2°: Chapter 5

Luna had been with Portia at the hospital for almost 3 hours. She had loved her gift. She had had an excellent time with her, except for James. She had decided to stay at least a week in town, since that was Portia's limit at the hospital. They hoped to discharge her in the next few days. They had all been happy to hear that the little girl was recovering, and James...James. They hadn't talked much, but she was sure he had a lot to say. The next few days went the same way, when Luna was there, he would leave. If James was there, she was there. That behavior seemed incomprehensible, for there was no reason for them to act that way. There was no previous fight, nor anything of that nature that could suggest tension between the two of them. It had all started because of James, and Luna did not understand why. In fact, they had both been crying like brats when they said goodbye, but apparently, their pride had won out and if one yelled, the other yelled louder, and so on, until today.

On the last day, Luna took Portia for a walk. They had had a perfect time and Luna had bought the little girl a huge amount of presents, and for her part, Luna had dedicated a nice song to her at the ice cream parlor.

The next day, she had rushed off to the airport. Although she was a bit melancholy, starting a new job gave her the excitement she hadn't had these past few months.

Her flight had taken a little longer due to the weather, but she had finally arrived in Seattle.

The first thing she did was take a shower and a big nap. His alarm clock went off the next day at 6:30. Her first day already sounded exciting. She had no idea about her first assignment, but she was sure it would be something completely different from anything she had ever done.

She got up vaguely and made a cup of coffee. She tried to find something on TV, but unfortunately at that time of day there wasn't much to watch.

By about 7:30, he had arrived at LaRouge. She was right on time. As she walked in, she was fascinated by the facade of the offices, and even more so when she got to the studio.

The session was successful, and Luna had a good first day at work. For her first assignment, she was asked to photograph one of the models for the latest advertising campaign. The magazine would be launching an anniversary fragrance line and it had to be exactly as Delora Wright had envisioned it. She left the studio satisfied.

She finished at 12:30 and quietly went to her apartment. The next few days were exactly the same; work, home, out, work, home, out, work, home, out, home, out...etc.

After a few weeks, Luna had, in a way, "re-done" her life, but not so much, she was still thinking about everything she had left behind in New York.

Although she missed her life there, she knew she shouldn't go back, her pride prevented her from doing so, and she also knew she wasn't welcome.

On Friday, Ana, a co-worker, had invited her to a party that was too glamorous for her. Although she had refused at first, she thought it wouldn't be a bad idea to have a little fun. He picked her up at 7 pm. She wasn't fully on the spot, her mind wandering. To his luck, the party lasted a few more hours, not too many. Ana's idea was to stay until the wee hours of the morning, but she was tired and wanted to go home as early as possible. Besides, to be honest, she didn't know many people there, maybe she had acquaintances but they didn't even come over to ask the time. It was depressing.

She would much rather hang out with the girls from her previous job than be at that party. Mental note: Not to go to any party with Ana.

-

James was looking at various papers in his office, he had to decide what to do. It was easy, but not that easy.

He went through the papers, looked at the pictures again. She looked beautiful to him, really beautiful. And he wanted to, of course he wanted to do it. James called his assistant.

The young woman quickly appeared through the door holding some cream-colored papers. She put them on her boss's desk. He thanked her slightly with a nod and the young woman quickly left. James read the papers.

She was great, in good condition, perfect, plus she was very pretty and he thought she was lovely.

He thought he could start a family in her. And maybe start over. Again.

When he had told his mother about his decision, she had been very surprised.

It was an extravagant change. But then, he'd given her a huge speech about it.

He was simply anxious.

__________

One month, one fucking month and he was almost over it all! Or so he thought, Luna had been working very little this week and had been paid a lot of money. It seemed like a lot to her, too much, but she wasn't going to complain. No. Surprisingly, James was starting to be a little more flexible. They had been visiting in Seattle the week before, and she allowed the little girl to stay with her for a while. Of course, only in the afternoons. She had spent 6 days with Portia this month. They had had a wonderful time, and every time I saw her, she was getting bigger. I thought the time was going by too fast, and it wasn't fair. I appreciated James's gesture.

Three months had passed since little Bexell's hospitalization. Luna had become quite distracted by her new duties and spent her free time reading and watching movies. Lately she was spending time walking around the city, seeing parts of it she had never seen before.

It was Monday, and she was leaving the salon. She felt quite disconnected from her own identity. Her scattered thoughts again went in the same direction. She still didn't understand James's attitude, but she appreciated that he allowed quality time with Portia. That week, they had arranged to meet. They were only going to be in town for about four days, not long, but long enough. It had been hard for James to accept that deal, but the day after their big fight, he had wanted to arrange it, and though it had cost him, he had agreed.

On the other hand, she was absolutely certain that her love for him still wouldn't stop. It was torture. She tried to distract herself, she really did, but there was no way to get him out of her mind. In the evenings, it was he who dominated her thoughts.

She had met a boy, about 2 months ago. He was very cute and didn't give her headaches. Conell, he was tall, his hair was black and he had nice gray eyes. He was quite handsome. He was 25 years old, and he was very nice. They had gone out several times when he had the nerve to ask her out. Nothing serious, just having fun. She hoped to be rid of the ghost of James Yorke someday.

He arrived at his apartment anxiously. Portia was due in about 2 hours, from what Luke had told her. She wouldn't talk to James, no, they had made a deal, they wouldn't talk to each other. Because every time they did, they fought, argued. No. He tidied the place, when the doorbell rang. Eagerly, he went to see who it was, opened the door expecting to see Luke and Portia.

He opened his mouth to speak.

- Conell?

- Hi, Luna - she smiled.

- I don't mean to be rude, but what are you doing here?

