The Light and Dark in Us

7. Des Yeux Noisette

The day of the etiquette class finally comes around, and I pair my new beautiful dress with silver heels and jewellery, I straighten my hair too, fed up of its tendency to fall in knotty waves.

I rush out of my room and grab my coat, jogging on my way there and putting the coat on in the corridor that leads outside, but run into someone I don't expect.

"Jamie."

He turns at my voice, and I notice his eyes widen the slightest at the sight of me, even if I do have one arm in a coat sleeve.

"Odette. I was just walking to the class, we're a bit late."

I stare, "I know."

"So...you might want to go."

I finally shrug the coat on, "Will you walk with me?"

He nods, and we walk together, it slightly annoys me how he's still taller than me in heels, because I hate feeling intimidated by him. Because he's intimidating.

"Do you know who's teaching us?" I ask, feeling awkward.

"I think she's called Lady Priscilla, and I heard she's tough, so be careful."

I nod.

"You're used to stuff like this though right? Your Dad is a prime minister after all..."

"Yeah, but, I don't know, I've grown up with this kind of stuff, it is all I'm used to but it doesn't mean I enjoy it. I came to Rosewood not only because my parents suggested it, but because I wanted control over my life..."

I trail off as we reach the hall.

"Good luck." Jamie says, pushing open the door and holding it for me.

"Thank you, Jamie."

I head inside, and just before I do notice Jamie's genuinely smiling, not smirking, smiling.

"Odette, Jamie! You're here!" Lottie looks relieved, rushing over to us.

"Oui, hello. I know I'm late."

I spot Anastacia, Saskia and Raphael, so approach them, beckoning for Lottie and Jamie to join me.

I greet them with a smile. "Hi guys."

Anastacia nods approvingly at my dress, Raphael grins, Saskia looks distracted.

"Are you ready for this cousine?" Anastacia asks, an eyebrow raised.

I smirk. "Please, I've been to every one of your etiquette sessions Ani." I glance around the room suddenly, my brows falling into a frown. "Where's Henri?"

"Here!" Henri's out of breath as he approaches me. He spots Jamie and I notice the slightest breach in his casual smile, but it doesn't last.

I pat him on the arm. "Nice tuxe ami, not like you to be late."

"Not like you to be on time."

Raphael's lips curve into a sneaky grin. "She wasn't."

"Am I underdressed?" Lottie ponders.

The doors to the room swing open loudly, and in walks a tall, classy looking woman with a taut face and a tight red skirt. "QUIET!" She declares, everyone looks gobsmacked.

"I'm not a monkey to gawk at children! I am Lady Priscilla, and you will address me as that and only that. GET IN LINE."

The students in the hall stumble into a line against the wall, I'm to the left of Henri and right of Lottie, and we're unfortunately quite close to the front.