In A Different Time (Watty's 2024)

Chapter 17

I've always wanted to visit Boston ever since I watched Mrs. Winterbourne. I wanted to go walking where Bill and Connie went. I find their morning walk sweet and romantic. I didn't plan going to Boston under these circumstances and I certainly didn't think that my first time going to Boston would be in the 1950s.

Since there are no planes during this time, we traveled on the road. James was behind the wheel. He rolled down the windows and the cool air hit my face. George and Martin sleeping at the backseat as the song from the radio lull's them to sleep while I sat on the front seat.

Three days passed after the incident. Him and Martin made up. Although, no apologies were exchanged just nods. I don't know if that's how people apologize during this time or it's just there thing. Things were normal between them.

James has been quiet after he was discharged in the hospital. His responses were limited and mostly stayed in his room. The director was kind enough to give him some time off due to his injuries and the filming will continue once he's back from vacation as Martin requested. At first, I didn't understand why Martin didn't mention Frank's death to the production team. I asked him about it and he told me it was what James wanted. He doesn't like sharing anything personal. There are certain things that he wants to keep for himself and not get tainted from outsiders' speculations. The media portrayed him as mysterious while I see him someone who wants privacy.

There's a part of me think that Frank's death could be one of the reasons why James' drank himself to death. I feel like I'm getting somewhere on how to save him but I still think there are still other factors to consider for his death. I'll just start on this one and worry the rest later on.

"His guitar skills are lit." I said out of the blue. I glanced at James who had his eyebrows furrowed. "What?"

"What do you mean by lit?" he asked as he kept his eyes on the road.

Oh, right... he doesn't know future slangs. Real stupid Grace.

"It means cool or awesome. I'm complimenting his talent."

"Then, why didn't you say cool or awesome? Much more understandable if you ask me. Where do you learn these words?"

I've learned to shut my mouth during my time here. Obviously, I'm a terrible liar and I know James thinks so too. He just doesn't point it out and goes along with it. It says so with his knowing smirks. So, I just smiled and shrugged my shoulder; bopping my head to the music.

"Another 'don't tell'. I got it." he smirked and shook his head. "You're a real mystery, Grace."

"Look who's talking about being a mystery."

"Alright, alright. You got me there. Although, I do have my reasons why. You on the other hand..."

"Have reasons too. You're not the only one who's allowed keeping secrets here buddy."

He guffawed and threw his head back down. A smile spread across his face finding my remark amusing. I inwardly smile seeing him like this. It's nice for him to be like this. Forgetting for a moment the reason why we're on the road.

"You are probably the first woman to call me buddy. Out of the ordinary but I don't mind."

"How about dude or maybe bro? We can do like secret handshake thing whenever we see each other. That'll be so fun!"

"Don't say those things. At least not in front of everybody. They'll start thinking it's unladylike. I don't mind that but people will talk especially when you're with me."

"Honestly, really. I don't get why we have to behave a certain way. Can't we just be our true selves? It's hard pretending to be ladylike, you know. Like for example, I should sit down properly on a chair but all I want to sit down cross legged. There are times where I want to wear pants instead of skirts and dresses. Do you know how hard it is to work when you're wearing a skirt or a dress?"