This story belongs to a series. This is Part Two.
I want it to be clear that you do not have to read Pink in order to understand and enjoy Indigo. Indigo is intended to be a brand new story and adventure and can be read separately from Pink, if wanted. If at any point you decide you do want to read Pink, the story will always be available to read here by heading to my profile.
Jimmy/Cindy focused. Set post high school. Please also be aware, there are many original characters in this story.
Rated M for sexual content and strong adult themes.
1
"Nothing ever lasts forever."
Monday, August 31st, 2:46 PM
Retroville, TX
"One, two, three, four, five, six..."
He jumped up on the table, her giggles loud in his ear as he held her firmly on his hip. The music boomed throughout the small apartment. Large fluorescent lights illuminating the two of them up like a spotlight on a stage. Clothes, boxes and toys littered the floor. An open suitcase set upon their bed, but he was far too distracted to pack right now. He spun in a circle, the wooden table creaking from his weight. If Cindy were here, she'd kill him. ACDC lyrics fell from his lips. His daughter smiled brighter, and it fueled him with a love that made him only sing louder.
All of the stress that had been building over these past few weeks faded away as he danced on the table, signing Back in Black to his 5 month-old. Very thin brown hair, curling slightly at the ends. Blue eyes, just like his, with the faintest bit of green from her mother. She was able to sit up on her own, now. With their help, of course. But she was strong enough to stay in a sitting position once set up. And soon, she'd be crawling. Just the other day, she was almost able to pull herself to Jimmy as they set her down on her stomach. Cindy had the camera and everything.
He dipped her, one hand on her back and the other supporting her head. Her laughter echoed allow with the blasting classic rock music. He couldn't wait until she was older and able to sing with him. He could already picture it now, the two of them jumping together to his favorite songs. She'd grow up with all the classics, just he did. It reminded him of when he was a kid, and he and his mother would just dance in the living room, records blasting through the house. It was one of the best memories of his childhood. He'd be damned if he didn't give that to Melanie.
"Well, I'm back in black...Yes, I'm back in black!"
He didn't notice her at first. She was quiet when she entered the room. Leaning casually in the doorway, watching silently from a far. A pleasant smile on her lips, arms crossed over her chest. Her hair was short now. Gold strands that faded to a very light pink, falling just above her shoulders. Her bangs, long grown out. She wanted a new look going into LA, but it was Libby who ultimately convinced her to cut it off and add some color. So bold. It was something the old Cindy would have never done.
Normally, if this were any other day, she would have been pissed to see him standing on her grandmother's 85 year old dining table. The antique dark wood had been passed down in her family for decades. It was a graduation gift from her mother. But today, she couldn't help the swell in her heart as she watched him sing and dance with Melanie on his hip. She shook her head, her smile getting wider. ACDC. Of course it was ACDC. She should be mad. They needed to pack. They had a flight to catch at 5 AM. But all she could do was watch.
It was then, as he turned around, that he saw her. Her green eyes meeting his in an instant. He stopped, but the music continued. Melanie, still cooing as she grabbed at his tee shirt. A long pause as the two of them stood motionless, just carefully watching each other. Until finally, Jimmy's lips turned up into a smirk.
"You cut your hair." He tilted his head to the side. "And dyed it."
"And you're dancing on my grandmother's 85 year old dining table."
His smirk got wider. "I mean….."
Cindy shook her head, detaching herself from the doorway. "You're supposed to be packing."
He got down from the table, his head now turning towards Melanie. "Well I was…until I got distracted."
Cindy laughed, reaching towards him. She pulled him into a kiss, quickly. "You're lucky the two of you are cute."
"It looks good, by the way." Jimmy said as she pulled away. "I've never seen you with short hair before. But I like it."
"Yeah?"
He used his free hand to tuck a wavy strand behind her ear. "Yeah. It suits you."
"And when are you gonna cut your hair?" She scolded him, playfully.
Jimmy rolled his eyes, laughing. "I don't need a haircut."
"Baby." Cindy just shot him a look. "If you let it grow any longer you'll be able to put it in a ponytail."
He turned around, heading towards the playpen and put Melanie down. His laugh still filtering above the music. "You're so over dramatic. It's not that long."
"Alright, alright, compromise. What if you just shave the sides and have it long on the top?"
Jimmy gave her a look, the smirk on his lips getting wider. He made his way over to where she was standing, his arms already pulling her by the waist. "You mean like a sweet undercut? With a ponytail in the back? Like all the hipsters you see in Starbucks?"
