Lost Without You

Joaquin gave her a small smile and took her hands in his. “I think my mother would like that. She always loved Mateo…gave her a second chance at taking care of a child and she loved to spoil him,” he said with a light laugh. He closed his mouth, waiting, making sure Mateo didn’t hear and crawl out of bed to find out what that noise was. His mother always resented allowing his father to have so much of an influence on him and his siblings. It pulled them apart and by the time their mother noticed, it was too late. “I’m sure you do. I’m so sorry this has happened, but I’m glad you’re adjusting well. Hopefully making friends…both you and Mateo.” Joaquin let go of one of Sofia’s hands and ran his fingers through his hair. “You’re right. It hasn’t been easy. But to protect you, I’d do anything.” He paused for a beat. “You get used to being alone a lot faster than you think and I thought I’d be alone for much longer. It was such a surprise to see that you moved here.” He smiled again, trying to focus on something happier. “Did you get the spyglass and stained glass piece I sent?”

Sofia glanced down at their hands as he took hers in his. “I’ll give her a call, then. I’m sure Mateo would love to hear from her too,” she nodded with a smile. “Mateo’s definitely been able to make friends. After the first day of school, he already had a friend he wanted to bring home with us,” Sofia chuckled. His joy was contagious and kept her strong, even in the darkest of moments. When Joaquin mentioned it was a surprise to see that she’d moved here, she couldn’t help but that. “Trust me, it was a surprise to everybody. I mean, our life in LA was great. I loved my job, my friends and family were all there. But, I needed a fresh start. And hey, maybe this was all fate. To bring us back together,” she joked. “Oh, yes. Mateo loves the spyglass. He spends every waking hour with it. And the stained glass piece is gorgeous. Thank you, you really didn’t have to. That was so sweet of you.” With a bright smile, she gave him a kiss on the cheek. Something she’d thought she’d never be able to do again. “Although, I didn’t quite know what to tell Mateo about who’d given it.” She wanted, so badly, to be able to tell Mateo it was a gift from his father. To remind him of how much his father loved him. But she knew she couldn’t. Not without risking both Joaquin and Mateo’s lives. “I just said it was from a friend.”

For the longest time, he’d considered pulling Mateo out of school and having him be homeschooled, but Joaquin knew that wouldn’t be fair on any of them, especially their son. A part of him understood his father’s ideology. He’d hated for Silvers to live in hiding all the time, forced to live in the shadows to avoid being experimented on or arrested or worse. Joaquin took Sofia’s hands and gave them a squeeze. “It’s not mandatory here, so we have some time to figure things out,” he said. “I don’t think you’d be a painful reminder. If anything, I think you’d be a sign of hope.” He gave her a small smile. His mother wasn’t thrilled with him or his father and their work, but she did love Sofia and Mateo, even if they reminded her of her wayward son and husband. “None of them know. I hadn’t spoken to Johanna and Tommy in weeks before everything happened. How are you dealing with the move from America?” The two had done some traveling before, but they’d never considered moving away from the States.

“Okay. Good,” Sofia nodded with a relieved sigh. She hated the idea of having to get her son registered. Her little boy. Her innocent little boy who wouldn’t hurt a fly. Why on earth would he need to be registered as if he was a criminal they needed to keep an eye on? She smiled softly as he insisted she wouldn’t be a painful reminder for her family. “Maybe I should give them a call.” Part of her felt bad for having to pull Mateo out of LA and the distance that created between him and Joaquin’s family as well as hers. “Uhm,” she took in a deep breath as she tried to formulate an answer for his question. Did she even really know how she was dealing with it? She’d never moved to a new state before. Let alone had to arrange a whole new life in a new country.  “Fine. I mean, I’ve settled in at work. And Mateo seems to be handling it okay. Which makes things easier. But I do miss our family and friends.” She offered him a small smile. “But I can’t imagine what it’s been like for you. On the run. Having to keep everyone in the dark. It can’t have been easy.” Having had the kind of childhood Sofia had, it was difficult to imagine being completely separated from those she loved. 

