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“That is an interesting job – it sounds like it. At the same time I have no idea what it really is made up of. Almost like explaining engineering to my siblings,” Her siblings had all gotten the artistic trait whereas Lynn was better with math and science; at least some kind of science clearly not this science that Cole was talking about. “So is there something in particular that you are looking for?”

  “Ah, so you’re an engineer? That’s not too different, actually. We both deal with how things work, the numbers and physics of the world. I guess mine are just a bit more... planetary than mechanical,” He followed up with a shrug and a well-meaning smile. At her question, Cole glanced upwards with a shake of his head. “Mm, not really, just looking. I’ve been a tad bored lately, restless or something. This makes me feel better. I guess that sounds sort of odd, though.” 

“Helpful dogs, wow. That’s–” Steph shook her head; even though she hadn’t any need for children’s TV just yet, that hadn’t stopped her from browsing the program guide on the appropriate channels, curious to see what was out there. And what was out there all seemed pretty strange. “I guess there are worse things than helpful dogs, though? Helpful’s good, and not letting kids be afraid of dogs, also good–” She trailed off with a rueful chuckle. “Anyway, I’m sure you’re right, if not that, there’ll be something else.”

“Well, happy belated birthday to Jasper, then,” Steph said warmly. Perhaps that was simply the route response to hearing about a birthday, but to her, it was also sincere; every kid should have a good birthday. “How’d he take the postponement– was it better than trying to find somewhere else to get a cake?” It must’ve been, or else other arrangements would’ve been made, but it seemed a tough situation for a seven year old to be in. “Stunning. Like– you can’t, and absolutely shouldn’t, miss her, you know?” A funny way to characterise a planet, maybe, but Steph understood why the ancient Roman goddess of love had prompted the name of such an attention-grabbing planet. Still looking up at the night sky, she didn’t realise how her question might’ve come across, or made Cole feel uncomfortable – she’d simply been impressed that this was how he chose to spend his free time, that he had so much knowledge with no apparent need for it. “I was going to ask about the accent, but I can never figure out how to do it, I’ve got a friend from Scotland who nearly flipped when I admitted I wasn’t sure where he was from. But, anyway, that’s incredibly, incredibly cool. To have grown up that way, to have that opportunity all your life–” She took a step back from the telescope, choosing to look at the sky with her naked eye once more. “Venus your favourite?”

   Growing up in New Zealand, most of Cole’s childhood TV obsessions were unheard of here in Wilmington. It had been an adjustment, that was for sure, switching from the television he usually enjoyed to the American version of drama and intrigue. Crime shows, especially, were different, but he’d been in the states for enough years to feel well-adjusted. 

   “Yeah, he came around. We have something even better planned, so he’s gonna come out of it a happy kid, either way,” Cole nodded, appreciating her curiosity - or at least, her kindness to pretend to be interested. “Hopefully you and Parker managed to get out or stay safe during the storms?” It was obvious they had remained unscathed, for the most part - but Cole knew that looks could be deceiving, and it was often the damages to homes that had been the most devastating in the recent storm. “Ah, yeah, most people guess Australian. I’ve heard the Scottish get a bit nasty when confused for the Irish, but it doesn’t bother me none too much. Thanks,” Cole added warmly, appreciating her acknowledgment of his upbringing. He, too, looked upwards at the tiny dot that could be now identified as Venus, hardly a speck now. “Mmm, tough one. Neptune, I think, but you’d never see it from here. Even with the telescope, it’s too far. Something about a giant ice ball carved smooth by the wind appeals to me. Not sure why.” 

There was a time in Aspen’s life where she wanted to ask for child support from Cole. She was grateful for her siblings and her dad who were willing to look after Jasper when she had classes at night or had to work. Of course, she wanted more than anything for her son’s father to be a part of his life, but she couldn’t confront him, not back then at least. She always appreciated that Cole offered to help her, but she felt bad, felt like she was taking something that wasn’t hers. Most people might’ve disagreed with that. “Damn, that really sucks. Are you guys able to repair the telescope or do they have to buy a whole new one?” She was absolutely clueless about anything rocket science related. “I hope that everything goes back to normal for you soon.”

