ordinary superstar

Luke took hold of the last tabloid mentioning the ex who shall not be mentioned, which was published by Perez Hilton. He’s always had a heavy dislike towards the band and told you already beforehand that. But with the influx of other material you attacked with, he’s frustrated how you were still gullible to bother with him in your marriage. 

“Fucking hell (Y/N), you know they aren’t true!” He threw it on the floor, not startling you one bit. 

“Explain yourself then, yeah? A new girl every fucking week.” With work and a recent injury in your arm from stunts, you were bombarded with stress. This rumor started out a few months ago, and you obviously shrugged it off because of outlets like starting unnecessary drama. Besides, your faith in your husband overcame it. But now it kept crawling back up, and you were sick of it. Was he being unfaithful? Is Luke really messing with you this time? 

“Alright then.” He clenched his jaw and stood upright in front of you from the couch. You had your arms crossed, and he mimicked you. “The girl from the first article is a crazy fan who I shooed off respectfully, but she wasn’t budging. The second article, yeah she was a new artist, but she is also the youngest daughter of Jack Barakat and sought me as one of her mentors in music. Last, she threw herself at me while I was getting a drink out of nowhere!” 

“The last article looks way too real to be fake! You’re lying!” You started feeling insecure, but yes, the main cover for the tabloid looked way too real to be a fake. For once, you were beginning to consider that Perez might be correct. You can’t stand that idea! “Also you’ve been distant lately too, and I’m not even sure if it’s because of work!” 

As for Luke, how dare you indirectly accuse him of infidelity he thought? Unaware of you, he’s also up to date with issues about you and one of your castmates. He never approached it because he trusts you. Though based on how the angles were fixated, it looks too real and affectionate. He’s bottled it for too long because he doesn’t know what’s real. 

“Oh babe, don’t take you’re the only one who’s been questioning that.” He hissed as he brings out his phone. Clicking on the tab, he exposed those articles to you in your face. 

Feeling Cozy?? Actress (Y/N) (Y/L/N)-Hemmings softens up to co-star, Ross Lynch on his lap 

For Film Reasons or Not?! (Y/N) (Y/L/N) on her knees for BTS idol V 

The shock in that memory was hard to forget. You were relaxing and watching some of your other co-stars jump out of a flaming car. As the car exploded, you were taken aback and Ross caught you so you wouldn’t fall. It was a private filming, so you couldn’t understand how and why that was on the main cover. “Tell me about these ones then, babe since you were confident in accusing me with the same shit.” 

And you did bluntly. “Ross caught me when the exploding car scene happened. Who wouldn’t be shook? Then for Taehyung as I prefer to call him, he accidentally dropped something while we were filming and I was nearer so I just crawled down to get it!” 

He wasn’t so convinced, so he kept retaliating. ”Ross seemed way too handsy and you know he can be a flirt! As for V, the way he viewed you on the floor made me think he had other ideas.” 

“Unless you want me to fall and get a concussion, be my guest! Also, Taehyung’s face is really like that?! The camera person there just didn’t capture the moment he got the phone and he gave a big smile after and gave his thanks!” You gave your last words, your last bits of energy almost empty. How is he so secretive now and throwing all these accusations? Of all days, why now? You just had to voice out before he gets anything else out his dumb mouth. “Nowadays, it’s like every guy I get associated with my job gets you worked up all the time!” 

Luke huffed mockingly, thinking how faulty that statement was on your behalf. “Didn’t you just lash out on me with all these different girls awhile ago? Quite the hypocrite.” 

As your anger jolts up, you knew you would blow up and the entire house would go on an entire frenzy. You didn’t want to cause any stress to the other people living here, thinking about your daughters who are definitely sleeping right now, you needed space to wrap your mind on this stupid argument. “Well, whatever then. I can’t fucking stand you right now. I need air.”

Luke’s pride was still held so high. He knew he won the argument, but you just didn’t want to admit it and he badly wanted to hear you say it. Honestly, what a dickhead move. “Pathetic, you know I’m right.”

And that line was the final straw, fuck being considerate for once and you just blew up. “And so what if you are? Today was exhausting, and I really can’t think straight because of all the work I did today for our family! Can you not be a fucking bitch?!”

“I’m the bitch?! You accused me first of being unfaithful based on stupid articles from gossip magazines! I thought we got past through that phase in our relationship where tabloids cannot mess with us anymore!”