As she put her hands to his face, Joaquin placed his hands over hers. “I’m okay,” he reassured her. “I’m staying under the radar. Sticking to my job at the bar. I’ve been working with Emilia Freygard. She’s a Silver in the police department. Forensic scientist. She’s got the same powers as Mateo, but she doesn’t use them very often,” he added. “Just make sure Mateo doesn’t use his powers and he doesn’t get hurt. If they see his blood and see it’s Silver…” He didn’t even want to talk about what could potentially happen. “Here they have a strict system of registering Silvers if they find them. I know they had a system in the US, but it was corrupt and far easier to fly under the radar. Here, it’s different. I don’t want Mateo to have to register and be watched his whole life.” Joaquin couldn’t imagine what it must be like for Sofia these last few months of having to pretend like he was dead. “Have you talked to my mother or my brother and sister?” He wondered what they were doing after he and his father “died.”

“Okay,” she whispered with a nod. “Yeah. I get it. I don’t want them getting a hands on Mateo. I just hope things don’t escalate further. I don’t...I can’t imagine how I could possibly explain to him why some people think he’s dangerous. He’s just a kid.” She sighed, her gaze dropping momentarily. She’d moved so far away to keep Mateo safe. To give him a normal childhood. And now that very thing was under threat. At the mention of his family, she shook her head. “Only your mother. I-I try not to intrude. I can only imagine what happened hurt them a million times more than it did me. I wouldn’t want to be a painful reminder of that.” She offered him a sad smile. “Do they...Do they know you’re still alive, or?” She hadn’t gotten the chance to learn about the logistics of his fake death since learning Joaquin was still alive. 

“I wanted to make sure Mateo was safe,” Joaquin said. He cleared his throat and scratched the back of his neck. He’d absorbed some sunlight earlier in the day and started to burn off some of the energy, making it warmer in the house. He glowed slightly as the light was released. “At least four more Silvers have disappeared and one of them might be dead. Their deaths are different than how the other woman died. They were different ages, races, genders…no relation other than them being Silvers. I think there’s a Silver hunter in town. Has Mateo been using his powers?” Of course, Joaquin’s concern for Mateo also extended towards Sofia as he couldn’t bear it if something happened to her, especially if she was protecting Mateo.

“He’s upstairs in bed.” Sofia was about to ask why he’d come to check on him when Joaquin mentioned the disappearances of four more Silvers. Her hand moved to cup her mouth in shock. “Oh. Wow. That’s terrible. No, no. I’ve made sure he doesn’t. Of course, he’s not too happy with it. But I think he understands why. Are you okay, though? Are you being careful? I don’t want anything happening to you either? I mean...you being here is already pretty risky. Not that I’m not happy to see you.” She reached forward to cup his face. “I just don’t want to lose you again. The first time was hard enough.” The pain of not really knowing what happened was the hardest part. So if he were to disappear again...it would be like reliving her worst nightmare.

@mrssofiavasquez

Joaquin snuck around the back Sofia’s house. He didn’t want to go in the front and have people see him. Most importantly, he didn’t want Mateo to see him. He still wasn’t entirely sure whether he should tell his son he was alive. For now, he’d keep one foot in front of the other and focus on the issue at hand. He crept up to the back door that was by the kitchen and tapped softly on the window when he saw Sofia walking by. It was pretty late, so hopefully, Mateo would be in bed and asleep. Although, he did have a penchant for snooping around at night. “Sofia,” Joaquin whispered, rapping against the window again.

With Mateo safely tucked in bed, Sofia had gone back downstairs to make herself some tea. The initial taps against the window weren’t quite loud enough to be heard over the sound of the electric kettle. But when the rapping started again, she jumped at the sound. Her gaze was immediately drawn to her window where, to her shock, she saw Joaquin’s face peering inside. Rushing to the back door, she quickly opened it. “Joaquin! What are you doing here,” she whispered, gesturing for him to come inside. She wrapped her cardigan tightly around her, shivering at the cold evening air. “Is everything okay?”

