The next morning greeted Éloïse, Théo, and Marceau with bright sunshine – a perfect day to finally bring clarity to the matter. Théo was determined to confess his love to Éloïse. And what could be more romantic than the Sacré-Cœur, with a view over all of Paris?
“Today everything will be different,” Théo murmured as he nervously tugged at his shirt. “No chaos, no mishaps. Just me, Éloïse, and the city of love.”
Marceau grinned broadly. “Sounds too good to be true. I bet something will go wrong. Want me to come along and document everything?”
“No, no, it will be perfect!” Théo assured hastily and pushed Marceau out the door. “Just stay nearby in case something goes wrong.”
Once at the top of the hill, Théo chose the ideal spot – right in front of the white basilica, with the panorama of Paris in the background. Éloïse was unsuspecting, smiling dreamily and admiring the view.
“You know, Éloïse…” Théo began, but barely had he opened his mouth when he slipped on a loose stone and landed awkwardly on his backside. Éloïse stared at him in shock, then burst into loud laughter.
“Oh man, Théo! You’re impossible!” she giggled as he brushed dust from his hair. “Alright, try again.”
He cleared his throat and carefully stood up this time, but just as he was about to speak, a small souvenir stand behind them crashed over – a whole tower of mini Eiffel Towers, keychains, and postcards fell to the ground with a crash.
“Oh no!” Marceau shouted, suddenly appearing beside them and frantically trying to save the falling souvenirs. “I just wanted to take a photo!”
Éloïse shook her head laughing. “You’re the only one who manages to blow up a souvenir stand.”
Théo felt the nervousness rising in him again. “Okay, from the top.” He took Éloïse’s hands, looked deep into her eyes, and began: “Éloïse, I…”
But at that moment a dark cloud passed over the sky, and a sudden rain shower surprised them. Within seconds they were all soaked to the skin.
“Typical Paris!” Marceau shouted, trying to pull a folded souvenir rain cape over his head, which of course was far too small.
“Oh man, this can’t be happening!” Théo cursed as Éloïse laughed and wiped the wet drops from her face.
“Well, if that’s not a sign that you have to try again,” she grinned and winked at him.
Théo took a deep breath, even though the rain ran into his eyes. “Éloïse, I wanted to tell you that you mean incredibly much to me. More than just a friend – I…”
Suddenly Marceau grabbed a fallen souvenir Eiffel Tower tip and held it up triumphantly. “I got it!” he shouted, “The perfect ring holder! Théo, you can tie the ring to this!”
Théo looked desperately back and forth between the wet souvenir and Éloïse. “Wait a minute… I don’t even have a ring.”
Éloïse laughed heartily. “Oh, that doesn’t matter. Your words are the most important.”
Just as Théo was about to continue speaking, they heard a loud squeaking: A small dog ran straight toward them, jumped up at Éloïse, and shook itself vigorously – of course right in Théo’s direction.
“Oh no, not now!” Théo shouted, dodging the wet dog body that almost knocked him over.
Éloïse bent down laughing to pet the dog while Marceau tried to catch it – but he stumbled and fell backwards into a trash can, which promptly tipped over and released a cloud of paper and bags.
“Okay, this is really too much now,” Théo gasped as he got up from the ground and looked at Éloïse in despair. “Maybe I should postpone the love confession.”
But Éloïse gently placed her hand on his arm. “You know what?” she said smiling. “This might be the most chaotic confession ever – but that’s exactly why it will be unforgettable.”
Théo grinned and gathered all his courage. “Éloïse, I love you. Crazy, chaotic, and everything in between – but with you, I want to live the adventure.”
At that moment they heard a loud crash: The small souvenir stand, which had already almost fallen over once, was knocked down again by a passing tourist. This time the mini Eiffel Towers flew through the air like confetti.
Éloïse laughed and pulled Théo laughing toward her. “Well, if that’s not a good start.”
Marceau, still half stuck in the trash can, called out: “Wait, I have a feeling this is just the beginning of the chaos!”
And indeed, as the rain started again and the tourists hurriedly took shelter, a bright flash suddenly lit up the sky – and somewhere in the distance a thunderclap sounded.
“Oh dear, this is going to be a long day,” Théo murmured as they took refuge together under a small awning.
But despite everything, he knew: He would never forget this chaotic confession. And maybe, just maybe, that was exactly what Éloïse wanted too.
Just as they were getting closer, a shrill beep suddenly sounded from Marceau’s pocket. “What now again?” he groaned and pulled out his phone – but the screen showed only a blinking red warning signal.
“Guys, I think chaos isn’t done with us yet…”