Death of a Bachelor

#21 A day without Lewis

That was the last time they spoke to each other after that evening. The next morning, Simone found herself silently accompanying Lewis to the airport, each of them heading to different planes. A disappointment washed over her when Lewis didn't even care to look back at her she just took a deep breath and rubbed her belly bump as she watched him dissappear on her eye sight, as she boarded her flight to Paris, Simone couldn't shake the weight of guilt that settled in her heart after their last conversation.

Sitting in her seat, gazing out at the clouds drifting below, Simone couldn't help but to think about Lewis and replayed their last conversation together over and over in her mind. She remembered the warmth of the blanket around her shoulders, the flickering firelight casting shadows on Lewis's face. She felt sad and guilty, realizing this was what she got after pushing him away. Closing her eyes she silently prayed for Lewis's success in Japan,  even though she doesn't have any idea about the motorsport she wished him well in his race, hoping that he would find fulfillment and triumph on the track.

Five days later after arriving in Paris, Simone quickly settled back into her familiar routine of painting and teaching at the school she loved. Being surrounded by the bustling city and her daily tasks brought her a sense of comfort she had missed during her time away. Despite her longing for home, especially her parents, Simone reassured herself that she would return to them soon. Standing in front of her easel carefully stroking her paintbrush across the canvas, Simone gently rubbed her belly, feeling the bump that was growing inside her.

Yesterday, Simone's appointment with Dr. Sharma confirmed that she was now twelve weeks pregnant, leaving her filled with excitement about the gender. Dr. Sharma is known for her gentle demeanor and compassionate care, qualities that Simone deeply appreciated during her appointment. She found comfort in her reassuring presence and the way she patiently addressed all her questions and concerns about her pregnancy.

As she continued to finish her work the main door of her studio suddenly swung open with a force that startled her.

"F*cking hell!" Jordan's voice rang out as she slammed the door shut, her frustration evident as she peered through the window. Simone jumped at the sudden noise, dropping her paintbrush and turning to her friend with a concerned expression.

"What happened!?" she asked her brow furrowing with concern as she swiftly untied her apron and placing her brush back on the table.

"some f*cking paparazzi chasing me" Jordan exclaimed, her irritation evident in the way she paced the studio floor, her footsteps echoing softly against the worn wooden planks. She ran a hand through her blonde hair and peeked again through the window to check they followed her "but don't worry about it, Si" she took a deep breath trying to calm herself.

Simone's eyes widened "woah! you are really famous now!" she said proudly, giving Jordan's shoulder a supportive tap "look at you!"

Jordan sighed heavily, sinking into an empty wooden chair nearby "I hate it! I hate paparazzi!" she muttered, pulling off her hoodie in frustration.

"I thought this was your dream?" Simone frowned as she stared at her friend "isn't being known is what you wanted?"

"I-I do but it's...just" Jordan hesitated, struggling to articulate her conflicting feelings.

"maybe you are not just used to it Jordan" Simone said gently, her voice filled with empathy "what if the time comes when you become even more famous?"

Jordan sighed again, running a hand through her hair "I don't know, Si"  she admitted quietly "It's overwhelming. Sometimes I feel like I'm losing control of my own life"

"are they really that bad?" she asked

"of course! they stalk people around like a f*cking sh*tty evil dogs!"  Jordan exclaimed, her frustration evident.