Cindy laughed as he bent down to kiss her neck. "That's such a stereotype!"
"I should grow a beard too, while I'm at it." He murmured against her skin.
"Now, that would be kinda hot."
Jimmy leaned back, giving her a look. "I'm learning so much about you right now."
Cindy only laughed harder.
The cell phone, buried under various blankets and clothes, is what jarred them from their moment. Both of their heads turning towards muffled ringing. Jimmy sighed, detaching himself from Cindy and slowly made his way over to the bed. Cindy went to Melanie, who was currently completely distracted by a ring of large plastic keys which she had stuffed inside of her mouth. She bent down to pick her up. Her cooing and small noises sending her heart into a flutter. She was so big, already. Cindy didn't know where all the time had gone. It seemed like just yesterday they had brought her home from the hospital. The two of them crying as they placed her into the bassinet for the first time.
It seemed like a lifetime ago. It practically was.
"Yes, I'm supposed to be moving in on the 8th." Jimmy turned down the music, his voice now overtaking the space. Cindy looked over to him, curiously.
She watched as his expression went from a pleasant smile, to disappointment. "Well—yes. No, of course. I understand. That's not a problem. Whatever you think is best. I'll be able to change the flight, don't worry."
Change the flight? Now Cindy was worried. Placing Melanie on her hip, walking towards him.
"Ok. Ok. Thank you. I'll—I guess I'll see you guys soon." He laughed nervously. "Ok. Thank you, again. Bye."
He slowly made eye contact with Cindy as he hung up the phone.
"What was that about?" She asked.
A deep breath. "It was Joseph, from the MIT Board."
"What did he want?"
He licked his lips, searching for the words. "He—Uh, he wants me to move in on the 3rd. Instead of the 8th."
Narrowed eyes cast in his direction immediately. "Why?"
"Something about needing me to set up—"
"No, why did you say yes?" She was mad now. The entire mood shifted in a mere ten seconds.
Jimmy just gave her a look. "What was I supposed to say?"
"How about: No, I'll be in LA spending time with my daughter?"
"Cindy—"
"What the fuck, Jimmy?" Melanie started to pull at her hair. "You were supposed to be spending a week with us before you left. Now you only get, what? Two days?"
"You're acting like I wanted this to happen." He argued back. "I can't just tell them no. They told me that I had to go early. I didn't have a choice."
"Of course you have a choice!" She countered, her voice rising.
"Not when it comes to the board." Jimmy shook his head. "You didn't hear the way he sounded on the phone. I didn't even have a chance to speak. They don't ask for permission. They demand. That's just the way it is."
Cindy stared at him. Melanie, still grabbing and pulling at her face and hair.
"Look." He walked over to her, his voice low. "I don't wanna fight. Especially if we have even less time together."
He reached out and cupped the side of her face, his thumb brushing over her cheek. "I just don't understand why you didn't even try to get out of it. You didn't even try, Jimmy."
"I just—I don't wanna piss them off. This school is really important to me."
"And spending time with your daughter, before you leave for months, isn't?"
"Of course it is. You know it is." He was almost appalled at her question.
She fell quite for a moment before saying, "It's not fair."
Melanie rested her head onto Cindy's shoulder. Her wide blue eyes set staring at Jimmy. He then moved his hand from Cindy's cheek to brush down against the back of his daughter's head. "It'll be ok. We'll be ok."
Cindy sighed. A long drawn out sigh, which eventually came to her leaning in and placing a light kiss upon his lips. It was soft, but the emotion was there. They did this so often now, she never took into consideration how much she'll miss not having this for months and months at a time. When she pulled back, there was a sad look upon his features. She had a hard time looking him in the eye. She handed Melanie over to him, wordlessly, and then made her way towards the empty suitcase.
"We need to pack."
Tuesday, September 1st, 4:58 AM
Austin, TX
The flight was to be a little over three hours. They were set to leave Austin International at 5:15 AM. They would be arriving at LAX by 6:30 due to the two hour time difference. The loud bustling airport caused Melanie to wake up, again, for the fourth time this early morning. Cindy, who could barely keep her own eyes open, picked her up from the car seat, gently. Rocking her back and forth as she tried to ease her cries. She sighed. Looking around at the various other travelers. It was going to be a long day.
