the traveling soul

Collin: Are you coming back to the city this week?

Collin: Would you like to have dinner with me, if you are?

Annie: Yeah! My flight should be returning around 8 Sunday.

Annie: Dinner sounds lovely.

Collin: That's actually very impressive. Shoulda been there to ask you a bunch of random questions about it. 😈

Collin: Sorry, not sure what happened there. If you could have some of this wine!

— a couple of minutes later

Collin: Also if you were here, in general. Would be more fun if you were here.

Annie: Thanks. But only one question allowed mister per attendee.

Annie: Okay lol?? Then that just means you have to figure out what brand and flavor this AMAZING wine is and buy us a bottle the next time we hang out.

- 2 minutes later -

Collin: No way. Really?

Collin: I mean, the wine's amazing. Food, too. I'm sure you'd like the damn wine!

Collin: Would be a lot more fun if yo-

Annie: Yeah, I spoke on a panel about primary prevention efforts in our communities. Riveting things I tell you lol.

Annie: It looks like it! I've been living vicariously through people's social media postings. 🙈

“One of the best decisions to ever go through with.” She declared, happily. It’s true, you never knew where such wonderful connections could be met. The pair had good chemistry on that front and wanted the other to succeed. Jasmine might not be as experienced or have as many means to help Annie’s own business grow as well as the other could for her, but she still tried where she could. “Well– I’m excited about this, but I don’t know how many others will be, but I got myself a new work desk with lots of new organized storage space so it’s not as hectic as it usually is. About, maybe, fifteen percent or so less insane than before?” The end of that sentence tacking on a small laugh. Straightening as soon as another person with a ‘thing’ was mentioned. “Am I allowed to ask for details? Like… If anything, how did this run in go or when this ‘thing’ thing started?”

“Hey anyway to declutter and make your space more efficient for you is a plus in my book!” It reminded her when she got herself a planner and a set of plans with each new year. Better yet, back-to-school shopping when she was a kid was probably the highlight of returning back to school. It was always nice to have something to help you reset your prioritize and get yourself in order. Annie honestly didn’t know how she could function in a chaotic workspace to begin with. “Yeah,” she chuckled before repositioning herself in her seat. “His name is Collin. I met him while I did a travel assignment to Boston. We were sort of friends with benefits, but he ghosted,” she simply shrugged. She hadn’t gotten around to asking what that was all about, but then again, they weren’t in a relationship so in a sense he may have felt like he didn’t owe her an explanation. “It went well actually. We grabbed a few drinks and some apps over Happy Hour. Kind of just picked up where we left things.” 

Hearing the worried tone from her friend made herself start to wonder if she shouldn’t be worried as well. Although her head was hurting enough to let this thoughts go easily. 「 Is it really that worrisome? 」 She asked while her eyes was following her friend’s steps. Aya was always like that, now she was getting what she deserves. Her healthy is deteriorated to the point she was scared of seeing a doctor, her head hurts more than anything and her only escape was getting too drunk to remember her pain. Her question made her laugh, the first thing that would come to her mind was getting back at playing guitar and singing, but she wasn’t well enough for that. Nor she would have the guts to find some band to play with.「 Not really. I hate studying, I have no talents, I’m stupid and can’t do even the essential. So well, there’s nothing else to do. 」

“Yeah it is if this is your daily or in your case nightly routine.” Annie would be the last person to not tell someone to go out and enjoy themselves. She loved the social and night scene of New York just as much as the next person. However, she was intentional about her priorities and how much time and energy she allotted in certain spaces. It’s how she met Aya. Dancing on the dance floor with strangers and befriending the woman. However, her lifestyle was becoming rather questionable if this is how she was spending her time. “I am honestly having a hard time finding any of that to be true. I get you don’t want to dwell on the memories of your past, but clearly there was talent there with your interest in music. Why not revisit that?”

     sebastian sighs as the booth seat opposite him is suddenly occupied. he’s currently trying to work on his next hit to get some cash flow. he doesn’t have time for a conversation. “unless you’ve brought me more coffee or a pack of cigarettes, fuck off.”

