In Another Lifetime By Yosh Episode 19A Chapter by Yosh With Talulla's sly remark in the air, what things unfold for Marvin and Calista's day with the next morning rolling around? TW: This story will address sensitive subjects, including homophobia, abandonment, death, mental health struggles, the implications of suicide, etc. Please be mindful of these topics before you continue reading. In Another Lifetime by Yosh ____________________________________________________________ Reading key: Anything to the side in bold is narration. Anything to the side with a "character's name:" are inner thoughts. Anything in bold italics and regular italics are stage directions. Lines are numbered for the reader to keep track. Anything () is extra information. ____________________________________________________________ Episode 19: The day is April 17th, 2023. It's a Monday night. With Talulla sliding in a mischievous remark about Calista's gesture for lending her bed to Marvin, seeming to be one out of romantic interest as they lie beside each other, sharing a bed for the night, Calista replies in shock, defending herself. Calista Line 1) Still going on about that? I told you earlier that it's not like that between the two of us.* This gesture is just my way of looking out for him. It's nothing more, nothing less. End of discussion. *Refer back to episode 17, line 93. Talulla stays silent, with Calista awaiting a response from her. Calista presses Talulla in annoyance, unable to sleep until they properly wrap their conversation up. Calista Line 2) I can sense you biting your tongue. Say what you need to say so that we can be over with this already. Talulla replies in a snarky manner. Talulla Line 3) Jeez, Calista. Why does my silence aggravate you so much? You're the one who said, "End of discussion." Calista responds irritably. Calista Line 4) I envision all kinds of things running through that mind of yours, and I don't like what I'm getting led down on. Just declutter, and let me prove you wrong. Talulla answers smugly. Talulla Line 5) All I'll say is that I've been right about this stuff in the past. Calista speaks in a calculative manner, with the delivery of her speech sounding nerdy. Calista Line 6) The past is the past. Thinking through this rationally, how could I possibly have feelings for Marvin when he's been here for less than two days?* *Refer back to episode 17, line 91. Talulla questions Calista flirtatiously. Talulla Line 7) So, you're even keeping track of how long he's been here? I see how it is~ Calista corrects Talulla dismissively. Calista Line 8) Most definitely not for those kinds of reasons. It's purely because I want to get him back to his time as soon as possible, obviously. Talulla responds in a manner that emphasizes importance. Talulla Line 9) I get it, Calista. You're analytical. But those skills of yours don't only pertain to your professional life. It can pertain to personal, romantic... you get the point...* *Refer back to when Marvin said something similar in episode 14, line 51. Talulla's statement reminds Calista of Marvin's similar one, making her furrow her eyebrows as she thinks. Her eyelids weigh heavy on her eyes, making her give in to her exhaustion, letting it take over instead of contemplating. She speaks in a rash tone, wanting to wrap her conversation with Talulla up. Calista Line 10) I guess you're right. Think whatever you want, Talulla. I'm too tired to argue with you. Good night. Talulla responds teasingly. Talulla Line 11) Sweet dreams, Calista. Perhaps Marvin will make a cameo in them tonight~ Calista shakes her head no playfully, closing her eyes, then falls into a deep slumber. The morning rolls around, with Talulla getting ready for the day and heading to work, letting Calista continue sleeping in her bed. The day is April 18th, 2023. It's a Tuesday morning. After some time, Calista naturally wakes up at 10, checking the time on her phone. Line 12) Calista's inner thoughts: It's time I get ready for the day. I wonder if Marvin's still sleeping. Calista makes Talulla's bed, exiting her room after she's finished. She investigates the living room and bathroom, noticing that they are unoccupied, indicating that Marvin's still asleep in her room. Line 13) Calista's inner thoughts: Yesterday was a tiring day. No wonder he's still asleep. In that case, I'll let him snooze all he wants. The guy could use a break. Calista gets ready for the day, doing her usual routine in the bathroom, keeping her pajamas on since Marvin's still in her room. Afterward, she makes her way over to the kitchen, wondering what she could prepare for her and Marvin for the day. Line 14) Calista's inner thoughts: So I made eggs the day after Marvin got here,* and smoothie bowls yesterday...