#pg13 is streaming in the garage in his head

[theartoflovingthomashunt]

GMH: Setting the Record Straight

Masterlists: [Hollywood U] || [Red Carpet Diaries]  || [Baby Hunt]  || [Love & Scotch HWU/OH ]  ||  [#HollywoodHacks HWU/LH]

The Last Duchess Opening Weekend (four+ parts)

>Part One: Viktor’s Wrath (PG13) >Part Two: Taking Back the Narrative (PG) >Part Three: The Red Carpet Premiere (PG) >Part Four: Just Like the First Time (M)💎 >>Weekend Warriors (PG) >>Good Morning Hollywood - Talking about Viktor (PG13)

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Characters: Alex (MC), Leland St. James, Chazz Javellana, Thomas Hunt

Setting: This takes place immediately after Red Carpet Diaries Book 2. The Last Duchess has opened in theatres and beat Double Agent at the opening weekend box office. Alex (MC) has told the press about Viktor. Leland St. James asked Alex to come on Good Morning Hollywood to talk more about what happened. She has accepted. Thomas and Alex are dating–their friends know, but they are not public yet. 

Rating/TW: PG-13 (due to the rape allegations)

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“My guest today needs little introduction, she stole our hearts as The Last Duchess and her bravery to come forward has led to the ousting of one of this city’s most vile members. Please join me in welcoming my forever Woman Crush Wednesday, Alex!” Leland stood and led a round of applause.

Alex smiled and waved to the audience as she made her way to the chair next to Leland’s desk. “Thank you for having me, Leland! I’m so excited to be back here so soon! Twice in one month!”

“Last time you were here, I predicted you would be a box office queen and now you are!!!! All hail Queen Alex!!!! Congratulations on the success of The Last Duchess. The film is AMAZING!!! Don’t forget to thank me when you accept your awards for best lead actress!” Leland teased with a sly wink. 

“I think I speak for everyone at The Last Duchess when I say thank you to everyone who came out to support our film this past weekend. We made the film quickly with a small budget, but I think everyone’s hard work and dedication to the project really came through on screen,” Alex beamed as she remembered all the long, but rewarding days of filming.

“Don’t be so modest,” Leland interrupted. “The Last Duchess didn’t just do well, it SLAYEDDD at both the domestic and international box offices. It’s the number one film across the globe and everyone is talking about it and you! Speaking of which, can we all just take a moment to appreciate this.” He held up a photo of Alex, Chris, and Thomas from the Red Carpet Premiere. “Can we just talk about that crown for a minute, Queen Alex?”

Alex blushed as she studied the photo, but for a different reason than the tiara. She knew why Thomas’s eyes smiled, despite his best attempts to keep his apathetic expression. 

“The crown was so beautiful,” Alex maveled, resting a modest hand over her heart. “I was in awe that the people of Cordonia would trust me with such a valuable item, if only for one evening. Our time filming there was some of the best moments of my life. It is truly a remarkable country. I hope to have the chance to visit again soon!”

“As much as I’d love to spend our time talking about more pleasant things,” Leland said hesitantly. “I know that isn’t why you decided to come here today.”

Alex nodded.

“Then, let’s just get straight to it,” Leland suggested. “Over the past several months there have been numerous reports about you in the press, many of them negative. I know prior to the release of The Last Duchess, you had tried not to address many of these stories. You and I talked before the show and I think you are ready to set the record straight?”

“I try not to address tabloid gossip. I feel it only gives the original story more attention,” Alex explained. “However, I feel like I need to tell my side of the story now that I have a platform to do so. Several months ago, there were reports that I had bullied students in high school. That is simply not true, nor was my supposed social media replies. I was locked out of all my social media accounts for weeks. I didn’t retain access to my accounts until after I was fired from Double Agent. The reports that I traded sex for favors on-set are also not true. All of these reports were made by Viktor in hopes of controlling me.”

“Viktor Montmartre,” Leland interjected.“As we know now, Viktor tried to force himself on you and many other women.”

