Grey Weekdays

07. 01. 1978. Since Sandra didn't quite know how to begin her investigation, it took several months before she had some sort of plan on where to begin. But even that was upended by Hunter's call. On a Tuesday morning, when he was the only one left at home, Hunter called her that he saw a strange figure around his apartment. - I will tell you the rest personally. Can you come here? I'll give you the address. - he said. Sandra called her boss to say that she couldn't come in today, which, given her condition, her boss leniently accepted, and then jumped into the car. - I'm standing here in front of the house. - Sandra waited in the car for Hunter. Thanks to Hunter it turned out, the guy had been appearing here even before Cynthia died. - Maybe some crazy bully who has been coming back ever since. -Sandra thought. She and Hunter waited outside the house for a while, hoping that he would show up that day. It was starting to look like Hunter had called her here because of some tramp when a mysterious-looking guy appeared. He walked around the building and then looked through the window of the ground-floor apartment. - He wants to get in, huh? - Sandra asked, more to herself than Hunter. They both got out of the car. Sandra stayed back a bit, obviously not wanting to get into trouble, while she walked in front of Hunter and approached the guy. When the guy noticed them, he started running, which only made him suspicious. Sandra didn't dare to run after him, but while chasing him, Hunter even embarrassed the police. They stopped at the end of the street when Hunter finally managed to catch him. Sandra tried to hurry after them with quick steps. - Who are you and what did you want in my apartment? - I…I…hhh…- he panted. - I'm Jackson Storm, a private investigator. Cynthia Lewis hired me. The investigation has been expanded with a new character, who provided even more interesting information. - Why did she hire you? Why would she need a private investigator?- asked Sandra. - Because of some guy who scared her. - Very good. And what's his name? - asked Hunter. - Uhm...Michael. - Michael who? Come on, don't mess with us!-said Hunter. - Uhm...Michael Walker or Walen. I have his photo. - the detective said and took out a photo. It was not of good quality. In addition, it was cut from somewhere. - Oh my God! How...How is he related to Cynthia?- Sandra asked herself. - Do you know him? - He is my ex. The father of my son.

11. 10. 1977.

11. 02. 1977.

09. 25. 1977. A few days later, Kazuhiro, Sandra and Blake celebrated Kazuhiro's birthday with their families. Despite the initial concerns and antipathy, Kazuhiro's parents liked Sandra and overlooked the fact that she was not Japanese and already had a son. Sandra's parents also realized that Kazuhiro was really right for Sandra. Moreover, they would have been happy if something joyful followed in their lives after mourning. While they were happily talking, Fuji suddenly stood up to give a speech. - Dear Sandra! - Kazuhiro started. - Ever since I first had the chance to talk to you, to get to know you… even then I knew that I would never find another woman, a partner like you. When I met you, I knew I'd met my match. It was only a matter of time until we arrived at this moment. How it turns out is all in your hands. Sandra Jane Reed, would you marry me? I don't really know what I'm supposed to do if you say "no," so could you save us both the trouble and say "yes?" Sandra stared at Fuji in surprise for a moment. They had only been together for half a year, so Fuji's request surprised him. Blake's dad had no intention of marrying her, so she didn't even tell him about Blake. But Sandra also felt that Fujino was different. - Yes, Fujino James Kazuhiro. - she said eventually. The whole family celebrated the beautiful and unique occasion. 10. 08. 1977.

06. 19. 1977.

They met in a nice cafe during their lunch break, close to the hospital. As they talked, it turned out that, outside of psychology, they had several things in common, like their taste in films. - You graduated in San Francisco? I'm from San Francisco. - Sandra smiled for the first time in a long time. - Really? - Yes, my...parents are still there. - said Sandra, thinking about Cynthia. They also talked about their studies, psychology and Denver. - So you just moved here too? - asked Fijuno. - Yes. On the one hand, because of my… son, and on the other hand, because of Mark. - Do you have a son? - Yeah. His name is Blake. He's 5. - He must be a really cool little boy. - He is. - smiled Sandra into the doctor's beautiful dark eyes. Sandra needed the kindness she got from the doctor. Meanwhile, Sandra was forced to file for a restraining order against Mark. She continued to visit her parents and things seemed to be on the right track again, although nothing was the same. The police restarted the work on Cynthia's case, as the killer had not yet been found. Still, the situation seemed hopeless because Cynthia seemed to have been singled out at random. - You should really introduce the doctor you told me about last time. Have you introduced him to Blake yet? - asked Mrs Reed when they visited them during the weekend. - Yes, they like each other. He is a really nice man. - said, Sandra. They only stayed 2 days and then returned to Denver. -We'll visit you again soon, okay mom? - asked Sandra and hugged her. She nodded. Take care, dad!

