Prologue

I stood in line for the cab lane outside of the Aeroport de Paris-Charles de Gaulle, and I'm quite devastated now. Aside from breathing the French air and how cold it is today on a Sunday afternoon, I'm still pissed at how my day went. Ang sabi ng friend ng kakilala ko, he will pick me up at the airport, and then he sent a message to me earlier that he wouldn't be able to check on me kasi nagkaroon siya bigla ng problem sa work niya.

At once, in my life, kailan ba ako malalagay sa isang perfect situation? It feels like there's so much strong force navigating me to fail and what's every outcome of it? Of course, if I'm not ruining it, something else will.

Pinipigilan ko lang manggigil sa inis dahil this is not a country to dwell all the anger and uncertainty in my world. Oh fuck those problems and kabuangan in life. I don't need it. My new life in Paris awaits. And with that being said, I'm gonna make a change.

At least for once, sure, I can make it work again. Sana bumagyo ng ka-swertihan, magpapakatangay ako hanggang saanmang lupalop ako dalhin. I only weigh a hundred and ten pounds, I can do a Harlem shake while being blown. I also think I don't need it in some way. I've still got a little sprinkle of luck in me.

And then life brings me to Paris, France... and who wouldn't want to be in Paris, anyway? I know every little girl and teenager dreamed of going to this place and I'm already looking forward if what we dreamed of when we're little is true or it is just too good to be true.

A moment later a Parisian cab stops in front of me. It is a black--I don't know what model of car it is but they told me that Parisian cabs are looked the same so I hope hindi ito kidnapper. May pangarap pa ako sa buhay. Gusto ko pa makapangasawa ng milyonaryo.

"Bonjour," I waved and smiled. Trying to get his attention and then he tilted his head to look at me from inside his car thru his open window. (Hello!)

"Où est-ce que vous allez?" the cab driver asked. Nagulantang ang buo kong pagkatao nang tanungin ako in francais. (Where are you going?)

I know I prepared for this but I feel so intimidated to communicate with a real person who naturally speaks the language I've just learned for a month. And also with a help of an online language tutor, I hope I'll ace this!

I processed his question in my head before I proceed to answer it.  I don't want a Parisian to get mad at me for ruining their love language. He was just asking where I would be going and that's an easy start for me.

"Onzième," I enunciated and then work it with a smile. "Avenue Parmentier, Monsieur." (11th. Parmentier avenue, sir!)

"Genial, Mademoiselle," he smiled and I think I did great there. What a good start for me. Oh, my confidence is rising up! I feel like I'm going to be in love with Paris more. (Great, miss.)

He helped me to put my luggage in the trunk of the car. I only have a piece of huge luggage and a medium one. Mabuti na lang talaga ay naibalik sa akin ang purse ko. Hindi 'ko alam kung anong gagawin ko if my purse went lost. Ang hirap pa namang mag-adjust lalo na kapag nasa ibang lugar and in Paris... I wanna get lost but this isn't the best time to be in that situation.

I hopped inside the car and the driver says something to me. I didn't get to understand what he says because he speaks too fast and his accent seems to intimidate me. Ngiti na lamang ang binigay ko.

"Oui! Allons-y!" I giggled. (Yes! Let's go!)

I opened the window on my side and it seems like the driver didn't mind it. As he drives me by to my destination, I couldn't believe how majestic it is really here in Paris. The historical structure and buildings are all pretty. It is already rich in culture and the elegance shows the beautiful eccentric ways of Parisians. The nearly blue sky compliments the chilly weather. I wonder how it is like here when the winter season came. I can't wait to experience my life in this country.

From the airport heading to the center of the city, I was trying so hard to ask the driver if we'll be able to see the Eiffel Tower but he said non, c'est loin, which in my knowledge he told me that we're far from it. I also checked it on the map and he's telling me the truth. We're entering the 11th Arrondissement where I would be staying for a year. My apartment was located on the Avenue Parmentier which my agency told me that would be a good place for me. I'm already crossing my fingers for that. (No, it's far.)

