Chapter 2
Away from all these existential or sentimental concerns, Sylvie revising and revising ... as if all her life depended on it coming ! Every day she felt that her future would be what she would do. She wanted freedom and light, so she was with the greatest conviction to passing exams and then continues towards the final degree she had set a goal. She knew very well that the road would not be easy, but she was determined.
Once completed her studies, she would have liked to travel, see the world in general, and specific countries she particularly appreciated the cultures. But for that, she would have the means, then it intended not only to work to pay for his studies, but also to build a nest egg sufficient for her future journey. After that, she would see ! She had no illusions, but certainties.
Marc had not specific project about what he would do once his next and final graduation. Several ways tempted him, and since he had the means, through his grandparents who had made him an easy annuitant, he envisioned a world tour. A final salvation to all human diversity, animal, vegetable and mineral tract disappearances ! Afterwards, he would depending on what would become the air time ...
Side girl, he was well aware that his artist arias applied, but also some had doubts about his morals ! He did not, which was why it irritated him to see his friends carefully avoid the subject before him. He understood their reaction because of the stigma attached to his artistic activities, but also its little taste for jokes or the so-called manly sprees.
And then, there was Sylvie whom he was in love ever since. Not only does she promise to be more than pretty, but she had more charm, intelligence, peppered with a rebellious spirit. This did not prevent him from being as very feminine, sweet and bubbly ! They had many common interests centre, yet hitherto he had never dared to talk about his feelings, seeing that she was centred on her studies and projects, whose marriage was not a short term.
And there is Annie had revealed to him about what the parents of Sylvie prepared ! He was sure she would rebel ... But she loved her parents, who paid her well and had to make a choice for satisfying her. Even if Sylvie revolted by principle, and because they imposed a way that hitherto had not interested, she would eventually be accepted by, and there he would lose her forever. This perspective dismayed him !
He thought of the long discussions he had with Sylvie, her medium-term plans, her vision of marriage, the lives of women and their place in society ... It was not possible that scans all to obey her parents ! It was true that she depended on them at least financially ... that would not fail to make think. Although she was rather kind to want to assume and take her charge.
Finally, since the parents of Sylvie stood to marry quickly, he could ask for her hand. This idea certainly audacious, seemed to be the right solution, and Sylvie could pursue studies that interested her, without having to fight with her parents, and take any job to survive. Marc was happy with his idea, he had only to inform and convince Sylvie accept.
Such as fever fell, while storms faded, the first invitations to tests exams season began to arrive. Sylvie and her friends were concerned and relieved at the same time worried about what awaited them. Phew, life resumed its ordinary course ! But already they felt a vague nostalgia to remember the last few weeks, a bit like the last gasps carried with them some momentum of their youth.
Sylvie watched with amusement the excitement of her parents busy making final preparations for their party. However, she was eager to celebrate the next anniversary that would finally give her this majority she waited for so many years ! Finally, she would be free to live as she wished, make her own choices, decisions that concerned ! She no longer depend on anyone, and she was determined that it lasts. Then, she would not leave anyone decide for her.
Lately, she had seen more Hervé who helped her prepare her examination that he had succeeded. She discovered that, in addition to being handsome service with long teeth, he was also intelligent and cultured. She understood why all the girls in their band, or almost, were under his spell ! Giselle in particular who seemed to very love and already considered Hervé as her fiancé. He did not deny, but not confirmed.
It was on the eve of the birthday party, the weather was beautiful in the late spring. Sylvie took advantage of the absence of her parents and her brother, for perfect her tan on the terrace. Comfortably installed, its transistor within earshot, she was lulled by the songs that succeeded, light and heady as the scent of flowers or air time. The sun warmed her skin that a light breeze freshened.
Relaxed, she dreamed of the coming holidays, the beach, outdoor cafes where she would find her friends for endless discussion ... She knew how much they appreciate them, how she relish, especially if she clinched her next degree and managed to register her for a new cycle ! Between sun and music optimism flourished. She dreamed of her future life, free, unattached, made of travel and discovery.