“One who pissed in your cherrios this morning and two who the fuck do you think you’re talking to? Try again,” she said looking at Sebastian unfazed before taking a sip of her tea. 

Collin: Hey. You're not at this wedding, are you?

Annie: Hi! No I am not. At a work conference in Atlanta for the weekend.

her comment made the man purse his lips and nod his head once, pretending to be thoughtful. “we’ll see, i suppose.” the expression almost immediately turned into a small smile, proving his previous statement to be a lie. still, he was in awe at the girl’s… what was it? it almost felt like compassion. collin guessed that, as a nurse, that came more naturally to her than he’d ever given thought to, but it was still more than welcome to say the least. if he could keep it this way for the foreseeable future, he would truly love it — not to mention not making him face his own decisions and mistakes was granting the brunette some extra brownie points. but alas, it wasn’t about him. he was grateful for annie’s genuineness, which maybe was the trait that had attracted him to her the most, once upon a time. he gave her a smile, listening intently and laughing along the way towards the destination. “you’d be surprised, but nowadays most film productions are moving away from l.a, because it’s so much more expensive. are you surprised?” he asked with a smile. “but that’s not the reason, no. i get more of the projects i’m interested in here, in new york, and it’s been fairly convincing at getting me to stay.” he smiled. “but, what about you, miss annie? how long are you planning on staying? this isn’t the last time i’ll be seeing you, right?”

“I guess it’s weird thinking that Hollywood is essentially the start of it all, but hey, with tech and aspiring actors, production team members, and crew, I’m sure it’s easier to make a film.” It was great to see all these movies come out from various filmmakers of a variety of backgrounds to pour their hearts into telling a narrative with an insurmountable amount of passion. She recalled why Collin was in the midst of climbing up the ladder and to see a tad bit of the behind-the-scene processes. Now he was a sought out director for great concepts and ideas and she only hoped he’d stay true to himself through the growing fame and spotlight. “I’m still waiting for my debut mister, don’t forget!” she chuckled. As they approached the destination and waited for a table, she turned after dwelling on his question for a few seconds. “Hmmm...for the foreseeable future unless someone worthy enough of my time convinces me otherwise.” New York had been a place she frequented on her two and a half hour car rides from Philadelphia. It’s why she thought she would never consider calling this place home with so much in the world to see. But there was this draw to the city unlike anywhere else she’s been and so maybe in retrospect it’s why she took the job opportunity here. “Why do you ask? Did you miss me?” she beamed as they were brought to their table. “It’s okay. You can admit how amazing I am, I won’t hold it against you.”

“My ego is always front and center, for good reason, obviously” he says, and he steps back for a moment as he says that, gestures down the length of his body and smirks, and the cocky attitude is nothing new for him, nothing new for Annie either, who by this point is used to him.  He was glad she hadn’t done something like thrown her drink at him, or walked out because of it.  He was lucky for that, even with their history, that she stuck around, he knew a lot of people wouldn’t. “I mean, you should see the ridiculous amounts we have already, and that’s not including the designer onesies Casey scolded me for,” he says, shrugs a single shoulder. “They spit up on everything though, including me, so the more the better, honestly.” he made a face at her though, because sarcasm wasn’t her strong suit, and pretending to not care was even less of it. “You gonna be there to comfort me when my kids are screaming and I’m sleeping in the guest room at two am?” he asks, and puts his hand to his heart, makes a face “I love that you love me so much.”  But then he admits how he feels and he tries to hold back the sigh when she once again suggest he take a break and hand over the reigns a bit. He’s not used to that, he’s not good at that, and “I’m trying, I promise. I built these...businesses, it’s hard to let go, even a little bit,” he finally admits, but he does trust Arthur, with his own life and the well being of both LUX and everything else. He then shakes his head, glad to let the conversation flow into something easier “don’t call me dad unless you’re adding a -dy at the end” he says, and really it’s inappropriate but so is he, and this is Annie, she of all people know it’s just instinct to make a joke. “I can imagine. Are you taking a break,  or do you not take your own advice? I can supplement your income if you’re interested in a new line of work, same amount of blood, probably.” he teases.