It took us nearly an hour to get to my location, more likely fifty-one minutes ang biyahe but it didn't bore me. Mas nag-enjoy pa ako mag-sight seeing and I can't stop taking pictures at ipagyabang kaagad ko social media. Mga dukha, I'm in Paris!

"We're here," the driver said and made me a little surprised when he speaks English.

"Oh, you speak English?" I wondered when we got out of the car and he takes out my luggage from the truck. The surprise flashes in my face. I know people in the airport speaks in English but then he's my first French encounter. Nice, nice.

"Oui, a little," he said pointing his pointer and thumb finger and drew it closer together. "I thought you're a tourist so I should be speaking English to you." (Yes.)

"Ah, oui! Mais je vais travailler ici, not a tourist," I corrected him. In a good way. I can't be offending him with my French. I'm a starter but I already feel like people are going to judge me. (Ah, yes! But I'm going to work here...)

"Genial, Mademoiselle," he spoke. "Enjoy Paris." He bowed. (Great, miss.)

"Merci, Monsieur," I giggled when he finally dropped the luggage for me and watched him drove away. (Thank you, sir.)

I breathe in and let it out smoothly and then a moment later, which I didn't even expect, a bicyclist passes next to me in which he made splashes of mud water on the hem of my silky white dress. I was about to make a scene and shout for the person who didn't even look back to see my condition. Such a mean person.

I look at my silky white dress and I feel so irritated that there are huge spots of mud water on my dress. It doesn't even look good! Grabe naman. Bumabalik na naman kaagad ang kamalasan sa buhay ko. I thought I left it back in the Philippines pero parang multo na sinundan ako rito hanggang Paris. Gigil ako!

But I need to save my energy and never waste it on any incompetencies such as anger. I need to wash all that thought away. I don't need it with me.

And so I turned back and face the seventh-floor building. I'm on the Rue Saint-Hubert. It is on the corner of the Avenue Parmentier. I mean looking at it, it wasn't bad at all. It seems nice and cozy on the outside. Single paned windows, I guess to every room of every floor. Sophisticated stucco cream exteriors and prominent mansard style roof. May mga kalapit na stores din which would be convenient for me. And all the building looks the same for me here. Or it is just me being ignorant.

I walked inside the premises and I was greeted by a lady in her fifties there and then a man, the same as my age, I think. Nang sabay silang napatingin sa akin, I immediately noticed the guy and I was told that he looks skinny, had a notable mustache, and a curly hair--and wears too sophistication in his brown trench coat.

"Cosette?" he quizzed. And my lips widely opened as I heard my name. "C'est ma cherie? Je suis Victor Bonaventure... l'ami de votre ami?" (Is it you my darling? I'm Victor Bonaventure... your friend's friend)

I quickly bop my head to confirm his question. "Oui, c'est moi!" (Yes, it's me!)

"Oh, la la! You look..." his face was full of excitement but then his eyes fall on the hem of my dress and legs which has mud water spots. "What happened to you?" he asked and then he immediately gave me a kiss on both sides of my cheeks. Kinda weird but this is also what we do in showbiz. Kaplastikan. (Oh, my god!)

I grunted and rolled my eyes. "Oh, it's a long story and I don't have the luxury to tell all the bad stuff. So anyway, when can I see my room?"

"Oh, yes! Now! I have your key!" he announced and then he pulled it out from his pockets and showed it to me. "C'mon, you'll be happy with your room!" he was excited to go into the stairs when my eyes fall on my luggage. Agad naman siyang bumalik sa akin at kinuha niya 'yong malaking maleta. "I'm sorry this building doesn't have an elevator."

"That'll be fine," I showcase my perfectly white teeth, and then he gave me a wondering look.

"Are you wearing veneers? Your teeth look so perfect and white," he uttered, curiosity sets in his tone.

I nodded. "Yeah, I was asked to have because I'm an actress back in the Philippines which also a long story and don't bother to ask what happened. It's a disaster."