"Here, let me try." Her mother tapped her on the shoulder. Green eyes, just like hers, and gorgeous jet black hair tied neatly in her signature bun. A thick French accent rolled off of her tongue, giving Cindy a sense of comfort.
She nodded, her tired eyes closing just slightly as she handed her daughter over.
Sasha Lacroix (formerly Vortex) was a strong woman. Originally from Bordeaux, France, Sasha had gone through many struggles throughout her life. The biggest one, being the infidelity which ultimately led to the divorce of Cindy's father, Liam. But regardless of the hardships Sasha had faced, she still held her head high. She may have sometimes come off as abrasive, but she always put her family first. Cindy, and now little Melanie, being her main priority. Today, she would say goodbye. Not forever. Sasha knew it was only for a little while. Cindy and Melanie would be home for the holidays, of course. And Liam had promised her, that he would take good care of the two of them. And he knew better than to lie to her. Sasha would find out. She always found out.
It was then, that Jimmy appeared. A tray of coffee's in his hand. Wavy brown hair falling into his tired blue eyes. A grey hoodie and joggers covering his slender form. He slowly passed them out. One for his mother, who was currently twisting her auburn hair up into a high ponytail, mid conversation with his father. One for Sasha, to which she smiled politely, her voice whispering a French lullaby to Melanie. One for Libby as she folded her legs Indian style, head resting against her fiancé (and one of his best friends) Sheen. And one for Cindy, who was currently falling asleep in one of the airport chairs.
He shook her awake. "Hey."
She blinked the sleep out of her eyes, taking the coffee from his hand and reaching up to give him a kiss. "Thank you, baby."
"Should be soon, right?" He sat down next to her.
"The flight says 5:15. It's 5 now." Said Libby, sitting across from them.
They hadn't anticipated everyone to come and see them off, but the moment the flight was booked to LAX, the whole lot demanded they be there. His parents, he could understand. He would be flying directly to Boston from LA, so this would be the last time he'd see them before the holidays. And of course, his mother was more than attached to Melanie. There was no way she would have let her first grandbaby leave without her final goodbye. Sasha was here for the same reason as his parents. Cindy and Melanie would be living with Liam, who had an estate in Beverly Hills, while Cindy pursued a school known as The American Academy of Dramatic Arts. A Drama school. Jimmy was surprised when she first told him she wanted to try her hand at acting and theater. But nevertheless, he supported her. If she supported him attending MIT, which was across the country from her, who was he to not do the same for her? And besides, he knew she'd be good at it. She's always been a drama queen.
Sheen and Libby originally weren't going to come, as they had their own flight to catch later that night, but of course the two couldn't bear to not say goodbye. Not after everything. Libby would soon be attending the University Of Virginia School Of Nursing. It was the school she had her eye on since she started her CNA program almost two years ago. Not only that, but her mother lived in Charlottesville and had offered Libby to stay with her while she attended class, to save money. Sheen, who previously was going to just attend a community college in Austin, decided shortly after their engagement that he wouldn't ever leave Libby's side. He somehow managed to score a paid internship at some auto body shop in downtown Charlottesville. He had a knack for cars and was actually a pretty good mechanic, despite having little to no training. Libby's mother agreed as long as he's working, or working towards something, she'd let him stay with them as well.
The only one that truly couldn't make it to see them off was Carl, the last in their long time best friend group. He, out of everyone, was traveling the least. Staying local and attending The University of Texas in Austin. His father recently was diagnosed with the beginning stages of Alzheimer's Disease, which was discovered after a stoke that sent him to the ER. Something that came as a shock to everyone. His father was a single dad his whole life, so of course, Carl felt more than obligated to stay local and take care of him. He was at the hospital with him, currently. Everyone knew that his father took priority, and Cindy and Jimmy were more than understanding. They had said their goodbyes the other day, when they all had gone to show support at the hospital. They hoped by the holidays that things would be better.
"My dad just texted me." Cindy leaned over to Jimmy, showing him her phone. "Said his assistant, Bren, will be picking us up at the airport."
Her father had sent a picture of him, so they would have a reference of what he looked like once they arrived. Medium build, short black hair, buzzed on the sides but long on the top. Full beard that was very neatly trimmed. A black button up, sleeves rolled up to the elbows, and tucked into a pair of dark blue jeans. Pale skin and brown eyes from what she could tell from the picture. He looked to be somewhere around late 20s.