“I honestly don’t know how Casey deals with you in the slightest bit. Now she’s stuck with your ass forever. Also, once your girls get older they are going to be mortified if they ever see you do that,” she pointed out shaking her head in dismay. It was funny to see him in this light. A refreshing and unearthed side of him coming to the forefront. A beautiful shit in his persona. It was all for the better certainly, but it was new and certainly would take some time getting used to. “I had to restrain myself because they’ll only wear these items once or twice you do realize that right? Maybe for my own kid one day I’ll by the designer onesie for the heck of it,” she chuckled. Annie loved the adoration Elias had for the twins. You could hear it in his tone and see it in his eyes. If he didn’t know what his purpose was before, he certainly did now. “In the comfort of my own bed yes. That’s what we have FaceTime for,” she chuckled. Just from seeing her sister go through the works with her first child, she knew it would be a year filled with highs and lows for the new parents, but she wanted to be there to support them in any capacity possible. Even if she didn’t have a close relationship with Casey, it was there with Elias and that was enough. 

“Of course I love you. There’s no going back. You’re stuck with me no matter what!” She’d always have Elias back, because he was man of tremendous character. People were surely intimidated by his appearance and persona, but Annie was one of the lucky fews who got to break through that hard shell and get too see the heart that was hidden from the masses. Taking a sip of her martini, she nodded in understanding. It’s all his time, energy, and money he poured into these places. Of course it would be hard for him to step away for even a moment after all the successes that came with his incredibly work ethic. However, Annie just didn’t want him to be burned out. He had too much going for him for it to stop here. “Ew! Don’t ever use that word with me,” she said reaching over the bar and slapping him lightly on the arm. There were a few words Annie could not stand it was moist and the word daddy when not being used by a child. “I am matter of fact. Took a couple of personal days and am off for the week thank you very much,” she replied shifting her position on the bar stool with a smirk. “Oh, are you enlisting me to help take care of your hellish boys when they’re wounded?” 

“A health professional or you’ve had so much great sex in your life so you know what is good and what isn’t,” the blonde teased her friend, the was not an ounce of judgement in her voice though. “It’s cute though, you all worried about me.” Lara said chuckling, briefly leaning her head against Annie’s shoulder. “Bad sex has been a dealbreaker for me, I’m a touchy feely person and it’s important to me my partner and I are compatible,” she admitted with a light shrug. Physical component of a relationship was just as important as the emotional, and maybe it wasn’t fair but Lara’d be lying if she said otherwise. The woman wiggled at eyebrow at the brunette’s eyeroll. “I get it but also, you shouldn’t be doing anything if you yourself don’t feel like it. You’ll always have me I’m afraid, I’m not getting married anytime soon or having kids… Ever.” Her expression dropped at the end of her sentence, before she cleared her throat and brushed golden locks behind her ear. “Look, I don’t know about Doc’s emotional baggage or even if he has any and I’m sorry if you want something serious and he’s not.. Into it, this date is meant to be a fun night out for you two, is all.” Lara remarked as she took a sip of her wine. “Family? Good ol’ mess. Yeah, he returned from England a few days ago,” there was a sense of relief in her voice. “He’s being all… Milo about it,” she rolled her eyes. “So I have to remind him how big of a deal it is.” Apart from Milo, someone else was generally considered her family. “How much do you know about… y’know, c-word? I keep asking her doctors but it’s as if everyone is walking on eggshells around me, which is making me angry.”

