The next day in the kitchen, Henry revealed to his mother that he had told her friend the whole truth, but he didn't want August to know. Regina didn't want to lie to August, he didn't deserve this but she understood from Henry that it was important that they both had a real discussion. Regina and Henry left when August and Luxe sat down to the breakfast table. Henry winked at his friend to reassure her, she gave him a small smile.
August had no idea what to say, he was very confused. Luxe couldn't understand him, he who had already waited weeks to approach her. She tried to think about activities but it was August who got ahead of the game
« What do you like to do ? »
« I really enjoy listening to the radio. It was the only thing that made me feel good when I was taken in by a bad family. »
« Host families were that horrible ? », the writer worried with a heavy weight in his heart.
« You can't even imagine. »
August fell silent. He couldn't think she was in so much pain. It was strange because it was so much easier to comfort Henry than to comfort his daughter after what she had been through. He had no idea how to do it at all.
« I haven't told you yet, but thank you for agreeing to take care of me. I find it hard to admit it but you and… your wife, you helped me a lot so thank you very much and then I'm happy to spend time with Henry »
She saw that he didn't even give her a look, that he was trying to think about looking at the window.
« It is normal. »
Luxe began to understand that this situation was very embarrassing, it was as difficult for her as it was for him.
She decided to go to her room and lay down on her bed to think. There was a great calm. She saw the photo of Neal and her that she had kept in her wallet which allowed her to relieve herself. She rereads the letter again. She understood that Neal and her father were undoubtedly friends and that even though her father had separated Henry's parents, Neal still liked him, wanting to protect his daughter and encouraging her father to see her.
She realized that her father was important to her. During lunch, it was still radio silence, and it was starting to annoy the young girl.
« Okay, I'll go four ways, she said firmly. Henry told me everything yesterday, I know you are my father. I understand your frustration, I assure you, we're just as headed as the other », she laughed August was still in his thoughts
« It's not just that. I blame myself a lot for what happened to you. I'm sorry you had to go through such hard times. you didn't deserve this »
Luxe lowered her head.
« I swear it was hell to leave your mother. You look so much like her. »
« I know the reasons now and it was very legitimate of you, maybe if you had known you would have kept me or maybe not, I don't know but I really must have hurt you blame it, as I told you, we are equally headed in this situation »
« Will you tell me what happened to you ? »
« Not now, I'm in a pretty good mood today, I finally found my dad, I don't want to ruin everything. Another time, I promise you. But please, I don't want you to keep that funeral face all day. »
« You're a lot more mature than I thought, her father smiled at her, so you know what? It's you who chooses, you know this city better than me »
After a rather difficult start to the day, the new little family left the apartment. Luxe greatly appreciated fashion and modern art. She took him to the museum of modern art then they went on to the Queen's museum. August hadn't been to the museum often. He was absolutely delighted to spend these early days with his daughter and discover her passions. He told her about his travels, about everything he had discovered in this world. Luxe was in awe.
« Maybe you abandoned Henry's mother, but you were so lucky to be visiting Asia, America and Canada. Japan has been my dream since I was little. But you didn't do Europe? »
« No, alas, but I would have liked to. It takes a lifetime to travel around the world, you know except if you're Phineas Fogg. »
She had learned that her father was a great worshiper of fantasy and adventure literature, she quickly understood the reference to this Jules Verne novel which was her favorite.
« Didn't you really have a home either? »
« It's fair but I had my motorbike, I was free enough »
« I envy you, really. »
« It can be a project that we will do. Visit Europe! »
At the end of the outing, they ate bagels on the bench near the Brooklyn Bridge like Woody Allen and Diane Keaton in Manhattan. Lux had never been so fulfilled and happy euse. She did not hesitate to confide.
« Most people, they don't dare to be blunt so they tell you salads, stuff like that don't worry it will work out, you'll find a great family, one day you'll see, but you you're not like that, you dare to tell the truth. »
« Are you ready to hear it, I want to tell you the truth if you promise me not to upset you or even to give me the kind of ironic thinking that we do in the family? »
« I'm going to try. »
« Don't worry it will get better, You must not give up, you must see what the future holds for you. Travel is fine, but you have to know what you really want to do with your life. »
« When I saw the children from my foster home leave with a couple, I knew now that no one would ever have for me the look they had when they looked at them. I felt like I was always invisible. »
« Don't tell me you still feel this today? »
« I don't know »
« This look I can have for you, I assure you, if you accept me. I am very happy to know you, Luxe. I know you don't think of me as your father yet, this is all delicate but I promise I will do my best to be there for you no matter what. »
« What shall we do now ? »
« Come with us to Storybrooke, will you meet your family? »
« You are my only family »
« There is also my father who would dream of knowing you and Emma, who is a bit like your aunt. « You know Storybrooke, it's a small town, everyone knows everyone. It's like a big family. You will never be rejected again, young lady, I promise you. »
He walked over to her and rested his forehead against hers, then stood up and held out his hand.
« Come on, let's go home. »
August was a little worried that things would get better in Storybrooke.
What if Emma was still the dark girl? What if it was even worse? But with Regina's magic at his side, he tried not to worry too much.