“Well sometimes, things change! We have been fighting non-stop lately, and I really have no idea if you’re worth the trust anymore!”

“If I’m not worth the trust anymore, then why are we still together when we can always go our separate ways forever?!” He growled, not even blinking one bit. 

You gasped for a moment, not wanting to comprehend what he just implied. Luke didn’t expect to go overboard with a statement like that, but before he could even take it back, wild vocal cries from upstairs blasted around your home. Did you guys really go all in and argue that loudly to disturb the peace? 

Your motherly instincts kicked in quickly, not even excusing yourself from your husband and raced the stairs to your twins’ bedroom. Thankfully, the doors were already opened, so you quietly approached their cribs, picking up Stella first since she was making the most noise as Rebecca was sniffling along but she might break into a fit soon. 

“Oh no, little bub.” You laid her on your shoulder, cradling her up and down so she would calm down. Rubbing her tiny back too, she burped a little bit. “I’m sorry if I woke you up. Your daddy got into Mommy’s nerves today.” 

Now humming some random song you can think of to comfort her more, echoing footsteps from behind entered the room and from your side view, this person took hold of the other twin who was now beginning to doze off instead. You were still facing the opposite direction, not wanting to deal with his shit for the time being and focus on your fragile infant. But maybe you were just as fragile as her now.

“Hey, poppet.” Luke lifts up the sniffling baby, cradling her side to side for a change. She latched on to her father’s index faster than ever, not bothering to let go anytime soon. It’s a trait that she always does to anyone who carries her, making it more enjoyable to interact with her. But with what happened, Luke wasn’t pleased to make her feel discomfort. “I know you heard shouting, and I’m sorry about that and making it ruin your sleep. Daddy will fix everything so you won’t be disturbed again.”

Just as you finished your humming, Stella was completed fast asleep again as you heard her soft cries turned into snores. She might’ve drooled a bit on your bare shoulder, but it doesn’t matter. Giving a kiss on her forehead, you placed her back in your arms then laid her curled up body in the crib. One more look of her peaceful state and you seek to come after Rebecca, but she was already handled by her father by the window. This is when you make your exit and head to the kitchen for water since your throat grew dry after intense arguing and soft mumbling.

Sipping continuously, your mind is still nervously trying to wrap around what Luke spat at you awhile ago. Did he really mean what he said, that it’s best to be separate since the two of you together have been driving you both insane? Because if that was the case, that would mean-

“(Y/N).”

Your mind shifts back to your surroundings, turning around to find a frantic Luke leaning by the countertop. His hair more disheveled because of the stress, looking more tired than ever. Physically and emotionally. “What I said-”

“Did you really mean what you said?” You cut to the chase, not raising your tone anymore. “Did you actually consider that option?”

“I was mad and at the spur of the moment. I would never-”

“You didn’t answer the question.” Confronting him like this was very heavy, but he kept dodging. Even thinking of that idea gutted you, but you needed confirmation. “Have you considered getting a divorce with me?” 

He was silent because he can’t lie about that question. After being in constant quarrels for months, it messed with his work ethic and mental state too. But because he loved you so much and his daughters, he let it pass because you and him always conquered every test the world handed the two of you. Reading his actions, he was contemplating how to lay down the truth based on the way he scrunched his eyebrows and how his eyes couldn’t even look at you. Shockingly enough, you don’t blame him. Because you have thought about this option too. You were not as happy as before, having lost motivation to do what you love without any issues to encounter when you come home. What started as mini arguments on misunderstandings turned into big fights with no one winning. Almost every morning, there were no longer the sweet breakfasts and greetings because of the stress from nights before resurfaces. Ignorance in the household became common, except when it comes to your daughters. 

Still not answering, you beat him to it. “Because I actually have.”

“You’re lying,” Luke says with disbelief, gripping on the counter. “Please, let’s not talk about this.” 

“Luke, have you not noticed that we aren’t happy anymore? We fake everything to our family, friends, and everyone else. After seeing our daughters and how they reacted to us from our fighting, this doesn’t seem healthy to anyone. Also, the longest period we’ve ever spoken is right now. Because once we argue, it’s over for the night, and it became a pattern for months. Didn’t we lose our motivation to work too? Ash has been on your ass for not creating good lyrics while I’ve been more prone to injuries when I do stunts because we aren’t thinking straight.”

He hates that your eyes begin to water, the way you frustratingly brush your hair back. He hated that he hurt you and would do anything to make things better. Anything. “But (Y/N), I love you.”