         Leon loved working out. He had all his life – he was trained by his dad for most of it, of course, and these days his job kept him so busy he was happy to be able to go for a run or do some simple exercises at home. But it wasn’t enough to make him feel fulfilled, and instead he found himself venturing out to the gym on one of his rare days off work, a smile on his lips when he leaned against the counter. “Uh – I’m interested in a membership. Something like that, if you have it. Preferably for busy surgeons who never have the time to work out,” he joked, before looking around. “Just kidding, but… do you have like, a test training or something?”

           he wanted to get everything comfortably in order , before his home was finished remodelling . checklist open on his phone , daniel had spent his morning and half his afternoon wandering the town he’d been   ….   well , banished to , he supposed . and so , he’d moved down the list to the point promptly stating   ‘ FIND A GYM .  ’  , finding himself half a foot in the doorway of  ‘ run the world ’ when a voice welcomes him in .

          the stranger smiles , and thus he mirrors as each step takes him up to the counter ,   “   —  i need a membership . do you guys have a tier system or something ?   ”     if daniel is anything , he’s prepared to be a commission - employee’s dream ,   “   —- if you have a list of trainers on site you can show me , that’d be great . and maybe a tour or something , so i can see what i’ll have to work with ?   …  do you have a pool ? ”

“We do. The cheapest membership covers the use of fitness equipment, squash courts and pool outside of rush-hour, with a payment of 175 kroner a month. The second cheapest covers pool, squash and fitness all hours costs 194 kroner a month. And for access to the group lessons next to the pool, squash and fitness. We also have additional products you can get with your membership. Like sports water, which adds an additional 48 kroner to the monthly costs.” She slid forward a list of memberships and additional products. “You can read more about these products and memberships here.”

In all honesty, munching on remaining Halloween treats had gotten to Porter unexpectedly. Here and there, he figured a few candies wouldn’t kill him. Yet, when he decided to scale himself, which was an idiotic decision on his behalf, gaining two pounds by horrible food choices caused him to realize running helped out but he needed to make a change. It wasn’t like anything was simply affecting his figure. He kept everything toned and in pristine condition because running was his excuse to get out of his house whilst music blasted in his ears and he got lost in the moment. It was still something he intended on doing but additional help was useful. It was time to invest in a personal trainer. 

Nestled in a winter coat, feeling as the frigid winter temperatures starts to take it’s toll around town, knowing it was a short walk to Run The World but better safe than looking like an idiot wandering around the streets in comfortable clothes for working out but warm as well. Entering into the establishment, he sighed as he was greeted by the front desk, his digits resting on the counter and gazing over the general area, “Hi,” he breathed, clearing his throat. “Uh, I think it’s time I start to invest in a personal trainer. I guilty gained two pounds from the Halloween treats which didn’t get taken hostage by the kids and now I regret every moment of me snacking. So yeah, this is why I’m here.” A full life story and explanation to explain toward the woman over why he was here. This had been the most words Porter had spoken to a stranger.  

“Of course,” Sofia nodded with an encouraging smile before grabbing a clipboard and some information leaflet. “Then you’re in the right place.” Gesturing him to follow her, she led him to a seated area. “Have a seat. Do you have any experience with personal trainers?” The brunette found it important to gather as much information about potential clients before starting. She also wanted to give them as much information as possible about her method so they could be sure of their investment. She knew not everyone could afford the cost of hiring a personal trainer, so she didn’t want to waste anyone’s time or money. Even if they could afford it, either way. 

Considering she was still establishing herself as a personal trainer in Kingsholm, her schedule was rather empty. As a result, she spent most of her shifts at the front desk of the gym. She was glad she was attached to the gym and thus wasn’t dependent on specific paying clients to earn a living. Besides, it was fun to help the beginning gym-goer who was still learning the ropes but wasn’t quite prepared to pay for frequent personal training sessions. 

As much as Michael enjoys living in Norway, he doubts he’ll ever grow accustomed to the cold. Even Emily is less energetic in such weather and tends to cry or throw a fit when she’s too cold. These days, they tend to stay in the forever warm and cozy bookstore that he owns. Michael organizing shelves and whatnot while Emily kept herself busy with coloring books or flipping through colorful magazines. Since the days are slow, he normally ends up sitting at the desk with his little girl in his lap while she does her ‘job’ of littering the desk with crude, yet cute, drawings of poorly proportioned stick animals of unnatural colors.