“Right,” Alex responded. She took a deep breath and continued. “When I said no and I escaped him, he promised to ruin me until I behaved for him.”

“The negative press wasn’t all he did to try to control you, is it?” Leland asked.

She shook her head. “No. It was just one part of his plan. The next day, Viktor changed the film so that I was no longer the lead. He took me off the poster completely. He had my trailer removed and replaced with a really old one that was covered with dirt, stains, mold... you name it. When I questioned production about it, no one could give me a straight answer. Later, Victor sent me flowers with a card that said “Next time, behave. -V”

“UGH,” Leland expressed. “How repulsing!”

“When we went to film in Russia, I was told I couldn’t fly with the rest of the cast and crew. I was rescheduled to fly coach. When I arrived, I was told I would not be staying at the hotel with the rest of the cast and was instead put up in a dingy non-descript place. I wouldn’t even call it a hotel. Honestly, flying coach and staying in less than ideal locations –all of this–would be fine if it were not meant as a punishment; if it wasn’t meant to demean me into doing something I did not want to do … Then, obviously all the negative press about The Last Duchess…”

“We know now that Viktor has been accused of more than 20 counts of assault and attempted rape spanning a couple of decades. With more women coming forward daily,” Leland stated. “Do you have any words for him?”

“I really don’t want to waste my breath talking about him,” Alex admitted. “He’s not worth it. He has no hold over me, not anymore. I just hope that he takes responsibility for his actions and spares everyone a trial.”

“Why come forward now?” Leland asked.

“I told myself that if I tried to come forward before I had a platform, Viktor would have drowned out my voice. He had already successfully attacked me in other ways. I felt the best way to address it would be to wait until I felt my voice would be heard and listened to.” 

“But, honestly, that wasn’t the only reason,” Alex continued. “I… I felt ashamed of what happened. For a while, I struggled with feeling responsible for it somehow. I kept thinking about what I could have done to have avoided it. Eventually, I came to the realization that it wasn’t my fault. Viktor is a predator and he took advantage of me. He tried to destroy me because I didn’t ‘behave’ for him. I imagine that I am not the only woman who has been assaulted that feels it was their fault. So, I decided that I couldn’t let him get away with it to hurt someone else; but also, I wanted to let anyone else who might have found themselves in a situation like this know… it is not your fault. Do not ever think less of yourself because of what was done to you. You are a survivor. You are an overcomer. It took me a while to realize this, but now that I have, I will do what I can to help others who have gone through similar or worse experiences.”

“Many of you may not know this, but Alex has been working with a sexual assault support center locally,” Leland explained. Alex shook her head in disbelief at his announcement. “Oh, Alex, you thought we wouldn’t find out? You are an amazing woman. Thanks to you, not only have so many other women been able to come forward and share their stories about Viktor, but you’re helping others who might not have the same voice. You are an inspiration!”

Alex’s eyes filled with tears. 

“Don’t cry yet! On behalf of everyone at Good Morning Hollywood, we would like to present you with a generous donation to be made to the center where you’ve been volunteering.” Leland exclaimed, cupping his hands around his mouth as he shouted, “Bring on the big check!!!! I just love big checks, don’t you?”

“Thank you,” she stammered at a loss for words. Her hands covering her mouth as tears streamed silently down her cheek.

“Thank you,” Leland stressed, before turning his attention to the audience and the cameras. “If you or someone you know has been assaulted, please know there is help for you. We have set up a page on our website with more information. To quote Alex ‘you are an overcomer’.” 

Chazz greeted Alex as she walked off the stage. “You okay?” “Yeah,” she nodded. “I feel... relieved.”

Chazz put his arm around her, letting her lean into him.

“I’m glad I got to tell my story,” Alex continued. 

“You did great!” Chazz said supportively.

“I don’t want to keep reliving it though,” Alex admitted. “I want to move on. I don’t want to do any more interviews about it. Is that okay?”

“Absolutely. I’m sure Leland will love the attention of being the only one with the story,” Chazz reassured her. “We’ll just send any inquiries about it his way.”

