step into your power

I saw [CECELIA WALSH] at a coffee shop in [MANHATTAN] today. I forgot how much [SHE/HER] looks like [CLAIRE FOY]. They are a [THIRTY-THREE] year old [PROFESSOR/PHILANTHROPIST] who’s been in NYC for [TEN YEARS] now. Every time we run into each other, they are always [CHARISMATIC & MATERNAL] but I’ve heard people say they can also be [IMPULSIVE & HEADSTRONG]. [SHOW YOURSELF BY IDINA MENZEL] reminds me of them every time it comes on the radio. 

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“hello gorgeous !!” armande grins, needing a moment piece the features of the familiar face fading in and out of view. she reaches forward, grabbing hold of cecilia’s forearm to beckon her over, “come, order something. i’ve been all alone here for hours.” she motions away cecilia’s concern with a swipe of her hand as if it hung in the air, skirting around the question of what brought her to such a level of intoxication.

“Fine, one drink. Only if you tell me why you’re here, though,” she said, raising a brow at Armande as she waved the bartender over to order herself her usual gin and tonic. “What all have you had to drink tonight?” She asked, trying to figure out just how drunk her friend was. “After I finish my drink, both of us are leaving. I can either drop you off at home or you can come stay at my place.” 

-

Morgan passed to the next page of the book she had been reading and bit her lip, anxious to know if the male protagonist managed to get home after he found out that his best friend was in trouble. From the begining of the book, she had the feeling that it wasn’t going to have a happy ending, but that’s how life was sometimes, not pink with rainbows and unicorns, but grey and depressing. Some light footsteps approached and she saw very small shoes in front of her. Looking up, she saw a little boy and smiled at him before his mom came to collect him. “It’s no toruble,” she said closing her book. “Kids are very curious at this age.”

Theo was at the age where all he wanted to do was explore. Cecelia’s townhouse was always a mess because of it, and she had to keep her eye on him whenever she took him out of the stroller. Even though this woman said Theo’s disturbance was no trouble, she still felt bad. “You’re right, they are. He gets into everything, so at home I have to put thing where he can’t reach them,” she laughed, shaking her head as she handed her little boy one of his toys to distract him. Then, she saw the book in the woman’s hands and a smile appeared on her face. “What are you reading? Sorry if I’m being nosey, reading is one of my favorite hobbies.” 

Finn pursed his lips, holding in a smile. He wasn’t trying to be subtle, but it made him smirk at her forthrightness. “I would say I’m sorry, because I feel like that’s what you’re meant to say but I don’t like to lie—” he admitted, smiling softly. Her being married was never that big a deal for him. “You look a lot happier now,” he complimented warmly.

“Don’t apologize, the divorce was a mutual decision. And it was the right decision,” Cecelia said, shrugging her shoulders. “You know as well as I do that my marriage wasn’t really a marriage.” Then, a smile spread across her facial features. “Thank you. I am a lot happier, I’m glad you noticed. It’s nice being single.” Honestly, she missed it. “And what about you? Do you have a special lady in your life yet?”

Eyebrows raising slightly, Isaac was stunned about how forward Cecelia was being - but he didn’t hate it. It felt great and it was an ego boost to have her imply something so suggestive, and Isaac took it as a compliment. “Yeah, I would hate to lose sleep over something that can easily be proven,” He played along, not so much joking anymore. “I’d rather be losing sleep over something else.” Isaac had a smirk on his face, but as he looked deep into Cecelia’s blue eyes, the smirk slowly fell, and he grew more absorbed into how stunning they were. 

He nodded, listening as she explained. Isaac had been fortunate to grow up around nature and animals, and had been given complete freedom to roam around. If he fell from a tree and scraped his knee, then it wasn’t the end of the world. That was something that was interesting about Cecelia; where she’d come from and how it had shaped her into who she was. Her lips were so soft against his, the way they moved sent shivers running down his spine. He couldn’t help but deepen the kiss after she had repositioned herself, his arms wrapping around her waist to hold her close to him - something that she seemed to want to be. After a moment, he pulled away, needing to breathe again, and opened his eyes. “God, you’re so beautiful.” He whispered, a hand moving up to cup her cheek softly, allowing his thumb to ghost over her bottom lip. 

