Peter, I haven't heard from Marc. He's not answering my calls either. Do you know what's going on? Is he okay?
He didn't tell you anything either? That's weird.
Tell me what?
He went to the coast with Ben.
What? Are you kidding? When did that happen?
They left yesterday morning, I think—for a week. Marie told me.
But he just left like that? Without saying anything? I haven't seen him in three days. And he has classes, I mean… that's not like him.
No, you're right. But apparently he wanted a change of scenery.
A change of scenery? But what happened? Is he mad at me? Or did something happen again with Stephane? Tell me.
Catherine, I promise I don't know anything. I found out like you, kind of by chance. I don't know what got into him. I'll try calling him tonight. In the meantime, how about we go out into the garden for a bit, take a walk? Some fresh air would do you good.
No, I don't feel like it. I'm tired.
****************
You look worried, Cathy. What's going on?
Nothing. Time's dragging on, I'm sick of being stuck in this bed without being able to move.
You should get better soon and be out in a few days, don't worry.
That's easy for you to say, Stephane. You go to class, you're out and about, you spend an hour here and then you leave. Sorry, but you can't understand what I'm going through. I'm struggling to breathe, to move. I'm out of breath like a little old lady just going to the bathroom. I can't read, TV sucks, I eat badly.
Okay, calm down, I'm doing what I can, I'm sorry. I'm not going to skip classes or stop living just because you're sick. The world isn't going to stop turning because you've got a fever, right?
Oh, there we go—so you're finding an excuse to ditch me too?
What, me too? Are you talking about Marc? Your amazing buddy? Your so-called brother? Is that it? The one who took off on vacation instead of spending time with you? The one who saves you like a superhero and then bails with his friends right after?
Stop!
No, I won't shut up, that's enough! You're angry at him and I'm the one taking the hits—so no, I won't shut up. Take your anger out on someone else. Me, I'm out of here.
************
So, Marc? Was it worth it?
Yeah, totally. I don't regret following you on that at all.
And cherry on top—you've got a real shot with Victoire.
Yeah, sure. She's gorgeous and really nice, that's true, but honestly I don't really have my head in that right now.
You're thinking about Catherine?
All the time. I still don't get how she can accuse me of ruining her year. I keep going over it in my head. She doesn't want to answer my calls or texts, and I don't even know how she's doing.
Hey, cool off a bit. You're here to forget, to have a good time with friends, and maybe even have some fun with good company, right?
Yeah, you're right—I need to let go.
***************
In Marc's bedroom, 2 a.m.
Victoire? What are you doing here?
Shh! I really felt like coming to test your bed!
No, Victoire, stop, please.
Don't tell me you don't want me—I won't believe you. You didn't stop looking at me all evening.
I really like you, that's true, but…
That's all I needed to hear…
**************
Marc, where were you? We've been looking for you for a while.
I went for a jog on the beach to wake myself up and burn things off a bit.
Come on, let's eat.
No, Victoire, I'd like us to talk about last night, please. There's a little bar on the beach a bit further down—we can eat there if you want.
Okay.
I'm going to take a shower and I'll be right there.
********
Alright, so… here it is. I want to apologize for what happened. We'd been drinking, you caught me off guard, things got out of hand—I'm sorry. It's not my habit to sleep with a girl like that. I gave in to temptation, but there's nothing more between us.
Whoa, hold on right there, Marc. What exactly are you doing right now?
You do remember that we slept together last night, right?
Yeah, I'd been drinking, but I remember—it was a really nice moment. Can't wait for tonight…
That's not the point. I don't want you to get any ideas. It was a mistake on my part. You're gorgeous, really sweet, but my head's not in the right place to start something.
Hey, that's all very nice of you to say, but did you think about what I wanted?
Uh… what do you mean?
I don't want a love story either. Last night was sex, that's it. Don't freak out—we were totally on the same wavelength, okay? I'm not looking to settle down, I'm looking to have a good time, to enjoy my vacation—that's it. I like you, I wanted you, end of story. If you want to do it again, great; if not, we move on.
Okay… sorry, I'm kind of all over the place. I just felt crappy this morning when I woke up. I just wanted things to be clear, that's all.
You're a bit of a hopeless romantic—on top of being a sad little puppy!!
************
Hi, beauty! How are you feeling today?
Hey. Come in—I wanted to talk to you.
No, don't apologize for last time. I get that you're fed up with being stuck here. I'd have reacted the same way—don't worry.
No, I wasn't going to apologize, Stephane. I wanted to tell you there's no point coming anymore.
What? What do you mean by that?
Just that you and I are over.
What do you mean "over"? Are you kidding? How can you say that? That's not up to you to decide.
Hey, easy, please—don't get angry. You can see it's not working between us. You're looking for something else from a girl than a platonic relationship, I know that. I'm not blaming you for anything.
Well thank God you're not blaming me! That'd be the last straw.
Stephane, let me remind you that you tried to force yourself on me in my room—after getting me to drink.
This story again! I never assaulted you—that's your version! You invited me to your room. You wanted us to have a romantic evening at your place. You're just a tease! It's easy for you girls—you tell a guy to come over, you get him worked up, and then you claim you were assaulted. No one will believe you.
I don't need anyone to believe me or not—I know what happened. I wasn't in the wrong. Anyway, nothing works between us, so it's better this way.
Yeah, that's it! Go running back to your Marc if he still wants you!
I'm not leaving you for Marc, relax. I just want to be alone. In peace.
I'm the one who decides when it's over. We'll see each other again—don't worry…
********