Jimmy narrowed his eyes at the picture. "I don't like him."
Cindy burst out laughing. She gave him a look. "Why?"
"He just looks like a man that would try to steal your girl."
"Oh my god." She shook her head, rolling her eyes as her hand smoothed over his back. "I promise you, he's not gonna steal me."
"I don't know, baby." Jimmy gave her a look. "He's got all the hipster traits. Your weakness."
She smacked him playfully on the arm, Libby and Sheen both chuckling as she did. "Shut up, you're so over dramatic."
He rose a brow. "You know what this means, right?"
Cindy rolled her eyes again, but still smiling. "What does it mean, baby?"
"It means now I have to become a hipster."
Her laugh was loud as she buried he face into the crook of his neck. "I fucking hate you."
"Dude, for the record," Sheen spoke up. "You could definitely pull off a hipster beard."
Jimmy leaned back into the airport chair, laughing. "Man, I'm not gonna lie, I have been thinking about it."
Libby shook her head. "No! You'd look so weird with a beard."
"You say that now, until I come back from MIT the hottest fucking scientist you've ever seen."
"Dude if you come back over Christmas break with a beard, I'll give you a hundred bucks." Said Sheen.
"Done." Jimmy didn't even hesitate.
"No! Jimmy you better not!" Libby exclaimed.
"What do you think, baby?" He turned to Cindy.
"Honestly," Cindy gave him a once over before leaning in. "I think a beard would be kinda hot."
Jimmy nodded. A sly grin across his face, the three of them in a fit of laughter. "I rest my case."
It was then, that the words came over the intercom. Once again, waking Melanie from her slumber. Sasha rocked her, gently. Her voice soothing her irritable cries as the flight attendant announced the boarding call for their flight. Heads all turned to face Cindy and Jimmy whose smiles slowly faded, being replaced with unease and uncertainty.
"This is the boarding call for flight 2054. This flight will be landing in sunny Los Angeles, California, which currently has a temperature of 78 degrees and clear skies forecasted for the day. Thank you for choosing to fly American Airlines. Group A will board first."
"I guess this is it." Jimmy stood up, Cindy right behind him.
"Oh, let me hold her one more time, Sasha?" Jimmy's mother, Judy, stood up. Her hand tugged at the soft baby blanket that surrounded Melanie.
Sasha, although reluctant, handed her over to the opposing grandmother. Judy pulled the child close, bringing her over to her husband, Hugh. Jimmy's father wrapped his arm around his crying wife, his other hand smoothed over the top of his granddaughter's head. His dark brown hair and features, matching his sons.
"It's ok, Jude." Hugh eased. "It's not forever. She'll be back for the holidays."
Judy still cried. "I know. I know. But I'm gonna miss my baby so much. I'm gonna miss my precious little girl."
"I swear, you're gonna miss her more then you're gonna miss me." Jimmy teased as he made his way over to his mother, shaking his head.
Judy looked up and met her son's eyes. She pouted her lips. "That's not true. I'm gonna miss both of my babies." She pointed a finger in his face. "You better text me every day."
Jimmy rolled his eyes, and for a moment, it was if he were a child again. "Mom—"
She gave him a stern look. "I mean it, Jimmy."
"Group B is now able to board."
"We're next." Cindy breathed. Her stomach in knots.
Judy cried even harder as Jimmy took Melanie from her arms, strapping her into the car seat. Hugh's soothing voice doing nothing for the emotional wreck that was his wife. Sasha leaned down, giving one last kiss to her granddaughter before pulling Cindy into tight embrace. Tears staining both of their cheeks.
"It won't be forever, momma." Cindy said into her mother's neck.
"I know. I know, baby. Je t'aime tellement. Mon petit oiseau." Sasha whispered. She took her daughter's face in her hands as she pulled back. "And you better make sure to tell me if your father does anything to upset you."
Cindy laughed through her tears. "Yes, mom."
"You just say the word and I'll take the next plane to LA. You know I will"
"I know, mom." Cindy nodded her head. "I know."
Judy pulled a reluctant Jimmy into a hug. "Oh, honey, where has the time gone? I feel like it was just yesterday that you were a little boy. Now you're a father. Now you're a college student going to one of the best schools in the country!" She pulled back and just looked at him. "I'm so proud of you. My boy."
Jimmy chuckled, rolling his eyes again. "I'm not a boy anymore, mom."
"You are to me. You'll always be my little boy."
