Love, Cecelia

Chapter 24 - The Way I Loved You

June, 2022

"And off we go" James says, giving me a kiss, and he throws the towel on his shoulder.

"Wait for me" Emily yells, as she comes downstairs, carrying a small surfboard, in her yellow swimsuit, plastic glasses on her head.

She's like a little lady.

"Be back before dark" i manage to say, before the door closes, and Emily's giggles fade along with the sounds of their flip flops.

Willow follows me behind, as i make my way to the kitchen, to pour some more cold lemonade, to cool down from the heat.

Los Angele's heat is worse that Manhattan's. Is like the sun is much closer here.

James and I moved back to LA, a couple months ago, after the Broadway shows ended, I got a new job, for a movie, a second leading role. The filming is here in LA so we had to move back. We got married just a couple weeks ago, in a small circle.

A beach wedding.

Olivia and Grace were my maid of honor and bridesmaid. Emily was the flower girl, in her baby blue dress that matched the ocean.

James chose Aaron to be his best man. They became like best friends since they met each other.

After the director of the orphanage, checked i was married, with a new and more income, and a house, she made the progress easier. Emily already knew us, and they talked to her privately, and she told them what she wanted.

People don't seem to adopt children at that age, because they think its the hardest age for a kid to grow. They prefer a newborn, where they will know them as parents since day one.

Well, they are mistaken.

You are still their parent, i just believe is about the connection you have with the child.

Emily is now an eight years old girl, and our legally daughter. She still calls us by "Celia" and "James" and we don't mind. She needs her time, adjusting, away from her friends she made in the place growing up, and to a new home with two adults.

The doorbell rings when i add a couple ice cubes in my glass.

James must have forgotten something.

"I'm coming" i say, making my way to the front door, and opening it, i come to the view of those two honey brown eyes.

I feel Willow stopping besides me.

"W-what are you doing here?"

"Is this how you say hi to a friend you haven't seen in long time?" His deep voice, travels to my ears, as he pulls me in for a hug.

"How- when did you come back?" I keep asking questions, in shock.

Ronan bends down on his knees, and gets Willow in his arms.

"Look who's all grown up" he says as he pets her chin, just like he used to and she would make purring sounds.

She still loves it.

I gesture him to come in, and i close the door behind, taking a deep breath.

"Do you need anything to drink or?"

"A cold water would be great right now" he answers, running his hand in his hair, and i make my way to the kitchen.

He must have cut them, because they look like they are growing back.

"For how long are you staying?" Ronan raises an eyebrow, "I- mean here, in LA, home" i explain.

"I'm leaving tomorrow"