At Bertille's place
Jules, surprise!
Hi there, buddy!
Do you want to come play in my room?
No, not today. I don't have time to stay, I just came to talk to your mom. You can go to your room and leave us alone, okay?
Would you like something to drink?
No thanks. I'm just stopping by for five minutes to show you something, and then I'm out of your lives for good. And you out of mine.
What? What are you talking about?
Here, read this.
… It's in English, I don't speak a word of English. What is it?
These are the results of the DNA test I took with Jules.
What? A DNA test? But how? That's impossible, I never authorized that!
That's why I did it behind your back.
But I never left you alone with Jules…how could you have done that?
You did. The last time, I managed to be alone with him in his room, just long enough to take the sample.
I'm going to press charges, Marc. This is going to cost you dearly.
And I'll press charges against you for ruining my life. Because you know perfectly well what's written in that letter, don't you? No need to know English…you always knew Jules wasn't my son. You were just looking for a nice, gullible idiot naïve enough to take you at your word.
Marc, listen…
No, I don't want to listen to you. Yes, I did something illegal, but so be it. I had to know, because I was convinced that even drunk, I couldn't have forgotten sleeping with you. But you took me for a fool, so I went behind your back to find out the truth. What you did is disgusting. Why me?
Because I always had a crush on you and you never looked at me… because you're the kind of man I want as a father for my son… because I thought you might eventually love me…
No. Impossible. And now Catherine has another man, so I will never forgive you if I've lost her for good.
I'm sorry… I didn't think about all the consequences, I just wanted to protect my child.
Well you're no mother of the year, believe me. Jules deserves better than you. Who is the father?
I don't know.
You're lying. Who is the father?
It's Matthias.
Did you tell him?
Yes… but he rejected me. He doesn't want to hear anything about his son.
So you try your luck with someone else—easy for you! Now I never want to see you or hear from you again. Is that clear? And you're the one who'll explain your screw-up to Jules.
**********
Peter, please, don't say anything to Cathy if you happen to be on the phone with her.
Okay… do you really think it's a good thing to keep her in the dark?
I don't know anymore, but I don't want to influence her life. I've already caused enough damage as it is. If she's happy with this guy, I have to let her enjoy it.
Does it hurt?
Like hell. Want to go get wasted with me? I really need it.
Okay, but not too much. Look where alcohol has already gotten you.
Yeah, you're right… but tonight, I really need to clear my head.
*************
At Catherine's parents' place
So, sweetheart, tell me a bit about this boy, since we never see him.
Mom, it's too soon for now. We've been seeing each other for a month; we're not at the stage of meeting the family yet.
Are you in love?
I think so.
You think so? Well, well…
Yeah, it's complicated.
Ah yes, your stories with Marc are never simple.
But I'm not talking about Marc, Mom.
You think that, do you?
I haven't heard from him for weeks… even months. I don't know what he's doing.
Well then call him if you want to know.
Oh no, definitely not. If I do that, it would mean I'd have to talk to him about Hugo, and I have no desire to do that.
And why not?
Well… it's delicate. I resent him, but not to the point of hurting him either.
So he has the right to be with another girl, but you wouldn't be allowed to go on with your life?
That's not it. I don't know if he's with her… I don't think so.
You don't think so… or you hope not?
Mom!
In any case, we don't know. But for now, all I can tell you is that he's on mission for two months, so you're not likely to call him or run into him.
Mom?
Yes, sweetheart?
I have the right to be happy without him, don't I?
Of course you do, my dear—well… why that question?
I don't know, it's a strange feeling.
Do you still think about him?
Yes… obviously. But I feel so good with Hugo too.
Then above all, enjoy it! Don't ask yourself any questions, let time pass and you'll see what comes next.
***************
Catherine, I can tell you're worried. Do you want to talk about it?
I'm not sure.
You're not sure, okay. Well… then I'll be the one to talk.
…
For the past two weeks, I've felt you pulling away. We see each other less, you seem distracted. I haven't said anything until now because I found every possible excuse to justify it… but I think it's time to clear the air.
I suddenly feel like crying.
Then cry. Please, let it out, it's a start.
Oh, Hugo… it's complicated in my head.
Are you thinking about Marc?
I'm sorry, I don't do it on purpose.
Hey, calm down. It's not your fault. Remember, at the beginning we were both clear. We were each coming out of a difficult and painful relationship. We didn't want to start something right away… but it happened. I think we found each other at a time when each of us needed the other to get back on our feet. And now… we've reached the top.
Does that mean it's over?
Yes. Maybe.
Do you feel the same way?
Not necessarily… but I can't force you to stay with me if you're thinking about Marc or if you're not in love with me.
I don't know… but I feel good with you.
Yes, but not enough to keep walking part of the road together. I'm not looking for a relationship just to fill my evenings. I want someone to build a life with. And you're not in that place.
No, that's true.