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Then Thalia and Luna’s life would be totally changed, and I wasn’t sure that was in a good way.
“I’m…I’m stuck,” I whispered anxiously to Thalia, who was sitting next to me in the car. Hector and another person from the security team had left ahead of us to check out the complex. “Maybe it’s not the best day. You go back to Luna and I’ll just drive away. We’ll try again another time.”
Thalia shook her head.
“It’s not going to be easier another time.”
I sighed, knowing Thalia was right. I pulled my black ball cap down low and slipped on dark sunglasses. The goal was to just blend in with anyone else who might be walking around. I wasn’t sure this look did that, but I was sure I didn’t look like Damian Apollo.
I was wearing basic faded jeans and an old UCLA sweatshirt. Hector had given us the go-ahead to leave the car and was ten steps away, under the awning on the first floor.
I took a deep breath and opened the car door. Thalia was close behind me and we tried to walk at a normal pace, but I kept my head dipped low.
I was practically dragging Thalia toward the stairs where we and Hector made it to her apartment on the second floor.
Thalia was laughing as she shut the door behind us. Hector was going to stay outside, wandering the complex to make sure nothing seemed off.
I laughed with Thalia as I glanced around the apartment. My heart fell a little at Thalia and Luna living in the small, dingy space. I tried not to be an elitist or anything, but it seemed not much had changed for Thalia over the last five years. This apartment was very much like the life we had back then. It was a punch to the gut, and a reminder of everything Thalia had given up so I could have a chance at my dream.
I could see that Thalia did the best with what she had to work with in the apartment. Everything was ruthlessly clean. There were no dishes on the counter and I could see in the small living room that toys were neatly organized in bins. She had some flowers on the windowsill and framed pictures of Luna and some people I recognized as her family and sister filled the walls. The refrigerator had some artwork, no doubt done by Luna.
But I could see the water stains on the ceiling, the dim lighting, the thin walls, and the hum of constant traffic on the busy street outside her window.
A small table with four chairs took up some space in the transition area between the kitchen and the living room.
I peeked down the hallway that split between the kitchen and living room and saw a few doors that I assumed were a bathroom and bedrooms.
Thalia led me to the living room and I peeled off the sweatshirt in the warm space, wearing a white T-shirt. On the coffee table in front of the couch was a very elaborate tea party set. No one was there, except some stuffed animals that surrounded the low table.
It was all evidence of Luna. Anxiety fell into my stomach again.
“Okay, I didn’t think she would go this far,” Thalia said. “Luna and my sister just went for a walk. They should be back any minute.”
Thalia barely got the words out before the door opened again. A young woman who looked exactly like Thalia walked in the door, and her jaw dropped.
“Oh, my God,” she squealed, but immediately composed herself. It drew out a real smile from me as she rushed over. “It’s nice to finally meet you. My sister’s told me so much about you.”
Ah, this was the younger sister. I’d never met her during our first time around. Her energy was infectious, she was vibrant and emotive. I could see how she and Thalia balanced each other well.
“Adriana, chill out, please,” Thalia begged her sister, peeking around her. “Where’s Luna?”
“No, please, it’s okay.” I really didn’t want anyone to have to adjust or change their personalities because of me. “It’s nice to meet you, Adriana. I’m Damian.”
I held out a hand to shake and smiled warmly. I’d been worried that everyone in Thalia’s family would instantly hate me, and I was more than a little relieved to find that untrue.
“Okay, okay, be chill. I can do that,” Adriana muttered to herself as she stretched out her hand. I couldn’t help but laugh.
“Adriana,” Thalia sighed at her sister as the handshake extended into awkward territory. I never had siblings, so I never experienced these dynamics. It was fascinating.
“Right, sorry. Sorry.” Adriana gathered herself. “Well, I’d love to stick around for the party.” She gestured toward the pink tea party set. The sound of small footsteps on the stairs outside caught my ear. “But I have an exam tomorrow and, in true Adriana style, I haven't studied. But, someone brought something special to share.”
She dashed outside the still-open door and Luna darted inside.
My heart twisted when I saw her.
“Don’t worry,” Adriana said to Thalia. “Mom was outside with Luna. They were finishing packing up the cupcakes. Mom’s not going to come in just yet.”
Adriana shot me a hesitant look and I understood.
