SHATTERED GLASS: love always finds a way

12. Columbia

«So, this is the baby» Cecily explained to us, pointing at the photos of the sonogram. «It's healthy and well in there, and maybe they will be able to reveal the sex next time.»
«You're not gonna do a big gender reveal party?» Aidy frowned.

She loved parties, even the ones where drinks weren't involved. She loved gatherings, of any nature: book clubs, art shows, concerts... if we didn't have any plans for the days off, we could always turn to Aidy and she would find some activity for us.

«No, because we're not gonna find out. We wanna have a surprise.»
«Whatever it is, it looks insanely cute» Kate smiled at Cecily. «We're really happy for you. It's late and I've got to go, but we are still on for tonight, right?»

We reassured her, and she skipped away.

It had been two weeks after the girls had told me that Anne looked a lot like me, and I was kind of starting to see it, too. We weren't twins – as they all said – but I saw a small resemblance. Kate had a type, but that didn't have to mean anything.

That evening there was the cast dinner, and since Kate had started to use her plus one for Anne, Cecily would use hers for me. Jack couldn't attend because of work, and I could chat with my friends, even if it meant seeing the new couple, who was all kisses and cuddles every time we hung out together.

«Ugh, do I really need to see Anne again tonight?» I complained, once Kate was gone.
«You can still stay home» Cecily teased me. «Unless you wanna check on them and every single one of their moves.»
«I think I'm gonna come. I just can't miss the excessive PDA» I ironically smiled. «I'll see you tonight, okay?»

I got my backpack, my sunglasses and put on a beanie, then headed out of the offices to my apartment. I had to revision some sketches I had written with Colin and a few I had written with Cecily and Aidy, but wanted to work from my comfy couch at home.

Kate had told me that I could have kept the hoodie and she didn't mind, but I really didn't want it anymore. It was hers, not mine, and I was sure that Anne would've wanted to wear that. In fact, only a few days after I had returned it, Anne started wearing it, instead.

I worked from home for a few hours, until six thirty, when I realized that it was time to get ready for the cast dinner: I grabbed a pair of ripped jeans, a flannel shirt to wear over a black t-shirt, a red beanie and was on my way.

Cecily wanted to pick me up, but I didn't let her: I liked walking to work, even if it took me a lot more time than usual. I loved seeing the tourists sightseeing, the families spending some quality time together, and all the New Yorkers casually strolling down the streets; it reminded me of my family and the normality of my life that was long gone.

«Hi!» I exclaimed, when I got inside 30 Rock.

Aidy greeted me, and so did Kate and Anne, who was wearing the Columbia hoodie. The trio took their places, while I waited for Cecily; once she arrived, she noticed an expression on my face that could only mean one thing.

«Columbia?»
«Columbia...» I nodded.

The whole situation was really awkward for me in particular, but also for Aidy and Cecily. They were used to seeing me and Kate together, so they were having a hard time adjusting to seeing Anne instead.

«Welcome everyone!» Lorne exclaimed, once all of us where in the big writer's room. «And welcome to our host this week, Saoirse Ronan!»

We clapped for her, and she smiled at us.

«Have a great dinner, everybody!»

We sat down at our usual places: me next to Cecily, Aidy next to Kate who was – of course – sitting next to Anne.