Sylvie wondered if she could remain close friends today once all have begun to build their lives. Maybe some, leave their region to new horizons. Did their potential spouses, outside their little band, would integrate or otherwise they would spread discord ? They can always at the mercy of the vagaries of life, remain united and support ? What would become of them in ten years ?
But already Annie happened, very elegant in her new dress. "Hurry up, we're going to be late! I knew you'd be here to loaf, this is why I'm early! You know that we have an appointment with Hervé Philippe and then we join Marc and the other at the opening. Come on, you're cooked to perfection. " Annie surprised by her sudden excitement, she usually so calm and collected, as it was happening ? Decidedly, everything changed !
The evening dragged on the freshness of the night. The exhibition was a great success, and its opening drew a crowd of regulars at this kind of event, journalists and critics, some people say official. Marc's friends felt a little isolated in the crowd, but they were pleased with the success he won. It was his first exposure he prepared for a few months working hard in many paintings and sculptures.
Marc had gone through periods of elation, followed by other doubts ... Backed by a small band of his friends, he embarked on this adventure at the same time he was preparing for his final diploma. The school year had ended was so busy for him. Yet he never was divested his nonchalant gait, a little flippant. But Annie and Sylvie were often went to see him studio, knew his fright.
The gallery is gradually emptied. Mark was driving his guests always smiling. He was tired and relieved. His work had rained, he observed that some sales were made. His friends of art picturesgallery, who trusted him and gave his luck, seemed satisfied with his success and advanced to congratulate him. "Almost all the works exhibited were sold, and tomorrow we should have great reviews ! This promises a beautiful career, Marc.
But you also know that you need to evolve, continue your work without getting caught by the commercial success, which might take paths that lead to failure. Otherwise, you will be asked to do the same thing, because it pleases plagiarize. " Marc thanked them and assured to never take the easy way. Leaving the gallery, Marc realized he could live on his art, and this success made him a very presentable bridegroom according to the criteria of Sylvie's parents.
Earlier, while the opening was in full swing, Annie and Philippe had led to the peaceful quiet of the terrace. There, he asked her to marry him, with sobriety. Annie, surprise and angels, was quickly accepted. These days, she noticed the change in attitude of Philip against her, but she did not expect this request as quickly, in any case not be passed before the birthday party Sylvie.
Satisfied with the turn of events, Philippe now considering to make the announcement of their engagement to morrow, before that of his stupid sister by her parents. That would not go unnoticed and remind their parents that he was the eldest, their heir ! But before he would make his request to parents of Annie, which he was about to have the consent. And it would avoid this expensive Sylvie to make one of his usual quirks, so he steals the show from her birthday party. This idea pleased him.
Always flanked by Giselle, who clung to him, Hervé had tried several times during the opening, to escape to talk to Sylvie. But now, his pot of glue do not let go ! As if she suspected something and wanted to tell all that he belonged to her ! What right she behaved this way ? He never encouraged her to expect him anything ! And tonight, she did not give him a chance to talk to Sylvie.
She was so charming in this light dress, with her golden skin and fuzzy hair on her shoulders. Certainly, Sylvie would make a beautiful bride and a wife whom he could be proud of ! A beautiful couple whom all succeed. At least, if he could get rid of Gisele ! Hervé looking for a way to understand that Gisele was wrong with him without muzzle to show. He not wanted hurt her, but insisted on clarify things with her.
The occasion was present at the end of the opening, as their small band decided to dine in one of their favourite restaurants. Lucas, a newcomer to the band, offered to Gisele to take her in his car and dragged before she could protest. Hervé sent a small token of thanks to his friend, who had offered to take charge of Gisele which he was more or less in love. Hervé accepted especially as Lucas corresponded exactly to the boy's ideal criteria by Gisele and her friends : a lot of his person, a beautiful graduation and beautiful future.
But before Hervé could approach Sylvie, she was distant with Marc. Missed ! Overtake him later in the evening. Restaurant, pizzeria as it opened in recent times, that was one of the band members, Hervé found himself placed away from Sylvie that Mark did not leave. Really, now that he had finally gotten rid of his pot of glue, it was the turn of Sylvie to have her ! Behind his young wolf smiling, he raged.
