Choice of the Gallant - Paradox Equation I

by Sharon L Reddy

  ****

  "Monte Carlo?!"

  "Why not? You won so much in Las Vegas, you might as well play with it somewhere else."

  "Gallant, you won it."

  "Did I put the chips on the table?"

  "No, but you played the cards."

  "Team effort. Let's stop in New York. I want to see Phantom of the Opera."

  "For which you already have tickets. Just like the ballet, and the opera, and the Comedy Club. And probably dinner reservations just like Spago's"

  "Opening night would be nice. Julie, you're the only one who can appreciate how much I've learned. You weren't my first teacher, but you were the one who taught me I was free. I'm showing off for my teacher. And feeling exceptionally smug."

  "How long, Gallant?"

  "Julie, please don't ask. You really want to know, don't you? The answer will shock you. Two thousand one hundred years."

  "Uh, I need to sit down."

  "I told you not to ask."

  "Next time I'll listen. You remembered a date with me for two thousand years?!"

  "It was the first I ever made. I took my time getting ready for it."

  "Uh, huh, and I thought I took a long time in front of the mirror."

  "Julie, I was a very young boy when I came here the first time. Call me eleven. Now I'm about twenty-two."

  "Childlike innocence. I ignored it."

  "Julie, yours was my first kiss. I still remember it. I'd been used for years, but never kissed. I had escaped, but you taught me I was free."

  "Gallant, if you were that young... "

  "They call it stim. My reward for living through it was a rather abrupt introduction to a large group."

  "There are a lot of things you haven't forgotten."

  "I'm working on creating dusty corners for them in the attic. You, I keep on the piano in the parlor. Monte Carlo?"

  "Why not?"

  ****

  "You won't be back again."

  "I don't know. Yes I do. I'll be back some day to meet your children."

  "Be Godfather?"

  "Yes. Thank you. I love you, too. Julie, have pepperoni pizza on March eighth once in a while."

  "Done. Thanks, Gallant. I needed something."

  "You know, I think I'll just stop saying good-by."

  "Not yet, but someday, I think you will."