Forbidden Fruit

I – I just … I’m sorry that – that your friend turned out to be bad. I wish it wasn’t like that, but … but you’re worth more than that. Than a chance.

I know, love. [leans forward to kiss his cheek gently] Don’t worry about me, okay? I promise I won’t go after him.

Getting yourself hurt or – or worse isn’t worth it. It’s just not.

[reaches up to cradle the side of his face gently] You’re sweet to worry, Sig, but you don’t have to. I’m not going to do anything reckless. I promise.

I don’t think it’s stupid. It’s not stupid to want to help people. But you said he’s not good anymore. It’s not worth it to put yourself in danger, right? Especially if the chances are that there isn’t hope.

Maybe. I know Penn would agree with you, at least.

You’re not … you’re not thinking about finding him, are you?

It . . . may have crossed my mind.

Why’s it stupid? You just wish you could’ve helped someone. You know that you shouldn’t actually seek him out, right? So … so there’s nothing wrong with hoping that you could’ve. Just as long as you don’t beat yourself up about it, yeah?

Right. Right, yeah of course I won’t seek him out.

Okay. So you miss how he used to be. That’s not a crime. I miss when my real dad wasn’t a piece of shit. Doesn’t make me evil, just like it doesn’t make you bad either.

Yes, but . . . sometimes I wish . . . I wish I could see him. Now. Try to convince him . . . I don’t know. It’s stupid. It didn’t work before, so why would it now? 

I don’t know. I don’t think something like missing someone could make you bad. That sounds like it makes you good. Means you care.

Well, maybe. I just . . . I feel like I shouldn’t. He’s a really terrible person. Now, at least. He wasn’t before.

I wouldn’t have been unhappy

[sighs, not sure what else to say and so steps forward to wrap her arms around his middle, hugging him firmly] I’m sure you still made her happy. In whatever way you could.

That wouldn’t have mattered

It would have mattered to her.

I could have made her happy. It wouldn’t have hurt anyone. She would have known. She would have been okay that I couldn’t - as long as - 

. . . Would that have made you happy?

I failed at being the person she needed. I failed to make her happy. I could have - I could have not been selfish and just made her happy those last few months. 

. . . What are you talking about?

I failed her. Don’t you get that? I failed.

. . . She had cancer, love. You’re not a doctor. It wasn’t your job to fix her.

(stops a little ways away from the grave. his eyes see the flowers. should he have brought flowers?) Eden I - I  don’t think I can do this. I can’t be here.

[hesitates, turning to face him then and taking both his hands in hers] I’m not going to force you, but you’re already here, Sturgis. I think this can be good for you. You need closure, love.

Oh. Okay. Ah, thank you.

So … you went to Hogwarts? What was that like? I heard some … interesting things about it.

What kind of interesting things have you heard about it?

[ Takes the napkin slowly, blinking in surprise as she looks down at the number. She looks back at Eden then. ] So you’re just … giving this to me?

Of course! Like I said, if he can’t help you directly, he’ll know people who can. He was on the yearbook club back at Hogwarts. He was really good back then, so I can only imagine how good he is now.

Oh, no. Nothing like that. I’m starting from scratch. I don’t really know exactly what goes into modeling but I guess I won’t know until I try it. You’d do that for me?

Of course. What are friends for? [grabs a napkin and writes down Maxwell Adrien’s name and contact information] If he can’t do it for you, I’m sure he’ll know someone who can. [holds the napkin out to her]