And would continue to enrage ... Not only did Marc not leave Sylvie, but it was he who was driving her ! Where was Philip ? And Annie ? He wanted to speak with one of them what was bothering him tonight ... Both disappeared after the opening, imitated by Lucas and Gisele gone soon settled the bill. Some wanted to continue the evening, others, that he was, preferred return. Which he did, reluctantly and worried about the turn things were taking.
Sylvie was among those who wished to return, she knew that the next day would be long. In addition, she would get up early to be ready when her mother would come to take her to run errands to away her from the house. Yes, she wanted to surprise her, and it was from her young age ! Sylvie knew a long time and played the game to make her happy. Her parents were old fashioned, but nice, although sometimes too authoritarian.
On the way back, Marc spoke to Sylvie projects of her parents who wanted to enjoy her birthday party to present potential fiancés which one they preferred. Of course her parents did not oblige to marry against her will, but they had made their selection, taking into account their tastes, personality. Finally, they thought they were doing their duty of loving and responsible parents for establishing their daughter the best for twenty years.
They wanted their choice that might suit her and announce her engagement before the end of the reception that they wore special care. Seeing Sylvie boil, ready to explode and cause a crisis with her parents when got home, Marc began to calm. See, her parents behaved as they did in the last century, certainly, but they was age and should not blame them, rather find a parade.
Calmed down a bit, but very upset especially since, if she noticed the agitation usual but a little larger, she was attributed to a twentieth anniversary is a bit peculiar. Although she also became suspicious and had observed councils, without understanding why a small alarm had rung in her head ! She also wanted to Annie, although she understood her. She felt betrayed and manipulated. The attitude of her brother does not surprise, though she also wants him for his silence.
Do that her, which she advocated the equality of women and men in society, who wanted women to choose life, to have a fulfilling occupation, be independent and autonomous. Impose, even if it was done discreetly "for her own good" (according to her mother), a husband and a life they folded back her ears since childhood, was to deny that she was, this that she thought and felt.
When she had recovered her breath, Marc, very intimidated, he was his idea that she would not have to face her parents, while avoiding having to accept the choice made for her. Sylvie listened with attention. Marc has always been a friend to her brother, an accomplice. Sylvie admired for his artistic skills, to the extent of his culture. She appreciated his kindness, availability. Until then, she had never thought about his masculine ideal, even if she had some flirtations.
And now Marc offered her officially become engaged, he would rule in its application to her father the next day ! The surprise was big and her life, or the image she was in, flew in brightness. But already Marc described her how he saw things. She would be free and he will help to continue her studies. Once she was major, she would have no obligation to him and will decide to continue their relationship, in the way that it should or not.
Surprised, taken aback, Sylvie understood how Mark offering was disinterested and how he had to keep at it. This idea appealed her especially liked a lot and Marc and had full confidence in him. She did not doubt his sincerity. No, she had the uneasy feeling that accepting she would abuse his kindness and feelings he had for her. She shrank from it.
Already, Marc laughed her expression, and assured her that he would be happy to make an end of the road with her and they would then decide what they do. Already, she had finished her studies, as he prepares for his upcoming shows. Later, they could travel, see the world together ... Then they would well as their inspirations. And then it would silence the gossip him concerning !
Defeated, Sylvie accepted. Suddenly her young life took a new course which she had not thought of. She had always projected into the future alone and without ties. Now she could consider the trip with Marc and the idea was rather pleasant. Suddenly, they realized they had always been there each for other, and they were accustomed to rely on each other for a long time. Tonight Marc beamed, relieved and proud.
As expected, the mother of Sylvie had awakened early the next morning, pretending to have forgotten her birthday. Sylvie would have gladly stayed in bed, if only to be able to think, put her thoughts in order ! Everything had fallen so fast ! She had not yet completed her studies she already had one foot in adulthood. Unlike many of her friends, she had not been watching the boy she fell in love is wondering if too ...