Alex smiled. “Should we tell him?”

“Nah,” he returned her smile.

“Thanks,” she whispered. “I’m so glad to have you back.”

“Me too,” Chazz agreed. “Not to change the topic, but I kind of made an assumption about what you might like to do after.”

“Yeah?” she questioned curiously.

“I had two ideas. The first was a bestie ice cream date,” Chazz nudged her. 

“That does sound appealing. I do enjoy ice cream!” Alex grinned. “And the second one?”

“He’s waiting in his car in the parking garage,” Chazz winked. 

Alex thought about the choices for a moment.

“I appreciate that you are actually considering this, but GO!!!” Chazz encouraged her. 

“Movies and ice cream tomorrow night?” she suggested. 

“You got it. Now go!” Chazz directed. Alex kissed his cheek and went to gather her things from her dressing room before going to meet Thomas. 

Alex found Thomas’s car and quickly made her way to it. She hopped in the passenger’s seat. “Ohmygoodness are you Thomas Hunt?! I am such a huge fan. Can you sign this for me?!!”

Thomas rolled his eyes at her. “I see you are doing well.”

“I am now,” Alex leaned over until her lips found his. “Thank you for coming.”

“I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else,” Thomas admitted. “As always, you were exceptional.”

“You watched it?” 

“Obviously,” he stated, his hand brushing over her leg. “You are a remarkable woman, Alex. I hope you feel as though you have reclaimed your narrative.”

“I do,” she smiled. 

“Where would you like to go?” he asked starting the car.

“Can we just get out of the city and drive?” Alex asked.

“Any particular destination?” he questioned.

Alex shook her head. Thomas pulled out of the parking structure and headed out of the city. 

As the buildings of the city started to fade in the distance, Alex pushed the button for the convertible top down. She closed her eyes as she let the wind wash over her. Alex smiled as she finally felt free. 

Thomas smiled to himself as he glanced over to Alex, finding her in peace. He reached over and found her hand, interlaced his fingers with hers. 

Alex opened her eyes momentarily to gaze over at Thomas. His dark hair blew in the summer breeze, the ocean at his back, as they drove down the Pacific Coast Highway. For the first time in a while, everything was perfect.

– – –

Thomas Tags: (let me know if you would like to be added)

  @hopelessromantic1352 ;  @alleksa16 ;  @mfackenthal ;    @flyawayboo;  @alj4890 ; @the-soot-sprite

[bbaba-yagaa]

Sweet Pea (Part 1)

A/N: This is part 1 of a fanfic based on the heartbreaking headcanon by @esteladannishreyakamilah and for ES Appreciation Week Day 2 hosted graciously by @brightpinkpeppercorn and @mysteli. And for @choices-december-challenge day 8: family hosted by @kinda-iconic Characters: Estela Montoya, Nicolas Montoya, baby Olivia Montoya, Jake McKenzie Summary: This is a take on Estela's story post Vaanu ending. She handfasted M!MC and they were able to conceive a child (unknown to Taylor before his sacrifice). Rating: PG-PG13 Word Count: 3,400 Disclaimer: I do not own these characters, they belong to Pixelberry. There are two however original characters that I can claim. 

*************

Estela wakes in the middle of the night to the sound of her daughter crying down the hall. In an instant she's out of bed and heading for the door. She scoops up and throws on a pale blue robe along the way; hastily tying it around her waist before exiting into the corridor. Upon reaching Olivia's room, she takes great care to enter slowly and quietly. Curled up tightly beneath her quilted comforter, the distressed four year old thrashes, still in the midst of what Estela assumes is a nightmare. The young mother brushes the disheveled brown hair out of her face, kneels down and plants a gentle kiss on Olivia's head.

