Frío, vértigo y soledad

“But what can you do, I learned a while ago you can’t force someone to want to be in your life. All you can do is try and be there and the rest will be what it is.” Dash reasoned, it killed him that Jackson wasn’t here and that he couldn’t be the one to help his friend out but there were somethings Jackson just had to do on his own. 

“I mean I didn’t actively volunteer for these profiles but apparently my friends and family are very concerned about my love life. Like I might waste away alone…. which is kind of a joke given I’m never really alone in this house.” Sure at some point, Chase, Tessa, and Levi would find a place of their own. Oliver and Callie would also leave him at some point and he’d really be all on his own with the girls but for right now they were coexisting rather well. “Having the spa will be good, something positive to focus on and get your arms around.” Dash had to chuckle as he shook his head. “I’m a bit out of practice. You forget I dated the same girl from Freshman year till I was twenty-five and I didn’t really do much dating after that, I was too busy being a bit of a fuck boy.” That wasn’t exactly true Dash’s headcount for girls he’d slept with still remained rather low at a whole five in his whole life but he hadn’t managed anything more than a one night stand since Rose. “The dating game has changed a lot, believe it or not, and I’m quite lousy at it.” 

“That’s true.. but he could have at least kept you in the loop. You can’t constantly stick your neck out for someone who can’t even say a quick goodbye.” she said before shrugging. “Life’s too short, for me anyway.” she chuckled lightly. She always knew growing up that being a witch in a town of supernaturals meant her lifespan was shorter, she just hadn’t overly thought about it until she had gotten back from Spain. 

“There’s no way you’d waste away alone, especially with those gorgeous little girls of yours.” she smiled softly. “You’ll find someone when you’re ready, there’s no point in rushing things.” she added before nodding. “Oh for sure. It keeps me busy and it’s actually a lot of fun, I mean apart from waxing people’s buttholes but that doesn’t happen too often and even then it’s just routine now.” she shrugged and laughed again. “Yeah but even when you’re out of practice you’re still charming and outgoing so trust me, you have nothing to worry about. And being a fuck boy totally counts because you would have had to flirt at least a little bit for that to happen.” she said pointedly. “Right.. so I guess we can’t leave notes saying do you like me? check yes or no on the doorsteps of people we’re crushing on?” she sighed dramatically and smirked. 

“Oh God.” Callie said as Chloe had taken her into in an unexpected tight hug. It was welcomed, and Callie couldn’t help the smile that was plastered on the woman’s face. After the night she was turned, Callie left town in a rage of guilt and pain. It had been six years ago, and she was still learning how to live with what she had become. The sight of Chloe brought feelings of relief, and she was more thane happy to welcome the sight of the family friend. “I missed you!” Callie exclaimed once the embrace had finally broke off. “Come in, it’s basically your home.” 

Chloe gave Callie a tight but gentle squeeze before pulling back, looking her up and down quickly. She was honestly a sight for sore eyes and all Chloe thought think about was how grateful she was that she was still alive, she was still in the world. It restored her faith in the universe just that little bit more knowing that someone as special as Callie hadn’t been taken from them all. “Thank you,” she beamed as she stepped inside. “You look amazing! How have you been?” 

“Get outta here, you’re the hottest piece in this town,” Kendall grinned, blushing a little as she shrugged. She didn’t want to bombard her old friend with tales of her trauma, so she just shrugged again, clearing her throat. “It’s just some things I’m working through. It’s been a long few months,” she said without offering too much. It wasn’t easy to bottle those emotions, but she did exactly that to keep from ruining much needed time with her friend. 

“Please, you’re easily more interesting than I am. This is literally what I do all day,” she said as she gestured to the studio they walked into. It was kind of a mess, but it was the perfect kind of mess that proved her muse was in full force. “Really?” she asked with an arched eyebrow, glancing back at her friend as she took a seat on her stool. “So you’re totally okay? I can start setting you up on hot dates with DILF’s?” Kendall asked, a teasing smile playing at her lips. “Well, I’m still attempting to be with the guy who has broken my heart multiple times, and not sleeping with major PTSD, so trust me, you don’t want to live through me babe.”