03. 11. 1977.

After Cynthia's funeral, Sandra took a few days off to stay with her parents. They were trying to get on with life for Blake's sake, but under the guise, the mood was very mournful. Sandra blamed herself for not being able to protect her sister and this thought haunted her in her dreams. The situation was not made easier by the police investigation, which ultimately did not lead to any results. The case was closed. After a couple of days, she returned to San Diego and continued to work, although the events still left their mark on her daily life. It was incomprehensible how this could happen to her kind, smart sister, who always avoided trouble. She was haunted by the thought that she and Blake could be like this. After all, they are also simple, average, innocent people like Cynthia. Eventually, she and Blake moved to Denver, Colorado, where Sandra began working as a psychologist at a counselling centre. 05. 20. 1977. - 06. 04. 1977. After they had been living in Denver for 2 months, Sandra met Mark Darren at the support centre. He worked as a domestic violence counsellor. He mostly helped mothers get out of toxic relationships. Sandra initially befriended him, but later Mark turned out to be toxic himself when he started harassing Sandra, scaring her to death. - I told you to leave me alone! I don't want anything from you Mark. You were nice, but you really scare me. - Sandra said when Mark wanted to take her home at all costs. - I thought there might be something between us. - said, Mark. - No, sorry. - said Sandra and quickly got into her car. Then, after the conversation, Mark often bullied Sandra. He sent her flowers, touched her inappropriately and sent her text messages. Sandra put up with it for a while, then changed jobs. She then worked at St. Luke's Hospital Psychiatric Unit.

03. 08. 1977.

A few minutes later they got into a taxi to approach the nightclub. They both enjoyed these sister nights, in the disco, they ran into some friends from the neighbourhood. - Hello Sandra! Back in the town? - asked Laura, Sandra's classmate from high school. - Yes, We have some fun with Cynthia. - How's San Diego? - Sunny, friendly with beautiful places. I like being there. - Sandra smiled. They danced a lot, but Sandra always made sure that Cynthia didn't drink too much. Around 1am Sandra started to head home and urged Cynthia to go too. Together they headed down the street towards a busier road to hail a taxi. -Yes, we are already on our way home. Everything is alright. - Sandra said into the phone because their father was already worried. They had almost reached the corner of the street when Sandra hung up the phone. At that moment, someone with a gun in his hand stepped out of a car in front of them. Cynthia panicked, so of the two, Sandra had to act sober. The stranger's face was covered by a mask. Sandra tried to ease the situation. - Don't shoot! We'll give you our values, just don't shoot, okay? - Sandra tried to stay calm. - Please! The stranger stared at Cynthia and then fired. Twice. He didn't take anything. He just shot Cynthia. After the shooting, he got into the car and disappeared. Sandra couldn't pay attention to the number plate, she knelt next to her sister who was lying on the ground. -I'm calling 911. Please, Cynthia, hold on!

03. 08. 1977.

Sandra boarded a plane on Friday to go home to her parents. - You like to fly, don't you? - asked Sandra while they checked in. - Yes. - Blake answered. - We're going to visit grandma, okay? They were both cheerful to be together again. The Reed family was a close-knit family and it was important to Sandra that Blake grew up in this environment as well. Moreover, at such times, they could always go out and have fun with Cynthia, who was only 18 years old. The parent's little daughter. They took good care of him. When they landed, Cynthia greeted them. - Hello! Ugh, how big you've gotten!-she hugged Blake. - Can you help me? - Sandra asked. - Of course. - Cynthia said and grabbed a bag while holding Blake's hand. - I was the only one who came out because you can imagine that mom has been cooking since yesterday. - Yeah. Do you have plans? - Sandra asked. - Of course. I was waiting for you so we could have fuuun. They got into the car in front of the airport and Cynthia took them home. -You drive quite well. - Sandra praised her. They had to stop right in front of the house to take photos. - Do you have to do this, mom? We are tired. - Sandra complained. - Look what a handsome boy my grandson is. - Mrs Reed grinned while taking a photo of him.

After a hearty lunch, Sandra slept on the couch while Cynthia and the grandparents played with Blake. Of course, the grandparents tried to find out if everything was okay with Sandra. Blake couldn't say much because he was still a child. They thought there was nothing wrong with Sandra, but since she lived far away, they still worried about her. After the afternoon nap, Cynthia initiated Sandra into her plan. - I thought you want to go dancing. - Sandra said. - Of course, Mom and dad never allow me without you. - Yeah, because you have some weird classmates. - Sandra said. She finally agreed, and the girls started getting ready together. - Is everything going to be okay, Mom? Mrs Reed nodded. - You know, sleep at 8. - Okay. We'll be fine. - muttered Mrs Reed. Meanwhile, Cynthia did her makeup and then tried to force one of her dresses on Sandra. -This is going to be too much, Tia. - Are you joking? If you already look this good at the age of 26, you have to show it. - I'm 25. - Sandra added. - Fine. This is what I want to look like when I'm that old. - Cynthia, I'm not old. - protested Sandra.

