The Sweetest Drug (On Hold..... maybe)

Page 44

3 months later Nina and Jared are preparing for the arrival of their baby, the Nursery is coming together and they've even got the names narrowed down to two choices for both a girl and a boy, they couldn't be happier. Shannon and Julia are busy planning for their temporary move to Paris, they've toured their flat and couldn't be more in love with it and the location is perfect. It's centrally located so the Eiffel Tower, shopping, coffee and more importantly the studio are all just minutes away. Today the girls are out shopping while Jared begins the first of a handful of pre-release interviews and Shannon is prepping for the pregnancy photo shoot he is gifting Jared and Nina. He's happy to be starting this new adventure with Julia but he's dreading leaving Jared, since childhood they have been thick as thieves and absolutely inseparable. The longest that they have been apart was the 4 months Jared was away on set. They talked on the phone constantly and he visited Jared twice before the last three weeks of filming but this was different, he'd be in another country and the last time they were apart Jared fell ill for the sake of filming, hopefully it would pay off in the end but only time would tell. He did however feel at ease knowing his mom would be moving in while he was away to help Nina and Jared with the baby.

Shannon found a beautiful bungalow right on the beach just down the coast from Santa Barbara. it's secluded yes but just 15 minutes away from the city, both couples will be spending the weekend there and it'll serve as Shannon's backdrop for the pregnancy shoot. S:"So it's all set then?" Him:"Yes Mr. Leto the bungalow will be ready for your arrival on Friday" S:"Thank you Travis I appreciate it" T:"You're quite welcome Mr. Leto, you do remember where I'll be leaving the key?" S:"Yes of course, inside the mailbox in the Manila envelope address to me" T:"That's right Mr. Leto, and you've got my number in case you need anything" S:"Thank you again Travis I talk to you soon" Shannon put the receiver back in its cradle and heads out to pick up Jared for lunch.

Julia and Nina have been shopping all morning and picking up a few things things for Julia's trip and the baby. Nina did her last photo shoot a few days ago so she is now free to plan for the arrival of her baby, Julia is in constant awe of her even though Nina is at the end of her pregnancy she shows no signs of slowing down.  She can't help but worry about her, what with all the stress Chris put on her. They haven't heard from him or Liam in three months and frankly it worries her that they've been quiet, too quiet. She ran into Liam coincidentally one afternoon when she went to meet with her producer at the studio. He didn't give up much more information than what he told Nina, he said he'd already had a heart to heart with Chris and he shouldn't be a bother but Julia couldn't help but be concerned. Nina notices that Julia is a bit distracted "Julia is everything alright doll?"  J:"Yes of course darling, I guess it's just hitting me now ..... I'm really moving to Paris" N:"Of course you are darling and with Shannon no less" She tears up and smiles sweetly she finally gonna live her dream and call Paris her home for 4 months, and she intended to enjoy it "Oh Neen I'm gonna miss guys so much but especially this little butterfly" N:"So is he" J:"Or she, you really want a boy don't you?" N:"I just want a healthy baby, girl or boy. But when I picture him I picture a boy" J:"Aaaaw I'd love to experience this with Shannon" N:"You will someday Doll"

In another part of town Shannon and Jared are having lunch at one of their favorite eateries in Venice, they've been going there since they were kids. The atmosphere is fun and the food is still good, even the staff is still the same well almost. Her:"What can I get for my boys today" S:"How about our usual and two coffees" Her:"Somethings never change do they, I still remember when your mama used to bring you in and both would polish off a whole stack of pancakes in one sitting" J:"He still does" Her:"Be nice Jared!" J:"Sorry Emma" Shannon chuckles at that, guess somethings never change. After lunch they take a walk on the Boardwalk S:"Do you remember when we used to hang out here?" J:"Hang out, we used to live here!" S:"I remember you used to stare at the painters for hours" J:"Yeah and you used to tap your legs to the beat of the drums, man I miss those days" S:"Me too, we were thick as thieves weren't we?" J:"Were? Still are, I'm gonna miss you Shan" S:"Me too Jay. Just promise me something, no more crazy diets"  Jared raises an eyebrow and gives Shannon a crooked little smile "Really Shannon!" S:"You're my little brother it's my job to worry and take care of you" J:"Mine too"