-

Cecelia wasn’t opposed to making this date an overnight one. She liked how things were going so far, and it was nice to know Isaac was feeling a similar way. “Me too. Maybe we can work that into our plans later, if you’re feeling up to it,” she said, being completely serious. It had been a while for her, honestly, so she was looking forward to it. She didn’t mind waiting a little if he didn’t want to, but she wanted to see how far she could get. And of course, she couldn’t keep her eyes off him as they sat there so close. 

She wanted to ask Isaac more questions about his upbringing. It was very different from hers and she couldn’t help but feel slightly envious that he got to experience so many things. She wished she had grown up an ordinary girl. Although the kiss wasn’t entirely unexpected due to the nature of their conversation, it was still perfect and she wished it didn’t have to come to a stop. “Thank you. You’re quite the looker too, you know. You’re exceptionally handsome,” she said, keeping her eyes locked with his. “I feel very lucky that you wanted to bring me out here.” She placed another soft kiss on his lips. “This day just keeps getting better and better.” 

Cecelia decided to take her kids to the park since the weather was nice and warm in New York City. Sitting on a blanket with her infant daughter, she watched her toddler carefully as he played with his toys. Of course, the second she took her eyes off him to tend to Emma when she started to fuss, Theo took off towards a stranger. He was at that age where he was curious about anyone and everything. “Theo, leave the lady be, please. Come back over here,” she said, standing up and walking over. “I’m so sorry, he doesn’t have any concept of personal space, so he wants to cuddle everything,” she laughed, taking the little boy’s hand. 

“You’ll have to see if you’re right one of these days” - right about Cecelia looking cute with bed hair? Did that mean what Isaac thought it meant? She had this smile on her face; one that Isaac wasn’t quite sure what to make of. She was flirting with him, that was for sure, but he wasn’t expecting her to do it to this extend. It was a nice surprise, one that had Isaac a little speechless for a moment, before he realized that he hadn’t exactly said anything. “I might just have to take you up on that offer. God knows I won’t be able to sleep at night, unless I have my theory proven to me,” A smirk rested on his lips, and his eyes found hers for a second or two - or was it three? He stopped counting, finding himself getting more lost in how they matched the clear sky above them. He snapped out of it though, when she made a joke about his height, and he chuckled, looking down and closing his eyes. Wow, he really had just been left completely speechless for a moment there. “Um…-Yeah, if you want a weather forecast, just let me know.”

“Oh? Why was that? Surely they didn’t keep you locked up, over there across the pond?” He asked, at first joking a little, but getting a little worried. Had she never climbed in trees as a child? Or gone to a lake on summer evenings when no one else was there, to skinny dip? Humming, he nodded in agreement to her suggestion. “A driver, huh? You must’ve worked really hard for that,” Isaac thought out loud with a smile on his face, kind of proud of her for being able to get that far in life, even though he didn’t actually know. He felt her head come down to rest on his shoulder, and he couldn’t help the arm that snuck around her shoulder, holding her closer into him. “It’s my pleasure,” His voice was low and gentle as he enjoyed the moment. He could smell her shampoo and it was kind of intoxicating in a way. “Someone as beautiful as you deserves to see nature that’s just as beautiful.” His arm that was around her shoulder moved up to reach her chin, his fingers lifting her head off his shoulder. He leaned down, eyes closing mid-way and lips finding hers after a small second, capturing them in a soft kiss. 

-

Cecelia preferred to be forward enough, but she liked to keep a little bit of mystery. And it was good to feel it out because she wasn’t completely sure how Isaac would react. He definitely seemed to be interested in her suggestion. “Excellent, I’m happy to hear that. But if you won’t be able to sleep at night until your theory is proven, we might want to make it sooner than later,” she suggested to him, playful smile remaining on her facial features. She liked this moment they were having, so she wasn’t afraid to make her thoughts known. Everything felt right in this moment. “Yes, I will definitely ask for that. I can’t return the favor, being short doesn’t have many advantages.” 