“Ha. As if. Did you forget we’re in a town full of vampires? They’re like made to be gorgeous.” she chuckled with a shake of her head. She continued to watch Kendall curiously as she shrugged and cleared her throat, she could tell there was something eating at her but she also knew what it was like to not want to unload on people and drag the mood down. “Fair enough.. you know if you ever need to talk about anything you can talk to me? No matter what’s happening in either of our lives I’m always always here for you.” she said softly. 

Rolling her eyes playfully she laughed again. “More interesting? I hid out on my grandmother’s lavender farm in Spain for five years, nothing interesting about that.” she smiled. “And hey this is all awesome, have I ever told you you’re seriously talented?” she replied as she looked around. “Yeah really.. and yeah. I think I moved on a while ago I just needed the closure to realise it. I guess?” she chuckled before letting out another louder laugh. “DILF’s? Like who?” she asked. “Sorry... what? Why are you still trying to be with him? Why haven’t you just let me beat him up yet?” she asked, her tone slightly joking but the concern was definitely there. “Gently of course. I’d beat him up gently.” she added with a casual shrug. “Is there anything I can do to help with any of that? You’re always welcome for sleepovers if it helps.” 

“I am not judging, simply pointing out how ridiculous it is.” he said jokingly. “Oh, I am sure she’ll be fine, we are inviting the whole damn town – I think she would be okay with my cousin popping by.” he said with a smile on his lips. He really just wanted her to move on from her past and have fun. Just life her life without holding on to things which should be let go. “We really should give it a try, we might be able to convince her if we try.. but yeah, you’re right. Maybe we could fly over for a little while if she can’t make it.” 

“Well I’m simply pointing out how ridiculous you are.” Chloe teased back before nodding and letting out a laugh at his answer. “Well okay then, if the whole town’s going I may as well.” she smiled. She figured she may as well get out and mingle and meet people, see if anyone caught her fancy. “Even if we can convince her she’s also pretty old, don’t ever tell her I said that because she’ll fly here just to smack me and prove a point but as strong as she acts she’s also getting pretty frail.” Chloe frowned slightly. It was sad to see one of the strongest women she knew be let down by her ageing body, but one thing was for sure, Valeria García would never lose her strong, stubborn will. “I’m sure we can make a trip back there at some point, maybe surprise her for her birthday or something?” she offered. 

It had been way too long since Chloe had seen Callie, especially since she had believed she was dead. She had always thought of the younger girl as her little sister, mainly because she had never had a little sister of her own so she had decided to mentally adopt Dash’s little sister instead. She’d always done her best to try and make sure Callie was safe and happy, so when the Hastings murder happened Chloe had been devastated, but finding out Callie had actually survived had been a true blessing. She wasn’t sure why she hadn’t gone to see her yet since being back, but now that she had a day off to chill out she decided she needed to see her. Making her way over to the Hasting’s home, she was seriously excited to see Callie again, so much so that she was practically bouncing as she knocked on the door. As it opened she couldn’t help but smile with relief. “Callie!” she beamed as she pulled her in for a tight hug. “You have no idea how much I’ve missed you. I’m so sorry I didn’t come see you earlier.” 

Granted, Kendall had been slightly self absorbed for the past few months, but it was still nice to see a familiar face that wasn’t trying to kill her like the ones in her dreams did. When she released the hug, Kendall looked her over an arched an eyebrow, offering a bright grin. “When the hell did you get hot? Get outta here with that, you’re making me look bad,” she teased. “I’ve been good, working through some things,” she said, though she wasn’t sure her lie was completely believable. 

“Come on, you have to see what I’ve been working on,” Kendall said as she took her hand and led her old friend back to the studio. “What have you been doing? You have to tell me everything, I need someone to live vicariously through.”

