15
"Harley! Open the door!" Frank called from the hotel hallway. "Coming, coming. Jeesh... so impatient," Harley muttered as she opened the door. As soon as the door was open, Frank rushed in, wrapping his arms around his little sister. "Are you okay? Are you hurt at all? What's up?" "Slow down Frank, give her some time to breathe. You Coopers are all alike!" Gus joked. "Yep, we sure are!" Harley smiled, but intentionally avoided Gus's gaze.
"What's wrong honey?" Gus asked, kissing Harley lightly on the lips. "Nothing!" Harley replied, quickly pulling away. "I know that look, Coop, something's up." "Guys! Harley, we'll deal with this later. Let's get to why you're really here." "Why are we here?" Frank questioned. "You'll see. Come on out Phillip." "Phillip?"
"Yes, Phillip. Hello Frank, hello Gus," Phillip said blankly. "But you're dead. And you're here," Frank stammered. "Nice detective work Frank." "What's going on?" "Frank, you take this one down to the station, while I, um, excuse myself. I think Harley and Gus have much to discuss. I'll be in the bar if you need me, Cooper." "Yeah. Thanks Mallet."
When the three men had left, Gus looked at Harley quizzically. "What do we have to discuss babe?" He asked. "This. That. Me and you." "What about us?" "Well, see, that's the thing. There really isn't an 'us' anymore Gus. We're not on the same page with this relationship, and I really don't think it's possible to go back. I mean, I love you, yes, and I always will, but, it's just, you know, I'm not in love with you anymore." Gus just stared blankly at Harley's eyes, unable to speak. His eyes were clouded with tears, on the verge of breaking down. "So, what? This is it? The end? Harley... why? Why do you think this is unfixable? I love you! I love you more than I ever thought I could possibly love another human being! And you're saying it's over?" "I'm so sorry Gus. I really am. It's... I..." "You what? What Harley?" Harley was now on the verge of tears. "I love Mallet."
"You... love... Mallet. Okay. So, then, now what?" "Now, we move on, Gus. It's the only thing we can do. I'm sorry. I'm really sorry. I wasn't expecting- it just hit me, you know? First loves don't go away, and he was mine, just like I was yours. I hate seeing you hurting like this, but I guess this is how it's supposed to be. I believe that Mallet is my soulmate. I truly do. But you'll always be in my heart. I'll always love you." Harley wiped her tears. "I love you too Harley." The two embraced, and stood together for what seemed like an eternity. "Good bye Gus," Harley whispered. "Good bye Harley."