Ooooh, calm down! Why are you throwing your stuff around like that?
Nothing, I'm fed up. I bust my ass and not only do I not even get a thank you, but on top of that I get attitude. This sucks!
Ok, then I have absolutely no idea what you're talking about, so first you're going to calm down a bit and then explain it to me calmly.
It's Catherine again!
There you go, you managed to put up with each other for ten days at your place and now it blows up afterward, it's the backlash, is that it?
She talked down to me, she ditched me in the apartment like an idiot. When it was perfect, it would have been great.
What are you talking about?
I found our future apartment. Well, I thought I had found it. But judging by her reaction, apparently that's not what she wanted. But she could have told me nicely at least.
But I didn't know you'd decided to live together. You little secretive ones, you didn't tell me anything!
Actually no, that's not how it happened. We didn't really decide to live together, but those ten days together went so well.
So if I understand correctly, you'd never talked about it before and now you show her an apartment.
Yes, it was a surprise!
Ah yes, for a surprise, I understand why she was surprised, that's for sure.
Pete, are you making fun of me?
No, I'm trying to understand your story between the lines by putting the pieces back together in order.
It was so great when she was staying at my place. Knowing she was home when I came back, that I could sleep with her every night, seeing her clothes in my closet, I loved it. We took care of each other, like a real couple, it was really nice, I loved it.
And she too, I suppose.
Yes, obviously… well… I think… I'm not so sure of anything anymore now, given her reaction.
Yeah, yeah, yeah.
What… yeah, yeah, yeah. Go on, talk.
I'm going to end up sounding like a couples psychotherapist again even though I don't know what a couple really is, but just with common sense, I'd say: why didn't you talk openly about it with Catherine before jumping into this project?
Because I was obviously convinced she'd be over the moon.
And you thought she'd be happy just because you spent ten great days together.
Yes.
Ok. Well, I'll give you a stupid example so you get the idea. Do you remember when we spent that week skiing this winter?
Yes, obviously. But what does that have to do with it?
We spent eight great days in a beautiful chalet. You loved going out to fetch firewood, taking long walks in the snow, even though walking usually isn't really your thing.
Yes, and???
We all agreed we'd spent an amazing week together in a beautiful place, but when we got back, did we decide to go live in the mountains?
No, obviously, but that has nothing to do with it.
But yes, Marc, of course it does. Just because you spend an amazing week or more somewhere doesn't necessarily mean you want to turn your life upside down. Cathy and you are a solid couple, I have no doubt about that, but for Cathy, living the way you are right now seems to be enough for her.
Yes, but unlike skiing, we can extend those moments together, so why not take advantage of it?
I think that's something you need to talk about with her, not with me. I've given you a lead; it's up to you to see with Cat' why your move made her so angry. But on the other hand, if a girl had put me in front of a fait accompli like that without asking me first, I'd have run away too.
Oh my god, this is so complicated!!!
**********
In Catherine's apartment
Hi!
Hi!
Can I come in, babe, or are you still mad?
Yes, go ahead. Do you want something to drink?
No, I'd like us to talk… about what happened.
So listen to me carefully, Marc…
No, stop! Don't get worked up, I get it, I was stupid. I'm sorry, I just want us to talk about it calmly, I'll tell you why I did that.
Ok, but you always do things backwards, I feel like you never learn.
Cathy, please, calm down, I'm apologizing and I'd like us to talk about it precisely without getting angry, ok?
Ok, I'm listening.
So, there it is, I got carried away, I admit it, and I made up this whole movie in my head.
Yeah, but you didn't have the right actors, it seems.
Yes, for me, yes. But I was wrong. I thought you were in the same mindset as me and so I wanted to surprise you by proving that I could organize everything on my own, but I never imagined for a second that you wouldn't follow me in this project. I love you, Cathy, so I thought you did too…
What are you implying there? That I love you less than you love me, is that it?
No, that's not what I said.
What if you loved me badly instead? Did you think about that possibility?
Cathy, don't be defensive, I wanted us to talk in a constructive way.
How do you want me not to be defensive? You take me to an apartment where we're supposed to move in at the end of the month without even asking me if I want that.
But those ten days together were nice, weren't they?
Yes, of course they were nice, just like the weekends we spend together or the vacations, but I don't already want to live like an adult couple, that's all. I like what we're living right now, the two of us, I don't want to ruin everything by going too fast. We're really wrapped up in our studies so I don't feel available for something else. But that doesn't call our relationship into question at all. It's just that for me, it's too early, that's all.
Ok, I understand, you're probably right, I got carried away.
***********
October, in a café
It's nice to see you again, it's been a while since we've managed to get together.
Lisa, you understand, madam is very busy, she works, you know.
Hey, stop teasing me, girls, I'm just as bummed as you are that we have less time to see each other. But honestly, it's been two weeks since I started my job at the hospital and I don't see daylight anymore. Wow, the workload, the crazy pace! I'm completely wiped out when I get home in the evening, I can't take it anymore, I just collapse.
Yeah, be careful not to overdo it during your trial period, though, you need to last in the long run.
And yeah, otherwise no apartment!
What do you mean, no apartment?
If you don't get a permanent contract, it'll be more complicated to find an apartment.
But I'm not looking for an apartment, where are you getting that from? You think with my job I'm going to add apartment hunting, expenses, and a move on top of that? Oh no thank you, too bad, I'm staying where I am. And I remind you, Melanie, Marc already pulled the apartment thing on me…
But how can you stay? Did you negotiate an extension?
An extension of what? What are you talking about, Lisa?
This girl just came from Mars, Lili. Hello, Cathy!! Wake up!!!!
But seriously, Cat', are you unconscious or what? You didn't look for an apartment?
No but now you're scaring me, girls, what's this obsession with the apartment?
Go ahead, Mel, tell her, you'll explain it more clearly.
Ok, I'll handle it. So, here it is, Madam airhead. You live in student housing, right?
Yes, for three years now.
You graduated in June. Technically you're no longer a student, so you no longer have the right to that apartment.
And who said that?
Oh my god, you never check your mail, do you?
No, I don't get anything sent here, I kept my parents' address for everything.
The management company sent a letter here to all graduates telling us that we have to leave the apartments by the end of the month at the latest for the new tenants.
But when was that? The deadline is kind of short, isn't it?
No, not really, we received that letter in July. Why do you think we left?
I didn't really think about it, actually. So now, at the end of the month, meaning in 15 days, I'm out on the street? Is that what you're telling me?
Exactly.
Oh shit, I really didn't need this…