Cathy, aren't you hungry or is the food not good?
Uh… yeah, yeah, it's really good, Stef. But yeah, I guess I'm just not that hungry, that's all.
That's all? You sure?
Yeah. What are you imagining?
I don't know, maybe you've got something you want to tell me and you're not daring to, or you don't know how to say it.
What are you talking about?
Does it have anything to do with our weekend? Did you change your mind?
No, it's not that, but…
But it still has something to do with our weekend. Come on, tell me.
No, it's stupid, forget it.
Catherine, you've looked upset since we got to the restaurant. You're barely eating even though you usually love coming here, I don't get it. Did something happen this morning?
It's nothing. Something stupid.
Okay, but apparently important enough to ruin our lunch. So I've got the right to know if it's going to screw up this moment between us.
Yeah, I'm sorry, you're right, it's falling on you when it's Marc who …
Marc… of course. Why didn't I think of that right away…
No, don't take it that way. We had an argument this morning about our birthday.
Your birthday? What's that about?
Actually, Peter, Marc and I were born only a few weeks apart. And since we've known each other since we were babies, it's a tradition started by our moms—who are super close—to celebrate our birthdays together, all three of us.
Okay, I get it. But what did you argue about if everything's always set?
Well, that's the thing, we usually always do it on the third Saturday of the month, you know?
Yeah, I see. The Saturday we're going away.
Yeah. That's it. So I told Marc I wouldn't be there that Saturday and he made a huge deal out of it.
Of course. There's no room for an outsider in your trio.
No, Stephane, don't take it like that. There's absolutely no issue with you. None of us even mentioned you. Marc just didn't take it well that I wanted to move the date, that's all.
And since it was coming from me… obviously he didn't like me changing his plans.
No, what are you imagining! Peter said we'd move it to the following week and that was that. End of story.
Yeah. In the meantime, I'm not exactly scoring points with your friends…
But what matters is me, right? And with me, you've got plenty of points…
**********************
Peter, what's going on with Marc lately? He's weird, don't you think?
Marc? Weird? Honestly, he's always kind of been weird to me, hasn't he?
Be serious, please. I'm talking about our birthday.
Cat', you're still stuck on that? I thought the problem was settled.
Yeah, it is, but it still bugs me that he took it like that. It's not that big a deal to move the date.
No, it's just his big-brother side, that's all. Like I was telling him, we don't see each other as much now and you're in love, so obviously he feels a bit left out. It'll pass, he just needs to get used to it. We're all working a lot, everything's new, so he's probably a bit on edge. It's nothing serious.
Yeah, but it's annoying. The big-brother act, I've already got that at home, I don't need another one to get on my nerves. But it's true we don't get to see each other as much and that feels weird. I'm really happy with Stephane, you know, so I just want to enjoy it.
Hey, don't justify yourself. You do what you want, and if it were one of us in love, we'd do the same. Got any more info about your weekend or not?
Yeah. We're going to the mountains. Night in a shelter, hiking, wild animals. It's going to be so awesome. I really can't wait. It's going to do me so much good to get away from the medical environment with all the horrible stuff they make us see and the pressure they put on us. I really need to recharge.
Come on, just two more years and you'll be a nurse, it'll be fine.
**********************
Hey Marc, I didn't know the military were allowed to train with us.
And yeah, Stephane, you see, I'm allowed to be on campus too.
Catherine won't be coming to see us tonight, that's too bad, she's working.
Listen, it's not a big deal. I'm here to play soccer, not to chat. I'll have plenty of other chances to see her.
And by the way, sorry for messing up your plans for your birthday, I didn't know there was a tradition.
Don't start with me, alright. We moved the date, that's all.
Yeah, but in the meantime you upset my girlfriend with your stories, so leave her alone a bit, please. She's grown now, let her live her life. She's already stressed enough with her studies without you adding more worries.
Adding worries to her? Me? Listen to me carefully. I don't like you and you don't like me either, we agree on that. I put up with you for Catherine, but don't push me too far. I was in Catherine's life before you, and I'll probably still be there after you.
Alright girls, on the field please, tea time is after.
********************
Man, that shower felt so good, I couldn't take it anymore. Early night tonight, I've gotta be in shape for this weekend.
Yeah, that's the weekend you're taking your girl hiking. Lucky bastard…
Exactly, guys, it's gonna be awesome. A weekend with Catherine in a mountain shelter. Can you picture it?
Are you … covered?
Obviously, you know me. I'm the king of organization. Never caught off guard, Steph'.
At your bachelor pad like last time? That plan worked pretty well if I remember right.
Damn, what's with these insinuations, guys?
Marc, what's your problem?
Cut the act, Stephane, I'm not an idiot. I don't like the way you talk about Catherine with your buddies.
Who talked bad about Catherine? We're just talking between ourselves, that's all. She's my girlfriend, remember. I won't let anyone talk bad about her. I'm taking Catherine hiking, she told you about it, didn't she?
Yeah, she told me about your surprise weekend but not that it was a hike. She's really excited about it. So I don't want her to be disappointed, and even less for you to screw her over in the middle of nowhere.
Who do you think I am?
"Are you covered?" "Same place as last time?" You think I don't get your hints? Catherine is in love. So don't hurt her, please. That's all I'm asking, otherwise…
Otherwise what, cowboy? Looks like she's not the only one in love. That's why you don't like me. You'd like to be in my place, wouldn't you?
Cut the crap. Catherine is like my little sister, that's all. I just want what's best for her.
Your little sister, yeah right. But I want what's best for her too…
Stop laughing, you bunch of idiots. I'm going to talk to her and you'll be able to kiss your weekend goodbye.
Oh yeah? And what exactly are you gonna tell Catherine? That you listened in on guys' conversations that don't even concern her? Who do you think she'll believe? Her boyfriend that she's in love with, or her lifelong buddy who throws jealous fits every time she gains a bit of independence? So? You really wanna take that risk?
You're a real piece of trash.
Think whatever you want, but for now, I'm the one with her, not you. You're gonna have to deal with it. That's it, get lost. See you next week.