“Well no, not exactly. My parents were just very strict.” Which wasn’t a lie. She wasn’t allowed to do many things normal kids did. She had to focus on other things. She and her older brother really only had each other to play with. “I suppose you could say that. It makes things a lot easier, especially with the kids.” Cecelia hoped Isaac didn’t think she was too posh or that she was high-maintenance. He was so down to earth, kind, and laid back. As she was called beautiful, she could feel her cheeks turn pink and she was at a loss for words. When she finally was about to say something, his lips were on hers. Happily kissing him back, she repositioned her body and wrapped her arms around his neck to pull herself even closer to him. 

—

“New York is like that, always bumping into familiar faces,” he chuckled, shaking his head. The week he’d had would only prove how small this city truly was. “How’s it all going in the big city?” he quirked an eyebrow, curiously. While he did flirt religiously with Cecila, he didn’t know the ins and outs of her marriage. He knew there was a husband and kids. If he was going to kick his charm up a notch, he wanted to make sure that things were okay to do so.

“Right? It’s always déjà vu here.” It was a large city that tended to feel small at the same time. She loved New York City and was glad she left London all those years ago. She was happier here. “It’s going alright. I’m divorced, if that’s what you’re wanting to know.” Not that that had ever stopped them before. However, now she felt a sense of freedom she didn’t have before. “I have been for several months now. He and I were so unhappy, it was for the best.” 

-

A scrunched up nose and a shake to his head was Isaac’s reaction to what Cecelia was saying, followed by a smile. “I bet you look cute,” He flirted, giving her shoulder a nudge with his. “Bed hair and sleepy eyes - all of it. I can’t imagine anything cuter.” It wasn’t exactly surprising to him, how well Cecelia and him got on. The few conversations they’d had at the park had always left his cheeks almost hurting from smiling so much, and even more intrigued to get to know the woman who always seemed interested in what he was doing. Looking down at his body, he chuckled and nodded his head in agreement. “I think you’re right on that one. I’ll stay clear from any falling near you, I promise. I wouldn’t ever want to hurt you.”

Raising his eyebrows, Isaac’s smile only grew. She wanted him to show her the places he’d just listed, meaning she wanted to spend more time with him - and that sounded really great to Isaac! “Yeah? Yeah, definitely, if you’re up for it, I can totally do that!” He said, eager to spend even more time with Cecelia. “Of course we can. There’s this amazing willow tree, not too far from here, where the branches and leaves are all hanging down to the ground. It’s beautiful, I’ll show it.” It had become one of Isaac’s favorite places to go, so of course he was going to share it with Cecelia, if she wanted to see it. “Wait- you don’t? So-… hold on, let me start over. When did come to America? Do you not need to drive in England? Or, is it because they drive on the wrong side of the road?” He teased lightly with a gentle smirk. 

-

“Well, you’ll have to see if you’re right one of these days,” Cecelia flirted back, a suggestive smile on her facial features. She was very interested in spending the night with Isaac, however, she wasn’t sure if her place was the best idea. She’d make it work, though. She didn’t know where things with go with Isaac and she wasn’t trying to get too far ahead of herself. She planned on taking things one day at a time. “ appreciate that. It must be quite nice to be tall, though. There’s a whole world up there that I don’t even know about,” she laughed. “I stopped growing when I was about thirteen.” 

In response to his words, she nodded enthusiastically. “That would be great. I want to see everything and try new things. I really didn’t get to experience much in life until I left for university,” she admitted to him. “Let’s go check it out in like ten minutes or so? It sounds gorgeous and it would be nice to take a walk.” She liked exercise, especially in the outdoors. And she wanted to see what else Lake Canopus had to offer. “About ten years ago. I do drive in England but not very often. I’m very lucky to have a driver.” She was sure Isaac figured it out by now that she had money. “A lot of places are within walking distance to my townhouse, too.” Looking back out at the lake, she took advantage of their close proximity and rested her head on Isaac’s shoulder. “Thank you for bringing me here.” 

“Whiskey, thank you—” Finn nodded his head, wondering if she had that good of a memory, or if he was just a cliché. He leaned back into the lounge he perched on, feeling already a little tipsy from the drinks he’d had previously. “I’m glad I got to see you tonight,” he added warmly, his eyes glancing over the features of her face. 