* What should I make now? *Refer back to episode 4, lines 11�"14, etc. *Refer back to episode 14, line 14, etc. Calista opens her fridge, glancing into it to scour what she could prepare for breakfast. She finds a bin of yogurt, with an idea coming to her mind. Line 15) Calista's inner thoughts: Yogurt parfaits sound refreshing for the morning. This'll do! As Calista prepares yogurt parfaits for her and Marvin, cutting up fruits and adding granola to the dish, she gets a text from Russell, with her phone notifying her of the message, making a "ding" sound ring from her pajama pants pocket. She pulls her phone out of her pocket, checking the message, and reading it in pleasant surprise. Line 16) Russell's text message: Good morning, Ms. Thakur. I hope you are doing well. My apologies for your exclusion yesterday. Thank you for offering your hospitality to Marvin. If he isn't busy today, would it be alright for us to hang out again? Let me know what you think. I could offer him a ride myself if you are busy. Your efforts are greatly appreciated. Sincerely, Russell. Calista tilts her head to the side, thinking rationally and agreeably about the proposal. Line 17) Calista's inner thoughts: If Talulla passed away and time traveled to the future where I'm old and we just reconciled yesterday, of course, I'd want to hang out with her again. How could I possibly say no to this? I got to put myself in Russell and Marvin's shoes. Marvin exits Calista's room, approaching her in the kitchen after waking up for the morning. Calista glances at him, smiling at his convenient timing. She observes his messy hair, evident that he got a good night's sleep. She speaks in a friendly manner. Calista Line 18) Good morning, Marvin. You have such great timing. Take a look at this. Calista passes her phone over to Marvin, letting him read Russell's message. Marvin rubs his eyes, letting them adjust from just waking up. They widen in pleasant surprise as he comprehends the request. He questions Calista for reassurance, wanting her to give him the green light. Marvin Line 19) Would it be okay if I agreed? Calista answers reassuringly. Calista Line 20) Of course. You don't need my permission for these kinds of things, okay? Feel free to hang out with your friends anytime you want to. If I were you, I'd do the same in a heartbeat. Marvin smiles at Calista's understanding nature, sending Russell a text about the time and location of the meet-up. Russell responds immediately, with Marvin announcing his message to inform Calista. Marvin Line 21) He says he'll pick me up at noon and that the location of the meet-up will be at my friend Cady's house. Calista speaks agreeably, feeling excited for Marvin. Calista Line 22) Then that's settled. I'm almost done with breakfast. Just eat up and then get ready for the day. Marvin speaks appreciatively. Marvin Line 23) Sorry for my manners. I forgot to say "Good Morning" to you. Calista looks at Marvin in confusion. Marvin speaks cheerfully, smiling at Calista welcomingly. Marvin Line 24) Good morning, Calista. How is your day going so far? Calista blushes at Marvin's kindness, unfamiliar with such politeness. She answers him flusteredly. Calista Line 25) I-It's going good. How are you, Marvin? Did you sleep okay? Marvin answers Calista in gratitude, speaking in a thankful manner. Marvin Line 26) I'm doing great. I feel very well-rested, all thanks to you, so thank you for being so kind as to lend me your bed. I really appreciate it. Calista replies playfully. Calista Line 27) It's my pleasure. I can tell you slept pretty well. Your hair's all over the place, and it seems like your covers left an imprint on your face, too. Marvin fiddles with his hair, feeling its messy arrangement. He responds timidly, feeling embarrassed by his appearance. Marvin Line 28) Heh... Guess I was really exhausted. Calista speaks cheerfully. Calista Line 29) Well, I'm glad you finally got some quality sleep. Have a seat. Marvin