As Kendall spoke, Chloe’s brows also raised and she let out a laugh, shaking her head. “I think we can thank my Abuela’s cooking for that.” she joked back with a grin. “But please, I couldn’t make you look bad even if I tried. You’re gorgeous cariño.” she smiled warmly. “That’s good,” Chloe replied, eyeing her friend carefully as she mentioned working through things. “Is everything okay? You need help with anything?” she asked.  “Okay okay,” she laughed as she let Kendall lead her along. “I mean, I guess I’ve just been trying to sort everything out. I don’t know if I’m the best person to live vicariously through though.” she laughed faintly. “Jax came back around the same time I did,” she admitted. “And we kind of talked things out and then he left again and I mean I’m okay really, I’ve come to terms with everything and I know that we can’t get back what we had and that I need to move on but damn I’m actually kind of terrifying to jump back into things like, I don’t think I ever knew how to properly flirt so I’m pretty much screwed.” she laughed. “But what’s been going on with you? If you’re living through me then I totally get to live through you.” 

“Ooh, secrets, huh? Sounds juicy.” Heleaned against the shelves, eyeing the girl for a hot minute. He couldn’timagine this quaint ass safe haven being a place anything really scandaloushappened. The world was a big place, and he’d seen a lot. “This cute town makes you learn tricks and tips? Afraid the grannies are gonna catch youstealin’ their coupons or something?”

“Yep, they’re the juciest.” Chloe replied before cringing at the last word to leave her lips. Letting out another laugh a few seconds later she shrugged. “Hey it’s not all just grannies and their coupons here. There are ways to have fun.” 

“I won’t say no to that. But have I ever tried to hide in the trunk of my.. okay, you got me. I have done that.” A light laugh left his lips before he shrugged his shoulders. “There’s a party at my place next week, it’s one of my best friend’s birthday. You know Dani, my new roomie? You should come.” Haylee was in charge which meant the party would be wild to say the least – but it seemed like that’s what Chloe needed, to forget things and let loose. “I miss abuela, I keep wanting to go back for a visit. it’s been a while.” 

“Yeah see, there’s a reason we’re related. You’re just as bad as I am so you totally can’t judge.” she laughed. She raised a brow in interest as he continued to speak. “Maybe you should ask her first before I just gatecrash.” Chloe chuckled. “But yeah if she’s okay with it I’ll totally come along.” she added with another shrug. “I’m sure she misses you too, we should try get her here for a visit.. although I know how hard it is to drag her away from her routine.”

A loud gasp left his mouth, his jaw hanging for a moment too long, if only for dramatic effect. “You dare question my brilliance? I am hurt, friend.” Throwing her a pointed look, the wide smile slowly revealed itself and settled on his lips. “Say whatever you want to make yourself feel better, but we both know this friendship has been established purely on the purpose of bettering you and your wack views on my genius-ness.” Jake declared confidently before frowning a moment after. “Is that even a word?” As Chloe played along, joking that she couldn’t see his halo, Jake gave her a pitying look. “Oh man, you’re in need of my help much more than I originally thought.” Looking around with an overly exaggerated look of panic, he waved a hand.  “Somebody, quick! Get this woman a pun!” Ignoring the odd looks in response of his theatrics, he turned to face her with a lopsided grin. “Better them laughing with me than at me.”

“I do indeed dare question your brilliance.. whatcha going to do about it?” she teased back with a pointed look of her own before rolling her eyes playfully. “Yep sure, whatever floats your goat.” she grinned and laughed. “I don’t think it is but we can pretend it is for a minute.”  Chloe opened her mouth to respond to his next words but before she could he had started attracting attention by calling for help and she couldn’t help but let out a shocked laugh. She had never been shy so the odd looks they both received wasn’t anything that affected her. “You’re absolutely bonkers.” she chuckled. “And that’s true, but hey screw anyone who laughs at you. Generally whoever is being laughed at is ten times better than the people laughing at them... if that makes sense.” 

Dash shrugged again. “It is what it is.” He said calmly, that had been pretty much the story of his life the last seven years. It was one tragedy after another these days and usually when he thought he was out the other side of it all life hit him back down and reminded him that things could always be worse. 

