The journey felt longer than Stephanie expected.
By the time the plane finally landed, the sky outside was soft and gray with early morning light.
Stephanie and Maya walked through the airport behind Vanessa, both still feeling a little tired from the long flight.
"This place feels different," Maya whispered.
Stephanie nodded.
Everything looked unfamiliar.
The language on the signs.
The way people spoke.
Even the air felt colder.
Vanessa led them outside where a sleek black car was waiting.
A driver quickly stepped forward and opened the door for her.
"Welcome to France," Vanessa said with a calm smile.
Maya looked like she might faint from excitement.
They climbed into the car, and the driver began the long ride through the quiet roads.
Stephanie watched the scenery through the window.
Tall trees.
Beautiful houses.
Small cafés.
The town looked peaceful, almost like something from a movie.
After nearly an hour, the car slowly turned into a long driveway.
At the end of it stood a house so beautiful that Maya gasped loudly.
The house was large and elegant, surrounded by a wide garden and tall trees. Large windows reflected the sunlight, and a small fountain sat in the middle of the front yard.
"This… this is where we're staying?" Maya asked in disbelief.
Vanessa smiled.
"Yes."
Maya turned to Stephanie with wide eyes.
"This looks like the houses I see in my dreams."
Stephanie couldn't stop staring either.
She had never imagined living somewhere like this.
Inside, the house was even more beautiful.
The living room was spacious, with soft couches and large paintings on the walls. A long staircase curved gently toward the second floor.
Maya slowly spun around, taking everything in.
"Are we sure we're allowed to touch anything?" she whispered.
Vanessa laughed softly.
"You're guests here. Relax."
A delicious smell soon drifted from the dining room.
A long table had been prepared with warm food, fresh bread, and drinks.
"Eat," Vanessa said. "You must be starving."
The girls didn't need to be told twice.
The food tasted better than anything they had eaten in months.
Maya sighed happily as she leaned back in her chair.
"If this is a dream," she said, "no one should wake me up."
Vanessa watched them quietly, a small smile resting on her lips.
Later that evening, she clapped her hands lightly.
"Come on. I'm taking you somewhere."
"Where?" Maya asked curiously.
"Shopping."
An hour later, they stood inside one of the most luxurious stores Stephanie had ever seen.
Vanessa moved through the store like she owned it.
"Pick whatever you like," she told them.
Maya looked shocked.
"Anything?"
Vanessa nodded.
"Anything."
Soon they were trying on beautiful dresses, shoes, jackets, and bags.
Maya laughed more than Stephanie had ever seen before.
"This one!" Maya said excitedly while holding up a pair of elegant shoes.
Vanessa simply nodded and paid for everything.
By the time they left the store, their arms were full of bags.
But Vanessa wasn't finished yet.
She led them into another store and returned with two small boxes.
"Here," she said, handing one to each of them.
Stephanie opened hers slowly.
Inside was a brand new phone.
The latest iPhone.
Maya nearly screamed with excitement.
"No way!"
Stephanie stared at it in disbelief.
"Vanessa… this is too much."
Vanessa waved the concern away.
"You'll need them here."
Maya hugged the box tightly.
"I can't believe this is happening."
Stephanie smiled softly.
For the first time in a long while, things finally felt good.
Maybe this really was a new beginning.
Maybe this was life giving them another chance.
What neither of them realized…
Was that Vanessa was watching them very carefully.
And behind her warm smile…
She had plans they could never imagine.