seats himself down at the dining table, patiently waiting for Calista to be finished. Calista finishes preparing the yogurt parfaits and coffee for her and Marvin, placing it on the dining table accordingly and seating herself in front of Marvin for them to eat breakfast together. Marvin speaks appreciatively. Marvin Line 30) Thank you for breakfast again. It looks delicious! Calista responds in joy. Calista Line 31) It's no problem. Thank you for your appreciation. A smile spreads across Marvin's face as he and Calista dig into their meals. They eat in silence until a realization comes across Calista's mind, prompting her to bring it up to Marvin. Calista Line 32) Since you'll not only be with Mr. Russell but also with Mrs. Cady, I think today's hang-out session would be a great time to ask those questions we came up with yesterday.* Would that be okay, or are you saving them for another time? *Refer back to episode 16, details in between lines 35 and 36. Marvin's eyes widen from Calista's reminder, speaking appreciatively. Marvin Line 33) No, that's alright. I'll make sure to ask them today. Thank you for bringing that to my attention. I'll get to the bottom of it. I would've completely forgotten had you not reminded me. Calista smiles at Marvin proudly, feeling useful. After the two of them finish breakfast, Marvin gets ready for the day in the bathroom, fully prepared to head out, waiting at the door until Russell arrives to pick him up. Calista approaches Marvin, giving him the green light to leave, speaking suggestingly. Calista Line 34) You're all set to head out. He'll be at the same place he dropped you off yesterday. Would you like me to see you off? Marvin speaks reassuringly. Marvin Line 35) That's alright. Thank you for the offer. I guess I'll see you soon then, Calista. Calista speaks happily, wishing Marvin well. Calista Line 36) See you, Marvin. Enjoy your time with your friends. If anything comes up, you can freely contact me through Mr. Russell's phone. Marvin nods his head confirmingly and smiles at Calista appreciatively. He opens the door to exit her place, with Calista locking it and watching Marvin head into Russell's car through her apartment window. Russell drives Marvin to Cady's place, with the two of them approaching her house's porch. Marvin hesitates before knocking on Cady's front door. Russell speaks reassuringly, patting Marvin's shoulder consolingly. Russell Line 37) This is Cady we're talking about, Marvin. There's no need to feel nervous. Marvin speaks precautiously, his anxiousness heavily apparent. Marvin Line 38) But on the car ride here, you said she wasn't convinced by your explanation of our interaction. I don't want to freak her out like this. Who knows how she'll react? It's a miracle you're still intact after yesterday. I can't wager Cady will end up the same. Russell speaks informatively, encouraging Marvin to put his best foot forward. Russell Line 39) She's more robust than you think for her age. Yes, she thinks I've lost my mind, but you know how stubborn Cady can be. She's the kind of person who needs to see it to believe it, so give her some legitimate proof. She can take it. Trust me. Marvin glances into Russell's eyes appreciatively, feeling at ease by his reassurance. He nods his head determinedly, knocking on Cady's front door. After a couple of seconds go by, Cady opens the door, looking at Marvin in shock, with her jaw dropping. Marvin's eyes slant sentimentally as he observes the older version of his good friend, Cady. A couple of seconds of silence go by as the two of them observe each other. Russell stands by awkwardly, wondering when they'll break their silence. He nudges Marvin's shoulder, whispering to him instructively. Russell Line 40) Aren't you going to say anything to her? Marvin chimes in, speaking disconcertedly. Marvin Line 41) Th-that's right! Sorry... Um... Cady looks at Marvin speechlessly, unable to utter any kind of words, frozen in her stance. Marvin speaks awkwardly. Marvin Line 42) Hey, there, Cady. It's me... Marvin. Cady continues feeling taken aback. Marvin speaks honestly, wanting Cady to trust him. Marvin Line 43) I'll spare any repetitions since Russ has already told you everything, but I just want to confirm that it's all true, and I'm really here right now. Cady takes in a deep breath, speaking in utter disbelief. Cady