Double Twenty

Chapitre 26 - Maria Maria (Santana)

"Music is the language of emotions." - Emmanuel Kant

At dawn on April 13, Julien is tormented. Should he continue his weekend or follow his intuition? His mind is in turmoil. Deep down, he is afraid. His instinct for self-preservation is so developed that he can't accept being its prey. Romy, although resolute, feels helpless in the face of phenomena she deems inexplicable and that go against her beliefs and certainties. Julien's greatest fear now is that Matthieu might cause large-scale disruptions and, to a lesser extent, attempt to return to 2024, dragging him into temporal limbo, a dangerous place from which one cannot escape.

Adding to the strangeness of the situation, he calls his father from the small phone booth in front of the hotel. Alejandro seems to understand the stakes, without being surprised or worried. According to him, the Minitel allowed him to find Matthieu's mother's shop. As a reason for his call, he mentioned a party for Julien's 21st birthday in Bordeaux. She gave him her address and phone number without ceremony, ending the conversation with a "good luck" before hanging up. The famous Parisian politeness, no doubt. Julien feels relieved after jotting down the coordinates of his temporal partner on a piece of paper that Romy tore from the local directory. Like a good soldier of the 21st century, he is used to noting everything on his phone. Who needs a pen in 2024?

With this new information, he can consider postponing his trip to Paris. "Thanks, Dad." "It's normal, son. We'll talk about some things when you get back. It's important." "So?" Romy is impatient to know the rest. "My father managed to locate him. I'm sorry to subject you to all these twists and turns. This is not how I had planned our weekend." His face betrays deep annoyance. "I told you, whatever happens, I'll stay by your side. It's just that I have trouble understanding it all." "Believe me, I'm as much in the dark as you are." Pragmatic, Julien decides not to let his emotions overwhelm him. Why should Romy suffer the consequences of a situation that doesn't directly concern her?

Like a balm to his troubles, the first golden rays of the sun lazily settle over San Sebastian. The city awakens to the gentle rhythm of the sea. The picturesque streets of Parte Vieja begin to stir with the few early risers, the air filled with the aromas of freshly baked pastries and roasted coffee, attracting locals and tourists to the quaint cafes. The serene beauty of La Concha Bay, with its immaculate sands curving gently into the azure waters, offers an ironically timeless tranquility.

Julien and Romy, hand in hand, stroll along the Paseo de la Concha, this promenade framed by wrought-iron railings and elegant lampposts, a perfect illustration of Basque charm and its art of living. Children play by the water's edge, their laughter mingling with the cries of seagulls, while elderly couples pass by slowly, their hands also joined, content in their silent companionship. Yet, despite the outward peace, Julien's mind remains a tumultuous sea. Watching the waves gently caress the shore, his thoughts are anything but calm. The contrast between the external serenity of San Sebastian and the storm raging within him couldn't be more striking.

San Sebastian, with its old-world charm and modern vitality, stands as a stark reminder of what life should be for Julien: simple, beautiful, calm. As they stop to admire the view from the Miramar Palace, overlooking Santa Clara Island, Julien feels the weight of history, of a city that has withstood the test of time but remains vulnerable to the whims of fate. He wonders, not without some apprehension, if his actions impact not only the trajectories of the people he meets but also the course of history as a whole. In which case, what can he say or do to avoid causing damage to his new world?