"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...
Chapter 39
Philipp
"Hey Nika! Are you okay?" I'm surprised. She's on vacation with Élias, first in Bretagne with his parents and then they wanted to go to some island on the Atlantic coast.
"Ah, good you answered. I wanted to ask you something. Would you like to spend two weeks with me on Île de Saint-Émile?"
I don't really understand what she's talking about. "What do you mean by that? You're on vacation with Élias."
There's a groan at the other end of the line. "Yes, that was the plan. But Élias's parents had major water damage to their house and they need all the help they can get. Élias can't leave now. But our campsite is already booked and paid for, so I wanted to ask if you'd like to meet me there instead. You can't see it, but I’m pouting like ‘Please, please’."
A laugh bubbles up inside me and I can't stop it. Nika is absolutely unique, which is what I love so much about her. But you only know that if you're one of the handful of people who don't just get to see her façade. I'm glad that I get to be one of them. "Okay, of course! I'm definitely up for it! When do we go?"
"Yeah, that's exactly the problem. You have to leave tomorrow."
I must have gotten that wrong and ask again, but Nika sticks to her guns. I’ll have to catch a train tomorrow morning, change trains once in Paris to get to Nantes, and then continue by bus.
"You know what time it is, right? It's just before nine in the evening! How am I supposed to make it?"
"I believe in you! I'll meet you at the campsite. Call me when you get off the bus and I'll meet you at the reception. I'll send you your ticket. See you tomorrow!" Click. Nika's gone and I'm standing in my little kitchen looking rather bewildered.
I'm frantically gathering my things when my phone vibrates. A message from Adrien. Shit, I still need to tell him. How will he react if I leave now?
"Hey! Élias asked me if I'd keep him company while you're on the road. I'm leaving tomorrow morning. I would have loved to say goodbye properly, but it was too last-minute. I'll see you in two weeks. Miss you! Have fun! Sleep well and sweet dreams."