“I figured as such. One whiskey coming right up,” She said, placing his drink order and getting a gin and tonic for herself. She wasn’t too picky when it came to her liquor. She usually drank gin and occasionally tequila. A smile on her lips, she looked over at Finneas. “Are you? That’s nice to hear. I can certainly say I didn’t expect to run into you tonight, but I’m happy I did.” It was always pleasant to be around him. “I don’t have anywhere to be, so we can sit here and chat as long as you’d like.” 

“You, clumsy? Please, Cecelia, every time I’ve seen you in Central Park, you’ve walked with such poise and elegance,” It always impressed him, to no end, when she had a handle on her kids, her dog, walked around in high heels, and looked like she had just stepped out from a model photoshoot. There was nothing clumsy about that. “But, if you do end up falling and tripping, on the rare occasion, I’ll be there to catch you.” Isaac promised with a wink and a smirk. He really wanted to make sure that Cecelia knew that he was interested in her, and getting to know more about her. 

Pulling out a bottle of white wine and two glasses from his bag, he placed them down on the blanket. “There are so many more places around New York that are worth seeing, than just the same old tourist spots in the city, y’know? Pine Meadow Lake, Breakneck Ridge… They’re all worth seeing.” He told her, opening the bottle and pouring some of the alcohol into the glasses. He chuckled at her and shook his head. “No, I usually go hiking. There’s a trail in the forest,” He pointed to it, and put the bottle down, instead reaching for the glass to hand it to her. “I like to find seedlings to take home, to grow. I go canoeing. I just really enjoy being one with nature.” He explained and picked up his own glass, moving it to clink with hers. “Well, perhaps it can be more of a regular occurrence, so you don’t have to wait several years before the next time you’re on one.”

-

“You’ve just seen me on my good days. I trip over my own feet half of the time. You should see me when I wake up in the morning and haven’t had coffee or tea...it’s even worse,” Cecelia said, letting out a laugh. Isaac’s words caused her to quirk a brow at him. “Well, that’s nice to know. I would say I’ll be there to catch you too, but I think you’d crush me. You’re very tall.” She was five-foot-two so everyone was pretty much tall to her. “But metaphorically speaking, I’m here for you, too. And I hope this isn’t our first and only outing together.” 

“You should show me them sometime. I’ve lived in the city for years and don’t really explore anywhere other than Central Park. I’ve never heard of any of those places you just named.” It would be nice to see what else New York had to offer. And seeing all those places with Isaac sounded even better. “Hiking? Can we go check out the trail while we’re here? And canoeing sounds fun. I’ll try anything.” She loved trying new things, especially when it came to outdoor activities. “I would like that. As long as you don’t ever try to make me drive it. The idea of driving a motorcycle terrifies me for some reason. I don’t even drive a car here in the states yet.” She had a driver, so there was no need for her to.

dante  held  out  his  hand  to  try  and  steady  the  person  who  had  bumped  into  him.  it  was  no  big  deal,  if  anything  it  was  an  excuse  to  strike  up  a  conversation  with  someone  new  that  wasn’t  stuffy  and  boring  but  once  he  heard  the  voice  accompanying  the  person  he  frowned.  it  wasn’t  that  dante  had  an  issue  with  cecelia  and  it  wasn’t  like  their  paths  weren’t  always  crossing  but  he  could  definitely  do  without  the  awkwardness  of  their  interactions.  “it’s  the  new  haircut,”  he  teased,  pointing  up  at  his  hair  which  he  had  not  changed  it’s  style  in  …  years?  maybe? 

“Oh, is it? Because I swear your hair still looks the same as I remember it,” Cecelia replied, not really sure what to say. She never knew what to say when she saw Dante anymore. It was always awkward small talk. “Are you enjoying the event? There’s so many new interesting exhibits to see,” she said, taking another sip from her glass of champagne. She only planned on staying a little while longer. She had kids to get home, and while Emma was probably already asleep, she planned on reading Theo a bedtime story. “So, how many people have already tried rubbing elbows with you this evening?”