Double Twenty

Chapter 14 - Fields of Gold (Sting)

"Every secret has a weight, and sharing it means giving it to someone else to carry." – François Mauriac

Loïc is fuming. Since when has Julien been so good at this game? And to make matters worse, he hands the controller over to Marie, who is also beating him. It's completely insane. Everyone has their role in the group. Stéphane, the bourgeois, always at the forefront, show-off, perfect host with a big house and a great pool. Max, the cool, sporty guy, always ready to lend a hand. JF, the intellectual, hardworking. Tonio, the funny guy, the joker. Julien, the calm and reliable one, the person you count on in tough times. And him, Loïc, the winner, the competitor, the spice of the group. And now this jerk Julien is stepping out of his role, with his girlfriend no less. Two losers, but he's not fooled. It won't last. He doesn't even feel like going to Ibiza anymore. Plus, things at home are rough; his parents might get a divorce. His studies are getting harder, even when he puts in the effort. He's fed up. His refuge is video games and sports. He excels at them, and when he does, he's watched, admired, he's somebody. And this idiot, who doesn't care about any of it, is making him look foolish. He looks at him with a hint of hatred, but Julien is too absorbed in Marie to notice. "Damn, what a beating, you'll need to practice!" Tonio laughs like a whale. "He just got lucky, that's all!" It hurts him to say anything else. Julien offers a genuine and friendly smile, "Sorry, man, honestly, as you said, it was luck." And on top of that, he's nice, the bastard. Loïc wants to crush him. His fist clenches involuntarily. "Come on, let's go to McDonald's, my treat." Loïc broods internally: I'm watching you, jerk. Pull something like that again, and you won't see what's coming.

Julien stops at a phone booth. Marie beside him stifles a yawn. "What are you doing tonight, are you free?" The young girl thinks for a moment. "Yes." He's surprised at how easily he uses the receiver. "Hello, Mom, yes, I'll be home late tonight, something with friends, have dinner without me. Yes, kisses." Everyone is waiting for him. "So, are we going to McDonald's?"

The cheerful group, except for still-annoyed Loïc, continues to speak loudly, calling out to each other. Tonio pretends to fight with Max, Laetitia and Émilie argue with Stéphane over whether Pamela Anderson is the best actress of all time. "No one runs on the beach like her." The girls are indignant; for them, Julia Roberts deserves the title. "But come on, Julia Roberts is a hooker in Pretty Woman!" "Not at all, she's a princess." "Oh yeah, a princess who solicits on the street?" Émilie adds, "Anyway, the best singer is Bertrand Cantat; I know someone who knows his parents." "And I know Patrick Sébastien, he's the best comedian?" "That's not the same, the best is Bigard." Julien would like to add something, but Marie beats him to it: "The best basketball player is Michael Jordan." Loïc scowls even more. She's right, the idiot. He can't stand them anymore.

The McDonald's in '97 tastes almost the same as in 2024 but is much cheaper, with unlimited sauces and single-use packaging. Julien uses this moment of calm to prepare his evening surprise. In just an hour, they'll be at the beach. First, he buys picnic supplies, then they settle on towels to watch the sunset. What could be better? Shouldn't he take full advantage of it? There's no guarantee he'll still be here tomorrow morning. Even if his "past self" returns, he'll just forget a few non-essential things. But Marie will remember this moment together. And that's what matters most.

The day passes like others. They part ways, waving from a distance. "Are we having dinner at your place?" "Surprise." "Well, I can't wait to see what you have in store for me!" This change pleases him, as it's not something he usually does.

Julien sits behind the wheel of his car. It's a pleasant feeling of returning to his roots. Despite technological advancements, driving his old clunker gives him immense pleasure. He turns on the radio, "Saturday Night on Earth" by Cabrel. Marie runs her hand through his hair. "Today was nice." "Yes, a bit like always, but you were hiding a talent, I didn't know you played so well! Loïc didn't seem very happy." "He'll get over it," he replies in an adult voice she doesn't recognize. Marie seizes the moment, "You know, it's funny, but sometimes I feel like you're somewhere else, as if you're experiencing things I can't quite understand. It's... well, like you have secrets." Julien, aware he can't share the truth about his time travel, navigates the conversation carefully. "I suppose I overthink sometimes. You know, thinking about what the future holds." He pauses, "But what matters to me is being with you, now." Marie seems reassured but still curious. "I understand, and I feel the same way. Actually, I'd like you to share more with me. Not just the good times, but also your doubts, your fears..." Julien nods, touched by her sincerity. "I know I'm not always the best at expressing how I feel. But I'm working on it because I want you to be part of my world." She smiles, feeling lighter. "That's all I ask. For us to be real with each other, no matter what the future holds." Julien, who has more than a little idea about the subject, remains silent. Meanwhile, Jeff Buckley sings "Hallelujah," unaware he will be dead by the end of the month.

The sky over Lacanau stretches out like a master's canvas, a dynamic blend of warm colors igniting the horizon. Julien's car moves slowly toward this breathtaking sight. Arriving at the beach, they are greeted by a light, refreshing breeze that plays with Marie's hair. Julien spreads a blanket on the still-warm sand, and they settle in comfortably, isolated, surrounded only by the soothing sound of the waves and the distant cries of seagulls. Unpacking the provisions bought at an artisan bakery along the way, Julien jokes, "We're far from a Michelin-starred meal, but with this view, even a simple sandwich becomes a feast, don't you think?" Marie laughs and nods, taking a bite, her eyes alternating between her beloved and the sunset. "See that shade of pink over there, just above the horizon?" says Julien, pointing. "It reminds me of the color of your dress on our first date." Marie turns around, an emotional smile on her lips. "You remember that? It was such a perfect evening, like tonight." The sky now tinged with hues of purple and gold, a reflection of their shared memories.

Satisfied, they rise to walk along the water, their bare feet in the sand, watching the waves gently lap at the shore. The sun, a blazing orb, begins its majestic descent, setting the sea ablaze with a golden glow. "It's like the sky and the sea are giving each other a farewell kiss, I find it a bit sad," murmurs Marie, her arm entwined with Julien's. "Yes, but every sunset is different, just like the days we spend together. Each moment is unique, irreplaceable." He holds her a little tighter. As the sun finally disappears, giving way to a myriad of purple and blue hues, they find themselves enveloped in the tranquil beauty of the falling night. The world around them seems suspended. "Thank you for this perfect moment, Julien." They kiss passionately and let their nature take over.

Back in Gradignan, in front of her house, half-asleep, he kisses her gently on the forehead before letting her go, sealing his promise of a memorable evening. Fields of Gold by Sting fades softly on the radio, the echo of their laughter mingled with the whisper of the waves still vivid in his mind. He hopes his stay in this cherished past will last a little longer.