"Jack, Rose, wake up"
His arm was numb, but the redhead didn't seem to mind, she was way too comfortable sleeping on top of it.
Rose and Jack shared a small studio in New York, the bohemian had finished high school online and currently worked independently as an artist, he had been waiting a long time for tonight, for tonight he was one of the featured artists in a local Art Gallery. Molly and Tommy were very busy working at the DeWitt's, the business had returned to be a family company, known for the warmth of the service and high quality of their construction works. The Hockley's had completely retired from the board of directors, although they continued as providers.
Cal was gone away working for Hockley Steel, often in contact with Molly. Fabrizio had found work in the restaurant of a well renowned hotel in New York; he and Sean had had a long-distance relationship until the Korean surprised him when he broke the news that he would be working at the same hotel as him. Helga had returned to Norway to finish her studies, she actually texted Fabrizio recently and he was still debating on opening the chat or not.
"Guys... I'm so sorry to wake you up but i gotta go now, I made coffee and breakfast is in the oven"
"Thanks Fabrizio" Rose said with a yawn.
"Thanks Fabri, have a good day" Jack replied next, rubbing his eyes.
"You too. And Jack, good luck tonight. I know you don't need it"
"Thanks buddy... Hey! You didn't confirm how many tickets"
"It'll be two"
"Is Sean coming then?"
"His flight lands after noon. I gotta run. See ya there!"
As always, Fabrizio ran out the door dressed in the latest fashion of military green pants, a tight creme sweater, a scarf and his beanie, which had become his signature item.
"Baby, how many times do I have to tell you do not fall asleep in my arm. You have a pillow" Jack scolded
"Well, your arm was in my pillow"
"No, it wasn't"
"Yes it was" Rose tried to wake his arm back to life.
"Ow! Don't pinch it! Don't touch it!"
"Oh Jack... I'm sorry babe. It won't happen again" She said alongside a good morning kiss.
"Right..."
Rose walked up to the kitchen in her grey shorts and a random tee covered in dry paint from Jack's closet. Following her morning routine, she opened up her laptop which she had left in the table.
"What? They weren't any emails last night..."
"Everything okay?" Jack said as he started putting the table. He was happy to finish with the thousand-cutlery-stuff, a fork and a knife was all they needed.
"Yeah I think so... let me read them all and I'll tell you afterwards"
"Here's the milk and the cream" his favorite part about their travels had been getting matching coffee cups, for sure. "How many eggs?"
"Just two"
"Do you want sausage with that?" He whispered on her ear.
"Don't dare me Dawson..."
"What? It was just an innocent question!"
"Who could it be? It's eight o clock" A knock in the door had interrupted the peaceful morning.
"It's Adrian... I'll open-"
"What?! You didn't finish last night?"
"Listen, I have everything under control, it's just... we're just doing some backups you know? Plan B"
"I swear..."
Adrian and Jack had built a powerful friendship, sometimes Rose regretted having introduced them, together they were a mess.
"Yo! What's up?"
"Adrian!" Rose took a sip of her coffee and stood up to meet her childhood friend.
"How are you?"
"I'm good, how are you?"
"Good baby"
"Come on, let's go to the studio" Jack interrupted
Rose followed them closely after checking her emails. She decided some things couldn't wait and that she would be going to the office today. The boys had begun shooting; Adrian was posing like a real model, but he was being too serious for Jack's liking.
"Hey Adrian... did you know Rose still to this day, eats her boogers?"
"BULL"
"Haha I bet she does"
"THAT'S A BIG FAT LIE" The girl defended.
"You don't even notice you do. You tend to prick your nose when you're bored"
"I do not. How dare you!"
"You also don't realize but when you have food stuck between your teeth, you take it out with your nail and eat it back"
"It was already there! You know what? I'll leave you two. I came here to show my support but I'm being attacked so I'll shower and get back to work. Have a good day gentleman" Rose exclaimed. She left but not before smacking her boyfriend in the back as a warning "You better have those printed before the exhibition huh?"
"I will Rose, don't worry" Jack laughed
"Is she gone?"
"She is. Let me change the backdrop"
"I'll help you" Adrian offered "So what's your concept?"
"A rose and a ring"
"Is the light okay?"
"Let me close that window... here's the rose, let me get the ring" Jack walked to his coat and took out a small box from inside his pocket.
"Wow. It's beautiful"
"Thanks... I've been saving for a while now. This exhibition made it possible"
"That's amazing Jack. I also brought the gold and silver makeup you wanted"
"Thanks, I think it'll be just silver... I wanna continue in the same line of the other artworks... the concept of the stars and when they align they don't outshine each other, they illuminate the path and their partner... that's why I'm asking her to marry me, Adrian. She has a beautiful light, I'm so proud of her"
"I bet you are, I am too. To see her go from this broken doll to this confident, amazing business woman..."
"Wait until you see her in the play"
"I bet she's one of the best actresses huh?"
"She is" Jack confirmed. Not only Rose managed to balance her work and her relationships, but her hobbies as well.
"Enough talking, she's not gonna be in the shower for long, we have to hurry up!"
Jack sat still on the stool while Adrian painted his face and torso. The studio was an open space, that formed part of a industry long ago. His eyes traveled to the kitchen... he remembered when he met Fabrizio, they swore they were going to a little wanderlust adventure... little did they know where the path would take them.
Then he heard the sound of an incoming email in Rose's laptop which she had left open. He recalled meeting Tommy, one of the best friendships he had made. If Fabri and him had woken up minutes later... or had a different breakfast... or hadn't bought that yogurt... they wouldn't have met Tommy in the outdoor deck; or maybe they would since they were classmates, but they wouldn't have formed the infamous trio.
Fabrizio barely knew English, just like Helga. He knew she had written his friend and he wished her the best, Jack was sure she was bringing it at her university back in Norway. He wished someday he could go too... Molly had already visited Norway, one day she had showed him pictures, it was beautiful. Molly had become his confident, his fairy godmother even... no doubt a blessing in his life. He recalled the last day of class, they had been assigned for the last time an essay, a free length one- about what had they learned on the trip.
To be playful and kind like Tommy, to be optimistic and never lose sight of your inner child like Fabrizio, to be a boss and always help others like Molly, to forgive others... including Cal. To look for the fire and bravery inside you, like Rose. Adrian asked him to look down to paint his eyelids. Jack saw the tattoo on his inner arm, the one dedicated to his parents. And to make it count.
But to reach all of this... first you must find the courage to be Defenceless.
Adrian announced he was ready with the makeup and warned him that he would be using the setting spray next; then he indicated Jack where he would be standing so the light was perfect.
Afterwards he found his place, put the ring on the rose, and held it close to his heart.
"Now, head down... eyes to me, keep them on me" Jack was trembling. Adrian grabbed the camera. "And try to stay still"
And you?
Are you counting days? Or making the days count?
Thanks for reading
Love, C x