Listen, I was hard on you, so I wanted to apologize. I think I got scared afterward and needed to unload, so you were the ideal target.
No worries, I understand. I think I would've done the same. And besides, you were right, so I've got nothing to hold against you. I explained everything to Cathy.
How did she take it?
She needs time to process the information, given that she's still weak, but she asked me to come see her again, so I'm pretty happy tonight.
Yeah, I imagine the last forty-eight hours have been especially exhausting for you.
I love her so much, Peter. If you only knew. I don't understand how we managed to drift so far apart in such a short time.
**************
One month later
You know Marc is invited as well, right?
Yes, Mel, I figured as much, but it'll be fine.
You haven't spoken to each other since the hospital, is that it?
Yes, I went back home and then nothing. From me as well as from him.
And was that on purpose?
Him, I don't know, but me, I preferred to let some time pass to take care of myself, and then afterward, I didn't dare, and time goes by fast, I don't have a minute, and here we are, it's been weeks…
And now, do you feel like talking to him?
Yes, I think a wedding is a good opportunity to reopen the dialogue or at least take the temperature, don't you think?
Yes, I think so too, but above all I just want to protect you and make sure it won't be too hard for you, that's all.
You're sweet, but I'll see how I feel when the moment comes. And at a wedding, we won't necessarily have to be around each other—that's the advantage. If we see that we have nothing to say to each other, or that maybe he doesn't want to talk to me, I'll be surrounded by plenty of people.
*********
Marc just arrived.
Yes, I saw him from afar in the church.
So how does it actually make you feel to see him?
Strange.
Strange how?
I think I'm happy, actually.
Here he is, I'm going to slip away. Hello Marc, you look very elegant.
Thank you, Melanie. I almost didn't recognize you in a dress—you should wear them more often, if I may say so.
When it's to give me compliments, you may, yes. I'm going to get myself something to drink, see you later.
Cathy, you're a wonderful witness.
Thank you, it feels strange to realize we're entering the phase of our friends' weddings, doesn't it?
Yes, totally—a real reminder that we're getting older. They look beautiful anyway, and they seem so happy it kind of makes you want it too, I won't lie.
Yes, it's nice to see.
… Have you… gone back to work?
Yes, for two weeks now.
Is it going well now?
Yes, my supervisor left, so the department has found a much calmer working atmosphere again.
I'm sorry, I didn't know if I could call you, so I preferred not to and to take this opportunity to get back in touch gently.
To be honest, it's the same for me—I thought that with this kind of event, it would be easier either to talk or to avoid each other.
Sorry to break the mood, but we're about to sit down for dinner, so please go to your tables.
Okay, see you later.
*********
Lisa, sweetheart, aren't you at your table? What are you doing here?
I was coming to give you a kiss and congratulate you—you dazzled all our single friends.
Stop it, you're the one who's gorgeous, you're glowing in that dress. And you both look so happy together, it's just beautiful to see.
I saw Marc talked to you. You knew he'd be there, right? I blame myself, I forgot to mention it again beforehand.
Hey, no worries. Yes, I kind of guessed, since he's a friend of Florent's. And anyway, you don't have to worry about that—it's your day, enjoy it, I'm doing just fine.
So, I have one last question and then I'll go join my husband. Oh, that feels strange to say now. Your table neighbor is ultimately absent. So before offering the seat to one of those Apollos ready to throw themselves at your feet, would you like me to ask Marc to sit next to you or not?
Yes, please. Thank you, Lisa, for thinking of it.
***********
Come sit down before someone steals your seat.
Is that really what you want?
Yes, I'm the one who asked Lisa.
Thank you, that means a lot to me.
Oh, don't get carried away! It was either you or one of those pretty boys circling around me, so I'm actually taking fewer risks with you.
Oh really, so it's out of desperation then! I understand better now. But know this, miss, I'm an excellent stopgap—I might even manage to make you laugh if I put my mind to it.
Well, look at that. Luckily, I'd say—because given the number of courses planned, if I don't manage to have fun, the evening's going to feel very long.
Listen, I'll make you a deal: if you crack, pretend to faint and I'll put you in a taxi.
Okay, thanks. But unfortunately, I'm going back to my parents', so a taxi won't really work.
You're spending the weekend there?
No, I'm living with them at the moment.
What???? But why? Did you give up the apartment?
No.
And you go to work every day from there?
Yes.
Wow! I don't get it… did you…sorry, that's none of my business, I didn't mean to pry, I'm sorry. Come on, let's enjoy this first course! It looks really nice. Did you look at the menu—what is it?
I think I'm going to just pick at each dish, otherwise I'll never manage to get out of this dress.
You've got some room, but I'll help you—you can always count on me for that.
Help me with what?
Finishing your plates, obviously—not getting you out of your dress!
I can't do it.
You can't do what? Count on me?
No—go back to the apartment.
Oh damn, really?
I went back there with my mom a few days after leaving the hospital to get some things, and I had a huge anxiety attack—we almost called the paramedics again.
That bad? But why?
I don't know. After that, we tried twice more, and as soon as I got into the car I started feeling nauseous. So that's it—I'm living with my parents again, and the struggle starts all over.
Are you seeing someone about it?
Not really, actually. Right after I left the hospital, yes, but I stopped pretty quickly—it didn't really appeal to me. But it'll get better. Let's talk about something else! Your shared flat—how's that going?
Beeeep! Let's talk about something else.
Ah, okay, looks like we both have apartment issues.
Yeah, you could say that. Actually, I kind of went off on the agency that sent you the contract. I really tore them apart. Let's say I cowardly unloaded my anger on them—so the result is, they refused me the apartment. I had to quickly find a studio.
Ah, too bad, that sucks.
No, I'm the one who wasn't cool. They made a mistake, sure, but I had no right to talk to them like that. I went back to apologize a few days later and explained everything. It's probably a blessing in disguise—I'm just not cut out to live with roommates, that's all.
Yes, at least you're not homeless. Come on, enough whining about the past or we'll kill the party mood.
So…come on, let's dance, just to make all those handsome guys sick with jealousy.