You love him too so much, shit. But your well-beings together in the same area is enough to edge off a building. You can’t give him anymore hurt to him, now somehow, you’re holding him back with his music. “You and I need space. This right now and every day just distances us.” 

“We can still work this out, please.” He begs, frightened. 

“Luke, you thought about this too. We need to take care of ourselves.” Your heart pities the man you love, but it’s all too much for your plate now. 

“But who’ll take care of our daughters?” Oh yes, the million-dollar question. This is a tricky one, and you couldn’t bare handle this one. But at least this one can still be discussed in the days to come. 

“We’ll find a way to sort this through.” Luke wanted to defend his love for you and everything in it. But as he realizes that you were indeed correct of the status of your relationship, it was a stab in his heart. Add in his daughters in the equation, and he can be left for dead. There’s no way he’ll let them witness a toxic parental relationship, and that was his final wish. He truly cares for you, and if it meant this option, so be it. If happiness for you again meant this, he’ll accept it. 

“Do you know a lawyer who can handle this?” That painful answer escapes his lips, and how badly he wanted to take it back. He dreaded this outcome with you, never even thought it would happen. 

You heavily despised that he agreed to it because he knew how stubborn you can be to conclude things. But then again, the longer you stay together just worsen things especially now that you have kids. “I’ll ask Gina tomorrow about that. Goodnight, Luke.” 

Swiftly exiting the kitchen with heavy tension, you wiped all the tears on the hem of your shirt. You needed to stay strong some way, somehow. But chances are you’ll be crying yourself to sleep tonight because it’s happening and for the best, as you believe it to be. 

With Luke left with his thoughts, he cannot believe he agreed to it. He doesn’t cry much to express sadness, but the fact that he’s losing you is more than enough to crack him. He’s convinced this is all a dream, then he’ll wake up to you in his arms with the assurance that everything will be okay. But unluckily, it is all an awake occurrence. 

“Goodnight, (Y/N). Please stay.”

- - -

2034, Sydney

“Shit.”

Luke grumbles, still tired from his sleep. The culprit of his awakening would be this pounding headache that was bothersome. Rubbing his dry eyes, he unexpectedly felt a feather-like brush his arm. It startled him, rising up from his bed to see what that was.

Actually, who she was.

Nowadays, he stays in the middle of the bed to sleep, but for the first time in a long time, he stayed on the left side. Because the right side was always reserved for ...

“(Y/N).” 

You were still peacefully asleep, sleeping on your side as you favored. Your entire body was covered with the duvet, surely bare naked under because he was too. Out of unconscious instinct, he grazed a finger on your cheeks. It’s a good thing you were a deep sleeper so you wouldn’t flinch. He was hit like a bus when the memories of last night’s drunk escapade replayed in his mind, getting him to recall every gasp, position, and touch. Drunk him is more courageous, but also a risky one too. 

The purple patches on your neck and your lower jaw were a standout. If you were still married, he’d be proud, but because you aren’t, things just got more complicated. 

What’s the next step? 

He heard a short grunt from you when he brushed a few strands of hair out your face, swiping his hand away. Crap, how was he to handle this? But luckily, he was spared because you continued your slumber and lied your body down from your side. Now, he really had to stop his overthinking. Besides, it’s Sunday, and he’s in charge of breakfast. Quickly, he scurried his cabinet for a fresh set of clothes before quietly exiting his bedroom. The more he stayed, the more his mind will bombard him with questions. Sadly, leaving the room was a lose-lose situation. 

He still had you in his mind.

Being the only one awake in the kitchen made it worse. No noise to counteract those thoughts, especially since it was only 8 am. Rebecca’s usually up by 8:30, so it would be a silent 30 minutes. Sure, the sizzling of the pan cooking bacon and pancakes was there, but it was too soft. 

Might as well face them, Luke.

Last night has become an emotional awakening. He missed this kind of romance, where neither held back nor felt insecure. But then, it happened when you were intoxicated. What then? He felt a tinge of awkwardness, but also happiness. But again, it didn’t work out the first time, so what will happen the second time around? With your differences, things may deteriorate much worse, and who knows, it’ll be to the point of hatred and not allowing the girls to see each other. You being with him will be chaotic. 

