MCSM: A Rather Ridiculously Ravishing and Romantic Anthology

Act IX: Petra

"Wait… stop! You're thinking about this all wrong! You can't just do this!" Petra's ears heard this, she turned to receive a glance of a tiring Jesse chasing Lukas with a bag on his back. Jesse tired out, and he tried calling to him, "This is mad! This is crazy! She's gonna… really… miss… you… Damnit." Petra came up to him and helped him up. "Hey, you doing alright?"

Jesse nodded no. "It's Lukas. He's gone way out of his mind… sorry, can I just *pant *pant *wheeze." Petra helped him up and sat him down by the fontaine de soleil and Jesse caught his breath. "He thinks he ought to… leave for some time 'cos he figured out I was his brother and he felt that… that he discomforted her too far. And now, he's gone mad!" Petra sharply responded "I know you didn't let him, but we gotta go after him. Nothing bad can happen to him, not when he returns!"

Jesse rebuked, "No. I think this time off will actually do him good. This is a chance for them to tone down. I mean let's face it: they haven't even been dating for a year and Lukas is already talking of marriage! Even I would feel discomforted when you start talking about it." Petra was upsetted, "But he's your best friend! You can't let him do this! How could you say that?" Jesse attempted to calm him down, "I told you, I tried to stop him, but he just wouldn't stop. It seemed like something he really wanted, if it's what he wants, I'll not stand in the way, even if I insist he doesn't go."

Petra broke down at these words, knowing that one of his friends is now in huge danger. She wept hard, Jesse tried to comfort her, but she said "No. Just. Please leave. I'll be fine. Just go… You heartless bastard…" behind a waterfall of tears and sadness. Jesse backed away, and without another word, he began to head back home. "Oh God. Why do I feel like the bad guy here?" He ducked his head in shame, knowing he upset someone he loved and failed to protect his best friend.

Things were not looking good…