It was then, that Hugh came up next to them. Pulling Judy away so he could tug Jimmy into his own embrace. "Good luck, son. I know you'll do great things."
"I hope so."
"I know so. You've already come so far. This is only the beginning." His father reassured him.
"Oh, Cindy!" Judy was pulling Cindy aside now, still crying. "You take good care of yourself and my grandbaby. And if you ever need anything—"
"I'll call." Cindy chuckled, wiping away her own tears.
The last of the goodbyes were with Libby and Sheen. The four friends standing motionless, all glancing at each other for a few long moments. They had never been apart for longer than two weeks before. They grew up together. Went to the same school, spent all of the summers together. Went on countless legal (and illegal) adventures together. It was the end of an era.
A deep breath from Libby. "I guess this is goodbye."
"Not goodbye." Jimmy shook his head. "See you later. We'll all be back for the holidays."
Libby pulled Jimmy into a big hug. "I'm gonna miss you, brainiac. What will I do without your sarcastic comebacks?"
"I'll send you a voice recording so you can play them when you get lonely."
She smacked on the arm, laughing. "You would do something like that."
"If you don't have a beard by the next time I see you, I'll be highly disappointed." Sheen smirked.
"Oh, man. Don't worry." Jimmy leaned forward and patted Sheen on the shoulder. "My long journey to becoming a mountain man starts today."
Sheen just laughed. "I'm gonna hold you to that."
Libby took one look at Cindy before the two both, simultaneously, burst into tears.
"I'm gonna miss you so much, Libby."
"I'm gonna miss you!"
The two girls embraced and it was as if time had slowed around them. Their tears coating each other's necks. Hands both wrapped around their forms, tightly. Fingers woven in thick locks. They were best friends. They had been best friends for as long as they could remember. They had shared so many moments together, but never like this. And they knew it wouldn't be forever. They knew it was only temporary, but it didn't make it any easier. All they had known, for the past 10 years, was each other. They were sisters, in a way.
"Group C is now able to board."
Jimmy tapped Cindy on the shoulder. "That's us, baby."
Libby, very reluctantly, let go of Cindy. Taking a deep breath as she looked her best friend in the eye for the last time in a while. "Go. You got a mansion in Beverly Hills to get too."
Cindy laughed, still tearful. "I never thought that'd be a statement I'd hear you say."
"Me neither, girl." Libby shook her head. "Me—fucking—neither."
They gathered Melanie, collected what little bags they planned to bring on the plane, and made their way towards the gate. Their friends and family, all left weeping, behind them. Jimmy thankfully had most of his college items already sent and prepped to MIT, so all he needed was basic necessities for this trip. Cindy on the other hand, brought her entire life. Everything she could fit in her suitcase, she did. And her carry on, even more so. And her father had told her he'd give her money to go shopping (it's not like he didn't have enough of it), but Cindy still felt obligated to bring as much as she could from home. It made her feel a little better about traveling to a foreign place.
Lucky for them, since they had a very early flight, there wasn't a ton of people crammed onto this tightly fitted airplane. It wasn't empty, by any means, but it was decent. Their seats were more towards the middle of the plane. Three together. Jimmy took the end, Melanie in the middle, and Cindy under the window.
Cindy just leaned her head back. Eyes closing from the sudden headache that was upon her.
She felt Jimmy's hand take hers before she heard his voice. "Hey."
She opened her eyes to see him leaning over the backwards car seat, Melanie—at last, asleep. Hopefully for good, she thought. "Yeah?"
"I love you."
And it was then, as his words fell from his lips, that the plane began to move. Texas, Retroville, and everything they've come to know, left speeding behind them. The sky was indigo, a thousand stars painted above them. The sun just slowly beginning to rise, giving off the faintest glow of pink on the horizon.
"I love you too."
Tuesday, September 1st, 6:36 AM
Los Angeles, CA
"Ladies and gentlemen we have just landed safely in Los Angeles, California. I hope you have a good day, and thank you for flying American Airlines."
The flight went a lot smoother than either of them expected. Melanie slept the whole way, along with Jimmy. Cindy tried, but she was far to distracted. Her mind running a mile a minute as she looked out the window, just watching the clouds drift peacefully by. The pilot's voice jolted her from her racing thoughts. She leaned over, waking Jimmy, and mentally preparing herself for whatever awaited them outside of those cabin doors. She peaked back out the window, the blue sky and early morning sun giving her a sense of comfort. It didn't seem any different. Not yet, at least.
