berrypastelrainbowcy – Page 9

Altair: Is something bothering you? You seem really tense tonight.

Ume: I… [sighs] Altair… we need to talk.

Altair: Uh-oh…

[shuffling]

Altair: She’s kicking. Do you want to feel?

Ume: Whoa. It feels like she’s having a party in there.

Altair: Trying having that in your stomach.

Ume: Hopefully she’ll calm down before you go to bed.

Altair: I hope so. She seems to settle whenever you’re around. She would probably sleep better if you were here too.

Ume: Are you asking me to stay?

Altair: Maybe.

Aster: I can’t believe that I almost believed you for a second. You’re the worst, you know that, Ume? Now if you’ll excuse me… I’ve got a train to catch.

Ume: [quietly] I know I am…

Aster: You can’t. Seriously?

Ume: I’m sorry, Aster…it’s just not a good time.

Aster: It’s her isn’t it?

Ume: …

Aster: FUDGE. I’m such a dumb berry. I can’t believe…

Aster: [inhales sharply]

Ume: [whispers] I’m can’t… I’m sorry.

Ume: I wish I had a more eloquent explanation for you, but I don’t. I’m just an idiot who chased something that he thought he wanted only to realize that he wanted something different all along.

Ume: You are enough, Aster.

Aster: [quiet] Then why? Help me to understand, Ume. Because, believe me, I have tried. I’ve tried to make sense of it all and I just can’t. The only thing it has left me with is feeling bitter and jealous… and.. wishing that you loved me with even a fraction of the reckless abandon you love her.

Ume: I’m such an idiot.

Aster: Excuse me?

Aster: Anyway, I should be going. The last train leaves in about 20 minutes and I don’t want to miss it. It was, uh, good seeing you.

Ume: [quiet] Yeah… you too.

Aster: Goodnight, Ume.

[long pause]

Ume: Aster, wait.

Aster: Can ask you… Nevermind. Forget it.

Ume: What is it? You can ask me anything.

Aster: [deep breath] Is she worth it?

Ume: [flinches] I’m not sure I understand what you’re asking me.

Aster: This… whole mess. Risking your career… losing us… was Altair worth it?

Ume: I-uh…

Aster: I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have asked that. I just have been wracking my brain to why you would go through all of this trouble… why you would put so much on the line… She must be pretty amazing, right? She has to be. Otherwise… why wasn’t I enough?

Aster: It’s not like it’s unheard of. Sometimes things just don’t work out the way you intend and you have to do the best with what you’ve got.