"Oooh," he swooned as his lips puckered. "That's why you're here in Paris, to be an actress?"

I shook my head. I mean pas possible. "No, I wouldn't be an actress here. That's the dream but no. I wished. Unfortunately, not. But no worries, I'm still happy that I'm in France because this is my dream country to be in. I just wish this country and its people would love me as well."

"Sure... but what are you here for? You never said it."

"Oh, yes! I will be teaching English in a private school, I think, and yes... I'm a licensed teacher too," I winced. "Would you mind helping me to go around the city if you're available?"

He smirks, "Ah, ma cherie, you found the right person to help you with that."

"Really?"

"Oui!" he responded. "And before that, we should bring your things into your room."

"Where would be my room is?"

"On the seventh floor," he answered.

My jaw dropped. And then I look at the stairs and every gap from every floor. I feel like I'm going to have a knee injury right after a year. Napalunok ako ng laway ko. First time lang naman ito. Hindi ko naman araw-araw bubuhatin ang mga maleta ko so I shouldn't worry about it.

"Is there any problem, Cosette?" he asked.

"Nothing, Victor... I was just appreciating it!" I smirked. "It might a good exercise though. I can gain a leg muscle walking back and forth so that's fine."

He chuckles. "C'est genial, ma cherie. And you should be expecting that too. Most of the establishment here in Paris doesn't have any elevators and they stick to the natural structure of the building. But you'll like it, I'm sure you'll get a nice view up above. Allons-y, Cosette!" (It's nice, darling... Let's go, Cosette!)

Victor excused us from the lady he's talking to earlier when I come in. He told me that she was the occupant of the first floor and partly the landlady of this building so I should be nice to her. I can do that. Tres bien. (Very well.)

I was tired of pulling up my luggage from the stairs. Wala na akong pakialam kung sumasayad ang pwetan ng bagahe ko. It seems like Victor was quite a gentleman even though my friend back home told me that he's a little vulgar to women. He's gender-fluid so I guess I can get close with him. He really looks so extroverted and that's what I'm looking after when I stepped into the country.

As we finally reached the top floor which was called the Chambre de bonne--the top rooms of the buildings used to be the rooms for maids are now renovated to be appealing and modern as it looks.

"I'll give you the honor to open your dear room," he said and handed over the key to me.

"Merci beaucoup, Victor," I winked. (Thank you so much, Victor.)

I face the door and put the key on the knob and pushed it to see the room. It's small. I wasn't expecting it to be so small. It was already mentioned to me that it was only sixteen to eighteen meters but it looks like I'm gonna live like in a shoebox.

"This is nice," Victor commented while roaming his eyes around.

There's not much to see because there isn't much furniture around. The dinner table, a single bed, a single couch in front of the 21-inch television, and next to the corner is the bathroom area which I think I wouldn't be able to dance in it. But I'm living alone and this space was already enough for me. I'm just not expecting it 'cause it really looks big in the picture.

"Yeah, it's... nice," I added. "Oh, well, I know I should be preparing for my things now but I can do that later. Would you want to go out now? Show me where I would be working?"

"Bien sûr," he smiled genuinely. "But let me show you what you'll be waking up to see every morning and a sight to see in the evening." (Of course!)

Victor walks straight into the only window of the room and he opens it widely. I instantly felt the cold wind enter the room and that's when I knew why there's no fan or air conditioner placed inside the room. There must be a lot of things I need to learn in a Parisian way so I should prepare myself for any other things.

"Regarder," he demanded and waved his hand to make me come to him. Tumabi naman ako sa kanya at muling umuwang ang bibig ko sa nakita ko. Obviously, the establishments around the building where we are now are crazy. Hindi ako makapaniwala na I'm seeing this personally. Kung dati ay sa mga picture online ko lang nakikita ang mga ito. Ngayon, maipapangalandakan ko nang nasa Paris ako ngayon.

I have an overlooking half of south Paris. I can see the Notre Dame and Centre Pompidou. Oh, I just wished it was the Eiffel Tower but that's fine, hindi naman ako choosy.