To be honest, Aspen had a hard time leaving Jasper with Cole, even if it was for a few hours after school. The fear was set in her mind that somehow Jasper would see Cole as the cooler parent, the parent who had it all, while his mother had struggled at times to make even a decent meal. She would never outwardly admit it and she didn’t want anyone to feel bad, but it was something she always considered. Of course, she had finally trusted her baby daddy, but there was still a part of her that wondered if he would just run off again when he got into a doctorate program or something. “I love it when my mommy and daddy are together,” Jasper mentioned, grinning from ear to ear. “It’s nice to have some alone time, but I do miss him even when he’s gone for a few hours,” she admitted. “I’m just glad that I can leave him in the hands of someone I can trust.”

   “Not sure. Not my department,” Cole shrugged. He worked with psychics mostly, not mechanical repairs or the semantics of equipment. No, his role was to translate the information received, make sense out of it, and dig deep for the secrets of the universe. “All I know is, I’m pretty bored,” He chuckled, looking over to Jasper. It was always a bit nerve-wracking to ask for more time, to deviate from the agreement they’d come to, but sometimes... Cole took his chance. “If you ever want to send him my way for an extra evening or two, my schedule is wide open. How’s that sound, buddy?” 

   Maybe it was a dirty trick, asking in front of Jasper. Cole felt bad for a moment just a heartbeat later. Aspen mentioned trusting him, and Cole’s heart felt full for a moment. He smiled and took a bite of his food, letting the moment suspend. Eventually they’d both leave, and he’d be left alone in the house, wandering the emptiness. Right now, Cole enjoyed the presence of what may have been family once upon a time. “You could come more often with him, if you wanted. Then you’re not apart from him, but still getting sort of a break. Your choice.” 

“Late” was all she supplied him with, slipping her phone out of her pocket and flicking on the screen so it lit up in the dark night. “Actually, really late” she adjusted, small lines appearing between her furrowed brows. Sure in the grand scheme of it all, how late it was could only really be decided in context – was it late enough for a night out? Absolutely not. Was it late enough to be sitting in a park when it was starting to get chilly? Most definitely. She didn’t miss his little move, his arms wrapping around himself, and her lips quirked up into a small half smile as she put the phone back into her pocket.

“Well have you discovered any aliens recently?” she challenged, matching his laugh with one of her own, as she shifted in the grass trying to get comfortable. “I know I’m such a bully” with a hand to her heart she hammed up her voice, swinging her gaze over to him with a crooked grin. “Truly Cole please forgive me for insinuating that Venus is anything but the most special lady in your heart”. His mention of Netflix had her mouth dropping in a gasp of mock horror. “Nothing at all? God, the situation really is dire for you isn’t it?”

  “Eh, well, time is a construct and doesn’t exist anyway, right?” Cole joked flippantly, but did turn to dutifully begin dismantling the medium sized telescope he had assembled there. It wasn’t hard, just press in the metal buttons on the sides, release the grip locks, bend the legs, and remove the odds and ends to get it to nicely fold. Nearby, he had a hard case for it, and bent to one knee as he worked on it methodically. 

   Penelope’s teasing was a welcomed backdrop for his cold fingers on the metal, and Cole gave a laugh, though part of him threatened to take minor offense to some of her words. Friends like Penelope helped him ease up, relax; take it easy, once in awhile. “No aliens, yet, but it’s coming. And you’re making the mistake of assuming I have a heart for special ladies, Venus or otherwise, to exist in,” He shot back, turning to look at her, eyebrows raised. Sure, he seemed harmless, but his habit of breaking hearts (sometimes without intending to) had haunted him for years. “It is. I may have to subscribe to Hulu. Or start being that weirdo who hangs out at the movie theater, catching every newest film and getting fat on overly buttered popcorn. The future for me is bleak, my dear.” 

“My job is my life and my patients are basically my kids, you know?” Alexandria replied, letting out a chuckle. Even though she was joking, part of her statement was incredibly true. Especially for the kids that she saw regularly and was basically watching them grow up at this point. “But I swear, I still sometimes make time for myself. I am trying to get a healthy balance between work and everything else.” 