Hearing Chloe speak about her current state gave him some relief to hear. It was good to know that she had finally gotten the closure that she had needed with all of this. The three of them had been such a major part of each other’s lives for twenty years and it was hard to believe that the last six years they had been absent from each other’s stories. “I’m sure Ollie can hook you up with a dating profile or two, I think he considers himself a master at this point. I wish it I could say the dating game was fun.” Dash’s friends and family had been pretty adamant that he get back out there again and it had been an interesting experience, to say the least. Breathing a sigh of relief as he heard that she was staying. They had a lot of time to make up for and Dash was glad that he was at least getting one of his friends back. “I’m glad you’re staying Chlo. I’ve missed you.”

“That doesn’t make it right.” Chloe responded, but that was all she was going to say on the matter. Truth be told she wanted to smack Jackson for making Dash feel like this, but he was gone again and there was nothing either of them could do about it.  Letting out a soft laugh at the suggestion of Ollie helping her get back on track with dating she shook her head slightly. “I don’t think me and dating profiles are a good idea.. but hey I’ll figure it out. I want to make sure Cloud Nine is completely set first and then I can focus on boys.. I guess.” she shrugged, totally not using her business as an excuse to avoid the dating game. “Yeah? You’re not having much luck with it?” she asked, tilting her head to the side slightly. “But you’re Dash Hastings, girls have been after you for as long as I’ve known you.” she teased lightly before smiling again. “I’m glad I’m staying too, I’ve missed you more.” 

Once she got established in town, she found that more and more people were stopping by the studio. She was in the process of looking for a studio, but until then, she was reduced to working out of her personal studio. When she heard Chloe was in town, her first thought was to invite her old friend over, and with plenty of deadlines for new paintings, she decided to invite her into the studio. She was in the middle of working on a nature scene, her backyard providing the perfect inspiration. 

When she heard the door open to the studio, she glanced back to see the familiar face, offering her a bright grin as she set her paintbrush down. “Hey stranger!” Kendall said as she pulled her smock off and moved to hug Chloe. “How long have you been here? I can’t believe I didn’t even know you were in town.” @chloexprescott

Chloe smiled as she made her way to Kendall’s studio she was excited to see her old friend and had been extremely happy when the other woman had invited her over. Hanging out with people she cared about was another step in the process of getting her life back on track again, and besides she always loved seeing artwork, especially Kendall’s.  “Hey you!” Chloe grinned in reply as she moved forward to hug her back. “I got back just before Christmas, things have just been super crazy.” she said, pulling back to look at her friend. “How have you been doing? You look great!” 

“I’ll remember that and remind you when you start finding it annoying.” He teased, setting back when she loosened her hold on him. Checking in on someone when they didn’t want it could backfire on him in an instant so Colton was glad when Chloe didn’t take his concern negatively. It wouldn’t have stopped Colton from doing it again though. “I’m glad you’re okay. I’m sorry he’s not who he was before but I’m glad that you’re accepting it and moving forward.” He wished that Chloe and Jackson had never gone through the loss of Reggie but there was nothing any of them could do to turn back time and undo all the pain they’d gone through. “Sure, I’ve got time. If you needed someone around I wasn’t going to pop in and then immediately disappear. I’d be doing a terrible job checking up on you.” 

“Pfft. I could never find you annoying.” Chloe smiled. “It is was it is, I just hope he finds some form of happiness..” she shrugged lightly. “Oh and hey.. I want to thank you for everything you’ve done for me, especially all those years ago. I know I didn’t show it much but you really helped me get through that. Without you and Dash I honestly don’t know where I’d be, not to mention how patient you both were.” she smiled softly before laughing at his next sentence. “You’d still be checking even if it was brief and that’s all that matters okay?” she chuckled before making her way towards the kitchen. “Okay what can I get you?” 