When the bell to the door of the shop rings, Michael looks up from the green drawing of what could be a giraffe or a horse, looking over at the newcomer. “Good evening. If you need some assistance, I’ll be with you shortly.”

Even though Sofia had tried to ship most of what she owned to Norway, she was missing a lot of things. After all, overseas shipping was expensive and she now had to live off of only her own salary. As a result, she was spending the majority of her free time purchasing the things she was missing. Preferably while her son was at school or otherwise under the supervision of another trusted adult. She didn’t want to bore him. Her last stop for the day was the bookstore. She’d heard of the benefits of reading and reading aloud as children. But she hadn’t been able to bring a lot of books with her. At the time, books felt like the least important items for her to ship over from the states. She’d been able to donate them to charities and poor families who could benefit from free books.

         “I’m sure you can learn that with the help of the internet. You can learn anything from there these days, right?” He himself didn’t knew how to cook or bake either, but that was because he spend most of his time at the hospital. “I think the baker is running around here somewhere. If you ask nicely, you might get that recipe.”

What was my muses 5 last sent texts yours?

She currently doesn’t have any texts sent to the post-death phone number as she only just got it and it’s for emergencies. But the last 5 texts she sent to his old phone number from back in LA are:

[To Joaquin]: I was just thinking that we should take Mateo to the park on Saturday. It’s been a while and we could use the little family outing.

[To Joaquin]: You left your lunch. Do you want me to bring it to the precinct?

[To Joaquin]: I didn’t get to say good morning this morning. So I’m saying it now. Good morning, I love you.

[To Joaquin]: Hey babe, I’m running a bit late. I’m doing groceries before coming home. What would you like for dinner tonight?

[To Joaquin]: babe, where are you? You’re an hour late. Is everything okay?

What was my muses 5 last unsent texts yours?

[To Joaquin] (unsent): I was always so afraid something bad would happen to you. But it never prepared me for what it was like thinking you were gone forever.

[To Joaquin] (unsent): Even when Mateo doesn’t ask me questions that mean I have to lie, I still feel like I’m constantly lying to him because you’re still alive.

[To Joaquin] (unsent):  I didn’t think it was possible to miss you more than I did when I thought you were dead

[To Joaquin] (unsent): I’m worried for Mateo’s safety and sometimes I don’t think I can do what I need to do to keep him safe

[To Joaquin] (unsent): I seriously hope you’re safe and you’ll stay safe until we can actually reunite      

What was my muses last snapchat to yours?

What my muse saved your number as?

His old phone number is still saved under Joaquin. She hasn’t had the guts to delete it. And the emergency phone number is saved under 

What contact photo my muse has set for yours?

For the emergency one she has no photo and for his old one:

What ringtone my muse has set for yours?

Old number: I Just Called To Say I Love You by Stevie Wonder

Emergency: Default ringtone to avoid suspicion

How many times my muse has called yours this week?

She hasn’t called him at all as since the Halloween Marathon scare when she thought she’d lost Mateo. She doesn’t want to complicate their situation so she tries her best to just continue on as if she still thinks he’s dead.

How many calls has my muse missed from yours?

In truth, Francesca would have played it off if Sofia didn’t recognize her. It would’ve been for the best since she wouldn’t want her to get caught in the crossfire within a Silver’s lifestyle. However, that moment of validation caused Frankie to force out a smile as she took in her questions. “Long enough.” she replied at first. “I mean, the kid’s grown.” She looked over at Mateo and could see both his parent’s features in him—she should have known. “I’ve been busy. I’m actually here for work making investments. It’s a three year business plan that I’m trying to run. How have you been? I honestly didn’t expect to see you here out of all places.” 

Now the topic of Joaquin was a tricky one to deal with. In truth, both Joaquin and Francesca weren’t the best of friends. However, their family’s close ties ended up forcing them to have this sort of mutual understanding that they live in their parents’ shadows. “We were practically family.” she lied as a solemn smile graced her lips. “It’s a shame for a father and son to perish that way.” Her gaze softened as she glanced up at Sofia and then back at her son, “He’d be proud of you, you know? You’re one hell of a fighter.”