- I thought I'd stop by. Was it a mistake?

Luna let it go.

- Actually, Portia is coming and .... is coming.

- No problem. I don't mind - he joked.

Luna didn't laugh. That's why she didn't want something serious, Conell could be a jerk. But he was a good person, at least that's what he'd shown her so far.

- It's not that it bothers you, Conell, it's Portia.

- What do you mean?

- Maybe she doesn't feel comfortable with you here, because she doesn't know you. And she's not a girl who accepts everyone in the world, you know.

- Oh, that's all right.

- An...

The doorbell rang. Shit, I wanted Andrew to leave. He went to open the door. He looked at the person in front of him with surprise. It wasn't Luke. He was changed, he didn't look like before. Healthy, he looked healthy. Of all the times to take Portia, did she have to go when Conell was there?

- Can I come in? - he asked.

- No, no. I mean, come in.

He entered the place. He watched everything for a couple of seconds and a smile formed on his face. He saw Conell without paying too much attention to her. She looked different, her skin was a little lighter than normal, her hair was just a little shorter, but she still had her impeccable hairstyle. His clothes were casual. She was surprised not to see him in a suit. Portia was not with him.

He looked back at Conell.

- And who are you?

Luna's eyes widened in surprise.

- James," she caught his eye.

He looked at her with disdain.

- Well, my daughter is going to be spending time here. I'd like to know who she is, is there something wrong with her?

- Conell - he answered.

- Aha, Conell. Luna, can we talk alone?

His look was different. He had changed too much in too short a time. He looked distant and even colder than before.

- Good.

- Conell, do you mind...? - he asked, clearly hinting for him to leave.

The young man looked at Luna, but found nothing but the same request from her.

- No problem - he clarified as he walked away from both of them. His face showed anger. It wasn't something Luna cared about, anyway.

She positioned herself on the couch, James in front of her.

- What's wrong?

- Portia's treatment is lighter now.

-- What do you mean by that? - I ask interested.

- She doesn't have to take as many medications, and she has to stop the sessions with her doctor.

- Really? That's great," she said, smiling. That's great," she said, smiling.

That news was fantastic.

- I know. They told me yesterday.

- And where is she now? - I asked staring at him.

- She's with Luke. I went to get ice cream over there. I told her you weren't home yet and well, she agreed to go for ice cream. - He said looking at the floor. But he still maintained his imposing posture.

- Oh, f...

- So, who's Conell? - he asked leaning back slightly.

- Oh, it's... well, I don't know, someone I'm dating.

James's face suddenly changed.

- Someone you're dating?

- It's not serious.

- Oh, well, what kind of relationship is that?

- A normal one, nothing serious.

James formed a smile. The awkward silence fell. They just looked at each other.

- You've changed quite a bit. - He said.

- So have you.

- People change in 3 months - He said looking at her while wiggling his fingers slightly - Although some things never change.

- I'm sure of that. There is always something that remains untouched by time.

- Of course. And it's something you can't touch. - He said. Luna looked at him for several seconds, trying to be uncomfortable. But James just kept looking at her, making her uncomfortable.

- Well....- he started to say, and got up from his place. He walked around the apartment a bit. He observed everything in great detail.

She couldn't stop looking at him, and although it hurt her pride to say it, if this man told her to elope with him, she would accept.

She looked at him carefully, he looked much younger and relaxed. His clothing had a lot to do with it. But what was he doing there anyway?

- James...- She said calling his attention. He turned around.

- You have a very nice place, Luna.

- Thank you, Portia.

- What's the matter? - he asked looking at her. His face as serious as before.

- What are you doing in Seattle?

- I was supposed to do some paperwork here in my building. Remember? Some investments and work stuff.

For a moment he'd forgotten he was damn rich. Would he have more elsewhere?

James certainly had a lot of money. It wasn't something he was interested in, but the idea of someone with such abundance seemed almost ridiculous to him.

- Oh...good.

- So tell me, how's your job at LaRouge going? - I ask, smiling.

- It's going great. I've done several photo shoots in the meantime. - He said happily. James nodded.

- That's good. Where did you meet Conell? - he asked suddenly. He sat down next to Luna. She looked at him quizzically.

- At work.

- Really? What's his job there?

- Why do you want to know that?

- It's just a question. - She complained.

- He participated in a session, that's all.

- He's not employed by the magazine?

- No, he's not. - He affirmed.

James nodded. He looked at her for a few seconds. She felt herself start to tremble, he was so close. She would tell him to stay away, but that would be implying that she had caused him something unwanted. And she didn't want that.

- Did I tell you that you've changed? - he asked looking at her. He stepped closer. GET AWAY!

- Yes, you have.

He watched her curiously, as if trying to figure something out. His heart began to pound. She guessed he was uncomfortable too, for he stepped back and shook his head. The doorbell rang.

James got up in a hurry and turned around. Luna came to the door.

- Hi, Luke.

- I have a package for you," she joked.

Portia appeared from behind, wearing a nice smile and a red dress. Her hair was halfway down her back and she was much bigger. She was already 6 years old, her birthday had been last month. She had celebrated twice, once in New York and once in Seattle. She looked beautiful. He greeted her with a hug.

- How are you?

- Good, and you? I missed you! - Portia said.

- I missed you too! Go put your backpack inside. - He said smiling. Portia hurried into the house.

- Mister...

- James, Luke, Luke, call me James. - She said as she approached him, in the doorway.

- James. I just got word that everything has arrived from New York, the house is completely ready.

James smiled.

- Great," Milo smiled. Thank you. - He broadened his smile.

- What house? - Luna asked.

- Oh, didn't I tell you? - she asked, smiling. Luna shook her head.

- No...

- We moved to Seattle.