“Knowing my mother, she’d show up to spy on my date. I have plans to work like normal and come home and read a trashy romance novel before falling into bed and ignoring the fact that Valentine’s Day even exists.” She smiled and Chloe and reached out taking her hand. “Thank you for not loving me any less because of my mother’s psychotic need to get me wed and pregnant before I’m 35. She thinks I’m just going to shrivel up and run out of eggs or something.”

Letting out a laugh Chloe nodded in understanding. “Yep I wouldn’t put that past her.. and hey they sound like great plans. Valentine’s dates are overrated anyway, who needs ‘em.” she replied with a light chuckle, pushing the brief thought of Jax to the back of her mind. As Gia took her hand she smiled and squeezed her hand gently. “Oh god, of course. I’m also fully prepared to back you up with whatever age you decide you’re ready to wed and have kids, and even if you do shrivel up or run out of eggs, there’s always alternative ways to have children.” 

Dash simply shrugged his shoulders trying to brush the topic off. At this point it didn’t matter, what was done was done if anything it only opened Dash’s eyes to the truth. At least now he knew where he stood when it came to Jackson. His friend really was gone. “Nope,” was all he could manage on the subject. He was angry, but that wasn’t something he was going to put on Chloe right now. “I mean that’s good, right? It’s something you didn’t have before he came back.” Dash offered as he took in her features looking for any sign of the Chloe he’d seen five years ago. “You gonna stick around?” He finally asked after a long pause, as he tried to gauge where her head was at in all of this. 

Chloe narrowed her eyes only slightly as he shrugged it off. She could only imagine what he would be thinking underneath the mask he was wearing in front of her now, but she didn’t push him on the matter. Despite her anger about the fact he hadn’t been informed she also felt sad for him. He hadn’t done anything to deserve this. “I’m sorry.” she whispered. “He should have told you.”  She nodded as he spoke again. “It’s definitely good. It means I can start looking forward again.. I mean, I never thought I’d even have to consider trying to start again with like relationships and dating in my thirties. It’s pretty terrifying but I’m excited. I think.” she said with a faint laugh. At his question her brows raised quickly. “Of course, I have a Spa to run and a best friend to cook for.” she smiled softly as she nudged him gently. “This is my home. It has my family and my business and it has you.. I’m not going to run away from that again.” 

“I admit to nothing,” Jake protested, the wide grin remaining settled on his lips. “What, no golden light beaming around me?” He questioned, gesturing around his frame with a curious look. “By now, most people have questioned the halo hovering over my head and asking why they can hear a choir singing in the distance.” Trying his best at a Superman pose – hands on hip and all – Jake quickly gave up and let a chuckle leave his lips. “Oh I can tell. Maybe they’ll appreciate my obviously brilliant jokes.”

“If you’re going to be my friend, which I don’t think you have any choice now because I need to teach you some good puns so I’m declaring this a friendship only to benefit you, you need to learn to admit it.” she joked before laughing again and shaking her head, squinting her eyes as she feigned looking for the golden light. “Nope can’t see it.. the golden light or the halo.” she replied, grinning at his Superman pose. “If by appreciate you mean laugh along because their jokes are just as bad then sure..” she said playfully.

“Yeah well, I guess another Valentine’s Day will come and go without a date for me. But the world will keep turning. I have a customer, goodbye mom!” Gia hung up the phone and looked at it with a glare before shaking it violently in her hand from frustration. She wasn’t even in her shop. She was sitting in the cafe trying to enjoy her coffee, when her mother called. When she felt eyes on her she turned and blushed as she gave an apologetic smile. “I’m not crazy I promise. Or not yet anyway. I’m sure my mom is trying to get me there, though.”

Chloe smiled the instant she spotted Gia, but just as she was about to say hi she heard her talking on the phone. As she hung up the brunette couldn’t help but chuckle. “We could just tell our mothers we’re both going on hot dates to shut them up and spend Valentine’s Day eating ice cream and watching chick flicks? And hey, I know what it’s like to have a mother drive you crazy so don’t worry, I don’t love you any less.”