“Olivia, baby, it's ok. Mommy's here.” She runs a hand through her daughter's hair and slowly but surely, the little girl turns over to face her mother. Tears come in a steady stream as she whimpers and gently wraps her arms around Estela. “M-momma?” Her small body trembles as she struggles to speak. “Yes, I'm here baby. What is it? What's scaring you?” “The- the man.” “What man?” Estela's gaze snaps to the dark corners of her daughter's room instinctively but nothing seems out of place or otherwise disturbed. “The man with no face.” Her small body is overcome with tremors upon uttering these words. The blood running through Estela’s veins turns to ice when Olivia describes her tormentor. It couldn't possibly be? No. Not a chance. Just a bad dream. She quickly shakes off the nightmarish thought and focuses on comforting her little one. “It sounds like your tio abuelo has been letting you watch scary movies again. I'm going to have a talk with him first thing in the morning.” “Don't be mad at him mommy. He only let me watch the Terminanator movie with the liquid man.” Ah, now her nightmare makes perfect sense. Nicolas would definitely have some explaining to do. Estela's heart rate slows and the fear in her mind dissipates. “Would you like to sleep with me tonight?” “P-pwease?” The toddler begins to dry her face as a smile finally begins to form upon it. “Come on then; let's go. You have to be well rested for our visitor tomorrow.” The little girl's eyes grow wide with excitement when she remembers who is coming to visit. “Uncle Jake!” “Yes, that's right.” Estela playfully ruffles her daughters hair before leading the way back to the master bedroom. As Olivia once again falls fast asleep, her mother lays awake wrestling with painful memories. 

