Internet 24

Through Lou's Eyes

Her expression softens. My mind slips back to the beach, the day we meet. I know Kate and what's her face where there but I don't remember them. In my mind, it was only her and the sand in front of me. I didn't know what to say. I think I blurted something about flamingos. She laughed though.

From then on, I dedicated myself to what we could be. Making sure all our days were happy. Isn't that enough? Were we both happy? I know I was.

LOU

When we first met, you made me want to change. I don't know what it was, but I felt you saw past the deals and scales. You made me want to be better, but I don't know what's better for you.

Her eyes look, and she feels like the Marcy I know. She leans forward, but her guard is still up.

MARCY

Relationships aren't simple.

LOU

To me, they are. It's as clear as any contract I write. How can the other person be wrong if it wasn't said or known?

MARCY

Being together isn't a transaction. There is no little trick or guideline that can get you out of how you treat the other person.

LOU

You should have told me.

MARCY

And what if I did and you didn't take it well? You have my organs, my da— You have a lot over me; even if you don't mean to, you like to tout it over me.

I reach into my jacket pocket and pull out the box. I open it and hold out the necklace. The pendant swings in the air with sparkles from the florescent bulb sparking of the gem.

LOU

I was going to give this to you.

MARCY

Jewelry?

LOU

No, it holds half my soul. It was supposed to pay your contracts. That way, you can have your bits, and we can be intertwined or whatever. It doesn't really matter.

MARCY

Intertwined?

Crap.

LOU

You know, souls combined forever, you get these adorable gills.

I look away, knowing what's waiting for me after this sentence.

LOU

Become half Sea Witch.

Marcy stands up from her chair and charges me. Her face is inches away as her curly fried breath slams my nose, and her yells beat my war drums.

MARCY

That shit right there. That's why I don't feel that bad. Were you going to tell me that before giving it to me?

I don't know how to respond, so I don't. Knowing I can't face her gaze.

MARCY

Wow, dude.

LOU

In my defense, that doesn't happen when you accept it, just when you put it on.

MARCY

And that's better?

LOU

If you didn't like me having parts of you, you shouldn't have made a deal with me. Remember you came to ME. Not once, not twice, but three times!

She takes a step back, and I see her face. Crap, I shouldn't have said that. The first time, she was lost, and I could have said no, but how could I once I heard why? Still, I made an effort to never say that before, but here, I couldn't stop the words as they rushed out.

LOU

No, I shouldn't have accepted them. I— Uhh... Why did this happen? Everything was going well.

MARCY

Was it?

We are silent for a moment as Marcy returns to her chair.

LOU

You really have nothing to do with what Kate's doing?

MARCY

No, this isn't what I wanted, and I don't want you hurt or her having my guts.

LOU

I can see it in her. You know I can. There isn't a doubt in my mind. She's going to kill me.

MARCY

That won't happen. I'll get you out of whatever she has done to you.

A crack of thunder shakes the room. For a moment, I forgot about the storm outside. The flash of lighting brightens the room for a second.

MARCY

I don't hate you.

LOU

I don't hate you either.

MARCY

It's just all these little things that aren't little. I love who we were. I love who you are, but I don't know if we are what's best for us.

LOU

I think you're what's best for me.

MARCY

But do you think we're what's best for us?

No answer comes to my mind. Marcy can sense my hesitation. She was always intuitive. Made me want to learn how to notice the small things like that. I wonder if I have gotten better at that. The storm rages outside.

LOU

If we went to the concert, would this still... I don't want that answer. Thanks for your help. I'm glad you still care.

MARCY

Of course, I care. I still love you, but that doesn't mean I will take back what I said earlier. I'll say this out loud for you. This isn't for you. It's my choice.

LOU

Okay then... You'll need to tear up that paper Kate has, which means you must go against her. Can you do that?

I am asking something huge of her. This means Marcy will go against Kate, her oldest friend, the woman we now know has magical powers and holds her organs, the doll that holds two lives. Knowing all that, Marcy still nods yes.

Marcy is the woman I love, and I don't think that will ever change, and for that, I'm sorry.