All morning she had followed her mother in shopping, had lunch with her at her grandmother, and they had gone to the hairdresser. Finally, her mother found her quite presentable, and also being changed and made wearing, they were returned. On the way back, Sylvie felt how her mother was happy and looking forward to what should follow according to it. The casually and studious, Sylvie exulting internally.
Arriving in their street, Sylvie noticed cars friends of her parents, members of the family, but also those of Hervé, Marc and others. Phew, at least it would not be bored too. Annie not on the horizon, decidedly, her best friend was very quiet lately ! She saw Gisele on the door, well, she clung to Lucas now, she thought it was better that way because they were better matched.
Her mother looked at the corner of her eye, pleased with what she thought was a surprise. Sylvie loved these moments with her mother, even though she felt like a waste of time all these occupations frivolous and superficial. This does not prevent him from being neat and elegant, but with natural and never surfaced. The gap between her and her mother was important, and her mother could never really understand any more than the converse also !
With a smile of circumstance, Sylvie entered the cage to fawn, beating heart at the prospect of again Marc. That far to meet, spend time with him, was something natural and ordinary ! For now, the reality was more oppressive, there were so many people in the large living room of their house, in the garden and on the terrace. Her parents had really great things, his brother would be green with envy !
Hey, speaking of Philip, where he was hiding since last night ? And Annie, what had become since the opening ? Curious as both were volatilized during this event ! Is there something fishy ? If this were the case, Annie would be eager to talk to her. Unless she has changed a lot, and her attitude could suggest these days, Philip had influence her to keep it secret ...
What family of conspirators ! There, near the fireplace, her father and Marc were in deep conversation, their mines were serious. Sylvie's heart beat faster. Finally, her father went away after shaking hands with Mark. Point of screaming, names of birds, slaps ... Marc diplomat had struck, he also sent a small sign indicating victory !
Sylvie breathes better and rested on the back of a chair on the verge of fainting, while Marc beckoned her not to join immediately. Indeed, he had promised the father of Sylvie to wait until he informed that the persons concerned had accepted the choice of his daughter, and announce their engagement just before the opening of the ball.
For now, guests ended arrived, greeted, would embrace the heroine of the party, then headed to the buffet where refreshments awaited them. The atmosphere was gay, relaxed, with a hint of solemnity in the air. Gifts piled on the coffee table, but Sylvie did not pay too much attention. The throat, she waited a result, both eager and anxious to see the time to stop. Her life took a turn that was not expected, it was the best gift for twenty years !
"Happy birthday," said Hervé, glad to finally talk to Sylvie. Startled, Sylvie smiled and thanked him. "Gisele has a new boyfriend, you're not too disappointed ? " She joked. But Hervé felt her absent, preoccupied. "Well, I will leave ! And you, still single and free as air ? " He asked, a little worried. Sylvie returned him her smile of circumstance, and with an ambiguous air retorted, "You know I'm all for gender equality, and not for women ape men, an independent woman! ".
Already Sylvie walked away, grabbed by a group of invited then another ... Hervé felt a strange uneasiness invade, seem to have missed the boat. He played decidedly unlucky again. The whole story of his life after all ! But hey, he can take patience, he had used since his earliest childhood. It was also certainly for all that he was so determined to take revenge on life that had not really liked so far.
Hervé did his best to regroup while Lucas and Gisele came up to him, smiling and holding their hand. He had forgotten those two, who now seem to be the best ! Regaining his usual mask, both seductive and dynamic young wolf, Hervé conversed with them on the same bantering tone as salonnard them. He did not know what to think, Sylvie was always the same, but she was something different, a new splendour he had ever seen.
Closely followed by Philip, impeccable tuxedo, Annie made her entrance into the living room wearing a long dress, very elegant woman. Hervé also noted again in her the same shine. Decidedly, it was an epidemic ! As for Philip, he always wore the same haughty and self-satisfied than usual. Annie did leave no eyes what she found him ? Thus, the girls in their group of friends allowed themselves caught up in the spring, their hormones or pressure their education ... and Sylvie who preached independence of women !
