Love & Memoryless

V

Josh : Did you see the message?
Jennifer : Yeah.
Josh : And ?
Jennifer : And what ?
Josh : Nothing. Can I ask you a question ?
Jennifer : Again ? Chuckling.
Josh : No no. It's different.
Jennifer : Go ahead.
Josh : If I really love you, what would your replie be?
Jennifer : It depends on what this love means.
Josh : I...

The door to Josh's room opens.

Josh : Wait a second. Said to Jennifer.

The father gave a big smile.

Jason : Are you talking to Jennifer ?
Josh : Yes. Why ?
Jason : Nothing. Tell her that they're invited to our house for Christmas Day.
Josh : Oh okay. Something else ?
Jason : Yeah, wish her a happy birthday again from me. Sweet dreams.
Josh : Thanks, dad. You too.

Jennifer smiled. The father comes out of the room.

Jennifer : Thanks for the invitation. Anyway, I have to sleep now, I'm so tired.
Josh : Okay. Good night. See you tomorrow.
Jennifer : Good night, Josh.

The next day at 8 a.m.
From the other end of USA, in New York, Kelly has arrived. She leaves the airport, and finds Mandy waiting for her.
They gave each other a big hug.
The car stops in front of a large five-star hotel where Victoria and Martin's wedding will take place.

Mandy : I booked a suite for the two of us. Is it good?
Kelly : Yeah. That way, we'll spend time talking.

They lie down in a large and spacious double bed.

Mandy : First of all, you tell me about Josh, why he didn't come ?
Kelly : He didn't want.
Mandy : Just like that ? You got angry ?
Kelly : No, he tell me that he didn't want to come, that's it.
Mandy : Okay, but who is gonna be your date ?
Kelly : Don't remind me, please.
Mandy : By the way, you still love him.
Kelly : Badly. But it's been a few months, a germ came.
Mandy : Germ ?
Kelly : Yeah, her name is Jennifer.
Mandy : Tell me.
Kelly : I think there is a relationship between them. She won his heart. She came a few months ago, and she won him. Do you want me to tell you more?
Mandy : Is there something else ?
Kelly : She's his neighbour.
Mandy : How did you know ?
Kelly : I have seen her. Her apartment is in the building next door.
Mandy : Wow! And what will you do now?
Kelly : I don't know anymore. I love him so much. I didn't know a girl like her could steal him from me.
Mandy : She is living alone?
Kelly : I don't think so. I heard something in school, that she's living with her mother.
Mandy : Is she close to King family?
Kelly : Yes, mom called me, she said that Aunt Wendy invited them to her house for Christmas Day.
Mandy : You have to let them hate her.

Kelly remained silent.

KelIy : I agree. But how ?
Mandy : Rumour.
Kelly : Like what ?

After a long discussion. Someone knocked on the door. Kelly rushes to open.
A handsome young man, dressed in a beautiful turquoise shirt is at the door.

Paul : Kelly?!!

They gave each other a big hug.

Kelly : Paul? You have completely changed! I haven't seen you for a long time.
Paul : You become more beautiful day after day.

Paul was a former childhood friend of Victoria. He was madly in love with Kelly. He still is. But Kelly never felt that. She considers him as much as a big brother.

Paul : Victoria and Martin were supposed to get married a long time ago.
Kelly : Why?
Paul : To see this beauty that you are.
Kelly : Ohh.. Paul!! Your words are cute as always. Your personality hasn't changed at all!
Paul : Anyway, would you like to go out for a bit?
Mandy : What about me ??

He looks at Mandy smiling and says.

Paul : You too !
Kelly : Alright. Let us change.
Paul : Ok. I'll be waiting for you in front of the hotel.
Kelly : OK. See you later !

Kelly closed the door.

Mandy : This is an opportunity to buy a new phone number.
Kelly : For what ?
Mandy : Shh.. just shut up.

Both are ready to go out.
They walked towards the entrance of the hotel. They find Paul waiting for them in the car.

It's noon, Josh and Jennifer are decorating the Christmas tree, The mothers and Josh's aunt are cooking. The father is decorating the house with the lights.

After having dinner together, sharing gifts, they go up the stairs heading to the roof of the building.
They sit together, contemplating the starless sky.

Josh : Jennifer, what does it mean love for you ?
Jennifer : Love ? Uhh..I saw a movie last night. One of the cast said a beautiful quote about love. He said that : "Perfect love, even for one minute, is the one who makes us feel at the moment of the end that life was good, really good." What about you ?
Josh : "Love is respect, attention, appreciation for feelings, love is mercy. The truest love is when you don't know why you love. You don't love someone for certain things, because these things can end."
Jennifer : Totally true.
Josh : Have you ever loved someone ?
Jennifer : Yes, when I was 18. That was my last unrelated love.
Josh : What do you mean by unrelated ?
Jennifer : The love wasn't reciprocated; he didn't like me.
Josh : Why ?
Jennifer : I don't know. Maybe it was a bad choice.
Josh : And you never loved afterwards.
Jennifer : No, I focused on my studies and then my work then after the death of my father I don't go out anymore. I go to work or else I stay at home.
Josh : You experienced depression with this routine.
Jennifer : Yeah. You know, I owe you a big thank you; you really took me out of my bubble. I feel alive. Thank you Josh.

After a silence that lasts for a few seconds, she says.

Jennifer : It's been a long time, I haven't felt this warmth in a house. Your parents are nice. Thanks a lot for the invitation.

Josh smiles without saying a word.
Jennifer looks at her phone. It's 9 p.m.

Jennifer : I have to go, now. Goodbye Josh.
Josh : You want me to come with you ?
Jennifer : No need, the apartment is right next door. Thank you anyway.

Jennifer kisses him on the cheek. The moment she turns to leave, Josh pulls her by her arm, walks over to her, and kisses her out of love.

Josh : I'm sorry. Confused.

Jennifer Blushed. Remaining close, she kissed him in turn.
Her phone vibrates. Her mother calls her.

Jennifer : I have to go. Good night.

She leaves quickly. He smiles, overjoyed.