03. 07. 1977.

03. 06. 1977.

- I want Cade. To be with him, but he is still reserved and...I...I don't want to be in a relationship where I constantly wonder if I'm going to be cheated on or left. - Yeah, I got it Stasia. Based on what you said, I think you will resolve the situation. Anyway, you stay as long as you need. - smiled Celeste. I didn't go back to the apartment for 2 weeks. I missed Cade, but a little break was good. One day when I was trying to get to the morning rehearsal, I saw Cade's car nearby. It was strange. I was getting a little worried that he was making a scene in the theatre. After the rehearsal, Celeste and I had lunch, and then I went home to rest before the evening performance. I ran into Bernadette in front of the entrance when I noticed that Cade was sitting in the car. I had to hurry to get ready for the performance, so I left him there. Is he spying on me or what? However, I was really surprised that when he left the theatre late at night, he was still sitting there with his head facing the entrance. As I got closer, I saw that his eyes were closed. I knocked on the window. - Cade, what are you doing here? It's late. Why don't you go home? - I won't go without you. - Do you live here, in the car? And...are you drunk? - Stasia, tell me you'll be back! I'll take you... home. - No, you don't. Better get out!-I said, then we staggered home. Cade didn't wake up until the next afternoon. I took a day off from the theatre. It was the first time since I worked in Paris. After he got up, I had lunch, but he lay down on the sofa without saying a word to recover from yesterday. - Do you need something? Water Aspirin? You also need to eat something. - I said. - An Aspirin would be great. - he said when I handed him the pill and he sat up. - We need to speak! - Look, Stasia, let's forget Aaron, Jade, prison, and my dad. I know that I am distrustful and that it is...difficult to trust me. I do not...want to lose you. I promise...everything will be different after that. I'm serious. I just...there are certain things I'm ashamed of. I don't want you to see that I'm not as good as you. - he said. I sat next to him. - Maybe I overreacted a bit. - No, you were right. I need full honesty to get rid of them. I can't let my demons, and my mistakes pile up. Can you forgive me? - Of course. - I said and hugged him.

We stayed together but moved back to New York. I signed with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Since then, since that conversation, everything has really been fine between us and Cadd. We even got a cat, Max.

2 weeks after our reconciliation, I finally took Cad to my parents. My mother has learned English quite well in the last 3 years. She was very diligent. - Cade, when are we finally leaving? - I asked as Cade was still getting ready. - I changed my mind. - he said and I tore open the door. - I'm just kidding. - he said standing in front of me. - My parents are good people and they will like you. If you are worried about this. - Do they know that I was in prison? - No, they won't find out. - I said and leaned a peck on his lips. We finally got to the airport. Everything went well with the takeoff. - To my beautiful hometown, Krakow! - I said when we took off. We flew for 10 hours, so of course the initial excitement didn't last. Of the two of us, I fell asleep first and probably slept the most during the trip.

Fortunately, I was awake when we arrived. - Taaak, jesteśmy w Krakowie! - I said when we arrived. Cade just looked at me strangely, but he was used to the Polish. - I love when you speak Polish. - he laughed. We landed in a good mood, though, as we approached the reception area, I felt Cade tense up. - Wait! Look, Cade, I already told you, they don't know anything. - I pulled him aside in the corridor. Just that you are a photographer and we get along well. They don't need to know. You can start with an empty paper. Just be yourself! I said and leaned a peck on his cheek. - But not the self you are with your friends. - I added and he laughed. We could continue our way to my family. The family welcomed us with joy. My sisters even whispered words of appreciation in my ear. -Very handsome guy.Gratulacje! - said Ksenia. - Welcome uhm...Cade! - said, mom. - Dzień dobry! - Cade tried to say, but it wasn't perfect. Nevertheless, my parents appreciated it - Dużo ćwiczyliśmy. - I said. - What? - Cade leaned into me. - I just said that we practised a lot. After the short introduction, we left the airport. Cade and I rented a car and followed the rest of the family.

