Without Words

15- Two Toasts

AN: This is a long chapter. I tried splitting it in two parts but it didn't work out with the flow of the story.

Trigger Warning: There may be a scene that involves a little violence and offensive language/comment made by one of the characters. Not extreme but definitely shouldn't be done and emulated in any way. There may also be a bit of (tame) graphic gore description, I tried toning it down so I hope it wouldn't offend anyone.

"I still think you should apologize." Katelyn unhelpfully stated.

"Both of you are acting like kids." Tabi disagreed. "No one should apologize, she made a personal decision he has no say into."

"Except that he should know about it at least."

"Exactly, he should know about it but that doesn't mean he can tell her what to do."

"How can you say that?"

"Women can make their own decisions."

"We're not talking about pen*ises, Tabi." Katelyn raised her voice and stood up in indignation. "This is about mutual respect. If you'll suddenly move to Chicago, then it's common respect that you'll at least tell me about it."

"So you'll talk me out of it?" Tabi also stood up.

"To present the options you still have. Chicago isn't the best choice!"

"What's wrong with Chicago now?"

"It's not about Chicago. It's about the fact that you won't give me the time of day to talk about it."

Luca sipped his iced coffee loudly, taking both of their attention. "When did the tea party turn into the weirdest marriage counseling session ever?"

It has been two months since Dan and I reconnected and surprisingly, it was so easy getting back to normal routine with him. Granted that he doesn't look or act the same as before, but the easiness, comfort and security I felt with him was still there, and so much more blooming now. After so much debate, he now drives me to school then back at my studio then his home. We started fixing the studio and Caroline has been happy to see Dan helping out. She allowed us the reconstruct, repair and bless my studio. My friends and I work on it during weekend afternoons. My morning weekend, free period and free time are devoted to my mentorship. I finished my painting of the landscape and Sybil is working with me to hone my style and technique better. It was an enriching experience and I loved every minute of learning and expanding my craft more. Dan and I meet after my mentorship and his internship to have lunch or dinner then head back to his house and talk. Claudia has been very welcoming, though, I have a strong hunch that Dan told her of my mom's and brother's treatment.

Dan introduced me to his friends at school and no bias aside, I liked his group better than Matt's. Francis is my co-tutor in the program so we hang out a lot after school to discuss about our lesson plans and teaching techniques. He's a bit of geeky, with his thick rimmed glasses, lanky physique and curly red hair. But what makes him special is the confident way he carries himself. He might look like a boring nerd but the way he owns up to his talents and knowledge is not something you can make fun of.

Logan is on the quiet side, with his beefy physique and standing taller than even Luca, he's a giant packed with muscles. His buzz cut and motorcycle makes him look like the kid your parents warned you about. But physical appearance aside, he is a huge teddy bear. He's the only person who indulges Katelyn's ranting and, menacingly threatened Tabi and Luca's bullies. I would have taken matters in my own hands again but Logan was quick to protect my friends. And for that, he will always be in my favor.

The clown in their group is Emmet. He likes to party, make jokes, cause trouble and just play around. I think it's the third time this month I stopped Tabi from throwing a ten pound dictionary on his head. He's a sweetheart though. He has little twin brothers that I sometimes babysit with Dan or Katelyn. They're the sweetest kids ever and they adore Emmet so much.