Alexandria shook her head. “Don’t worry about it, I was just trying to get out of the house and go on an adventure.” She explained, knowing that going somewhere new was good for her sanity. “I just feel bad that I am distracting you from your work. But if you really do want the company, I can stay for a bit longer. I’ve got nowhere to be.” 

   “Do you have any kids of your own, then?” Cole asked gently - almost regretting it the moment he had. That wasn’t a very conventional question to ask someone you just met, and especially when there were many variables to take into account. He personally had shyed away from that very question for years, and even now struggled with the most honest answer. Yet here he was, opening his mouth, always prying without even intending to so do. “Sorry - not an appropriate question.” 

   His finger trailed along the edge of the telescope - compared to the tools he used for his real work, this was nothing but a plaything. “Oh, this could hardly be considered work,” Cole promised, fondness in his voice. “A past-time, really. Most of my work lately has been running numbers on screens, nothing as fun as this. If you really don’t mind, I’d love that. We don’t have to keep talking about Venus, either, if you get bored,” Cole couldn’t help but give a chuckle. 

Jacob’s tongue darted over his lips to dampen then as Cole continued to speak long after Jacob had given him the go-ahead to enter the establishment. Which only furthered amused Jacob, as, well, he was certain he could crush the guy in front of him like a beer can. But it didn’t seem as though Cole was itching for a fight at all, instead, just trying to grasp to some semblance of self-respect. Either way, Jacob didn’t really care. Standing from his stool, his head would tilt as he met Cole’s gaze. “Sweetheart, are you gonna go inside and get your food, or am I gonna have to lay you out on the curb? ‘Cause either way, I really don’t mind. Still get paid when the night’s over.”

  Though he bristled visible at the sweetheart comment, Cole had a feeling the security wasn’t just bluffing - and wouldn’t hesitate to have Cole kiss the concrete below them. “Right,” The New Zealander nodded curtly, stepping back and glancing inside. “Have a lonely one,” He couldn’t but sneer, before scurrying off and away inside of the club, leaving the less than delightful guard behind him. 

“I spent a summer in Israel, I think I know how to pronounce tzatziki.” Zachary huffed with indignation at the concept that he might be incorrect about something, head shaking as he made his way inside. “How was I to know that chicken and waffles is considered fine dining down here? I don’t even think Wilmington is mentioned once in Zagats.” He half-joked as he followed Cole’s direction for the table. “And you didn’t light a candle? You’re a cheap date, Cole. Honestly.” A smile hung on his lips as he dumped his half of the take-out onto the table, quickly rummaging without the paper bag to start placing out the finger foods separated by tin-foil containers. “Uh, apple juice. Duh.” Zach stated condescendingly, as if Cole should just know at this juncture. “So, how are things? What have I missed? How’s Jasper?”

  “Well, maybe it’s mine then,” Cole added as a peace offering, but couldn’t help but snicker at the predictable response from his friend. “The chicken and waffles aren’t even the worst. It’s the constant barbie options shoved down your throat -” Cole was already to complain about anything possible. American barbecue was nothing like New Zealand’s, and he’d learned that lesson fast. However, Wilmington BBQ was nothing like Colorado’s, and he could safely say it had gone down rapidly in quality. “Didn’t realize I still had to work to impress you,” Cole scoffed; by now, they’re surely seen each other at their worst, arguing over hypothetical maybes. He snagged the apple juice and two plastic cups; the epitome of romance, truly. “Apple juice for two,” He added graciously, setting down the cups and taking a seat, eagerly reaching for the takeout containers. “He’s still sore from missing his birthday party thanks to the hurricane, but other than that, all is well. You’ve really not missed much, I’ve been more boring than usual. Why do you think I invited you?” Cole grinned as he teased. 

Arlo nodded her head slowly. “Yup. Apartment lost a window but that was it for that.” She said and shrugged her shoulders, looking over to Cole for just a moment. “You know me too well. That hasn’t changed at all. I still find ways to hurt myself. I think I am going to get a tattoo of a bandaid on me somewhere.” She said and looked back to the dog in front of her. “Yeah. I uh…it was rough, honestly.” She said as she knelt down again, doing a general check of Brownie. “Yeah, he was really happy to have me back. I uh..haven’t really told him why I left yet, but I will. Just kinda scared about it you know? I don’t want him to get like, mad or something.” She added.

