Lights (P.F.T Sequel)

Chapter Four

— Lux Halloway —

"Honey don't get worked up over it." Natasha's motherly coo voiced through the fresh speaker of the pearl white iphone. "Just don't think about it being a magazine shoot, think about it being a. . . family portrait! You know, like the one your father and I had of you and Bobbie when he was young? It'll be over before you can even think about anything and besides, you wouldn't hear me moaning about getting dolled-up in the finest designer gear and having my makeup done by professionals, would you?"

Blowing a sigh between my dry lips, I slumped my shoulders and stared through the bathroom mirror and my pasty reflection. Dressed in baggy sweatpants and my nude bra, I stared disgustingly at my saggy figure. Only two weeks after Scarlett's birth, I was already tempted to run to the closest gym and not reappear until I had my curvaceous figure back.

"It's easier said than done, Tasha'." I grumbled, nipping at the fatty hip tissue and frowning.

"When are they coming over?" She asked, the rustle of paper scrunching in the background with beeping of fax machines and chatter of colleagues.

I glanced at the time and placed the phone against my ear again, "Twenty minutes. Justin told me that they'll be here for at least four or five hours, maybe longer depending on Scarlett's mood."

"She'll be fine and you'll be fine, you need to stop stressing love." She told me. "What is your answer going to be for when they ask about yours and Justin's relationship?"

"Obviously we'll tell the truth and tell them that we aren't dating."

"Really? Even though you guys are basically a couple without the ties, you are going to still act out of denial and say that there isn't anything going on?" Her curious voice questioned as it quieted for a moment. "Come on Lux, I know by the expressions you both have when around each other there is something more than just simply friends bringing up a child. You can't deny it sweetheart."

"It's far too soon, Natasha." I faintly muffled, tugging my old, navy blue sweater over my head. "He's still hung up on Hayley, even if he doesn't admit it. I can just tell. I've already been labelled the homewrecker, I'm not going to confirm it."

"You are not a homewrecker."

"That's how the world visions me, Tasha' and honestly I don't blame them. It looks incredibly suspicious. I suddenly came into their life in literally overnight and next thing, Hollywood's hottest couple break up on their wedding day? C'mon, you can't say that it doesn't sound planned." I grumbled, slumping my body onto the closed toilet seat. "And that is what the entire world thinks this fucked up situation is."

My dehydrated lips fell into a hurt frown as my bottled feelings threatened to spill from inside my fragile body. Sucking my lips between my clamped teeth, I refused to speak any more.

"But we know the truth and that's all that matters. Who cares what the world thinks? That's totes overrated."

A humorous laugh broke free from my throat, "You've been watching too much reality shows, Tasha."

"I really should stop." She laughed back, "Even your father has compared me to a teenager with the abbreviation I've been using lately."

"Lux?" A muffled voice called from the opposite side of the bathroom door. His knuckles brushing against the white, oak wood. "You okay in there? The photographers should be here any minute."

"I'll be out in a second." I spoke loudly, holding the cell to my shoulder then replacing it to my ear. "Hey Tasha, I gotta go. Justin's wondering what's taking so long and the magazine people will be here soon. I'll text you when they're gone."