✨It Doesn't Even Matter✨

Everlasting Peace

Portofino, Italy (Peter's Perspective)
"Daddy, look at the ocean."
"It looks pretty." My family and I were eating dinner on the sea. It was amazing. We just had an amazing conversation about self-respect and right from wrong.
"But Mama, there are situations where there is no right and wrong. Like choosing between two objects or people. And, sometimes even if you choose what you think is right, it may feel wrong." Allie said.
"You're right, and when making those types of decisions, you need to know that's right for you as an individual. Sometimes, it's okay to be selfish. It really is. Sometimes, you need to do things for yourself, and work on your own happiness." I nodded in agreement and my 11 year old asked me a question.
"Dad, do you mean it's okay to be selfish when someone's forcing you to do something you don't want to do?"
"Yes, and no. Some things you can't get out of and you have to suck it up. Some things, however, you have the right and choice to choose, and nobody can change that."
"I understand," Andrew replied. He cleared his plate and I ruffled his hair. As the kids have gotten older, things have been getting much, much easier. Tantrums aren't existent,  and we all just harmonize.
"Dad, you said we could go surfing." August pointed out.
"Alright, tomorrow morning. You and I, we'll surf."
"Deal." You just had to love boat life and all of its luxuries. Close proximity to the sea at all times. We were also here with the Meloni's, and the Wentworth's but they all went out for dinner tonight.
"Dessert." The chef said with a smile. The kids enjoyed the gelato and Mariska and I watched as the kids talked amongst themselves.
"I can't wait to leave my school."
"Why?" I asked.
"Because, it's so boring, and August didn't leave the best mark behind. I wanna start fresh with my friends in another school." I put my arm around my daughter and laughed.
"There are better reasons."
"What do you mean?"
"School being boring isn't a good enough reason. It isn't meant to be fun." I said, slightly scolding her.
"You go there to learn."
"And to socialize." She added.
"Socialization is a big part of my life."
"So is your education."
"Peter, there's no winning. Give it up." Allie laughed and I gave her a kiss.
"I'm coming back."
***********
France (Allison's Perspective)
Today, my god sister and I were hanging out outside of the boat. I was with her and Olivia, I didn't know where they were going. I kind of just was following.
"Omg, Allison are you okay?" I nodded.
"You're being so quiet! Is that because Josh isn't here?" I blushed.
"Who's Josh?"
"She didn't tell you? Her boyfriend. They're such a cute couple. It was even long distance for a moment!"
"Sophie! You're embarrassing me!"
"Rightfully so for not keeping me in the loop. Your Mom and Dad know?"
"Yeah."
"Have you guys made out?"
"No. Not yet anyway." I was desperately waiting for school to start back, we'd be in 8th grade and we could do the thing we've been wanting to do. I'm surprised we haven't made out earlier, despite being so close to doing so on several occasions.
Flashback
"You waited!" I gave him a hug and he stroked my cheek. My face suddenly felt hot and I leaned in slowly.
"We can't," I whispered.
"Sorry, about that."

"Allie?"
"Sorry, I spaced out. What are we doing?"
"Shopping. I promised your Mom that we'd do something girly and fun."
"You sound cringy when you say that."
"I'm just trying to appeal to your demographic!"
"Hey, I understood what you meant!" I said with laughter. I don't want to be rude or anything like that, but I wanted to go home. Home as in New York. We haven't been here long, but I was tired. Slightly homesick. Plus, I wanted to see my friends.
"Isn't this short cute?"
"It's okay."
"Allie, are you sure you're okay? You seem a bit down."
"I'm okay. Can we look for some bracelets? I want to bring something back for my friends."
"You should get something for your boyfriend while we're here. Wouldn't that be cute?"
"I don't think I want to get him anything from here."
"Why? Everything here looks amazing."
"I want it to be really special." I want to give him something even better. When it comes to Joshua and presents for him, I hold myself to a higher standard. He isn't like everyone else, so he will be treated differently.
"We can always look somewhere else then."
*************
July 14th (Mariska's Perspective)
We were heading back to New York so that I could start the filming for season 23. Peter, August, Amaya, and Andrew were staying in Germany. I was with Allison. I thought this would be the best time to spend personal time with her. Allison is starting to go through her awkward phase and it's put a bit of a damper on our relationship. Increasing hormones, first pimples, hips, all that jazz.
"Allison, did you text your Dad?" She had her face covered and headphones in.
"Pardon?"
"Your Dad."
"Oh, yeah."
"Mom. Why won't they go away?"
"What?" She pointed to the two pimples that had developed on her chin.
"They're starting to go down. Don't worry, when we get home we'll deal with it." I assured her.
"You look beautiful today."
"Thanks, Mama. Mama, what are we doing when we get home?" She buckled herself up and organized the space around her.
"Well, unpack and eat some dinner. We should be home by then."
"Cool. Thanks for letting me come home with you."
"No problem. Why were you in such a rush?"
"I don't know. I felt really homesick." I nodded and she lifted up the armrest.
"Mom, I have dance tomorrow."
"I know. You wanna go?"
"Yeah. Can I go to Josh's tomorrow?"
"Yes, and then I'll pick you up."
"Pick me up? How long are you working?"
"I'm going to be behind the camera, I'll be done before dinner time."
"Oh."
"Mama?"
"Yes?" She shook her head and looked out of the window.
"If you want to tell me something you can."
"I'm saving it for later!"
*************
The Upper West Side (Allie's Perspective)
"Josh!" I ran into her arms.
"Ouuuu, you got a tan and everything! How was Hawaii? Tell me all about it!"
"I should be asking about you, I've been back home for a while. Come inside." He said calmly. In a sense, I was slightly disappointed. I thought that he'd be happier to see me. Maybe, it's just me being energetic again. I don't know. These days I get these weird random bursts of energy. I'm not sure where it comes from. But anyway, we went to Josh's basement to his in-home theater. It's one of our favorite things to do at his house.
"What movie are we watching?"
"Choose any movie, I don't care."
"You don't care?" I shook my head. He snickered and chose one of his favorite movies.
"Don't tell me-"
"Endgame!!" He yelled.
"You're so crazy. Just get us some snacks and start the movie." We've been watching this movie a lot lately, to the fact that I probably know most lines by heart. But, it makes him happy, I love seeing his face light up as he watches the movie. It's the least I could do. Considering everything he has done for me, and I'm so grateful to have someone like him in my life.
6 Months Ago
"I can't do it." I cried. I sank my head into my lap.
"What do you mean? You definitely can."
"No, I can't. I'm not strong."
"Yes you are, you're a fighter! If you weren't so strong, then you wouldn't be here right now. Don't talk about yourself like that." He gave me a hug and I just cried. That's all I could do at the moment. I was just so sad and broken.

"Thanks for watching this with me for the 10th time."
"Don't gotta thank me." I threw some popcorn into his face and he ate it.
"You're like a dog! Jeez, Joshua!"
"But I'm a cute one, aren't I?"
"No!" He started pouting and I stroked his back.
"Look at this little puppy!" I picked up his dog and gave it a hug.
"What the hell?"