It was busy. Really busy. Definitely a hell of a lot busier than Austin, that was for sure. Even for 6:30 in the morning, there were thousands upon thousands of people. Shoulder to shoulder foot traffic everywhere they walked. It was overwhelming. As they retrieved their bags and made their way down to the arrivals port, Cindy couldn't help but find herself lost in her surroundings. LAX was huge. And it was, strangely, beautiful. The skylights shedding rays of sun down into the bustling space. Escalators and conveyor belts and so many shops and restaurants. It felt like a dream. There was something about the atmosphere that seemed different then Texas. Already, she felt out of place. She was so consumed by her intrigue and wonder, she didn't even hear Jimmy call her name until his hand stopped her from walking.
"Cindy!"
She stumbled, catching herself as she turned around to face him. Behind him, was a man. Medium build, black hair with shaved sides. He was tall, she noticed. Jimmy was six feet and this man towered over him. Brown eyes, just like the picture, and a black button up tucked into blue jeans.
"Cynthia?" The man questioned. His voice was deep, it caught Cindy off guard as he called out her name. His arm outstretching towards her. "My name is Brennan O'Riley, your father's assistant. You can call me Bren."
"Oh, uh—" Cindy went to meet his handshake as Jimmy beat her to it. Clasping his free hand with Bren's, firmly. He stood tall now, despite still carrying Melanie in her car seat in the other.
"Nice to meet you. I'm Jimmy. Cindy's boyfriend."
Cindy had a hard time not laughing out loud at Jimmy's assertiveness. It's literally been five seconds, she thought to herself. Really?
Bren didn't seem to notice, though. He shook Jimmy's hand, returning his own firmness and gave a polite smile. "Nice to meet you. How was your flight?"
"Boring," Cindy spoke up, coming to stand next to Jimmy. "And exhausting."
"We're ready to not be traveling anymore." Jimmy looked down to Melanie, still sleeping, but getting restless the more they moved around.
"Well then, allow me to lead you to the car." He motioned for them to follow behind.
He lead them through the main area, in between hundreds of others all rushing by, before pushing through a set of large automatic doors. The arrivals lot, where all of the pickups were, was even more crowded than the inside of the airport. Buses, Cabs, Ubers, and Lyfts, all coming and going within this weirdly small and compact area. The types of cars varied from plain, moderately priced, Jeeps and Toyota's and Hyundai's, to Hummers and Lamborghini's and even a few Mercedes-Benz. But the car that they seemed to be heading towards, was the red Tesla parked all the way on the end.
Jimmy knew very little when it came to cars. Sheen was the one in their group that could honestly talk for hours about all of the in's and out's. Sure, he was a genius, and if he spent enough time researching and examining, he could probably glean some knowledge. And he did know some stuff when it came down to the mechanical aspects. But at first glance, Jimmy knew just as little as the next average person. Regardless, he knew enough to know that a Tesla was a luxury car he'd never get to experience.
Until today, that was.
The doors opened up, Back to the Future style as Sheen would have called it. The sleek scarlet paint almost sparkled from the golden rays of sunlight. The car seemed small at first, from the outside, but as Jimmy and Cindy slid into the back seat there was more than enough room for the two of them, plus Melanie and her car seat. The interior was black leather. Smooth and cold from the AC that had been pouring from the multiple vents. Jimmy inhaled, and if rich had a smell, it would be this car.
"So how much has your father told you about the estate?" Bren asks about halfway through the fairly quiet drive. It drove so smooth, they could barely even tell they were moving at all.
"I know it's in Beverly Hills." Cindy leaned back into the leather, already the comfort taunting her eyes to close. "And that it has nine bedrooms."
"Technically ten, now." Bren corrected. "We just started construction not that long ago."
Cindy met his eyes in the rear-view mirror. "What else does it have?"
"Well there's the basics, to start. Kitchen, dining room, pantry. Five or so bathrooms, all varying from different sizes. Then there's the rec rooms, the main foyer, all of the bedrooms, three offices, a ten car garage, the billiards room, the gym, the cellar, and of course, your father's main office. And then there's the outdoors which consists of the pool, the patio, the balcony, the yard, the garden, and the vineyard."
Jimmy leaned forward, giving Cindy a look. "I'm sorry, did you just say vineyard?"
"Of course. It's one of Liam's most successful investments."