But to be with you, you could start from scratch and rebuild up that love you had. He wants it to be stronger than ever, especially now your emotional maturity has grown. Once he finished placing the food in their plates and to the table, he is in need of a distraction. For sure, not involving his e-cigarette because he’s trying to preserve his health. For now. 

The first thing that he saw was his grand piano. His absolute gem, it has been too long since he last played. Maybe it can wake up you guys but in a great way. After all, you are a musical family. Besides, it’s a calming mechanism. Settling on the black bench, he gently lifts the black wooden cover so it wouldn’t creak. The white and black keys were clean yet dusty due to lack of usage, but it didn’t really bother him. Cracking his knuckles, he prepared his fingers on the necessary keys. There was a specific song that perfectly described his uncertainty, and so he pressed down on the keys and began to play along.

Meanwhile upstairs, the rustling of the leaves from outside his bedroom window put your sleeping patterns to a close. Slowly widening your eyelids open, you woke up at an unfamiliar bedroom, an empty bedside too. Not just this, the duvet felt much warmer than usual. Looking under it, you were met with the view of your nudity. 

There, a recap of last night clouded your mind.

His lips on yours, then down your neck, while his cock thrusted in and out of you while you continuously screamed his name from your wet lips. It was already blaring, but he did say the room was soundproof. Especially when he had one hand on your neck while the other linked with yours in the bed.

Wonderful? Truly. 

It sucked that he wasn’t beside you any longer, for aftercare or something that brings out your emotional softness. Last night was a brief occurrence that explained a lot. Maybe all that is left is to talk things out. Here, you were certain and happy. Quick to have sex already, but nonetheless. 

As comfy as the bed was, luring you to lay back and sleep in more, the muffled sounds of the piano roamed the room from the slightly ajar door. Interested, it hyped you enough to get up from the duvet and go downstairs, except that you were naked for starters. Since it wasn’t your room, it was an excuse to crash his closet and find any random shirt you like. Just like you used to enjoy. Also, upon seeing those marks from a mirror, there wasn’t much care you gave and just let them be. Tiptoeing down the stairs, you didn’t want to disrupt his peacefulness, and listening quietly wasn’t too bad either. Creeping on his playing or singing was never something you’d pass. 

Speaking of singing, his voice was still angelic as ever as it smoothens out along with the song. It was all too familiar, so you leaned sidewards on the stairs and listened. 

Are we better off alone, than lying to ourselves

There was angst in its message. You have heard it before but its meaning was questionable in the given situation you were in. You made sure not to overthink it too much because his voice is melodic and enchanting. With the final chords and lyrics portrayed, Luke felt a lot more sure with his thoughts. You are too delicate. If he makes a move again, it might not end well. He cannot risk that, and if he really loved you, he will let you go. Last night was almost like his goodbye to your romance. As he wanted, he wants you to be happy. 

For you, you were slowly falling back in love with him already by the simple things he does after. His back muscles flexed, showing those evident scratch marks you did, oops. His loud sighing, showing his passion for his craft. His legs also were tangled from the bottom. You were into deep for him, and you wanted him to know that you were amidst his area. Hell, you would’ve run to him and hug from behind. Maybe peck kisses on his cheeks. 

“That was amazing.” 

Shook. Luke was taken aback by your morning yet sweet voice, switching his view for the piano to the back. There you were, majestically dressed in one of his tees leaning against the walk with a genuine smile. Your silver dyed hair was still rugged in a ponytail, exposing those marks he gave which he completely forgot giving.

“Fuck, I did that?” He spoke, pointing on the crook of your neck with a crooked grin. You blushed heavily, not moving an inch to cover it up. His marks were nothing to ashamed of, especially now. You just wanted to be his again. 

“Oh, yeah. Forgot how dominant you could get, and you still have that side. Stronger than ever.” You praised, taking the last stair down. You can’t waste any more time. 

“So, last night..”

To you, it was never over. Everything just needed to be fixed with time so you can both mature emotionally.

It’s so early in the day and you were here looking like a goddamn killer queen. That just made it harder. But no, he cannot. When he sees how close you were to get to him from his seated position, it’s his chance to stop it. Because if not, his denials won’t be possible. God, he’s desiring you so much but it would be so unhealthy. 

He abruptly got up, almost hitting the keys of his piano. He was getting too overwhelmed. You, on the other hand, were about to finish that statement but surprised at his action. This was his last chance, and he unhesitatingly took it. 

“Last night was a mistake.” 

What. 