3 years have passed already. We became third years at university. My parents are very proud of me and the competitions I won. I seemed to be on a straight path to reaching my ultimate goal. Last spring, my parents were also able to visit. We just walked around the city for days so I could show them everything. I still thought about Cade sometimes. I did not meet him during this time. I avoided the old cafe and didn't look for him. Why disturb the past? I needed to focus on my studies. He turned my life upside down and broke my heart. I don't have time for such things. Cade After we broke up with Stasia, I sank completely low. The drugs came, then the theft, and before I knew it, I was an addicted shoplifter and I was in the county jail. In prison, I contacted my sister, who stuck by me until I was released and waited with open arms afterwards. - Why don't you find a proper girlfriend like everybody else instead of one-night stands. Why don't you get your life in order? - said Dana while preparing lunch. - I saw that photo of a girl in your wallet. Who is she? - She is...Anastasia. But it's over. It's been 3 years. - Can you hear yourself? You broke up 3 years ago and you still have her picture? You still love her. - Uhm... - It wasn't a question. Why don't you go find him and apologize? - Apologize? How do you... - I know you Cade and I know you can be a jerk. But don't ruin it for yourself! - We don't match. She's an...angel and I'm a criminal. - No you aren't. You went through a lot, but you got back on your feet. Go ahead and give it a try if you still love her. You have nothing to lose, right? Anastasia After 3 years, I didn't expect to ever see Cad again, but when I was on my way home, he managed to scare me to death again. He touched my shoulder. I screamed. - O mój Boże! - I said when I saw him. - It's really you? What are you doing here? I thought you forgot about me a long time ago. - I said and continued my way. - Wait!- he stopped my way.- I flew for 5 and a half hours and I've been waiting for 2 hours to talk to you. Can I go up with you? I nodded. We went up in silence. Entering the apartment, Cade sat down in the living room and I unpacked in the kitchen. - Would you like something to drink? - No, thanks. - he said but I poured myself a glass of water. - What happened to you? What do you want to talk about? - I asked and he started talking. - Congratulations on your competitions! - he began. - I knew, you are amazing. - he smiled and he told me about the events of the last 3 years. -I went through a lot, but my sister made me realize that I made a mistake when I gave up on us. Because…I've loved you ever since. - Have you been in jail? Cocaine? - I asked in shock and sat next to him on the couch. - I'm sorry. I'm so sorry and I understand if you…don't feel anything for me anymore or you just…don't want to be with a criminal. I didn't know what to say. I was completely shocked, but at the same time, I was glad that he was here. - I'm glad you managed to get back on your feet after all this, but… - I started and he looked sad. - but...you have to...promise me something in order for me to...forgive you. - Anything you want. - I'm not judging you and I'm being honest. I expect the same in return. You can tell me anything. - I took his face in my hands. - Hm...Please don't break my heart...again! - I said. - I promise. - he said and kissed me.

We were preparing for the competition with full steam and the classes were going on in the meantime, so I was extremely busy. Lian and Alicia have already created a fan club for us. - I'm sooo tired. - I complained after a long day. - I know but think about that you'll be amazing and you'll win. - said Lian. - Thanks. It's so sweet of you. - I replied. The girls accompanied me halfway home, and then I went home to the empty apartment. Alone. Due to my busy schedule, I haven't seen Cad for almost a week. He wrote to me, but I was very angry with him. He wanted to take my dreams away. But I still missed him. After sitting alone at home for a while, I decided to go to see him so that we could reconcile once and for all. I took a taxi to his apartment. The apartment door was open. I heard strange sounds as I entered. - I can't believe it. Is this Jade's voice? - I thought and went towards the sounds. I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw naked Jade lying on half-naked Cade. Jade turned to me with a smile and Cade looked shocked. I just stood there for a few seconds, feeling a stabbing sensation in my chest and barely being able to breathe. Then I just ran out of the building to finally get some air. I felt like crying. - Stasia! Anastasia wait! - Cade was running after me shirtless. - No, no Cade. Leave me alone! Forever. I supported you. I loved you. And you just took advantage of me. Go fuck yourself or her but definitely NOT me! I'm done with you. - I shouted and I flagged down a taxi. I went home to get my stuff and then I went to the university. The doorman let me in to practice, so I danced away the tension until I collapsed from exhaustion. It really hurt.

- Hm...now I have to tell you something. I got a great opportunity. Me...and...Mathieu can represent the university in an international competition...in Italy. - In Italy? - Yes, we have to go to the location in 2 weeks, but I we can keep in touch when I return... - The two of you in Italy...How romantic! - he stood up irritated. - I thought you'll be as happy as me and support me. - Happy? How can I be happy if you're gone with that French charmer? - I love YOU. And I'll be back. - I tried to calm him down, but it felt really bad that he doesn't support my dreams. - You'll be back after you fucked with that asshole! - he shouted, and I got up indignantly and left him there again. - I can't believe this. I came here for nothing. Selfish asshole! - I hurled an insult to his head and left.