"You don't even like wine." Cindy chuckled.
Jimmy leaned back into his seat, subtlety dropping his voice. "Well, I'm about to start."
She smacked him playfully on the thigh.
"Regardless," Bren continued. "I think you'll be quite comfortable, Cynthia."
Jimmy narrowed his eyes at the way he said her full name.
It was then, as the conversation came to a close, that they found themselves pulling up to a gated area. The windows of the car were tinted, so it was hard to make out details of their surroundings, but from what the two of them could tell, they were in a more rural area now. Lots of hills and small mountain ranges and vast open spaces surrounded them. There were a few houses from their vantage point, but none of them looked to be mansions. Just average homes with the average American's trying to make a living.
Bren spoke quietly to whoever was manning the security gate, before the guards were lifted and soon they began driving their way even further up the mountain. More homes passing by, but with large fields of green separating each of them. And the more and more they drove, the bigger and bigger the houses became. Slowly expanding to the point where some would take up acres upon acres of land. The two of them, growing up in Retroville, had never ever truly seen, a real mansion in person. They had seen them in movies, and TV shows, and in all those magazines that Cindy read, but never in reality. The closest thing they ever came to was Betty Quinlan's Estate, and even that didn't remotely compare to the many houses they passed. And as they climbed the final hill of this mountain range, and pulled into the circular driveway, both Cindy and Jimmy became speechless as they were presented with, what seemingly was, the Vortex Estate.
It was breathtaking. Quite literally, breathtaking. Hundreds of windows, all lined up across the front, glittering as the early morning sun hit the glass. White stone masonry making up the entirety of the outside walls. It stretched for what seemed like miles. So far, that Cindy and Jimmy couldn't properly tell where the home actually ended. It looked like one of those fancy golf clubs that you would see on the cover of a sports magazine. Except this wasn't some golf or country club. This was a home. This was Liam's home. And now, it was Cindy's and Melanie's.
And Jimmy hated to admit that a small, small, part of him was jealous that she would be living in luxury, while he would be stuck in some insignificant college room. She deserved it. She absolutely deserved it, and Jimmy would never say otherwise...After everything Cindy had gone through, she deserved the world...But still, he couldn't shake the selfish pain in his chest as Cindy swooned, getting out of the car quickly to take in the magnificent mansion that would now be her indefinite home.
The front doors opened. Beautifully frosted glass with a white porcelain frame, gracefully swung open to reveal non-other than the man of the hour. Dirty blond hair, as always, slicked back. Although there was no part today. Just simple golden strands brushed back and slightly curling behind his ears. It had been a while since the three of them had seen each other. High School graduation, being the last. His hair was getting long, Jimmy noticed. Without the gel, it would be shaggy, falling just above his cut jawline. His caramel eyes lit up at the sight of a sleeping Melanie in her car seat. His pace now coming to a jog as he made his way down the ivory steps. A smile now forming under his trimmed beard.
"She's gotten so big!" Liam shouted as he approached Jimmy who gently placed the car seat down onto the pavement. Cindy's father knelt down, his calloused fingers smoothing over Melanie's cheeks.
Jimmy laughed. "She never stops growing. It's crazy."
Liam stood up, pulling Jimmy into a hug. They've come a long way since their first meeting. "It's good to see you. How was the flight?"
Jimmy rubbed his temple, a headache starting to form. "It was good. Easy for the most part. Just very tiring."
"Mel slept the whole way, which was nice." Cindy joined them, tucking her short hair behind her ears.
Her father smiled, pulling her into an embrace as well. It had been a while since they had this. Their rocky past was a hard mountain to climb over, but they had been working on it for almost eight months now. Long talks and conversations finally putting all of the hurt and sorrow to rest. Cindy tightened her arms, taking in the way she never truly realized how much she had missed this. They were moving towards a better relationship. And now that she would be living here, in the estate, this newfound bond they had begun to form would surely strengthen even more.
"You cut your hair." Her father pulled back, his fingers now examining the short strands. "And it's pink."
Cindy laughed. "Only the ends are pink. And I wanted a new look going into this. You know, new adventure, new me."
Liam rose a brow. "Well, I'm not too much of a fan of the pink, but the length is nice." He nodded in approval. "Professional, even."
Cindy rolled her eyes, chuckling. "Thanks, daddy."
"Come." Liam motioned for both of them to follow as he began to make his way back up the front steps. "I have breakfast prepared. I'm sure the two of you are hungry."