“Right, well…” Arlo said as she looked at the paperwork, checking a few boxes for vaccines. “We will take care of the vaccines and I wrote that down. The vet will be in here to take a look in just a moment and I will be back afterwards to give the vaccines.” She said and offered a small smile. “I am off after your appointment. Maybe you wanna go out to get something to eat or something so we can catch up on life and stuff? I’ve uh..missed you.”

   “Did you get it fixed yet?” Cole asked - forgetting that they no longer lived together, and he was no longer the built-in handyman. As a Scientist, Cole had been surprisingly good at solving household problems. Fixing the sink, caulking the windows in winter time, changing out the shower head for something better, even fixing the rickety stair that always tripped Arlo in the mornings. “Yeah, I get that. It was hard for me, too.” Cole stopped short; he wasn’t sure if he was supposed to share more about reconnecting with Aspen, meeting his son for the first time. His poor choices in the past had been what drove a painful stake between then, and when she already seemed under the weather... well, Cole opted for silence, swallowing his lump in the throat and focusing on Brownie Brows. 

   Cole should have known better - in the couple of years they’d been apart, he’d expected Arlo to change for the worse (as he assumed everyone would eventually), but she hadn’t. She was the same kind-hearted, sensitive soul, and here she was, extending Cole an undeserving olive branch. Arlo came from a tumultuous point in his life, and part of him almost craved the chance to show her that while she remained the same, he had changed - for the better. “I... I would really appreciate that. I, uh - thank you. Arlo. I feel the same. I wish we hadn’t... left off on such weird terms. There is an outdoor cafe about 4 or 5 blocks East, we could go there, let Brownie enjoy the sunshine?” 

“Do you think some people believe in life in other parts of space because it makes them feel less alone?” The question was one that she had often pondered and since she had him in front of her there now, she couldn’t help but feel that it was not only the perfect time to ask but that he was also the perfect person to ask. “I mean, like, I know that sounds sort of depressing but it’s a nice thought, you know? That everything we know isn’t all that there is.” It wasn’t something she’d thought about too much, only in passing or when the subject itself was brought back up to her. “I believe in aliens but I — I feel like it’s pretty easy to make me believe in a lot of things.” When he stepped back after announcing that he’ found the planet, Carmen grinned and bent down to look into the telescope once again. It was mesmerizing, it was something that she didn’t think she’d be getting to see. “Wow.” The word easily escaped her lips. “No wonder you come here by yourself to do this, it’s amazing.” 

“Ah well, talking to the wrong men is a specialty of mine” she admitted jokingly, tongue poking out between her teeth in a toothy grin at him as she leaned back in the grass. She looked up at the sky, picking out the faint stars that peppered the darkness. The light pollution in Wilmington was nothing compared to Boston or New York, no in Wilmington you could see the stars as opposed to the endless black that took over the city, when a whole new world came to life. “Still, all part of life’s rich tapestry I suppose” she added, tilting her head back down to look back at Cole. “At least, that’s what I tell myself”

“Tough, you?” lips pursed skeptically she analysed the man sat opposite her, “sure what ever you say”. As if to further her point, another gust of wind blew through, and she found herself tugging her jacket tighter across her body. “Ah so that’s why you went down the science route, because of it’s high success rate with the ladies” she laughed along with him, moving her legs into a cross legged position. “Seriously though, what’s so special about tonight? Isn’t Venus always in the sky?”

  It took most of Cole’s strong-will to hold back a little shiver of his own. He couldn’t give in that easily and admit he was a little chilly, after sitting in the grass for nearly an hour. Until she had mentioned it, Cole hadn’t even noticed, but now he was aware of the temperature drop. “Plus, it wasn’t this cold when I got here. I don’t even know what time it is, actually,” Cole pulled his phone out, glancing down eyebrows raising. Ah, so he had been there for a while. Now the weather made sense, and he crossed his arms for warmth. 

