Distance Between Us | j.d.b ✔️ (BOOK I X II) THE FANFIC

DBU II: Chapter 4 (Justin)

I always loved Christmas, as a young child anyways when it was more about family and the birth of my savior than it was presents or finding something to do.
Santiago had her fair share of open relationships, but eventually that died down a little bit. I believed she was seeing someone. I had no idea of who it could possibly be and although I questioned her, I didn't push her any. She'd let me know before it got too serious. Santiago was always in her own world now. It was rare to find her in her own place. I eventually offered to look after Swan. Swan kept me company a few hours of each week, but I looked over Ester like a hawk. She was my baby girl, my child. She deserved everything and more as the cutie she was.

"Veronica." I cooed as I plopped down on the leather lounge. I was in a relatively good mood today for no reason. Being in a good mood wasn't rare, but it wasn't an occasional mood of mine. In all honesty, my mood swings were tiring, but there was nothing I could do about them.

"Justin, it's Ms.Wilkins. We've been through this." She urged. Veronica liked authority, but I didn't really care what she liked. These therapist tried to play games. I was a short fuse and they always seemed to poke at me, knowing that they would get a reaction. She got on my nerves frequently, asking me questions which received answers, but would lead us no where if the roles were flipped. Ms. Wilkins was a therapist, but Veronica was my therapist. I assume that's a territorial or property issue. I kid. I'm completely joking. I simply rolled my eyes at her and chuckled. The irony. Justin.
I didn't watch her place her purse and such behind her desk in a drawer, but I listened to her. Her heels were settle along the carpeted floor. I also listened to her plop down in her chair and position herself with one leg crossed over the other, her clipboard laying against her legs and an ink pen in her hand.

"Have you taken a moment to gather your thoughts? Is there anything in particular you would like to talk about during this session?"

"I guess." I trailed off with a shrug, disregarding her second question momentarily.

"Alright, let's begin then. How would you describe your mood at this very moment?" I took a moment and simply stared at the small dots in the ceiling.

"I'm content actually."

"Are you really?" I glanced over at her.

"Is that a trick question?"

"No. Of course not." She began to scribble things down.

"Can you tell me where this form of content has come from?"

"I mean, I kind of just woke up fine. My best friend, I've referenced her a few times, has been letting her cat stay with me throughout the week. I guess that and my own pet have something to do with that." I rambled.

She simply scribbled more down.

"What else have you been doing?"

"Music."

"Ah, yes. Music has become your thing now. How's it going?"

"Music has always been my thing."

"It's only recently developed?"

"For sure, but it's always been there." I admitted as I eyed her. She hummed and took note.

"Any plans for Christmas?" She redirected.

"No."

"Are there any family members coming into town? Are you going to visit anyone?" Veronica clicked her pen. Inhaling and exhaling I slowly directed my attention to her. The crisp design embedded in the ceiling parted ways with my vision.

"I don't believe so."

"No one special? Nothing at all?" She questioned further, uncrossing her legs.

"No. I️ said no."

An envelope addressed to me came straight from Santiago. Santiago was the type to send letters when she was in the mood, just like someone else I used to know. Her handwriting was fancier than usual however, so I wasn't sure what to expect. Licking a thumb, I began to peel it open. Inside was a small card and something sticking out.

Lilly Smith's Christmas Ball.

I had seen and heard of the publisher's name, but I couldn't recall where or how.

Patting Ester's head I pushed myself to the edge of the sofa and opened a book that I had laying on my coffee table. It was a book that I cherished gratefully, due to its deep in text meaning. Anyone in their right mind would say I️ shouldn't own it since it was essentially a slap in the face, but I️ had too. It was the only thing left of a distant memory. Inside of the book was a quote directed to Smith, which essentially a slap in the face for her as well. At least depending on how you took it.

Why was I being contacted though? My music career was growing, but it was no where near what a publisher would have an eye for. I was a ghost writer, but I had heard a few things about Smith. I wasn't the time to address rumors, but I also wasn't the type to put myself in the position to let those rumors influence me. Smith was self concerned, I️ guess anyone in her position had the right to be. A Christmas party, though? A ball? Why was I️ invited?