He was curious to see the lucky winner, probably chosen by her parents. It was a far from her speech she was still these last days. While on the tables where the buffet was served, trays of meat, fish, salads and other sandwiches replaced toast those of the appetizers, guests gathered around a table on the terrace. Gradually the sun was setting. Sylvie had blown out the candles on the huge cake and champagne foamed in cuts. Hervé admired Sylvie who, with her flexible walk, was heading to gifts table. Appreciate she his ?
Under the gaze of guests, Sylvie began to open the package. As in, she thanked donors while doing her best to appear happy. It was true that she was spoiled and that most gifts were her taste. Annie would be show the great skill with each and other ! She and her parents had gone to great lengths to make this evening be successful, and it was ! Sylvie opened the Hervé package and its contents touched her, she thanked look.
There was nothing left on the table a small packet that Sylvie knew to be the gift of Marc. In fact, her father and Marc were advancing toward her, followed by the surprised looks and questioning her mother, Philip, Annie, Hervé and others intrigued by this unexpected final. Sylvie's heart would begin to beat faster and faster. The big moment arrived and as Marc had promised, it happened smoothly, finally so far.
Here, the father of Sylvie announced at the meeting engagement of his daughter with Mark, promising young artist, the wedding was planned in two years, when she had completed her second cycle. Marc then offered her a very pretty ring, simple and elegant. Now, welcomed the guests, more or less sincerely. Sylvie breathes more freely, smiling at Marc, the life that lay before them.
On the other side of the room, fuming Philippe. Once again, his sister took speed ! Already he trained Annie through the living room, rushing to his father with a big smile. Before the guests have diverted their attention from his sister and her recently fiancé, Philip, in a tone which was intended as light as worldly, admonished his father to tell him his own engagement with Annie.
Surprised the father turned to them a polite smile on his lips, replicating " a happiness never comes alone, his two children would marry according to their heart, including his wife and himself were delighted. On this, the ball could start, he opened with the heroine of the day ! ". Dancing, Sylvie was well aware that his father was upset. Was it because of her or his brother ? Always smiling, he brought Sylvie to Marc while he joined his wife.
Guests occupying the dance floor, or nearly everyone seemed to have fun. Philip was happy to have defied his father, but also worried about the future. Annie was puzzled, she had not seen it happen and had never noticed that there was something between Sylvie and Marc, between Sylvie and Hervé rigor maybe .... Her friend had hidden her game ! It was the first time since they knew there were secrets between them.
Sylvie's parents were amazed and angry. Here their children were only at their head ! Pass again to Sylvie who had shorted the projects they had formed for her, at the same time putting in a delicate situation with respect to some of their friends, as Marc had done things correctly. Certainly, it was not easy, but they could apologize to stakeholders, so that there was no fuss or drama, although some were disappointed.
As for Philip, now he was an adult and he reached the end of his studies, he obviously doubted anything ! Why had he announced his engagement as well ? It was stupid and thoughtless ! This could have been a more appropriate occasion. So, they forgot that they approved his choice and showed a great indifference to the poor Annie, who did not understand their reaction, but sensed that Philip had made a regrettable blunder.
Annie was disappointed to tears by this evening, as she had expected, and had longed. Especially after the marriage proposal of Philippe the previous coating, although this one was not very romantic, but it was not the style of her fiancé. Tonight, she expected to see the father of Sylvie and Philippe announce their respective engagement, after which the two friends would have told their stories they would have laughed together.
Instead, Annie was there, alone in a corner of the room while Philip was trying to defend his point of view with his parents, and Sylvie radiating arm Marc. Obviously she wanted, but she did not know why. Maybe tomorrow, the two friends find themselves and explain. Annie also saw the disappointment in the smile of Hervé. She would, however, bet it was him that Sylvie would have preferred among their entire boy band.
She looked around her with the feeling that an era ended, some went their youth. Already some of their friends had entered the workforce and preparing to marry, others who were studying were preparing for final exams, and now many of them considering s' also engage in a life together. Time of carelessness was probably behind them ...