   “Come on. You’ve never wanted to get to say you’re a rocket scientist? Or be the one to find aliens? If that doesn’t rake in the ladies, what does?” Cole was laughing now, genuinely - he’d had moderate success with women, when he really tried, but that was a rare desire for him. Most of Cole’s life was focused around work, and now, his son Jasper. He’d missed the first 6 years of his life, and didn’t want to miss anymore. “You are actually hurting my soul, right now,” Cole shook his head, feigning pain at her words. “Venus is always special. Tonight, however, the real special factor was my absolute boredom. I don’t even have anything in my Netflix list.” 

Aspen wasn’t entirely sure how she managed to raise a child like Jasper, someone who was so respectful of everyone and everything around him. He was her angel, an angel that she didn’t know she needed until he was placed on her chest right after she gave birth. Aspen followed Cole into the kitchen, wishing she could just put a pause on him helping out with lessons. She always appreciated the gesture and sure sometimes it would be nice to have more money to put Jasper into extracurricular activities, but Aspen would feel guilty just accepting money from Cole even if he was Jasper’s father.

“Yeah. I took a couple weeks off from the restaurant and my boss is giving me an extra week off since he knows that I have to manage getting back on track with school and making sure that Jasper was okay.” She was grateful for the manager at the restaurant. “The lessons aren’t too bad. My friend is giving me a friends and family discount, thankfully. I swear we got ourselves a little Picasso over here,” she looked lovingly at her son. She nodded in agreement that Jasper had done a nice job setting the table. Jasper sat down in his usual seat and Aspen took the seat to the right of his. “Thanks for making dinner and letting me join you guys. I really appreciate it.”

  “Oh, that’s good,” Cole nodded, but his brow creased in concern - wondering if she needed help, with losing hours and a paycheck or two. He never meant to seem like he only cared about pushing money her way, but honestly, it’s not like Cole had much else to spend it on. The fancy town-home, a gym membership, and an unhealthy specialty coffee addiction was all his cash ever went to unless Jasper needed or wanted something. He didn’t understand why Aspen hesitated to accept his financial help so much, but tried not to push it unless he needed to. It usually wasn’t worth the fight. “Work has slowed for me, too. Most of my study jobs dropped for the time being, and one lab just downstate got damage to the telescope, so...”

   So Cole was bored. Hence the pot roast instead of Burger King or Panda Express. “I know we do. Don’t have a clue where he got it from - not me, that’s for sure.” Jasper chimed in to tease Cole for not even being able to draw a stick figure. If he didn’t look like such a spitting image of Cole, some may wonder if he was even his, due to their differences - but Cole just believed that Jasper was special. “No thank you, for sitting down and staying for it. I know you probably enjoy the break you get... when he’s here. But this is- it’s nice. Right, Jas?”

“I don’t even know what that is–” Steph said with a chuckle. At barely two months, Parker was still too young for TV in her book, and she didn’t want to rely on shows, no matter how educational, to keep him entertained anyway. She wasn’t a TV or movie person, she didn’t want her son to become that way because of laziness on her part. And though she’d grown more fond of movies over the past few months, she’d still rather read one of the film articles Matias left out on occasion than actually watch the movie being written about. “–But I’m a little afraid to find out, now.” she finished, shaking her head. “I take it you don’t ever need to see another Patrolling Paw?”

It was a little strange, making introductions while most of her attention was locked on the view offered by the telescope, but Steph found she didn’t mind; found she was smiling as he mentioned his own son. “It’s nice to meet you, Cole. How old is Jasper?” She nodded slowly (not that he could necessarily tell) at his description, but even so, startled a little as he adjusted one of the nobs, and then– “Oh.” She exhaled slowly, filled with an odd kind of peace at the way distant blurry lights suddenly became even the smallest bit clearer. It was a feeling she used to have in church, from time to time; a feeling she hadn’t had in a very long time. “Yeah, I see it. I think I do, anyway, it’s definitely reddish…” She trailed off, a question rising to the top of her mind. “This something you just do for fun?”

  Well, Cole realized he wasn’t as knowledgeable about children as he thought - but it made sense that babies would be far from his usual realm of understanding. “It’s a cute little kid’s show about these, uh... helpful dogs?” Cole chuckled and gave a shrug. He wasn’t even entirely sure what it was about, just that it was the one thing Jasper still enjoyed from his younger toddler years. “You’ll probably have to experience it soon enough, or something similar.” 

