Peter, what's going on with Marc lately? I can't figure him out anymore. What's the problem? Is his training going badly? Does he not like the army anymore? Is he having problems? Did I miss something?
No, why are you asking that?
For a while he was constantly on my case about Stephane, and now I barely see him. I'm starting to think he's avoiding me.
…
What? Why aren't you saying anything? Is that it? He's avoiding me? But why?
Listen, Cathy, it's true that Marc and I talked a lot. He took a step back and realized that you're happy with Stephane. So since he doesn't really like the guy, but he doesn't want to make you suffer either, it's probably easier for him to put a bit of distance between you for now, just to make sure he doesn't mess anything up. Don't worry, it'll pass.
Maybe I should talk to him, right?
Well yeah, better communication between you two wouldn't hurt. Because being in the middle of this isn't fun for me either. I'm playing the buffer, and that's not my role.
*********************
Hello?
Hey Marc, it's me! How are you?
Yeah, I'm good. You?
Yeah, I'm fine too. Do you have a little time?
Yeah, I'm going back to training in an hour. What's up?
I think we need to have our first real serious adult conversation.
Serious adults? What is this nonsense again… Alright. I'm sitting down. I'm listening.
Marc, I've noticed the change in your attitude toward me since I've been with Stephane, and I'd like us to put our cards on the table. Because I feel tension between us that shouldn't be there. It makes me uncomfortable, and I talked about it with Peter—he's tired of being the mediator between us.
Yeah, I get it. Listen, about Stephane, I won't lie to you, I'll never be friends with that guy. But I know you're happy, so I've decided to stop playing the big brother. To let you live your life peacefully. So yeah, I've pulled back a bit, because spending an evening with him, meh. If that's okay with you, I'd rather we meet up for a coffee or lunch once in a while, just the two of us. It'll probably keep me from saying something stupid and hurting you.
It was easier when we were kids and you used to steal my dolls, wasn't it?
Yeah. But we've grown up, and so have our problems. I'll admit this second year is harder than the first. So I also want to stay focused so I don't screw everything up for nothing.
Yeah, same. But… I still miss you…
…I miss you too, Cathy… I miss you too…
*************
So Stephane, how was your weekend? Live up to your expectations?
Better than that, guys! That chick is smoking hot. Crazy weekend, I'm exhausted.
Damn, only you can pick up girls like that!
You just don't know how to do it, man. Me, I know exactly what to say to girls to look like the perfect son-in-law, I know how to lead them where I want, and then I've got the equipment to satisfy them. But honestly, this one—she's next level! I'm gonna— AAAAAAAAAAH, stop it, let go of me, asshole!
You piece of shit, I'm gonna smash your face in! Let me go, I'm gonna kill him. Don't you ever come near her again, you don't deserve her, asshole!
Let him go right now! In my office, now, both of you! Alright—what happened? Who started it?
Coach, Marc jumped on me to hit me. Look—he busted my lip. I've got blood everywhere, it's gonna swell up.
You'll go to the infirmary after. It's bleeding, but you're not gonna die, don't worry. Marc, is that true?
Yes, but…
No "but." You sound like kids. Marc, I agreed to let you join the team even though you're not part of the campus, but your behavior here is unacceptable. We don't fight in the locker room—save your aggression for the game!
But Coach, he talked about his girlfriend like she was a piece of meat, and she's my best friend. I couldn't just let him talk about her like that.
Okay, but that still doesn't justify hitting him. If you hadn't been stopped, I don't even know what shape you'd both be in right now. Marc, you're off the team. And Stephane, you're banned from playing matches for the rest of the term. Not a word. I don't want to hear or see you anymore. Now get out!
************************
I figured you'd come see me.
…
Alright, Cat', you need to listen to me, okay? I'm going to explain what happened, but judging by your face, you already know. So go ahead, start—yell at me, and I'll talk after.
Are you kidding me right now?
No, I can see you're furious and ready to explode, so go ahead. Until it all comes out, we won't be able to talk.
What the hell got into you, seriously?
That guy is—
That guy is my guy! You get that? And you had no right to smash his face in in the locker room. You said you'd keep your distance, that you'd stop making waves.
Tell me what he told you—we'll save time. I'll give you my version after.
But I don't want to hear your version. I'm just here to tell you to stop. Stop harassing us, stop being jealous, stop making our lives miserable. I don't want to hear anything you have to say in your defense.
Harassing you? Making your life miserable? Don't you think that's a bit much? And how exactly am I supposed to defend myself then?
Alright then—you're going to answer my questions. You jumped on him in the locker room, yes or no?
Yes, of course, but…
Yes or no. That's all.
Yes.
You hit him in the jaw, yes or no?
Yes, but…
He ended up on the ground before you jumped on him again, yes or no?
… Yes.
People had to hold you back so you'd stop hitting him, yes or no?
Yes, but…
No "but"! That's enough for me. You just confirmed his version. So now listen to me very carefully: I don't want to see you anymore. You don't come near me again, and him even less. Is that clear?
What? That's it then? It just ends like that? You don't want to know anything more? Fuck… we've been friends since we were born. You know me better than that, don't you? You know damn well I don't just hit a guy for no reason.
No, Marc—I don't know you anymore these days, and that's exactly the problem. I don't recognize you anymore. I don't know what's going on, but I can't take it anymore.
I'm disappointed.