It is ironic how Sylvie was successful in thwarting the plans of her parents, by leaving very honourably, but so disagrees with the ideas she defended ! Annie did not understand her friend, or Marc elsewhere. Philippe returned to her, followed by her parents who wanted to welcome in the family. Annie found her smile, relieved to see that everything is contrived at best.
As was starting June, calm gradually returned. The storm had passed leaving a bitter taste to some, and mountains of rubbish in many cities. Economic life resumed gradually forced out of its recent weeks stupor, both eager to catch up with all the accumulated delays and struggling to regain its normal rhythm. It floated like an after party print between hangover and greasy paper.
Already they cleaned the streets that had served battlefields, they remade coatings while traders repairing the damage to their storefronts. Newspapers found their tone and their customary subjects, soon forgetting the excitement and bustle of the previous days. Leaders yesterday fell into anonymity for most, but others tried to bounce ideas and slogans born on erect barricades into movement, with anchor their claims in the air of time.
Fashion, art, entertainment already made it echoes. For some, it was clear that nothing would be as before. For others, the return to normal closed a temporary crisis, some stronger than others, which would bring change, but no groundswell as both had announced. And then there were all those who aspired to a different world, a future closer to their expectations and that could only be found in most speech that ticked here and there.
Invitations to tests arrived at progressively return to normal. In an emergency examinations were organized as well as possible, and they ensured that juries can consider disturbances to competitors. Already they murmured degrees obtained then this would not have great value, since, due to exceptional circumstances, they would be given some kind to all who request it. The future looks !
A few days later, tests exams were finally held in an atmosphere of confusion back to school and botched improvisations approximate. No matter, the candidates were relieved not to lose a year. Like their examiners, students did their best to restore normalcy to an apparent these tests somewhat exceptional. Chugging the country, the planet would begin to operate as it did before all these events, but the hangover continue, certainly for a long time even if it does not see really.
Under the June sun, the days went faster despite pending the results. Already the boys who received suspended, received their letters of incorporation to go to military service. Fortunately, since their country was at war, at least officially, policies reduced the duration. For many this period of their life was a waste of time, a disability to enter the workforce. For others, an opportunity to leave the family environment, see the country.
Within their group of friends, Hervé, Marc Lucas, Philippe and others had received these letters. They were joking, mocking their future haircuts, yes, the military expressed their anger on the skulls of hairy ! They asked the girls to reduce their length before starting to limit the damage. When they all met, the conversations bouncing on recent events in their young lives, timeliness, their futures.
The expectation in where were some of them for the results was difficult. They were anxious to make arrangements to find a first job, housing, finally organized. Unless redouble their fault, find jobs for the next year and get a reprieve for boys. Already, those who had completed their military service and began to build their professional life preparing to marry. The rest would gradually.
It was funny, until then, they had attended departures, marriages of their elders, cousins, friends, a little older, and now it was their turn ! Sylvie was among the last of their group of friends to celebrate her twenty years. Here some already went to their new lives somewhere in their region and beyond. Others are rather preparing for the next holiday beach and small jobs. Couples were formed, ephemeral or not.
However, they continued their careless chatter, despite them putting more intensity, presumably to delay the passage of time, to prolong these moments of their youth. They wanted to live fully this last summer-like school holidays. But for most of them there would be no return to school. Changed their lives they were eager to learn, while having already nostalgic for that era ended.
Time did not change only for their group of friends. As soon as the events row flags, now new conflicts born, swell ... a time occupied the news. Shortened fashion for girls, became more unisex, which was crumbling tell that they could not distinguish girls from boys ! Moreover, as each saw life the same way the other, doing the same projects. Parents lost their footing ...
A musical knew a great success across the Atlantic, it resulted in its wake a youth in search of an ideal of peace, nature ... new fashion colourful flowers, not always in good taste, but allowed all boldness . These young people had no other ambition than to live like nomads attracted by Eastern and Asian philosophies, unless they prefer to live together in communities, and there, my good lady, I do not say.
What time lamented adults overwhelmed by the rebellious youth. But it did not take long to take things in hand, life could well watch these kids insolent