She's Still My Affinity

Messy Party

"It's not always that easy to distinguish the good guys from the bad guys. Sinners can surprise you. And the same is true for saints. Why do we try to define people as simply good or simply evil? Because no one wants to admit that compassion and cruelty can live side by side in one heart. And that anyone is capable of anything."

°

Given they had decided January for the wedding, Christmas would be spent at Catherine's and New Year at Fanny's.

They hadn't talked about 8 Femmes since they finished the movie, and advertising was supposed to start in March, but on a cold morning Ozon gave everyone a little surprise.

One by one, all the actresses received an invitation from the team to have 'their own Christmas',  the letter said. The date was December 22 at Ozon's.

Neither Catherine nor Fanny were excited, but they couldn't refuse either.

Besides, as far as Catherine knew, there was no agreement on how long they would stay. Little by little it became clear that they were going to spend this strange Christmas party together and, for whatever reason, and without saying it out loud, it was clear that their paths would be separated later.

On that day, everyone arrived early with the exception of Danielle, who had announced with grace that she would not go, age, of course, was her alibi, and no one could say a word against such a valid excuse.

°

"I don't understand why I have to be here" - Complained Fanny.

"Because it means a lot to François" - Catherine said distractedly, and for the hundredth time that night, when she left the stream of people who had taken her to the magnificent ballroom adorned with flags of pride, and looked at Fanny.

"Some of my friends are making a campfire in the Seine and there is beer and sausages and good music. And we could be with them, but instead of, we have to stand to this boring music of old men on top of me and ..."

"... and you can drink gallons of champagne" - Catherine interrupted her tirade, grabbed a waiter passing a glass from the tray and pressed it against Fanny's hand. - "Here. And did I mention how lovely you look?"

"It's lovely" - repeated Catherine, straightening the dark black dress. Then she kissed her on the lips. - "I love you" - She whispered, smiling.

"I can only return that" - Fanny murmured, clearing her throat. - "You look breathtaking, cherié. Literally."

For a brief moment, the glow intensified in Catherine's eyes when she saw Fanny's astonished gaze.

"Wow, guys, get a room" - A slightly drunk Isabelle said.

Fanny ignored such a comment and turned her head quickly. - "And of course, you have to be here Huppert, how delightful." - She said, letting every word drip with extreme poison.

"Oh c'mon Ardant, it's almost Christmas, let's be all merry and cheerful, may I have this dance with your lovely lady?" - Isabelle said smug as ever.

She suddenly bowed perfectly in Catherine's direction. - "Would you honor me for the sake of good old times?"

Fanny cringed and Catherine did not doubt for a second that Isabelle had noticed this movement. Isabelle's smile, however, remained unchanged and she held out her hand to demand.

Fanny clenched her fists and she would have liked to say something, but Ozon and some people she didn't even knew had stopped to wait for her, and she could not think of a credible reply in her ears that would have helped Catherine.