“Who was she? ". This question did not take long to torment Thomas. The vision he had just had was so brief that for a moment he thought it was a mirage. He was still wide awake, alert, but this struck him as strange as a dream. Her heart was pounding and her legs were still glued to the ground. He continued to stare away, to this place where there was now no one. A new feeling took hold of him. It was not the same excitement at the thought of joining the United States, the same anguish over thinking about her future host family or the same joy as finding out about her new high school. It was something else.

— Here, I took you a drink, said a voice in the hollow of his left shoulder.

Thomas turned in his direction and saw Alicia handing him a disposable glass.

— What's this ? he asked, trying to come to his senses.

— Don't worry, it's Coke.

Thomas thanked her, took the glass, then followed her away to the dance floor.

* * *

As the evening continued on a slower tempo, leaving the frenzied rhythm of rock songs for the soft rhythm of slow, Thomas felt his phone vibrate in his pocket. He freed his hands from Alicia's hips and moved back a few inches to take hold of it.

— What is happening ? Alicia asked.

— It's your parents, they're leaving the theater and picking us up in five minutes.

Thomas and Alicia then went to the buffet to have a last slice of brownie. They then walked out of the gymnasium, and Thomas paused for a moment to gaze one last time at the decor, lights, and ambiance. Drops of water instantly seized the two teens as Alicia opened the exit door.

— Here, take my jacket, said Thomas.

— Thanks, Alicia mumbled, trying as best she could to finish her share of the brownie while protecting her face.

Thomas put his jacket over the girl like a cape. The pride he took in his chivalrous gesture would no doubt allow him to hide the rain for a few minutes while he was reunited with James and Tracy. The two teenagers walked up the aisle with a determined step to get back inside the school as quickly as possible. Alicia held the collar of Thomas' jacket with her right arm to avoid getting too wet, realizing that going out in such an outfit, which she was not used to, might not be so good. idea. They hissed with relief as they entered the dining hall. Thomas found that his white shirt had taken water in many places, and partially hinted at his skin. Alicia had had better luck and only the hem of her dress was wet from the sudden rain. The two of them could now walk quietly back to the main entrance to the school, where James and Tracy would soon be waiting for them.

— Why did you want to slow down? he wondered.

— I don't like it too much, but I couldn't let you make fun of yourself on the dance floor alone, she sneered.

— Very funny

— But beware, it was in all honor. I remind you that we are brother and sister, she added with a smile.

Thomas smiled back at her, amused.

— Did you like your evening? You didn't look on your plate at first, she asked him.

— Yeah, that was cool. I was just a little stressed about everyone, but then it got better.

— Good, I enjoyed this evening too. Better than last year.

As they reached the front door, Thomas got a call. "James" was displayed on the phone.

— Hello Thomas, luckily we parked right in front, where are you?

— We're just getting out of high school right now.

— Great, see you soon!

Thomas hung up then indicated to Alicia that her parents had arrived. Once out, the girl immediately recognized her father's white 4x4.

— They are here, follow me.

The two teenagers rushed to the car. Thomas, who had retrieved his soaked jacket, rushed over with it on his back, while Alicia held the flaps of her dress to keep from falling. The two threw themselves onto the parcel shelf and closed their respective doors with a quick hand. Exhausted by their sprint, they huffed after putting on their seat belts.

— So, did you like it? James asked, his gaze in the rear view mirror.

— Yes, very, replied Thomas between two exhalations.

— Nice to hear! Imagine that was the same back-to-school prom that I met Tracy. She looked so beautiful in that white dress ...

— Dad ! Alicia cut

— Sorry, I'm not the talkative type but when it comes to my family ... Anyway, it's great if you had fun.

The conversation continued for a few minutes, then the car arrived at its destination, in front of the white garage door. James flicked the button of a remote that was hooked to his keys and instantly the door began to open. When it was fully open, he pulled into the garage and turned off the ignition.

— It’s about time to go to bed, Tracy yawned.

— Yes, I think a good night's sleep will be good for everyone, James said.

Everyone got out of the car as the garage door began to descend. When they got to the house, James and Tracy made their way to the kitchen while Thomas and Alicia walked up the stairs. The two teenagers waved to the two adults, who were sitting around the central island with a drink in their hand. Thomas let Alicia up in front and then followed suit. They each took turns making an express passage into the bathroom, then parted on their respective doorsteps, wishing each other good night.

Thomas sat down on his bed for a few moments to realize what he had just experienced. Here it is, one of those moments he has been waiting for the most, an essential step in American education. He had been able to touch his American dream even closer. And even if he was a little shy at first, in front of this deluge of sumptuous accessories and flashy decorations, he was proud to have had the guts to overcome his apprehension and really had the feeling of having enjoyed his evening. . The bond he formed with Alicia had something to do with it, and he was glad he was able to dance with her for a few moments. But above all that, one thing took hold of his mind even more.

He texted his parents, letting them know it had been a great evening and that he was delighted with it, then undressed and put on his striped pajamas. He turned off the bulb in the ceiling, leaving the room lit only by his bedside lamp, put his phone next to her, then slipped into his bed, being careful to tuck the sheets right after. He flipped the light switch and immediately the room was plunged into relative darkness, pierced by a few rays of the moon.

Now alone, Thomas remembered the fleeting vision he had at the start of the evening. This young girl, in a beautiful blue dress, had only appeared before his eyes for a moment, but now froze in his mind. He hadn't been able to see her face, but the curve of her bare back and long dark blonde hair had made Thomas' heart capsize, and he was capsizing again. He probably will never see her again, or probably will not be aware of it if he did, yet those few seconds had already left an indelible mark on him.