“Tomayto tomhato,” she shrugged. It could go one way or the other, but Annie was nothing but content with the life she lived, the people she’s met along the way, and who it’s helped her become. “Hey, it us girls forever. Dicks come and go, but hopefully this one sticks around for the long haul.” The Perlman honestly hoped so for Lara’s case. Her friend was just so incredibly loving, caring, outgoing, and was one of the most honest humans she’s come to know. Although not knowing her whole story, she know that everybody had been through some type of struggle or pain in their life, yet Lara didn’t let that hold her back from chasing greatness. “Ever? Psh..I have a hard time believing that. Who wouldn’t want to marry you? Plus, you’d be a badass mom and all the kids in your child’s class would want to hang out at your place all the time.” Whatever feelings of inadequacy that the blonde may have been feeling, she hope it wouldn’t last forever. She deserved the world in return for how much she poured into people always.

 “Yeah...did I mention I ran into Collin?” He was a fun fling from the past, one she actually surprisingly caught feelings for, but her assignment moved her onto another city and she hadn’t seen him until a few days ago. For some reason, she couldn’t get him out her mind. She couldn’t help but chuckle as she heard about Lara’s brother being super reserved about his accomplishments. Annie was sure though that he was very well aware of what a change he made to the sport. As she switched gears to her mother, Annie only knew that Margaret was diagnosed with cancer, however she did not know too much of the details. “Well, I don’t know much about the case, but I could maybe provide you with some more clarity or get you in contact with a friend who could explain things a bit more for you?” She only heard about Margaret after seeing the woman leave a friend’s oncology office about a month ago. “I assume she’s not really talking much to you guys about it. Maybe she’s terrified and is just trying to put up a front for now until she’s processed it all herself.” 

Jasmine could feel the light rosy dusting warming up her cheeks then. Such compliments delivered in such kind genuine ways really got to her. Though she wasn’t much of a hugger, in that moment she felt a need to that she did suppress briefly after. “Please~. You’re a goddess and, honestly, it means the world to me that you do what you do to help me out. Let’s not forget your own talents in some of our collabs. I think those Time Collections we made sold out purely based off the images you got for the labels.” Referring to the sunrise, morning, afternoon, sunset, and twilight line she had decided to make. Enlisting Annie’s services to get striking images to use. “Not work related, uh–” Her brain stalled. “I recently got a plant? Pff. Been helping my roomie with her exams and studying as best I can… My life is kind of boring. What about you?”

“Of course, I’m all about helping my girls out!” Annie wanted nothing but to see those who were her friends and in Jasmine’s case, practically her younger sister, success in life. If she could help make their dreams a reality in anyway by connecting them with people or pushing their products to others than by all means. “Hey, who would of thought a day off at work and snapping some photos could go a long way,” she chuckled. That collection piece was one of her favorite’s Jasmine had created. She had a few more usages of the candle left and she only used it on special occasions. “Oh come on! It can’t be that boring love. I’ve just been working too and reconnected with an old friend from the past. We kind of have a thing, but I don’t know where things stand now since it’s been sometime you know.” 

Annie’s Apartment:

1 Bedroom, 1 Bath 

Size: 800 square feet

Location: Brooklyn, New York 

Length of Stay: 2 months and counting! 

Kit shook her hand with a friendly smile, “ah, well, I try not to be an asshole if I can help it.” He took the seat opposite her, laughing lightly, “surprisingly easier than a lot of people make it out to be. And Lara’s usually not one to throw me to the wolves.” Kit raised a brow, somewhat in jest, “you weren’t waiting long, were you?” Work had gone over by a bit and rather than come straight from work, he’d actually gone home to attempt put to make a good first impression. He didn’t usually not try but the effort he put into blind dates was definitely lacking if he were to take a serious look. But Lara had made him promise to at least attempt to be thoughtful and so he’d done his best. “Did you order anything yet? Drinks? I reckon that’s probably the best place to start, right?” Always a good idea to begin with alcohol. 