Line 44) Marvin... What a wonder. It's completely unfathomable. Marvin speaks apologetically, his sympathy genuine. Marvin Line 45) This situation is unlike any other. I'm sorry that it's too much to grasp. Cady approaches Marvin, placing her hands on his face and analyzing his appearance. Marvin glances at Cady sentimentally, smiling at her bittersweetly. He speaks playfully, wanting to joke around. Marvin Line 46) Your hands feel so wrinkly on my face. Time really took a toll on you, huh? And to think everyone assumed you were the youngest one out of our entire friend group. That assumption doesn't stand true nowadays, does it? Cady looks taken aback, feeling offended by Marvin's out-of-pocket remark. She pinches his cheek, speaking playfully. Cady Line 47) Yeah. This is Marvin, alright. Of course, he'd say something like this when I'm trying to have a moment with him. Russell speaks playfully begrudgingly, folding his arms sassily. Russell Line 48) Tell me about it. He did the same thing to me.* *Refer back to episode 17, lines 26�"30. Tears well in Cady's eyes as she processes her dear friend's presence. Marvin embraces her in a tight hug, burying his face into her shoulder. Cady weeps in Marvin's arms, with his eyebrows furrowing in heartache. Line 49) Marvin's inner thoughts: Cady's always one to put on a brave face. I've never seen her shed a tear in my life. I guess her old age must've made her tender... This is all so unreal. I feel like I'm in a dream. Cady speaks wistfully as she sobs. Cady Line 50) I've missed you so much, Marv. Marvin responds affectionately. Marvin Line 51) I'm so relieved to see you, Cady. Cady pulls back from Marvin, speaking passionately. Cady Line 52) I thought the old man finally lost his mind when he told me about you.* I didn't know what to make of his explanations, but I'm glad they're true. It's great you're miraculously here somehow. *Refer back to line 39 of this episode. Russell speaks playfully, his tone cocky. Russell Line 53) Guess who owes me $50 bucks? Cady speaks excitedly, looking into Marvin's eyes enthusiastically. Cady Line 54) There's so much we have to tell you! Cady welcomes Russell and Marvin into her home, getting them situated in her living room as all of them converse with each other about their lives. Marvin intently savors hanging out with his friends, appreciating the moment wholeheartedly. Marvin's narration: Line 55) My soul aches to see my friends so old, along with knowing that the others that I wish were here right now aren't. Line 56) This all the more is motivating me to give it my all to get back home. Line 57) I must do everything in my power to get back home and change the trajectory of my life to live the way I was destined to. After Russell and Cady tell Marvin about their lives, Marvin questions the two of them curiously, wanting them to start answering his questions that will clarify the conclusion as to what his unfinished business is. Marvin Line 58) Would it be okay if I started asking some of my questions? Russell and Cady nod their heads confirmingly, happily giving Marvin the green light on his queries. Marvin Line 59) For starters, how did Elouise and I get married? *Shot cuts to a flashback of April 15th, 1967 (the day Marvin time-traveled to 2023) with him at a dinner party with his friends, his life unfolding, disregarding his time-travel redemption situation. *Remember that Marvin was at a dinner party hosted by his best friend Todd before he time-traveled to 2023 (refer back to episode 3, line 104). As Marvin sips on his wine glass while socializing with some of his friends, his other friend, Jax, approaches him, speaking to him apprehensively. Jax Line 60) Marvin, your father's waiting for you outside of Todd's place. Marvin's eyebrows furrow in confusion, speaking disconcertedly. Marvin Line 61) What the heck? I wonder what he's doing here. Jax speaks suggestingly, looking at Marvin anxiously. Jax Line 62) He said he has to speak with you urgently. I'd make haste if I were you. Marvin clicks his tongue in annoyance, passing his wine glass over to Cady to hold for him. As he walks over to Todd's apartment exit door, he swiftly puts on his coat because the hallway to Todd's apartment is cold from the weather outside. He exits the apartment, observing his father seated on a step in the hallway of the apartment