her !?"
Oh no.
"I... didn't think it was important?" I replied...then regretting it since it was maybe a wrong answer.
Definitely wrong answer.
Jeanne's smile tightened slightly.
"I see."
I'm in danger.
Lavinia, oblivious to the brewing storm, stepped forward and introduced herself to Jeanne's parents.
"Hello! I'm Lavinia Reni de Montfort. It's nice to meet you!"
Charlotte smiled warmly. "Nice to meet you too, dear. I'm Charlotte, and this is my husband Gerald."
"Welcome to the family," Gerald added.
Lavinia beamed. "Thank you!"
Then she turned to Nonna and Nonno.
Nonno studied her for a moment, then nodded approvingly. "Why welcome Lavinia."
Nonna smiled gently. "You're a lovely girl, cara. We're happy to have you."
Lavinia bowed politely. "Thank you so much."
Then she turned to Jeanne.
"Hi! I'm Lavinia. Michael's... sister now, I guess!" She smiled brightly. "You must be Jeanne! Michael told me about you!"
Jeanne's expression didn't change.
She extended her hand. "Nice to meet you."
Lavinia shook it. "Nice to meet you too!"
Both were smiling, meeting eachother, which it looks like a happy interaction.
Lavinia's Thoughts:
So this is Michael's friend.
The one he's always with.
The friends he's always with.
She's... cute.
And close to him.
Very close.
...
I need to make sure she knows I'm his big sister now.
Jeanne's Thoughts:
So this is the friend Mikey met in Britain.
Why didn't he mention her?
And why is she hugging him so much?
And why is she now his SISTER?
...
I don't know why but i very much don't like it.
(Michael's POV)
I watched the two of them shake hands.
Still shaking eachother hand,and smiling.
...
I don't know why but....
Why does this feel like a standoff?
Heck not to mention why does this feel dangerous ?
I glanced at Mom and Dad.
They were watching with happy expressions.
I looked at Grandma and Grandpa.
Grandma was smiling knowingly.
While Grandpa showed a normal expression.
...
I don't know why, but I have a feeling...
I'm going to face a LOT more chaos after this.
Also why did she became my sister !?
------------
Sorry for the timeskip.
Anyway look like Lavinia is now officially in.
With Michael shocked on her being here, not to mention how did she joined his family,well Michael will find out in the next chapter.
Not to mention on things will definitely change.
Ok See ya in the next chapter 👋
- AgentByteGOC