The next day, Sunday. The scent of the mille-feuille that Annebelle brought was drifting in the air.
Flevisse and Cerise joined them, and the tea party began. However, under the table, Vincent's fingers gently stroked Avery's knee, signaling a secret connection known only to the two of them.
"What is Avery's middle name?" Cerise asked.
Vincent whispered mischievously, yet full of affection, "It's 'Lapin (Rabbit).'"
As the girls, unaware of anything, laughed, Avery's face grew hot with embarrassment and a sense of sweet happiness.
At night, Avery was invited by Flevisse and visited the ballet studio.
"I practice giving shape to music here."
Her dance was powerful, yet somehow lonely.
"May I... dance with you?"
"Yes, of course."
The two stepped together in the quiet studio. It was a pure communion of art, different from the intense love shared with Vincent.
This Rose Academy is filled with love as sweet as honey and a few bittersweet secrets.
Avery's new life had only just begun