complex. Marvin speaks in a cranky voice, avoiding making eye contact with his father. Marvin Line 63) What do you need? Marvin's father replies to him in a cold manner, his tone sharp from his son's unwarranted attitude. Marvin's Father Line 64) That's no way to greet your father. What's gotten into you? Marvin scoffs, speaking indifferently. Marvin Line 65) If you couldn't already tell, I'm buzzed, which means I'm not in the mood to give you proper manners. Do what you need to do and be on your merry way, would you? Marvin's father releases a sigh of annoyance at his son's carelessness. He speaks sternly, with the delivery of speech emphasizing seriousness. Marvin's Father Line 66) I found something you should have. Marvin senses his father's serious demeanor, feeling reluctant about their interaction. He replies disfavorably. Marvin Line 67) Look. Can we please do this another time? I'm trying to enjoy my weekend with my friends. Marvin's father speaks in a reasonable manner, his voice relentless. Marvin's Father Line 68) I'm already here, aren't I? Why waste any more time when it'll only take a couple of more seconds to give you something? Quit your whining and get over here already. Marvin releases a sigh of distress, walking over to his father hesitantly. He extends his hand out, with his father placing a ring box in his palm. Marvin's fingers feel the exterior of the ring box, easily able to assume what's in his hand without even having looked at what his father placed in it. Marvin finally makes eye contact with his father, gazing into his eyes in frustration. He speaks irritably. Marvin Line 69) You didn't find this; you dug it up. This is getting out of hand. How many times have I told you that I'm not ready? How dare you give me Grandma's ring? She wouldn't have approved of this. Marvin rudely shoves the ring box back into his father's grasp, walking away from him. His father speaks dismissively. Marvin's Father Line 70) You'll never be ready, Marvin, which is why you should just get this over with as soon as possible. People aren't taking us seriously as a company, and it's all because you're still an unmarried man. Marvin's father speaks firmly. Marvin's Father Line 71) You're almost 30. The clock is ticking, and it's time you step up and take responsibility. Wake up, for crying out loud. Marvin's father notices his son's disengaged body language, gazing into his eyes to observe him zoning out. He speaks offendedly, his eyebrows furrowed upsettingly. Marvin's Father Line 72) I'm talking to you. The least you could do is listen. Marvin replies sassily. Marvin Line 73) Why should I listen to you when you're going to tell me the same thing I've heard billions of times by now? Read the room, would you? Marvin's father responds passive-aggressively. Marvin's Father Line 74) Then get it through your head, Marvin. If you're annoyed because I've come to you about this many times, don't you think it's time you do something about it and take matters into your own hands? It's quite simple�" Marvin cuts his father off, speaking in a passionate manner of disapproval. Marvin Line 75) "Simple"? How do you have the audacity to say something like that? There's nothing simple about marriage whatsoever, but like you would know anything about that.* *Refer back to episode 11, line 107. Marvin's father speaks bluntly. Marvin's Father Line 76) This isn't about me. Stop being so indecisive and just choose someone already. You can fall in love with them after sealing the deal, lover boy. You have the rest of your life to figure that out. Quit dragging this out excessively. Marvin speaks in a snarky manner. Marvin Line 77) You know nothing about this world. This process can't be rushed unless you want it to end up in a disaster. I'm going to take my sweet time to meet someone genuine and fall in love with them naturally, without your pressure weighing down on my shoulders. Marvin speaks defensively, putting his father on the spot. Marvin Line 78) Think about it. If you rush me into this, and I end up choosing the wrong person, wouldn't a divorced man be worse than an unmarried man? Marvin's father releases a sigh of distress. Marvin glances at him stubbornly, folding his arms. Marvin's father speaks suggestingly. Marvin's Father Line 79) Why don't you give blind dates another chance? Marvin elaborates disfavorably. Marvin