Jimmy turned around back to the car. "What about—"
"Don't worry, my team will take your belongings up to your room."
Cindy just shot Jimmy look, a smirk creeping upon her lips. Jimmy shook his head, chuckling as he grabbed Melanie once more.
This could be a lifestyle he could get used to.
Tuesday, September 1st, 7:26 PM
Beverly Hills, CA
"It's a little bit funny…This feeling inside..."
Her voice was soft as she rocked Melanie back and forth in her arms. Her favorite Elton John song falling from her lips, gracefully. The sun was still up, California seemed like it never slept, but the jet lag was getting to the new residents. Cindy beyond exhausted, Melanie, even more so. The bedroom her father had given them for Mel was perfect. She cried when he had first showed them. Pink walls, all decorated with various painted stencils of butterflies and flowers. White plush carpet that seemed softer then cotton candy. So many toys Cindy was sure Melanie would adore. A gorgeous white-wooded crib with all pink blankets, and lastly, a glow in the dark space mobile with stars and planets and one simple rocket ship.
A nursery. A real nursery. Cindy had never been so happy.
She brushed her fingers over her daughter's cheek. "I'm not one of those who can, easily hide..."
Little eyes starting to close.
"I don't have much money but, boy if I did…."
He made his way down the hall, following the sound of her voice.
"I'd buy a big house where, we both could live..."
Her words were so soft, but Jimmy could hear them loud and clear as he pushed open the nursery door, quietly. Peaking in his head to see Cindy standing in front of the crib, placing Melanie down gently.
"I hope you don't mind, I hope you don't mind, that I put down in words…."
She pulled the rose colored blanket over her sleeping form. The mobile glowing slightly in the dim light. The curtains were drawn, but the rays from the sun still outlined the edges. She really did look like Jimmy.
"How wonderful life is, while you're in the world."
She stood there for a moment, just quietly looking down at her peacefully sleeping daughter. A deep breath as her heart swelled with a love she'd never get tired of. He came up behind her, snaking his arms around her waist, placing his chin on her shoulder. She smiled, her hands coming to rest up on his, right over the permanent scar across the lower half of her stomach.
"You should sing more often." He murmured against her ear.
"Once I start school, I'll be singing all the time." She chuckled.
"You'll be a star." He bent down and kissed her cheek. "A real actress."
"Is that supposed to be a reference from Moulin Rouge?" She glanced over her shoulder.
Jimmy laughed. "One of the only musicals I've ever actually seen."
Cindy turned around then, her arms moving to wrap around his neck. "Only because I forced you."
"And you know what? I talked so much shit in the beginning, but it was actually really good."
She took a long pause before finally saying, "You'd make a good Christian."
Jimmy shook his head. "Ewan McGregor is far better looking than me."
"Well…" Cindy laughed, licking her lips as she played with the hairs at the back of his neck. "You're my Christian."
He looked down, his dark lashes contrasting against the paleness of his skin. It was then, that he realized, he was going to miss this. He was going to miss her so much that it hurt already. He wasn't ready to leave her. He wasn't ready to be away from Mel, even if it only was for a few months. A few months seemed like years to Jimmy. He looked up, and his eyes were so blue in the dim nursery light. "One day, I'll buy a big house. Where we both could live."
She pulled his lips to hers, softly giving into the hunger that clawed at her from the inside. When she pulled back, she whispered, "If you're ever going to ask me to marry you, I want you to sing me that song."
Jimmy just looked at her, his smile getting wider. "Yeah?"
She nodded her head. "Yeah. With like—a grand piano, and stage lights, and—"
"Ok, so you want a Broadway musical?"
She laughed, louder than she anticipated, and Melanie stirred in the crib. "I just want it to be memorable. If….you ever do."
Jimmy nodded, tucking a strand behind her ear. "Good to know."
Cindy gave him a look. "What's that supposed to mean?"
"Well I'm not gonna tell you!" He laughed, while Cindy shushed him. "What's the point of a surprise, if you know that it's coming?"
She sighed, but the smile on her lips remained. She started to pull him by the arm, leading him out of the nursery. "Come on, I don't wanna wake her up."
"Should we try out the new bed?" The suggestion in Jimmy's voice sent a sly smile to overtake her features as she pulled him towards their bedroom.
"Oh baby, there's more than just the bed that we need to try out."
The door shut with a soft, click.