They must be jealous of me right now. They keep rejecting me. Sinong nasa itaas ngayon? Literal, nasa seventh floor ang room ko e.

Muli naman akong hinarap ni Victor. 

"Allons-y?" and then he examined my dress. "Are you going to change your clothes?" (Let's go?)

I lowered my head to check my dress. I mean it's just the spots and yes, it does make my white dress dirty but I guess no one will notice it. Maybe I shouldn't bother it at all. I'm a nobody in Paris.

***

"How old are you again, Cosette? I'm sorry I keep forgetting what my friend told me about you," Victor slurred. He shakes his head, disappointed by himself.

Victor helps me to figure out where to go and where is the location for the school I'll be working with. I'm living in the eleventh arrondissement and the school is in the fifteenth arrondissement. He told me that it won't be hard for me to go to my workplace where my living location is very accessible to public transportation. It is far he told me if I walk every day. 

"No, it's fine," I chuckled. "I'm pretty young at 23. No big deal."

"Eh bien, vous avez l'air jeune et jolie," Victor said. Which I didn't really get because my French is so bad that I'm already scared to interact with some people. And I know he read my face because I got confused with it. "Oh, if you didn't get it, I said you looked pretty young." (Well, you look young and pretty.)

I giggled and patted his shoulder. "You shouldn't compliment me at all times, I'll get used to it."

"It's just the first one, Cosette," he bet. "I also wonder if you'll get a boyfriend around here. It's not hard for you to find one. You look so lovely and sometimes... French men are so horny so expect to meet one in these coming days."

I paused for a moment when he said that. I wasn't totally prepared for that.

"But there are also good men around. They might like you, your smooth brown hair, your flawless skin, and the way you dress, oh boy, these French boys will chase after you. You're a Filipina so not most of them encountered one but you can totally turn their heads around. Not just their heads up there... also the one down below," he chuckles. "Anyway, you mentioned you were an actress back in your country? What happened then?"

Should I really tell him what a wreck of a career I had in the Philippines? But maybe telling him about it may lose my attraction to bad stuff.

"I started acting when I was sixteen but I already doing VTR commercials when I was little. 8 years old, I guess. I just pursued it because I think it would be a great thing for me. Aside from auditioning for every role, I was also studying and eventually graduated with a degree in Education, got passed on my licensure exam but I still pursued my chances in acting which in the past few months, I've been receiving rejections. All over and over. Nakasasawa na."

"Oh well, if it wasn't yours then find something else," Victor said.

"True, that's why when an opportunity came for me to work in Paris as an English educator, I instantly grabbed the chance. I passed the French language exam so I do think this life what is meant for me."

"Et maintenant tu es là, tu as de la chance!" he exulted. He has so much excitement in his bone. Where can I buy one? (And now you're here, you're lucky!)

"That's lovely, Victor. I'm glad you're the first French friend I had!" I exclaimed happily.

"Tres bien, Cosette. I'm sure you'll have more friends as the day goes by." (Very well, Cosette.)

Hindi ko na napansin ang sinasabi niya ng maagaw ng atensyon ko nang biglang umilaw ang Eiffel Tower. It is magical. It became the light of the darkness. Seeing it feels like I'm dreaming. It glimmers like crystals and shines like a diamond. We're in the Pont de Bir-Hakeim in the Seine--one of the famous rivers in France. It is pretty beautiful to stand here on the bridge with the view from the tower. This is such an iconic view. There are boats heading under the bridge and I couldn't also wait to try those.

"You'll be living here so you'll get to see this view more often, Cosette," Victor said. "And I'm so hungry now, where would you like to eat?"

I shrugged off. "I have no idea, bring me somewhere you know fancy, Victor."

"As you wish," he grinned and it made me so excited.

We took off from the bridge and as we're both hungry together, the first restaurant we saw was already our first choice. It is a Pizzeria. Victor and I didn't waste our time and we immediately asked for a service to staff. Mostly it was Victor who speaks so I'm just waiting and stood next to him and see how it will go.

