Internet 24

THROUGH KATE'S EYE

I tune in back to the conversation to hear Marcy finishing up how they met. You see, if she let me say it, we would be down by now.

MARCY

Then we started dating.

I did make a few deals with him,

but they are not why we are together.

Lou has his arm around Marcy. It's clear from his face that his love for her is real. Marcy smiles, but I can see she is uncomfortable.

LOU

Happy and still going strong.

I see him reach for something in his inner jacket pocket. I can't see what it is, and I don't care.

ADAM

You don't own her soul?

LOU

No, but I do have some stuff.

Heart, kidney, lungs.

Lou reaches for the opposite inner jacket pocket and proceeds to the stupidest, most offish things. He pulls out a sock monkey doll that looks like Marcy.

This isn't a toy or creepy fetish doll, though it's creepy. No, this is what I learned I'd called a Conduit. This is the embodiment of Marcy. Attached to it are three enamel pins. One of her LUNGS, then LIVER, then HEART. Each is pinned to the appointed spots on the body.

MARCY

Don't show people that.

Lou blushes as he talks. He finds this all cute and is happy to discuss anything involving Marcy. Oblivious to how she feels.

LOU

Three months in, she came to me needing

something important. It was for the most

heartwarming reason, which is ironic

because that's what it cost.

Lou is so into his story that he sees nothing wrong with his actions. Marcy remains calm, but I can see the cracks forming on the edge of her mind.

MARCY

Don't talk about it.

LOU

Her dad was in this big accident,

and I wanted to help any way I can so-

CRASH! Marcy breaks and shouts in front of everyone

MARCY

LOU STOP!

Shocked and embarrassed, LOU put the doll back in the jacket pocket.

LOU

Sorry, I just like telling people how we met.

MARCY

It's ...fine. Let's just drop it.

LOU gets up from that table. He is determined to make amends, but I know he won't. He never does.

LOU

Let's eat while we wait for the storm to pass—my treat.

MANNY

I don't think he wants an organ-stealing

fish here. Maybe we should leave?

ADAM

Do you guys have cash?

LOU

Well, yeah.

ADAM

Cool, let me know when you're ready.

Lou asks Marcy with a smile, trying to weasel his way in. Marcy is calm and even gives a soft grin. That's her being nice, I can tell. She lets off these minute signals in her tone to expression that I can read. Lou's poor brain can never tell.

LOU

You hungry?

MARCY

Yeah, thanks. Mind getting me—

LOU

Cool, I'll place the order for us.

You don't have to move.

Boom, he's gone, and Marcy is left with her mouth open, wondering if what she wants will come to the table. Me, I wouldn't allow that. It is a fact. Manny is partway to the counter to meet up with Adam and Lou, and he turns to me.

MANNY

What do you want to eat?

KATE

I'll have chopped cheese.

The boy is deep in the love pool. Thats not a bad thing. I love him back, but it's good to know there is a balance we both agree to in this relationship. The real issue is the rain. I planned our whole day, and this rain ruined everything I set in place. Eh, I should be able to reschedule everything.

KATE

They better be able to refund our tickets.

Hopefully, we don't have to drive in this storm.

Marcy isn't paying attention. She is just staring at her cup. I scoot closer to Marcy as I snap my fingers, trying to bring her back to reality.

KATE

Listen up, girl. Are you even here?

MARCY

I've been...

Marcy looks back at Lou to make sure he isn't eavesdropping. He is in his own little world, talking to Adam and Manny. She turns to me, mouth itching to speak, but nothing even though her words are crawling out her mouth, begging to be said.

I grab her hand to comfort her. Marcy is still conflicted. I need to give her a little push, a nudge to the right mindset. All I want is for them to be happy, and If it means getting her to be in an environment that feels that way, I will make it. What better place to confess what's bothering you than a 3-star cafe in the middle of a storm.

MARCY

Neverminded. I should let my dad know

I'm off the road. I don't want him to worry.

KATE

Don't hide stuff from me—no secrets between us. Tell me.

MARCY

I've been debating something in my head.

You don't have to worry about it.

KATE

When have you known me not to worry? I'm here for you.

MARCY

It's been a hard few months, and things haven't

been easy. How Lou talks and treats everything.

But we've been together for so long, and I know he cares.

Marcy's feelings grow as she tries to control them. Marcy's eyes water as the words she is building up hurt her. I hold her trembling hands tight.

MARCY

You saw him, though; he just pulled

the doll out. He is carrying the doll

with him to a damn concert.

KATE

What are you saying?

At this moment, the world is black. A single spotlight shines down and illuminates the table. We are on an isolated island away from everyone. The cafe has faded. The rain's cold isn't replaced with warmth but instead neutral.

It's just us, as her words widen my eyes. I know things were rocky, and the pressure was building, but I didn't predict this happening tonight of all nights. Maybe the concert being canceled was a blessing as it gave Marcy the time she needed to think.

She says the words that have been clamoring at her throat.

MARCY

I...want to break up with Lou.