Line 80) You do realize that others I have met on blind dates are on the same boat as me? They don't want to be forced to date anyone. What's the likeness of any of those working out? Slim to nothing, so no thanks. Marvin's father snaps at him, speaking abrasively. Marvin's Father Line 81) Stop being so difficult and take one for the team already! You're being a brat! Marvin speaks fearlessly, unafraid of his father's short temper. Marvin Line 82) If you're done here, go ahead and leave already. I've heard enough out of you. Marvin's father stands up from the step he had been sitting on, speaking precautiously as he approaches his son intimidatingly. Marvin gazes into his father's eyes, feeling unfazed as he gives him a cold look. Marvin's Father Line 83) Reconsider your choices. Someday, you'll realize that I did all of this out of love for you. Before Marvin's father walks off, he secretly places the ring box into Marvin's coat without him noticing. Marvin scoffs, disregarding his father's buzz-killing energy as he watches him walk away. Marvin swiftly heads back into Todd's apartment, going back to his friends and brushing off his frustrating encounter with his father. A couple of hours go by, with the dinner party coming to a stopping point. Marvin's friends wrap up the gathering, getting ready to head out, with other members of the party also wrapping things up. Russell Line 84) It's time we head off, fellas, Cady. Todd speaks caringly. Todd Line 85) I agree. It's getting pretty late. You all should head home. Cady replies agreeably. Cady Line 86) Sounds good. Grab your coats, everyone. Elouise overhears everyone getting ready to leave, chiming in insincerely. Elouise Line 87) Feel free to come again sometime soon. Russell answers indifferently, his response radiating a huge sense of sarcasm. Russell Line 88) Yeah, sure. See you later. As Marvin walks over to the exit of Todd's place, grabbing his coat off of the coat wrack, he swings it over his shoulder with all his strength, making the ring box his father placed earlier fall out. Everyone looks at Marvin in shock from the unexpected ring box falling out. Marvin looks at the ground in confusion. As he puts the pieces together, he releases a sigh of annoyance, reaching for the ring in embarrassment. Since Elouise is near the area to wish the others off, she observes the situation, looking at Marvin in shock and speaking in pleasant surprise as she spots the ring. Elouise Line 89) Oh my Goodness! Marvin looks up at Elouise disconcertedly, wondering what she's so shocked about. Elouise speaks to Marvin enthusiastically, gazing into his eyes mischievously. Elouise Line 90) I do! The other members of the dinner party observe the scene happily, cheering for Marvin and Elouise. Marvin's heart drops to his stomach from the misconstrued gesture. Marvin's entire friend group looks at him in shock. Sweat starts accumulating on his forehead as he feels put on the spot. Line 91) Marvin's inner thoughts: I thought she did this as a joke, but people are getting the wrong idea. What do I do? A member of the party encourages Marvin charismatically. Someone from party Line 92) Put the ring on her already! Marvin tries to clear up the confusion, speaking frantically. Marvin Line 93) It's not like that�" With members of the crowd cheering Marvin on for his engagement, Elouise glances into his eyes sentimentally, making him stop himself from finishing his sentence. Line 94) Marvin's inner thoughts: It would be humiliating for Elouise if I were to admit this gesture was a mistake on her part. I'd much rather clarify that in private when there aren't as many eyes on us. Marvin's eyes furrow in confusion. Line 95) Marvin's inner thoughts: I wonder why Elouise thinks there's something between us for me to do something like this. Why has she agreed so casually? Does she think we're a thing or something? I thought she was joking, but this is quite serious. In uncertainty, Marvin opens his grandmother's ring box revealing a green emerald ring. Marvin takes the ring out of the box rigidly, slipping it onto Elouise's ring finger hesitantly, with it conveniently fitting perfectly. Elouise looks at Marvin in delight, feeling immensely happy. Marvin stands up awkwardly, shyly slouching his shoulders. Elouise places her arm over Marvin's shoulder, reeling him into a side hug. She