A moment later, a guy stood over six foot came over to me. Napatitig pa ako sa mukha niya dahil hindi ko inaasahan na makaka-encounter ako ng ganitong ka-gwapong french guy. But he looks so worried and something I couldn't distinguish in his face. Para siyang natatae na ewan. Is this the horny one?

"Voulez-vous venir avec moi, s'il vous plaît?" the french guy who has brown eyes, slick black hair and a trimmed beard said. He has a good smell, what perfume de toilette is he using? Parang nakakauhaw bigla. (Would you come with me, please?)

"Si'l vous... that's a please, right?" 

"Merci," he quickly responded and he took my hand and pulled me out of the restaurant. (Thank you.)

What's happening?!

Ang ilang tao sa paligid na kumakain sa labas ay mabilis na napatingin sa amin at bigla nilang inilabas ang kanilang mga phones. Ang sunod namang nangyari ay biglang may nagdatingang mga taong may dala-dalang naglalaking camera at nagsimula na silang mag-picture. It looks like they are paparazzis. I know it because I'm an actress back home. Hindi nga lang habulin ng mga paparazzi.

I look at the french guy beside me, todo ngiti naman siya. Nakapalibot din ang kanyang braso sa balikat. Anong ginagawa ng kupal na 'to? Sino ba 'to? Amoy na amoy ko ang pabango. I don't know what it is but I'm sure it is one of the expensive male perfume brands.

"Tout le monde, rencontrez ma copine," he stated which I couldn't understand because of his strong accent. Beginner pa lang ako kaya feeling ko ang bobo ko nang marinig ang sinabi niya. Ni isa wala akong naintindihan. (Everyone, meet my girlfriend.)

Ou est Victor? (Where's Victor?)

"Baiser," some people chanted. Kung ano pa ang hindi ko napag-aralan, iyon pa ang sinasabi nila. What in the world what's happening? (Kiss.)

Iniharap naman ako ng lalaki at tiningnan ako ng mariin sa mata. Doon ko lang natitigan ang kanyang mga mata. Mas nangungusap iyon at sa tangos ng ilong niya, tinalo niya pa ako. Hindi ako retokada which usually a normal thing pero hindi ako tumungtong sa puntong iyon. And this man make feel jealous of my features. Though he's a guy, still.. nakakainggit.

Pero anong gagawin niya ngayon? Why do I feel like na mapapahamak ako?

"Just act," he ordered which I haven't got a clue what he meant but then he leaned his face to me and give me a kiss. With tongue. As in nilalalaplap niya ang labi ko in front of these people and because I don't know what to do, I do what I've just been told. I kissed him back until he pulled himself away and lick his lower lip. Tama ba ang ginagawa ko? Naglalabanan na kami ng dila. Lasang alak 'yong labi niya, nakakaadik.

Hinawakan niya ang kamay ko at tumuloy kami sa isang sasakyan at pumasok kaming dalawa do'n. He told something to the driver and after a minute and a roundabout the area, huminto ang sasakyan para pababain ako ng sasakyan.

"Merci, mademoiselle," he said, showing a lopsided grin on his face and then shut his door in front of me. And then the car drove away. (Thank you, miss.)

Wala akong nagawa kung hindi ang matulala. Kakain lang naman kami ni Victor pero bakit may ibang kumain sa labi ko? Anong gagawin ko ngayon? Hindi ko alam kung saan ako uuwi. I'm not really familiar around the area.

Sinasabi ko na nga ba, this is not a good time to be lost around pero gagi, ang lambot ng labi ng lalaking 'yon. Pero why? How in the world someone would kiss me out of nowhere? Saan ko hahanapin si Victor? And who's that freaking guy? Bakit nilaplap ako sa unang gabi ko sa Paris?

I'll be so damned right now.

***

OMG! Thank you for waiting for French Kiss in Paris! I hope you like the prologue! What's your feedback? Let me know!

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