RA'

cia

this call. Maybe I'd longed to hear from him that I conjured it up in my head. But no. He was there, reaching out

tense. Not cold, no, but not relaxed eit

heart pounding against my ch

was a

id, "It's

rything stopped. Fear s

d hard. "I

She just..she

he desk. I hadn't cried in years. I wouldn't start now. Not wit

to call you.

hroat burned with words I couldn't say. I kne

red. "I just thought you should know. And m

managed after what felt l

I." he c

es

g. Neve

hale. Then the

Just the s

e I'd gulped down the strongest liquor. I hadn't even realized I was

y. "I didn't mean to ea

odd

ater. No questions asked. Just quiet sup

I whispered. "And I think I miss

d her head o

o see h

wer. I could

~~~~

orange. But it was still bright enough to go out t

cooped up in my apartment thinking about that c

gest fashion school in Manhattan.

The same marble floors. The same trees lining the entrance now seem..taller. The art

en I s

e, a loyal and a very supportive friend of mine. He's also a member of the Queenwood's pa

?" I c

e were still in the Academy. "Well, well,

lp but smile.

e on. There's a café across the st

the memories came flooding back-late nights in the studio, stolen lunch

aid gently, after a moment. "

short nod. "It wasn't what I

est of us, Elor

rs at Queens ask about it? How much clients will pay just to have that piece

're with Queen'

I built it. It's mi

d up designer and a forgotten Luna w

ns and dreams. The woman who sketched designs with her eyes closed.

long second. "I'm no

ou're now. Just ..

t wasn't just about the company. It was about belief. Abou

k about it

up like he'd just won a priz

gner today. "You two would hit off. She's brilliant. Young. I thin

yet, Lucas." I replied

hope you

han anything. My dream of becoming a famous designer and owning my acade

yself and dive into that world

~~~~

ack towards the Academy gates,

lo

iffe

i

ude, nasty, and always r

er voice coated in venom. "You haven't

ven. "Just visiti

he corner of her lips. "I suppose even di

"George's birthday is next week. You should

ly turned to face her "I'

Still proud, even af

e watching. Mira wouldn't dare mention the divorce her

. "And you better get used to having things done yoursel

parted

my head. "I filed for a divorc

away, my hips swaying

~~~

crolled through old files-my design

was dated t

just maybe.

o upda

ve for mys

he world that once

as, my other phone buzze

ssage fr

designer you'd be working wi

ile to see the

o

uldn'

ed in for a

ay