She recalls that it's been almost five years since her husband gave his life to restore the world. Her father, Rourke, who was brought to justice and later executed for the murder of her mother in addition to his crimes against humanity. The justice served to her father brought great peace of mind as she subconsciously blamed him for Taylor’s fate. She remembers finally returning home to San Trobida, her Tio Nicolas and the persistent morning sickness that followed soon after. Then came nerve racking trip to the doctor that revealed the biggest surprise of her life: she was pregnant. Taylor had left this world with no way of knowing he was a father to be and this thought left Estela broken for many months. But with the support of her new extended family and of course, tio Nicolas, she met the challenge of motherhood head on. When the day of birth finally came, the decision of what to name her took but a split second in the young woman’s mind. She would be named for her grandmother: Olivia. Estela wakes the next morning with Olivia clinging tightly to her side. She glances at the at the clock on the nightstand and mentally kicks herself for oversleeping. “Olivia; wake up baby. We have to eat and get dressed. Jake will be here any minute.” In the blink of an eye, the blankets are tossed over the young mother's head and a tiny body erupts from beneath. “Yaaay! Uncle Jake is coming! What are you waiting for mommy? Let's go alwedey!” The little girl leaps out of bed and runs off down the hallway before Estela can remove the blankets from her face. The ecstatic toddler runs all the way to the kitchen where Nicolas is making breakfast for the three of them. “Hey chiquita, where's the fire? Breakfast is not even finished yet.” “I came to warn you tio abuelo; mommy’s mad at you.” She pulls out a chair from the kitchen table before climbing up and sitting down. “Mad at me? What did I do-” Estela quietly walks up behind him and grabs his ear, twisting it just hard enough to get his attention. “You let Olivia watch Judgement Day?” “Ow, Estelita! There's nothing wrong with T2. Hell, by the time you were her age, we'd already watched Aliens like three times. Ellen Ripley was your idol. What's the problem?” “First off, language. Second: she had a nightmare last night! She woke up saying that a faceless man was scaring her.” Estela releases his ear and Nicolas tenderly rubs it before responding. “Aw chiquita Livita, is this true?” The old man thoughtfully strokes his greying mustache as he looks to his great niece sorrowfully. Olivia nods while taking a bite of the toast in her hand. “Yes tio… the man was scawey. But he didn't say anything. He just stared at me until momma woke me up.” “Well I guess we have to be more careful with what we watch from now on huh?” Nicolas turns his attention back to the the frying pan on the stove; carefully avoiding his niece's cold gaze. The distant drone of a plane's engine catches everyone's attention and prevents Estela from further interrogating her tio. “Uncle Jakey is here!” Olivia flies off her chair and makes a mad dash for the front door. “Olivia, wait! You're not even dressed.” Her words fall upon deaf ears as Olivia is already outside and running across the front lawn while looking skyward, anxiously searching for her highly anticipated visitor. “Damn, I'm not even dressed.” Estela turns and briskly makes her way back down the hall. She tosses off her robe after closing the bedroom door behind her and grabs a pair of jeans and a black tank top from an open dresser drawer. The pants are all but jumped into and the shirt is slipped on just as quickly while she ties her hair back into a messy ponytail. Last but not least, her signature blue hoodie is snatched up as she makes her way back to the kitchen. While walking past the breakfast table, she scoops up a bagel and clamps it between her teeth before finally wrestling on the jacket. Nicolas sees her choice of nourishment and holds up his hands in bewilderment. “Really Estelita, a bagel?” He gestures to the magnificent breakfast that took all morning to prepare. Estela simply shrugs while chomping into the baked good. “We overslept because of your bad movie night decision so I'd say we are even. We’ll see you in a bit. Bye tio.” With those words she kicks open the front door and runs off to find her wayward daughter. Nicolas, being the stubborn man that he is, follows and yells after her. “Hey, why don't you invite your hot shot, pilot friend to breakfast? He's got the best stories and is always welcome. Also, can you remind me again why you two aren't a… you know, thing?” The young brunette whirls around to face her uncle. “Tio, my love life is none of your business. We've been over this before. Besides, that's just… weird.” “How is it weird when you've already built him his own private airstrip on our land?” “We've gone over this before as well! I got tired of driving to the airport and he loves being able to drop in anytime to see Olivia. It's a win win situation until you make it weird. Anyways, bye tio!” Estela waves him off and heads toward the sound of a small child bursting with joy. Olivia is jumping up and down in a hedonistic manner just outside the front yard barrier screaming at the top of her lungs. “Yaaay, Uncle Jake! Do the thing. Do the thing!” An small, older model passenger aircraft,  barrels toward the Montoya property. As it closes in, the plane shifts completely onto its side, into an aerial jackknife before it blazes past the young mother and her child. “Momma, he did it! He did