“Oh, exciting. So you’re trying to branch out into Norway? Yeah, I don’t think I ever imagined moving away from LA, let alone moving to a completely different country. But I wanted a fresh start for Mateo and myself. And it’s been going well so far. Mateo’s settling in and so am I. Couldn’t ask for more, considering.” She did occasionally miss her parents and their emotional support. But it was a relief no longer surrounded by constant reminders of her life with Joaquin. It made it easier to keep moving and not wallow in her pain and sorrow. 

“Then it can't have been much easier for you.” The brunette offered her a compassionate smile. It was still too recent for the topic not to feel like she needed to walk on eggshells when she did. To spare herself and all those close to him of the pain. Sofia nodded wordlessly as the other mentioned what a shame it had been for Joaquin and his father to die the way they did.“Yeah? Well, it’s all for this little guy,” Sofia laughed softly, ruffling her son’s hair. It was all she could do to keep herself from becoming emotional. Even though she knew he was alive, it still hurt to be separated from him. Even more so considering she had to keep it all a secret.

“You’re welcome sweetheart.” The pure innocence and happiness in this young boy’s eyes was refreshing for Francesca to see. It made her own heart content to know she brought joy rather than bloodshed and false pretences. 

“No worries! He deserves all the treats! He’s super adorable.” Making eye contact with the child’s mother, Francesca froze the moment she introduced herself. “Sofia? As in Sofia Vasquez?” she blurted out as if she already knew the woman. “—I’m sorry. I mean, I’m Francesca. Francesca Torres. If you are who I mentioned, I was Joaquin’s family friend…I know it’s been quite some time, so it’s totally understandable if you forget, but what a small world.” She wasn’t even sure if she was here because Joaquin was here, but Frankie opted to play it safe and not throw the man under the bus. 

“Oh my gosh! I remember now! Joaquin introduced us a while back, didn’t he? Wow, yeah. Crazy. How long has it been? How are you? How did you end up here?”  It was strange to run into someone from her past. Albeit, someone she hadn’t known very well. She couldn’t help but wonder if she was aware that Joaquin was alive. And it felt like an impossible topic to breach. She didn’t want to put Joaquin in danger. “How have you been coping with, you know... his passing? I can't imagine it's been easy. Definitely not when you knew his family for such a long time.” It had certainly been hard for her. Yet, processing that he was alived had proven to be far more difficult. Not that she'd ever expected to have to process such a fact. 

            Leon loved children, a smile still on his lips when he looked down at the little boy walking next to the woman. “It’s nice to meet you, Sofia and Mateo. Are you enjoying the event so far? There’s lot of yummy candy, isn’t there?”

With a straw pinched between her teeth, Octavia’s focus was fixed on the screen in front of them, half paying attention to the rolling movie whilst the other part of her brain thought about how nice and fruity the drink was. It was the simple things in life, really. Only her attention was diverted and she was quick to place it down, the brunette turning to where the question came from. A small smile formed on her lips, almost a ghost of the gesture out of instinct to be simply polite; then she replied, calm in her mannerisms. “Yeah, it’s just down the hallway by the side of the bar there. Do you want me to go with you? Girls sticking together and all that…”

Sofia briefly glanced in the direction of the bar as the other told her where the bathroom was. When she was asked a question, she turned back to face the woman. "Thanks. Oh, if you don’t mind. Would feel a little safer. It’s far busier in here than I would’ve expected,” she admitted with a small laugh. Her neighbor had mentioned in passing that Norwegians were still rather new to celebrating Halloween. As a result, Sofia had made the assumption that the movie marathon would be a rather laidback event with not too many people milling around. “I’m Sofia, by the way.” She held out a hand for the other to shake.

        “That’s understandable. I don’t spend a lot of time here either,” Leon agreed with a laugh, before gesturing along the wall and starting to walk to lead the way. “I wouldn’t want that to happen. If you got bad luck, some ghost might scare you on the way and you’ll never arrive,” he joked. “But I’ll make sure that you do.”