Jirachi's Twin

Memory Twenty-Five: Two Choices

Gloria's eyes bore into Bede's face. He could feel them against his turned cheek as he stood there, frowning selfishly to himself as he realized he might've just thrown her away for good.

"I want you to be happy," he continued, shaking his head as he spoke, "But you'll get no happiness out of destroying one of us. At this rate, it's almost wiser to pick neither of us out of compassion. However... you don't want that, I can tell."

Tears formed in Gloria's eyes, making Bede bite the inside of his cheek.

I've ruined it... he thought miserably, I've gone and made her cry.

Suddenly there was a jolt, and it occurred to them that the train had made it to Hammerlocke. It was time for Bede and Marnie to step off.

Gloria smiled sadly to Bede, reminding him of that snowy night those few weeks ago. Her eyes, swimming with tears and glistening grey in the light, reflected back his own discomfort as he watched them.

"That's one of the noblest things you've ever said to me Bede," she whispered.

But Marnie wouldn't have it.

She stood up furiously, frustration seeping from the edges of her words, "Send her on a date with Hop!? Bede—you're surely mad!"

He turned away from Marnie and stuffed his hands into his pockets, "Didn't you just say she needed to make a decision soon? Is this not a solid way to finally do that?"

Marnie stared at him dumbfoundedly, moving her lips nonsensically as she tried to form a comeback.

"But you can't just..." she stammered, "That's not how you..." she clenched her fists, staring bitterly down at the floor, "You don't respect your own life enough, Bede. You're not bein' selfish enough... are you really okay with this?"

Bede scoffed, a defeated smile ebbing onto his face, "Of course I'm not okay with it. If I'm being honest, I'm just tired of being led on."

Gloria nodded painfully with his statement.

"I want this to be fair to both of us, so if she's going to pick Hop, I'd rather her do it now, while my heart is still on the table. It'll be impossible to get back up if I completely fall in love with her and get turned down."

Marnie shook her head miserably, "You're too honest sometimes, you scumbag."

Bede nodded, "I know."

With a slight gesture of his head, Marnie left the bench to accompany Bede off the train. Before they walked away, he turned slightly towards Gloria again and left her with a few more words.

"Hearing what Hop said to you though... it's unfair to just leave things here." he smiled sadly at Gloria, realizing this might be his last tender moment with her for a long time.

"So... I love you too Gloria."

She closed her eyes, savoring his words. Then, when the two of them were out of sight, she leaned back against the wall and let her sullen eyes fall onto the ceiling.

"You too."

Marnie and Bede stepped off the train in silence. As they started to make their way out of the station, Marnie was the first to speak.

"Ya' know... I suppose I haven't given you enough credit."

He glanced at her, wondering what she meant.

"I mean... you're not the same, selfish brat a' knew you as."

His eyes lowered annoyedly at her, "Thanks...?"