Author's Note: Been a while but I'm back with a super short segment. Expect more updates in this story! Cuz this is the piece I'm most inspired on to work!
"They think you died in that fire – the fans, the paparazzi."
This comment did nothing to pull Julian's focus away from the ceiling; his dot count was up into the thousands and he'd be damned if he let something so insignificant pull him away from it.
"Some think you might be dying now – that there's nothing to be done for you."
That, at least, was true. Both statements were, when one took the time to really look at them.
"You've received a lot of fanmail wishing for a full recovery. You even have a few flowers, gifts…"
Carmen's posture sank. It was a rare occurrence when she didn't know what to do or how to cover up a scandal. She was usually so good at lacing up disaster in ribbons and sparkles but this… this torn up child in front of her bore no resemblance to the star she once knew he was. He had once shone as bright as a super nova! And now he was a black hole, retreating so far into himself and seeing only darkness because he wouldn't let any light shine through into his life.
Carmen wondered if there was anything that could convert a black hole back into a super nova – or anything that could convert a black hole period.
"Please Julian," she pleaded, the pleasantries over and done with, "people are worried for you – your friends especially. No one wants to see you do this to yourself…"
Julian breathed heavily for a moment and broke his count to look at the woman who had seen him through so much. He held her as close to his heart as any child would a guardian, and for that she deserved his attention. "What am I supposed to do, Carmen? I feel even less than I did before and I don't know what to do anymore… I don't know what I can do."
Reaching a hand to his shoulder, Carmen replied, "You can release it, Julian. Let go of the suffering and loss that you feel."
"Why would I do that? How?"
She meant to suggest running in the rain pouring outside his window when she remembered his greatest injury and froze, her mouth open with nothing to say. As if knowing her thoughts, Julian began to cry and let his head fall to her shoulder, trusting her like he had rarely trusted others. Tearing up herself, Carmen cocooned him in her arms, hoping with all her might that when he emerged something would have changed.
Author's Note: I really think Julian loves Carmen - I could see them having a close, mock child-parent relationship. And for this bit I wanted Julian to have a moment of 'protect-me'. Obviously I thought of Derek or his parents but I think Carmen has a bigger role to play in his life than either of Jules' parents and I wanted to save Derek for another time. Tune in soon for the next bit! I'm introducing my own OC who may surprise you all! Want a teaser? Her name is Monique. ;)