it!” Olivia jumps up and down while feverishly waving her arms. “Yeah baby I saw. But that's the wrong type of plane for doing that kind of stuff. If you knew his track record with things that fly, you'd be a little bit more nervous when he does that. Now, get inside and put some actual clothes on while I fetch the truck. You're not dressed for visitors.” Olivia looks down at the long, white sleeping shirt that hangs past her knees. “Aww mom, do I have to?!” She twists her face into the most pitiful expression that it can muster in an attempt to sway her mother. “Yes. Now go on. Let's not keep him waiting.” “Maaaan.” The toddler hangs her head as she half jogs back to the house. Once the door closes behind her daughter, Estela makes her way around the back side of the house and to the detached garage. With a quick tug of the handle, she lifts the door open and hoists it overhead before grabbing a set of keys and jumping into the old utility vehicle. The aged, yet trusty truck roars to life and Estela slowly guides it toward the front of the house. As she rounds the north east corner of the building, a door flies open and little Olivia emerges, fully dressed with a slice of toast in hand. The young mother barely has time to come to a complete stop before her exhilarated daughter climbs aboard. “Hurry mom! We're gonna miss ‘im landing!” “Seatbelt, Olivia.” “Mom!” The toddler bounces in her seat furiously; seconds away from erupting into a tantrum. “Olivia. You have seen him land more times than you can probably count. You'll live. Now put on your seatbelt or we're not going anywhere.” Estela folds her arms sternly as she waits for the stubborn little girl to comply. After an extremely brief stare down, Olivia relents and quickly snaps her seatbelt into place. “Can we go now, puh-lease?” “Yes. Thank you for listening faster this time.” With these words, Estela puts the vehicle in gear and speeds off toward the airstrip to meet their guest. The old utility vehicle pulls onto the runway just as their visitor climbs out of his plane. Olivia leaps out of the truck and takes off running; her messy ponytail bounces wildly behind as she runs into the arms of Jake. He bursts into joyous laughter as she knocks him to the ground unintentionally. “Sweet Pea! Did ya miss me?” The pilot swats at the child's ponytail playfully. “Of course I did uncle Jake! Momma made us late ‘cause she wouldn't let me come down here in my jammies .” “Yep, that sounds just like your mom. You wanna help me up so I can get your gifts?” He offers his up his hand as the little girl's eyes grow wide. “You brought me pwesents?!” She grabs his hand with both of hers and tries desperately to pull him into a standing position. “You bet I did. I missed your birthday and I'm still really upset about it. So, I made sure to get you something fun and something extremely special.” Jake rises to a standing position, allowing Olivia to believe she had lifted him herself. “Wait right there and close your eyes. No peeking!” “Okay uncle Jake.” She carefully opens one eye slightly, trying not to be obvious as the pilot disappears into back into his plane. When he reemerges with hands behind his back, the first thing he does is call her out. “Hey, I said no peeking sweet pea. Now close ‘em.” He quietly walks up to her, kneels down, and presents his gift. “I want you to meet someone. This is Felix.” Olivia opens her eyes to find Jake holding a plushie alligator that's anthropomorphic in nature; complete with suspenders, a plaid shirt and a big hat. Her eyes grow wide with excitement as she reaches out for the toy. “F-felix?” “Yeah! Say hello Felix.” Jake clears his throat and lays his accent on as thick as possible. “Whooyeee! Howdy there lil sweet pea! It sure is nice to meet ya!” The little girl giggles excitedly and takes the plushie from Jake. “This is silly. Alli-magators don't wear clothes or hats!” “You are absolutely correct. We actually eat gator where I'm from.” Olivia gasps and hides Felix behind her back. “You're not eating Felix!” “Of course not. He's your friend now and can already tell you're like two peas in a pod. Now. There's one more gift and this is more like a long term commitment/ project for you and I. Let me grab it.” Jake once again ducks back into his plane as Estela finally makes her way over to see what all the fuss is about. She smiles warmly at Olivia who is affectionately cuddling her new toy. Her attention snaps back to the door of the plane when the pilot reappears carrying a shovel and a sapling that has its roots wrapped in gunny sack. Mother and daughter share a confused look as Jake holds his hand up in a ‘ta-da’ fashion. “You brought me a twee?” “Not just any tree sweet pea. This is a Laurel oak; native to the region I call home. She's gonna get real big. I was thinking we plant her here and I make you a promise. In a few years, when she's tall and strong enough, I'll build you a treehouse. As she grows up higher we'll make the ladder going up to your fort longer and longer. We can make the treehouse bigger and better along the way too. Finally, one day when I'm ready to retire, I'll convince your mom to let me move down here and live out of a hammock we can hang from one of the branches. Sounds pretty good to me. What do you think sweet pea?” Olivia is speechless; her mouth is ajar as she tries to process Jake's proposition. When she's finally able to break free of disbelief, the little girl once again throws her arms around him in a grateful hug. “Th-thank you uncle Jake. So, it's a pwomise