Two weeks later
Mel!
What?
…
What? Why are you looking at me like that?
I'm in a relationship!
No way! And how does that make you feel?
Surprisingly, I'm really happy. I wanted it too.
That was fast with him, wasn't it?
You mean compared to Marc? Yes, that's true. But we've barely been apart since he came back to see me at the hospital. We talked a lot, for hours, and we went to exhibitions, he showed me some great places, restaurants. I feel like I've done more things with Hugo in two weeks than with Marc in two years.
Are you in love?
I think so, yes.
Are you going to tell Marc?
No. Absolutely not. That's out of the question, obviously. It's none of his business. I owe him nothing, I don't know what he's doing, I don't see why I should tell him anything about my private life.
And on the… sex front? How is that going?
Well… good, actually. I was really apprehensive, since my only reference was Marc. But in the end, everything happened simply, as naturally as possible. I'm happy, you know, and it does me a world of good after everything I've been through these past few months. I finally have a shoulder to lean on, a reassuring guy who takes initiative. For once, I'm letting myself be carried along, and it feels really good.
Yes, it shows. You're glowing. Happiness suits you. I'm really happy for you. After everything you've been through, you deserve this bubble of peace.
****************
At Bertille's place
Hi, thanks for letting me come.
I'm doing this for Jules, I'm not trying to be nice to you.
Listen, I wanted to tell you that I dropped the procedure.
Really?
Yes, I have to make a decision now. I can't wait a year to get an answer and then several more months to get the results.
So… we could consider seeing each other more often…?
Yes, and maybe forming a family…
Oh, Marc, that's wonderful, I'm so happy to hear you say that. Jules, come out of your room please, sweetheart. Come see who's here!
Hi, buddy. So tell me, what were you playing?
With little figures.
Can you show me? I loved playing with little figures when I was a kid too.
Come into my room.
Shall I make you a coffee, Marc?
Yes please. Can I go into his room with him while I wait?
Yes, of course. Jules, you'll bring your little figures into the living room afterward, okay, so we can have coffee here.
Okay, Mom.
********
What did you do? Are you crazy? Do you realize what would've happened if she had seen you?
Listen, it was the only solution. I didn't have a choice.
I thought you were waiting for the judge's decision.
I am, and I still am—but I think I could be waiting a long time.
So where did you get this test?
I bought it online.
And you're sure it's reliable? If it takes so long here, there has to be a reason.
Yes, I'm sure. But I need to know as quickly as possible.
And she didn't see anything?
No, nothing at all.
And the kid…what if he talks?
He'll say we played a game where you put things in your mouth to imitate a walrus, that's all. We both played with cotton swabs and that was it.
When will you know?
In three weeks.
*********
Three weeks later
I've got the answer.
So? From the look on your face, it's not good.
I haven't opened the envelope.
What? You're kidding!
I can't do it.
Okay, give it to me right now, I can't wait any longer.
So?
Well, it's in English, so I don't understand everything. Buying this online wasn't such a great idea…
Give it to me! … 0%.
What do you mean, 0%?
0% shared genes, no possible link. Oh shit, that's good news!
Are you sure? Did you read everything properly?
Not everything, no, but the percentage speaks for itself.
Wait, let me reread it calmly, I don't want any false hope. I need to go tell Catherine right away. She's going to jump for joy and we'll be able to get back together and…
Marc, stop!
What do you mean, stop?
Don't get carried away, you could be in for a big letdown.
No, why would you say that? She was waiting for the answer just like I was, to know how we could move forward. Come on, take me to the hospital please. She finishes at 5 p.m. on Thursdays, I don't want to miss her.
Are you sure? Why don't you wait for her at the apartment?
You never know. If she goes grocery shopping or sees a friend, she could get home later. I need to see her as soon as possible, and if I call her, she won't pick up. No way I'm leaving her a message to announce this.
Okay, as you like.
*************
In front of the hospital's main entrance, in the parking lot
She shouldn't be long now, it's already been ten minutes since she was supposed to be out. I couldn't have missed her.
You never know! They might have changed her schedule since you were living together.
No, no. Look, there she is! What did I tell you! Some things never change. Okay, I'm getting out, will you wait for me?
Wait, Marc!
What?
She looks like she's looking for someone or something. There's a guy heading straight toward her, look!
What? Who's that? Who is this guy?
No idea, I've never seen him.
I have to step in, he's about to jump her.
Marc, no, that's not it!
He's heading straight for her, I'm going to kill that asshole!
Stop it, don't be stupid, stay here! They're holding hands and she's smiling broadly…that's not exactly the definition of an assault.
I'm going over there, what is this madness? She's getting into his car…
I'm telling you to stay here. Marc, I'm sorry.
But who is this guy? Have you seen him before? Did you know? You didn't tell me anything?
No, Marc, I swear I didn't know she was seeing someone, I'm just as stunned as you are.
That's not possible. We waited so long for this good news… she can't do this to me.
Too long, apparently…