speaks encouragingly, feeling fulfilled with everything going according to her plans. Elouise Line 96) Somebody! Take a picture of us! Elouise plants a kiss on Marvin's cheek, with a camera flash blinding him because of someone taking a picture of the scene, with Marvin's friends in the background, observing everything in confusion. With Marvin's eyes readjusting from the camera flash, Elouise whispers into his ear sneakily, speaking instructively as she wipes her red lipstick peck off of his cheek. Elouise Line 97) I'll see you soon. Get going for now. Marvin looks into Elouise's eyes in treachery, feeling deceived by her antics as he puts the pieces together on what she has just done. With Marvin's entire friend group exiting the apartment along with him, they all get situated into his car, keeping quiet as they process the unexpected turn of events. Todd speaks awkwardly, breaking the silence because of the car's suffocating tension. Todd Line 98) I-I can't believe you guys are together. Congrats, buddy... Cady chimes in, speaking disconcertedly. Cady Line 99) I hadn't even known you were a thing with Elouise, Marvin. But yeah, congrats. Jax senses something off, speaking curiously. Jax Line 100) Were you two secretly dating all this time? Russell speaks in an uplifting manner, wanting to cheer Marvin up. Russell Line 101) I call best man... haha... Marvin speaks frantically, looking at his friends for reassurance. Marvin Line 102) You guys don't think I proposed to Elouise on purpose, right? Didn't you all see the ring box accidentally fall out of my coat? Cady speaks confusingly, tilting her head to the side puzzlingly. Cady Line 103) Of course, we did. But why would you have something like that in your pocket if it weren't for proposing to Elouise? You even had her correct ring size and birthstone. That couldn't have been a coincidence. Jax gazes into Marvin's eyes conclusively, speaking confirmingly, feeling bad for his friend. Jax Line 104) This is your father's doing, isn't it? Marvin... Why did you keep quiet about your conversation with him earlier? You just came back to us and said it was nothing. I should've known something was up based on your dejected demeanor. Marvin completely explains everything to his friends, clarifying any confusion, with more moments of silence passing by as all of them process the information. Marvin rubs his head in distress, speaking in a panicky manner. Marvin Line 105) There were so many people at your dinner party. So many witnesses. Even a photo as evidence was taken. How the hell am I going to worm myself out of this? Marvin speaks anxiously, directing his statements to Todd. Todd observes Marvin upsettingly, feeling worried about him. Marvin Line 106) Word will spread like wildfire. Next thing you know, not only does your dad know, but mine won't back out of this. He's been breathing down my neck about marriage for so long. If he knows it's to Elouise, he won't ever let me back out. I've unintentionally dug my own grave. Marvin speaks in a manner of guilt, with his eyebrows furrowed in defeat. Marvin Line 107) I should've never gone on that date with her just because I felt like I owed her.* It only made her attachment to me grow stronger. *Refer back to episode 11, lines 61 and 62, etc. Cady speaks upsettingly. Cady Line 108) How could she take advantage of your kindness? Of course, you wouldn't reject her in front of all of those people. No wonder she decided to seize this opportunity. She's terrible for that. She trapped you, Marvin. Jax speaks rationally. Jax Line 109) Would it necessarily be the worst idea to marry her, Marvin? Everyone looks at Jax in confusion, with Marvin looking at him fearfully. Jax elaborates, speaking logically. Jax Line 110) Hear me out. Your father would finally get off your back, you'd be taken more seriously in the business world with a marriage to lean on, and you'd be getting married before you turned 30. Marvin speaks unwillingly, feeling treated unfairly. Marvin Line 111) B-but... it's not like we're in love with each other. Jax speaks sympathetically, trying to be pragmatic. Jax Line 112) I know. It's rough, but what other option do you have? Backing out of this is quite literally impossible. Jax places his hand on Marvin's shoulder, speaking consolingly. Jax Line 113) You're a great guy. Perhaps marriage can change