Unexpectedly completing your statement, you couldn’t believe his words. Internally, you were begging that he took it back, saying he was joking. You wanted him to crack a smile, saying that things could get better. But he didn’t.

The rebuilt happiness of your heart was deteriorating. He was hurt too saying that, but for him, it was what is best if you want this parental relationship to work. So he was actually pushing you away this time, and maybe for good. Your body still stood there speechless while your mind was wandering off and praying that he changes mind or his words. But he wasn’t done talking yet.

“Last night, we were drunk and sad. I’m sorry I took advantage of you like that.” 

You wished it was a lie. Though he gave a frown, giving you the complete opposite. Now, you had to reply, and it cannot be the truth. As things got complicated, adding yours will make things worse. 

“O-Oh, it’s fine. Sex is sex, right?” 

Not this one. 

He noticed a stutter and how your face scrunched up. It hurt how you were actually “agreeing” with him, but it has to be done. 

“Yeah, it is. - Now,” Luke tries to move on from the hard topic into a smoother one to get rid of tension, even though he resulted in the complication of your relationship. You were having a hard time to contain your emotions. Sure, it wasn’t the first time in the rodeo, but this has the most painful aftermath. Worse than cheating is this rejection. 

“Breakfast? I made cooked something since Felicia came home a little late with a certain secretary.” 

“Did you mean mine?” You swayed over to where his arms lead you, which was the dining room. Taking a seat on the opposite side of Luke’s, you quickly poked at a pancake and put some butter and syrup like you were a little girl again. With heartbreak, there’s always food as an instant comfort. 

“Yeah, I’ve actually called it the day I met her. She’s different from the boys and a few girls she’s seen.” He speaks highly of Gina, a hype of pride you gain from it. 

“Huh, I thought the exact same way. Don’t tell them I told you this, but I caught them making out when I came home from strolling Sydney and you were still in the beach.” Sharing embarrassing stories was another distracting mechanism of yours, though you had no shame in bringing this up. Luke choked on his coffee slightly before laughing a fit. 

“Oh shit! I’m guessing you were scarred?” He says, unbothered. It was a slap how he started treating things like it was back to normal, but if it is how you guys can cooperate, then so be it. 

Perhaps him pushing away this time is your karma for having pushed him away first all those years ago. 

“Oh my god, yeah. I instantly shielded my eyes when I got home! - But hey, at least they’re happy, you know?”

“Yeah, who would have known? My nanny, your secretary?” He banters from the other side as he eats. 

Not so soon after, a chorus of cheery “good mornings” bounced the walls. It was none other than the girls. They already looked refreshed, having showered and dressed in better clothing that isn’t pajamas. How good for them, and how you envied them.

“Morning, girls.” You greeted back, receiving good morning kisses from them as the both of them sat beside you, where Stella was to your left, Rebecca on your right, then Luke across you. He smiled at his daughters’ entrance, passing them the food he cooked. 

“Ah, dad’s cooking has gotten better!” Rebecca compliments, pouring more syrup on her pancakes. 

“Believe it or not, but when we were younger, he and I almost burned down the house when we tried to cook.” You shared a bit of your past, catching him get embarrassed at the remembrance. Never have you shared much to Stella and most especially to Rebecca, so it’s a start. Maybe with this, you can make him change his mind. 

Just maybe.

“Oh my!” Stella burst out laughing, picturing how horrific that must have been. 

“Wow, what character development dad’s had.” Rebecca voiced out, silently applauding her father, who rolled his eyes. 

“Because of that, we hired a butler and a housekeeper, who became a nanny.” He played along.

In sync, two young women, who looked like they just woke up by the stretch their arms out and rub their eyes joined the scene. 

“Oh look, one of them is here.” Luke added on, directing his attention to the ginger-haired woman in her pajamas. “Good morning, Felicia. - Good morning, Gina.”

“Morning, boss.” Felicia says, walking towards the kitchen to prepare herself a cup of coffee. 

“Hey, Gina.” You say to your sleepy secretary, who was sat at the high chair at the island.

“Hi, Miss (Y/N).” She replied, then receives a cup of coffee from Felicia out of the blue before she sits beside her. 

Stella noticed how sleepy Gina is, which is contrasting to her usual hyper self in the morning. She wasn’t so used to it. “Hey Gina, you look hammered.” 

“Ah, I just did a lot of things yesterday and I had a hard time sleeping. Nothing serious, really.”