“I concur. Lar’s got a judgment call about herself,” Annie smiled as she watched the man sit across from her. So far so good. He wasn’t too timid or robotic. Plus, him being easy on the eyes certainly would make this more bearable. “Ah, just about fifteen minutes. I was in the area shopping, so I just stopped in earlier.” Her sister Zhanna’s boyfriend had called the family a few nights ago saying he was planning on proposing to her. So, she had gone dress shopping for the festivities that would take place in celebration of the engagement as well as a present for her younger sister. “Oh, I already beat you to it with a glass of Chardonnay at the bar,” she chuckled. Not sure how’d this night would go, she may just need a few more glasses or a whole bottle to navigate her way through the evening. “However, I can always have another glass. What’s your poison doc?” 

Tatum smiled at the memory of Mady’s nursery. They had since then painted three of the four walls in the six-year-old’s room; the detective had been strict in her bargaining with her daughter to not paint over the mural. And after three days of back and forth negotiations, Tatum had gotten her way. “We’re working on it. I’ve been there as often as I can, but I know it’s gonna be a long road.” The brunette paused. “Mady’s seen the twins a few times, yeah. It’s still a little weird, because Casey had never met Mady before she had the babies, but we’re kind of easing into things. I haven’t even told Casey I’m pregnant yet because I wanna focus on helping her get better first.”

“I know your sister is ever important to you, but you gotta make sure you’re taking care of yourself too, yeah?” Now more than ever with Tatum being pregnant again. Annie knows that if any of her sisters fell into any type of trouble or mental distress, she’d be by their side in a heartbeat. Despite the clashing or charged and hurtful words towards one another in the past, they were sister at the end of the day. Nothing could change that. “Well, why’ll you focus on your sister, please let me know if there’s anything I can do for you Tate. I’m serious.” Just as much as the woman was supporting her sister, Annie wanted to support Tatum as well.

「 Not really, as long as I get free alcohol. 」 She laughed. Although she was used to see people fetishist her just for being Asian, sometimes she just go overboard and kick them on their sensitive spot. Finally arriving home, she was happy to just throw herself on the first chair and had to catch her breath. Her health was really rotten. 「 Ibuprofen makes me worse, maybe just tea would be good. 」

“Aya, I love you, but I don’t think that’ll end well if you keep that up.” Annie was surely proud of her friend taking the narrative that was forced up on her into her own hands. But she’d like to believe there was a time and place for everything, and that was coming from someone who’s been a party animal for the past decade. Annie certainly was turning a new life when it came to that whole part of her life, but she still love to enjoy herself and have a good time. As she made her friend some tea, she looked over at her friend on the chair, “Isn’t there more you want from your life than what you’re doing right now?”

“I’ll be Cosmo, it’s perfect. Not everyone can pull off that shade of green, I too am a dumbass with a decent heart who will most likely either fuck up your wishes or just go for the ones that are dumb/dangerous” Johanna grinned proudly at her decision, taking out her phone and putting on one of her favorite playlists in the background, only to immediately return her attention to her companion, her grin softening in response to Annie’s statement. “Exactly, you can’t settle for anything less than thoughtful dick who’s good in bed which the more I think about it, the more of a unicorn he sounds like but hey, if anyone’s bound to find it, that’s you, my dear. So go get it and come tell me all about it once you do, alright? No pictures but I do want the details” with a smirk, Jo winked at her friend playfully. Immediately, she huffed a laugh at the other’s comment about her own sexual life and the possibility of her targets, making the eldest shrug. “Been there, done that. Believe me. I’m not saying never, I’m just saying it’s a one in a trillion kind of situation, you know? And apparently, I only like asshole-y types when it comes to men and that’s the least I need right now. Plus I’ve always been way more into girls anyway” she counted with a shrug. As Annie clarified that she was aware Johanna had her back, the blue-eyed woman shot her friend a more gentle grin. Although the music producer had many things going on against her, she truly did care about her friends, sometimes she cared about them more than she cared about herself. Jo muffled a groan as Annie tried to shift the narrative and asked her about her own sex life instead, a soft sigh escaping her lips. “First of all, I don’t mind hearing about your sex life. That’s what friends do, right? And if you were to share anything with me, I’d be okay with that” a beat. “There’s… people” she finally breathed out, chewing her inner cheek. “There shouldn’t be people, I don’t need to drag anyone into whatever fucking mess my life is but… yeah. I have a weakness for cute brunettes, I don’t know what to tell you.”