   “He just turned 7 this month, actually. Thanks to the hurricane, we had to sort of, I guess, post-pone the birthday plans. His favorite bakery is closed due to damages,” Cole was giving too much information - as always. “Yep, that’s her. Venus. She’s a beauty, yeah?” Cole couldn’t help but feel a small swell of pride at the opportunity to show a whole new world to someone and, hopefully, improve their scope on the universe, even if just slightly. But then her question came, and he felt a bit embarrassed. “Yeah, actually,” Cole laughed. “Always have. I loved the Alien franchise at a young age - I’m from New Zealand, and I grew up right next to the Wellington Space Museum, we’d always go over to the conservatory. Just sort of... took off from there. And now, I study the cosmos.” 

Sirena sighed heavily. “I know,” she stated. She wasn’t sure why she felt the need to puff out her chest and act tougher than she felt in that moment. Something about these meetings almost made her feel tense, and she didn’t like it, but she didn’t know how to stop it either. When the cool air outside hit them, it was refreshing. She needed that. When they got over to the coffee place, she followed him into line.

She nodded at his question about espresso. “I need espresso for sure right about now,” she admitted. Sirena looked at him curiously when he mentioned his new addiction. “The rush of caffeine is nice. I’m not always the biggest fan of coffee, but sometimes you just.. need it. And cold brew is okay, not one of my favorites.”

  “Caffeine is slowly becoming my lifeblood. Probably not the greatest thing - but hey... there is worse, huh?” He smirked with a light shake of his head - at least his ice cream phase when he was first getting clean didn’t last long. After leaving rehab and dedicating to a clean lifestyle, Cole had gained nearly 20 lbs from his taste for sweets, and only recently had he managed to get back to a desired weight. Now, it was coffee and cold brew he couldn’t seem to quit. “There is just always something.” 

   After he ordered and stepped aside to let Sirena out in her own order, he paid, and took a seat in a small table closest the windows looking out towards the water. “Coffee is different in New Zealand. Better. Nothing here can compare, but... this place isn’t too bad,” Cole spoke lightly, finding that a good dose of small talk usually helped ease into things; but with Sirena’s personality, he worried he may just annoy her. 

“It’s not all bad, right? Because at least it makes us happy.” Alexandria replied, not minding the fact that her friends think she is a workaholic. She loved being at work with the kids almost twenty-four seven and wouldn’t have her life any other way.

“Yeah, my job gets interesting sometimes, that is for sure.” Alexandria replied knowing that she already had a lifetime of interesting stories that revolved around her job. “Patience is a virtue that I am lucky enough to have, yes. I can understand why science would need a lot of patience as well. Especially on nights like this where the clouds aren’t cooperating.” 

  Happy - the word made him pause. That had always been the struggle for Cole, and it was what had led him down a scary path once. Was he happy now? “Yeah, you’re right,” He gave a small nod, trying to keep his expression the same, without a falter. Cole wished he was happier, and sometimes wondered if working so much is what prevented him from really reaching what he always seemed to be searching for. 

   “Oh, yeah, mine, too,” Cole chuckled - it might not seem like it would, staring at screens and small blurry dots, running calculations, but there were days he went home with his mind blown. Being a nurse was likely much different. Cole was curious to hear a little more. “Ah - sorry for keeping you for so long. Are you in a hurry anywhere? I know it’s late, but... I could appreciate some company.” 

Lately the only thing she was sure about was that she would be jogging at least twice a day. If anyone could literally run away from their problems it would be Lynn, because at this rate maybe she could turn back time and get a redo to make things work with her mother but that was just wishful thinking, which was pointless. The entire sight that was offered by the instrument was breathtaking, it was beautiful, perhaps there was something to this whole to this whole stop and small the flowers – or in this case stop and look at the great sight that she would’ve missed, somehow she had decided that the moon was just there to offer light and let her have some way to go back home, “Thanks, you were right,” lord knew the woman needed to take a break here and now, “I’m Lynn,” she offered, “So how do you know so much about this?”