then?” “Yes. Yes it is sweet pea. Now lemme catch up with your mom a bit alright? Then we'll go find a good place to plant her.” The little brunette collects felix and jumps aboard the plane; presumably planning to jump from seat to seat as she usually does. “That's a big commitment for you, Jake McKenzie. Are you sure you're up for it?” Estela crosses her arms but the expression on her face is surprisingly soft. “Aw hell. You know I am. When I first laid eyes on her after she was born, I knew then and there that I was done for. Wrapped me around her little finger before her first poop.” The young mother slaps Jake across the arm and laughs. “Don't let my tio hear you talking like that. Just a few minutes ago he asked why we aren't a thing. He'll start badgering you to make a move and buy a ring.” Jake rubs his arm while chuckling and wincing in pain simultaneously. “He should know by now that it was never like that and never will be. Boy-, I mean Taylor would want someone watching over you guys and it might as well be me. I owe him everything.” He trails off as sadness gathers in his cerulean eyes. “While we are on the subject: Have you told her more about him yet?” Estela shakes her head while thoughtfully chewing her lower lip. “I haven't told Olivia much but only because I have no idea what she'll understand and what she won't.” “Well the five year mark is coming up real fast. I'll be picking everyone up and we're gonna head back for a few days. Might be good for sweet pea. Y'know, to hear all the stories about him.” “About daddy?” Olivia reappears at the doorway of the plane and jumps out. “Momma told me he that he saved the world. But that meant he had to leave forever.” “Yeah, sweet pea, that's right. It was really brave of him.” Jake stoops down, picks up the little girl and props her up on his hip. “But if you and mommy come to our little reunion you'll hear so much more about him. All the good times and fun stuff.” “I'd like that a lot uncle Jake.” “I know you would baby. Whaddya say, Katniss? Can we count you guys in?” Estela looks to Olivia who gives her mother a pleading look. “Alright, count us in. It will be good for both of us.” The toddler is overcome with joy. She leaps from Jake's arms and rushes to her mother. “Yay! Thank you momma!” The young mother returns Olivia's hug and swoops her up. “You're welcome. Now are we going to plant this tree or what?” “Yes! Can we put it close to the house so I can watch it grow?” “Sure we can. Just not too close. We don't want it to smother the house once it gets big” The trio collect themselves, as well as the gifts, pile into Estela's truck and head back toward the house in search of the perfect place for the oak tree. ****** On the the last night of the La Huerta group's reunion, the young men and women gather at the Celestial’s pool. Everyone is enjoying good food and company while they exchange stories of the one member who can't attend the festivities. Olivia is sitting on her uncle Aleister's lap as he tries to explain the fine details of his story. “But, I thought my daddy fixed the world.” “He did sweetheart. By leaving with Vaanu. When they left together Vaanu took all the time anomalies with him and the world reverted back to its normal state. Does that make sense?” “I guess so. But uncle Al, what was Vaanu, a space alien?” “Hmm, in a sense, yes. But he appeared to us as an intangible being. Almost like he exists in another dimension that doesn't obey the same laws of physics as our own.” “Now I have no idea what you're saying uncle Al.” Olivia giggles as she squirms away from him. “Well you're not alone sweetheart. There are many men smarter than you and I that don't understand that complex concept either.” Aleister ruffles her hair before she skips off to see what Craig and Zahra are up to. Jake and Estela are lounging next to the pool opposite of Aleister; both of them casually sipping a beer each. They watch as Olivia skips away from her uncle and launches herself onto Craig's back. As he begins to spin her in circles, Estela lets out a sigh of relief. “This has been really good for her. I'm glad we came.” “Oh, is she still having nightmares?” Jake cocks a questioning eyebrow the brunette while taking another drink from the bottle in his hand. “No. Well they continued for awhile but they stopped when I encouraged her to play outside more. She's be fine ever since it seems like.” Estela shakes her head and chuckles slightly. “She's getting too big to sleep with me anyway.” Raj rises to his feet, calls for everyone's attention and proposes a toast. The group of friends gathers around the host and each one says a few words for Taylor. When everyone has said their piece, all eyes fall on Estela, who hesitates momentarily before clearing her throat. “I'll keep this short and sweet. The time that Taylor and I spent together was short, but it was best time of my life. I'll always be grateful for him.” Estela raises her beer, and everyone follows suit. They salute their missing friend and clink their drinks together. After saying their goodbyes, the group once again goes their separate ways. Jake flies everyone to their respective destinations, leaving Estela and her daughter for last. The young brunette mother falls asleep as they near their destination; leaving Olivia wide awake with her thoughts. When they finally touch down on the private runway, Jake offers to help them unload their stuff at the house.

Tagging: @mysteli @brightpinkpeppercorn @roonarific and @mind-reader1

[xariarte]

Wake up old man boating squad! 😐