“At least I’ll know it is out of love and that’s what matters most,” she chuckled. It would certainly be a sight to see, Jo as her fairy godmother making a havoc in her life with all the best intentions. Not that Annie wasn’t already doing that on her own in comparison to her sisters. She’d always been the black sheep of the family and that’s why she’d like to think her and Jo got along so well. They understood each others positions and relationship with their family. Unlike Jo, however, Annie’s family wasn’t as cold or unreceptive to being a part of her life and most of the time loving more than anything else. “We shall have a pizza and wine night in the future to discuss this unicorn dick. I promise,” she said holding three fingers up in the air like the girl scouts did. Or so she thought they did. The one thing Annie appreciated about Jo was how selfless and caring she was. Her friend was often way too kind for her own good and so sometimes she felt those individuals got a bit short-sighted in return, when it seemingly felt like they had it all together. “Well I’m an open book when it comes to my life, most people know that,” she simply shrugged. Annie didn’t really have much to hide. She’d rather be transparent and upfront about everything than hide who she really was. All the ups and downs made her who she was today and there’s nothing to be ashamed about her life’s journey. “Ummm excuse me. No, no, and no! You can and should have people Jo. You deserve that and hell of a lot more babe. And I promise you we’re all fucked up. Some people are just better at hiding it than others.” If she knew anyone who deserved to be love, it was Jo. There was no debating that. 

“hey, five bucks is five bucks.” the man pointed out. collin was never a cheapskate, but money had never been his top priority either. he loved his line of work — although, honestly, having creative control of everything in a movie was what he liked the most. film was the only thing he could have control of, and it just happened to pay really well. he was lucky, and privileged, and he knew it. he offered the brunette a smile, but hearing her giggle was what made the smile turn into a grin. collin didn’t know finding someone he’d ghosted would feel so… nice, actually. despite the fact he hated how big he was smiling, without ever apologizing to annie. maybe he could take this chance to do so? maybe. “of course! whatever this multi-million budget offer has to give, has nothing on you. it can wait.” control. having control of that made collin feel more at ease. the brunette’s words got a laugh out of him. “fine, fine. out of the gutter it goes, because let me tell you, it was there!” he teased with an accusatory finger, although there was nothing to accuse annie of. “why not both? we could do both. i’d love to hear what you’ve been up to, annie. do you have a place you like around here?”

“So if they inevitably pass you up for another up and coming director, you’re not gonna hold this encounter over me right?” she chuckled once more. It was great to see Collin doing well for himself. With all the accolades and attention he was getting for his creative, moving, and challenging pieces. It was refreshing a break from the same old generics storylines and superheroes, not that Annie didn’t love Cap’s ass. She simply rolled her eyes with a smirk at his comment. Men. Can’t live with them, can’t live without them. Not that the idea hadn’t crossed her mind, but she honestly just wanted to catch up with him. It certainly wasn’t off the table, but she also wasn’t planning on jumping his bones either. “Great. Come, come,” she smiled taking a hold of his wrist and leading the way. It was about an eight minute walk to their destination filled with back and forth banter and small talk. The Perlman didn’t realize how much she missed his company and if anything would love to be friends with him now that they were both back in the city. “So, why New York and not LA?”