A taste of luxury

  As the first years departed the Grand Hall, Gabrielle felt a rush of energy pushing her forward. Amelia walked next to her, excitedly discussing all the clubs and activities they could join. With every step, they ventured deeper into the charming small town surrounding their prestigious school, a place filled with elegance and wealth that contrasted sharply with her humble background.

 

  "We're in for a treat today!" Amelia announced, pointing at a line of fancy shops along the cobblestone streets. "This is where you can find the best food and the cutest boutiques! Come on, let's check it out!"

 

  Gabrielle's heart raced with both excitement and nervousness. She had seen pictures of places like this before, but standing here among upmarket shops showcasing beautiful silk dresses and designer shoes felt...,unreal.

 

  "Look!" Amelia shouted, pulling on Gabrielle's arm. They stopped in front of a stylish store called 'Luxury & Lush.' Expensive handbags hung from silk hangers like drops of honey, while Gabrielle's wide eyes moved over the sparkling fabrics and delicate jewelry.

 

  "They have the cutest accessories! and if you're careful, the prices aren't too scary," Amelia joked, raising an eyebrow playfully. "But we can always come back later. Right now, let's grab something to eat!"

 

  Gabrielle nodded, her mind buzzing with all the sights and sounds around her. She admired the beautifully designed storefronts that radiated elegance. As they walked away from the boutiques, a nearby café caught her attention with its lavish design swaying in the breeze, inviting them into a world of indulgence that sent an exciting shiver down her spine.

 

  It was named "Château de Café," and Gabrielle felt a strange attraction to it.

 

  "Oh, I need to check this out!" Gabrielle exclaimed suddenly, filled with excitement. Amelia just smiled and went in with her.

 

  As soon as they entered the café, Gabrielle was surrounded by the rich scent of freshly made coffee and baked goods. The decorations were stunning, with crystal chandeliers hanging from the ceiling and soft, velvety chairs that invited her to sit down. A large display case showcased a variety of pastries, their shiny surfaces sparkling like gems.

 

  "Wow!" Gabrielle gasped, momentarily speechless at how beautiful it was. "This is incredible!"

 

  "Right?" Amelia grinned and moved toward the menu above the counter, looking very comfortable there. "Let's check out what they have. I've heard their macaroons are amazing!"

 

  As Gabrielle walked to the counter, her excitement quickly faded. She glanced at the menu, and her heart dropped like a rock in water. The prices loomed over her like giant monsters, each one more outrageous than the last. A simple cup of coffee cost more than what her grandmother spent on groceries for a week, and the fancy desserts seemed priced by weight as if they were precious stones.

 

  "Is that gold on top of that cake?" Gabrielle asked in disbelief. "Am I dreaming?"

 

  Amelia laughed lightly, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Don't let the prices scare you away. It's just a little treat!"

 

  Just then, Gabrielle felt her stomach twist. She became lightheaded, as if the fancy pastries were giving off a magical smell of treasures that she couldn't possibly reach. "I... I can't," she stuttered, feeling a wave of nausea hit her. She quickly stepped back, wobbling like the ground had moved under her. "This place is lovely, but I should probably stick to something a bit less... fancy."

 

  Noticing the panic on her face, Amelia burst out laughing. "You should see your expression! You look like you found a million-dollar diamond! Come on, don't let this cookie monster scare you away!"

 

  Gabrielle hurriedly left the café, her cheeks burning bright red. Once they stepped into the warm sunlight, she felt a little better, even though she was still embarrassed.

 

  "Let's just grab some ice cream instead," she suggested, trying to forget about the high menu prices.

 

  "That sounds great!" Gabrielle replied happily as they walked over to a small ice cream stand just a short distance away.

 

  The stall was a cheerful change from the fancy café they had just left, with colorful signs advertising flavors like "Strawberry Bliss" and "Mint Chocolate Dream." It felt much more like Gabrielle's style—bright and carefree like summer days in her grandmother's backyard.

 

  "What are you going to get?" Lila asked, her eyes shining with excitement.

 

  Gabrielle looked over the choices, her mouth watering at the thought of treating herself to something sweet but still affordable. "I'll have a scoop of melted chocolate fudge ice cream, please!" she declared confidently about her choice.

 

  "Great choice! I'll go with the cookies and cream," Amelia said, grinning as she placed her order.

 

  After they got their cones, Gabrielle took a moment to enjoy the sweet treat, feeling like it was a reward after what happened earlier. The sunlight warmed her skin as she enjoyed her ice cream, which helped calm her embarrassment from before.

 

  "So, what should we do next?" Amelia asked, looking at the charming shops along the street.

 

  Gabrielle took another bite of her ice cream, feeling lighter and more at ease. "Honestly, I think I'll stay away from places with menus that could give me a heart attack," she joked, making them both laugh.

 

  As they walked around town, Gabrielle noticed that even though she felt a bit out of place in this new environment, each moment spent exploring added color to her life story, complete with some funny mishaps along the way.