“Or someone.” Luke mumbled too loudly, getting you to shout “Hey! Shh.”

Felicia caught onto it and teased back. “I’m not the only one who got frisky, boss.” 

Holy, did she...

“Dad, what does she mean by that?” Rebecca asks naively, curious by such comebacks.

You were stuck in the middle, but the way he was out of words to console her with, you stepped in. “Oh, they’re just playing around, poppet. Don’t worry about it.” 

Thank goodness you saved him from answering that, he thought. It was too soon to talk about it. It looked as if you were not affected prior, which was somehow reassuring to him. But he would not deny that it stung to confront everything like that. You, on the other hand, were in pained, but what can you do? Karma came and doing her job. And you freely allowed it.

-

“Call me whenever you want to, regardless of the time difference, alright? Tell me about your days and about anything, okay?” He reminds her, as he was knelt to her height and rubbing her jacket covered back. Stella kept nodding to her father, her frowns hurting to his ego. Letting you go meant letting her go, his other half. A bi-continental relationship is bound to be hard, and it’s not typical for an eleven-year-old. 

“I will, dad. Visit LA soon, okay?” 

“I will, bub.” He kisses her forehead and brings her in for a tight hug, one that should be worthwhile. “Take care of yourself and your mom, alright? She needs you. - I’ll miss you, Stella.” 

“Okay, dad. I’m gonna miss you so much too.” As their intimate moment reached its end, you were still bidding your goodbye to your youngest twin, which was as similar to being ripped open. She tried her best not tear up at the slightest, but who wouldn’t? You’re her mother, after all. You never wanted her to think that she was less loved than her sister all these years. Rebecca was hugging you with all this love she had saved for you, where there was sadness that went along with it because you were leaving again. 

“I don’t want you to go.” She begs against your chest, her tears finally spilling down as time gets to her faster. You hid it all in, the sadness and rejection. It’s saved for another time. All you wanted was to reassure her no matter what happens. 

“I don’t want to either, poppet.” Her quiet whimpers stung like alcohol pressing on a wound, just like the time you left her all those years ago as a baby. The only difference now is that she knew why she felt that way. Time felt slower to truly cherish it, but time was moving much faster than you both realized. It was until Gina’s hand on your shoulder that disconnected this maternal bond, with a knowing look. Her eyes were just as sad as yours to break it, but it was time to shift back to reality. The one that you wished never lived in. “Miss (Y/N), we must go.” 

Melancholy was her tone before she exited the front door and to the Uber door that she booked, where a glum Felicia was bidding her goodbyes. “Message me when you land, okay?” Felicia asked with urgency, wiping some growing tears under Gina’s eyelids. 

“I wish it wasn’t like this.” Gina, still composed, pulled in Felicia by the waist for a hug. 

“I know, babe. I know.” 

Back to you and Rebecca, she hasn’t let go still even when Gina tapped you. She was afraid of that separation anxiety hitting back in only when she learned to suppress it after knowing the real truth about your past relationship. This time, it will be stronger. As the brave girl that she is, she unlinked her arms around you to take in another look at her beautiful mother. Remembering that ripped picture from camp, she studied your features and how they never really changed over time. She believes that you and Luke were showered numerously in some sort of fountain of youth, and the fact that you were the real deal and not just a tangible photo anymore, how delicate you were to her. All that maternal connection that she’s been wishing and missing out on for so long was granted by the heavens even if it was limited. “Mom, I-I love you so much.” 

“I love you so much, Rebecca.” It would be a lie to say that this moment did not sting like a bitch. Your words comforted Rebecca enough to build her strength to lessen her grip on you, slowly letting go of your embrace. How mature she has grown in these past weeks, and how you have to find a way to not miss out on anything with her. “Poppet, talk to me whenever you can alright? I want to know how you are and everything else.” 

Grazing her cheek, she topped her hand on yours. Half dry and wet it is, she nodded repeatedly. “I-I will. I promise“

“Good girl. You were raised well.” Leaving a kiss on her forehead, there behind her was a much taller and broad figure whom you can’t ever ignore. Even with what happened, acting civil is a must. For the girls. Stella and Rebecca, from your peripheral view, didn’t say a word as they faced each other, a perfect reflection. Everything was covered in a hug. Perhaps everything they wanted to say has been said, and that last contact for now is the only thing to seal everything. 

