At Catherine's parents' house, three days later.
Oh my God, Mom, look at me… I look awful.
No, sweetheart, stop staring at yourself in that mirror. They're just bruises. You won't have any scars. It'll take a little time, that's true, but everything will go back to how it was. You were very lucky.
Catherine, I'm… here.
Marc… don't come in…
I'm sorry… I'll go back downstairs.
Mom… do you think he saw me naked?
No, I don't think so. But even if he did, it wouldn't be a big deal. He's already seen you in a swimsuit, it's basically the same.
Yes, but not completely… battered like this…
Come on, finish getting ready. I'll go see him.
*********
Marc ??? where is he?
He already left, sweetheart.
What do you mean, he left?
He told me he had to go back to class. He'll call you.
He was that pressed for time? He didn't even say goodbye to me…
He spent three full days by your side, without sleeping or eating. I think he needs to pull himself together a bit so he can really be there for you afterward. He'll be here this weekend. It's only two days to wait.
***********
Marc, you're back!
Careful… don't jump on me like that!
Oops, sorry. Did I hurt you?
No, but be careful. I'm worried about you.
Did you get some rest?
Uh… yes. And you?
Yes, I didn't really have anything else to do. You didn't have any trouble skipping classes?
No. They were very understanding. I just have some classes to catch up on. Do you want to do something special today?
Given how I look, it's probably better not to go out in public. Even with my sunglasses on, I feel like everyone's staring at me. And wearing long sleeves when the weather's beautiful… it looks like I'm hiding something shady.
You don't have anything to be ashamed of. No one can imagine what you've just been through.
Yeah… I know. I kind of feel like staying here, hidden away for as long as I can. We could go to the seaside? Stay over there? A little romantic getaway like last time?
Uh… I'd love to, but I'm a bit exhausted to drive that far.
I can drive, you know!
Yes, but you need to rest too. We can just stay here, take it easy.
Okay… so you're sleeping here tonight then?
Uh… listen… no, I'd rather go back to my place.
Do you want us to sleep at your place?
No. I've got work to do. I'm going to work tonight and go to bed late. I don't want to keep you from sleeping, that's all. We'll spend the whole day together tomorrow before I leave again.
Okay… as you want.
***********
Hey Peter, so… you're not coming to see me anymore?
Sorry, kiddo, my head's a bit underwater these days. But how are you doing?
I'm bored. The days are long, I don't really dare go out, so activities are limited. I think I'm getting a preview of retirement!
Yeah, I get it. At least Marc is with you, that's something.
Marc? Well no, he's not with me. He's in class too, what do you think! I'm the only one on medical leave.
What do you mean he's not with you? Then where is he?
Peter, this isn't funny! He spent the weekend here and then he left… like he always does, you know…
Catherine, Marc is not in class, I promise you. And actually, he could get into serious trouble. I tried to explain his situation, but it didn't really help.
He told me they'd been pretty understanding, that he just had classes to catch up on.
They understood the three days he spent with you at the hospital, yes. But since then, no news. If he doesn't come back or give an explanation, he could simply be kicked out of the school.
Oh shit… I didn't know any of that. He lied to me, but why? And where is he then?
Did you see him this weekend?
Yes, of course.
How did he seem? Did he talk to you about anything?
No, nothing. He said he had work to do, so we didn't see each other much, and yeah… I did find him distant.
I'm going to his place. I've got a spare key.
Call me as soon as you know more, okay?
***********
In Marc's student room
Knock, knock… anyone home? Marc, are you here? Fuck, you can't see a thing in here, open a window, it stinks! Marc! Shit, answer me!
…
Marc, did you just get drunk or did you take something?
…..
Okay, Cathy, he's at home, but in a really bad state. Do you think you can come? I need you.
Yeah, I'm on my way.
Bring some aspirin and something to eat, please. I'll wait for you.
But is he okay? He's not hurt?
No, he'll be fine. I've got this.
Answer me, damn it, what did you take?
Whisky.
Whisky, that's it. No meds?
Nooo.
No drugs?
Nooo.
Okay, I'm putting you in the shower then. You're not gonna like it, but it'll do you good.
Don't wanna.
Well, I do. Otherwise I call emergency services, so make an effort.
Aaah, it's cold!! Fuck, what are you doing? Get me out of here!
Yeah, I know, it's good for the skin.
Asshole! Why are you doing this?
Why am I doing this? Are you kidding me right now?
Can I get out now? I'm awake.
Sobered you up a bit?
Yeah, perfect. Super effective, thanks for the method!
Alright, strip now, dry yourself, I'll get you some clean clothes.
Thanks, Mom.
Here, I made you a coffee and I found this pack of cookies, you need to eat now.
Yes, Mom.
Stop it!! I'm not in the mood to joke, okay? What are you playing at?
Do I look like I'm playing?
Catherine thinks you're in class, I think you're with Catherine, I'm trying to cover for you, the school is looking for you. You're two steps away from getting kicked out, you know that? What's going on? Why didn't you call me? Why are you lying to Cathy?
Don't feel like it.
Okay, now you don't have a choice. I'm here and I'm not leaving.
…..
Marc, talk to me. It's not like you to throw everything away and drown yourself in whisky. How long was this supposed to last?
I don't know.
What's the problem? I know you spent three intense days at the hospital, you must've been exhausted, but disappearing like this to get wasted… I'm missing something. Cathy needs you.
No, she doesn't need me.
What??? What does that even mean? Of course she needs you, more than ever.
No, she manages just fine on her own.
Oh wow, what kind of bullshit is that? Marc, drop it, please, I don't get it.
…
Marc, why are you crying? I've never seen you like this.
I didn't manage to protect her.
What do you mean?
I went to see her…
Yeah, and?
I heard her talking with her mom in her room, so I went in.
Okay.
She was standing in front of her big mirror. She was naked, and I saw… all the marks… all the bruises…
Okay… I get it now.
Peter, it was the first time I ever saw her naked, and it was like that. The poor thing, she's blue and purple everywhere… her arms, her legs… even her stomach, can you imagine? He even hit her in the stomach.
Yeah, I know. It's horrible. How did she react when she saw you?
She didn't see me at first. I was completely frozen. Then I quickly turned my head and went back downstairs when they noticed me. Eli followed me, she saw how shaken I was, and I left right away.
Marc, your reaction is completely normal. You need to talk to Cathy about it.
No, I can't.
Why?
I'm too ashamed.
Ashamed? Ashamed of what? Her body?
Oh no, not her body, never. I'm ashamed of myself.
Why of yourself? You're allowed to feel weak…
No, you don't understand. It's my fault.
What? How is it your fault?
What happened to her.
Marc, you're losing it! How could that possibly be your fault?
I didn't manage to protect her from that guy…