Elouise. Who knows, you might fall for her after the two of you tie the knot. I mean, she's definitely head over heels for you. Things aren't as bad as they seem. Todd speaks precautiously, shaking his head no disapprovingly. Todd Line 114) Just confront her and tell her that you're not going through with the marriage. Who cares if your hands are tied? This isn't fair. She's not allowed to do this, and I most definitely won't let her either. Todd places his hands on Marvin's shoulders, speaking reassuringly. Todd Line 115) I can back you up. She's not as powerful as you think she is. You know I'm on your side no matter what. She can't have it her way. Marvin releases an overwhelmed sigh, not knowing what to do. Marvin Line 116) Alright. Let me see if I can shake some sense into her... A couple of days pass, and Elouise has agreed to meet with Marvin at the café (the one Elouise's family owns, aka, the one Teresa currently works at). Elouise speaks excitedly, gazing into Marvin's eyes happily. Elouise Line 117) For the venue, why don't we go for something small? Who else really needs to show up besides close friends and family, right? Marvin speaks in a direct manner, looking into Elouise's eyes distastefully. Marvin Line 118) Don't be delusional. Did you really think I agreed to meet you to discuss our nonexistent wedding plans? Why did you set me up, Elouise? Have you really lost it? Elouise speaks timidly, drooping her head down in shame, with her body language becoming reserved, feeling afraid of Marvin's disapproval. Elouise Line 119) I only did it... to help you... Marvin speaks frustratedly. Marvin Line 120) To "help" me?! You've only made things worse! Elouise grasps Marvin's hands, gazing into his eyes passionately. She speaks devotedly, desperate for his approval. Elouise Line 121) Marvin! I just know I'll be good to you! This marriage will do wonders for both of our families! We'd be doing them a huge favor! Elouise blushes, speaking flusteredly. Elouise Line 122) I know you may not believe me, but these feelings I have for you can't be mistaken. There's not a single part of my soul that doesn't love you, Marvin. Marvin's eyes widen frantically, not expecting a love confession out of Elouise so suddenly. Elouise speaks affectionately. Elouise Line 123) I promise you won't regret marrying me! I'll be the best to you forever! Elouise looks into Marvin's eyes sincerely, speaking devotedly. Elouise Line 124) Please give me a chance. Let me prove to you that I'm the only one for you. Marvin's eyebrows furrow in distress, feeling overstimulated. Marvin's narration: Line 125) Elouise has cornered me into a spot I can't back out of... Line 126) With everyone we know knowing, including our adamant fathers in business, the only way I can back out of this situation is if I had a time machine. Line 127) Although I find us incompatible, perhaps a marriage could really send us in the right direction. Line 128) The universe wouldn't push me into this situation if it wasn't right for me, right? Line 129) Which is why I decided to say... Marvin releases a sigh of contemplation, gazing into Elouise's eyes reluctantly. He speaks realistically, accepting what's set out for him in the future. Marvin Line 130) It's not like there's anything I can do to get myself out of this situation. You've led me with no other choice but to agree. Elouise smiles at Marvin touchingly, speaking happily. Elouise Line 131) You won't regret this! To be continued... ____________________________________________________________ Copyright ©2024�"2025 under United States Copyright Office, Library of Congress. All rights reserved. This literary work is protected by the U.S. copyright laws. Reproduction and distribution of the work without permission is prohibited. The offender will be traced and will face the full extent of the legal ramifications as stipulated by the law. Thank you for reading! ♡ ____________________________________________________________ © 2025 YoshAuthor's Note
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Added on June 15, 2024 Last Updated on April 11, 2025 Tags: #romance, #mentalhealth, #1960s, #action, #drama, #adventure, #charming, #enjoyable, #oldschoollovenewjersey, #lovelanguages, #fluff, #friendstolovers, #comedy, #original, #originalstory, #slowburn Author
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