There you were, facing him one last time. He can read the pain that he caused, but he can’t risk it. But with you, you already are on the brink of letting him go forever. That rejection and loss of hope took a toll on your heart, and you can’t force him to change after what he went through and moreover, you can’t force him to love you again. 

“Well.” He began, fumbling on his jean pockets and not leaving his eyes on you. He wanted to absorb this beauty before you’re gone, focusing on every detail like a painting. “Here we are.” 

The way he looks at you just makes your heart ache more, you couldn’t even look straight with the urge to cry. “Luke, I-“ 

“Take care of yourself, okay?” You will try. 

“I will, you too alright?” You say bluntly. He wasn’t convinced, and he added on. 

“Come visit when you can too please.” If he can’t have you, at least seeing each other from time to time is better, right? 

“I-I need space first, and I got a lot of work when I get back. I’ll make Stella visit during her break.” That was a half-lie, but you were just too hurt to answer properly. Now, you don’t want to see him until you have healed fully. He has ruined you, but all he can do is nod. 

“I’ll be looking forward to that.” Moments of silence tensed your conversation, taking in another view of the lovely man in front of you. Shit, this is going to be hard, but you believe in yourself. You did a decade, you can handle more. Luke wished there was more time to spend with the family, but life is equally unfair to everyone. 

“Miss (Y/N).” Gina announced one last time, switching to her professional self again. Turning to your shoulder, your daughters were already waiting by the car door with Felicia on the other side with Gina. Watching you both so heartbroken yet reluctant was painful. But they are not in a position to intervene. 

“Well,” Luke picked up the conversation that was almost dying. “You don’t wanna miss your flight, do you?” 

“Yeah, sure can’t.” It’s like deja-vu made an appearance. Except when he brushed his lips to your cheek and pecked it, you froze and your heart was racing again. 

“Be careful.” That can mean anything, but you opt not to overthink anymore. Putting yourself back together, you nodded and abruptly disconnected yourself from his presence. You needed to breathe, intaking deep ones on the way to the car and finally meeting up at the car per Gina’s request. She was already inside, and so was Stella who wore her earphones to drift away from her heavy surroundings with lord knows what music the kids are listening to today. By the other car door open, there Rebecca was to bid goodbye for a while. Giving her one last hug and a peck on her cheek, she helped you settle inside the car and closed the door for you. 

As much as you would want to wave goodbye like on any trip you go to, this was a hard pass. Besides, you know it wouldn’t be the last time to see Rebecca. The car quickly has the engine going, and the Uber driver vacates from the front yard of the house. Not looking back, you slouched on your chair and like your daughter, put your earphones to disconnect. Just let the music be the one to soothe your state.

Fast forward, there were no paps at the airport because no one knew about your revised departure details. It was a lot more peaceful and fast, though people did notice you and only gave you small waves because they respect your privacy. Thank god for those kinds of people, really. 

Finally, you settled on your airplane seat, first-class because you can. Stella was on her phone, texting whom you assume is her twin. But unknown to you, it was actually Alex. She kept a pout the whole time, dreading the flight but there’s no turning back. The cabin crew then played and demonstrated the safety rules of this flight. Instructing that your phones must be on airplane mode at this time, your fingers curling on your cellphone meant to tap on the settings application in order to activate the airplane mode as requested by the pilot. But your thumb slipped for the smoothness of the screen because you were ready to drift to sleep your feelings away, clicking on the call button. 

Dumb move at first, but when it opened, one option caught your attention before you could exit. Voicemail. You have inactivated it years ago because most business calls would be first forwarded to Gina, though there was another reason why you did it. There laid all those unsaid voice messages from the decade you divorced Luke, happy and sad. Since you never contacted in that period because of the pain and dislike, that was like an outlet that served as his proxy. It felt so wrong, but mostly everything you said were updates on Stella growing up and nothing more. 

At this point, you needed to move on with your life. These voicemails were secrets, so it’s best to be transparent with him and show that you’ve always cared for them from afar. Gathering your courage, you sent them all before tapping into airplane mode. This weight in your chest lessened a bit, and it just may be a great start. 

“Ladies and gentlemen, the Captain has turned off the Fasten Seat Belt sign, and you may now move around the cabin. However we always recommend to keep your seat belt fastened while you’re seated. In a few moments, the flight attendants will be passing around the cabin to offer you hot or cold drinks, as well as a light meal. Alcoholic drinks are also available at a nominal charge/with our compliments. Now, sit back, relax, and enjoy the flight. Thank you.”

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