S1E2: Chapter 2 - Photograph

I put two cups of coffee in front of her, then sat. “Nice!” She took a sip and sighed. “This... perfect! Where do you know...”

“Well...” I wiped my nape. “I... often visit this place.” She hummed.

I supported my chin as I stared at her. This cozy atmosphere, with you by my side... everything is perfect. Plus... you’re mine.

“So... how’s your work today?” She asked.

I’m chuckling, straightening my posture and sighing. “I wish you’re my editor, babe. I just... don’t like the rush.” She rubbed my hand.

“Is there anything I can help?” She showed a wrinkle on her face. I nodded my head and pulled my chair closer to her. “You looked stress...”

“What do you think? Should I take a vacation?” I’m holding her hand. Our hands intertwined and fists as if she’s meant to be. I closed my eyes, pecked on her cheek. Her perfume scent was like a drug for me.

This will become my new addiction. “Yes, you need a vacation, Julie!” She surrounds her arms on my waist, then leaned her head on my shoulder. I seated her on my lap.

I stroked her hair as we were sitting there, watched by other people. “If you...”

“Let them see.” She looked into my eyes and traced my chest with her finger. “I want to tell the world that...”

“You are my mine.” We said in sync. We chuckled and smiled. We’re exchanging warmth as the cold, cozy air from the cafe blows to us gently.

“What about you? Do you have a problem with your clients?” She snugged to the crook of my neck.

She touched and cupped my cheek with her right hand. Her touch was so gentle. Our eyes meet.

“I want to eat you...” I whispered. I'm tickling her waist. She’s giggling as her eyes crinkling to the corners.

She stood up, then dragged my hand to my apartment.

Flashback on

I knocked on the door and sighed. I waited for the door to open, smiled at me.

She’s wearing a simple white T-shirt and jeans. White, pink backpack on her back. Matching her outfit. “Julie? Are you sick?”

“A-ah... right.” I put my hand inside my pockets and responded to her smiles. “Let’s go!” We’re walking side by side to the bus stop.

“Julie... do you think I could?” I’m glancing at her. “My parents always want me to go to that university...”

“You can.” She stopped her steps, then looked at me. I pulled her closer, brushed her hair strains behind her ears. “You’re the smartest person I’ve ever known, Rumi.”

“Do you think?” I nodded.

“A businesswoman and psychologist, I will be with you forever.” I kissed her forehead. My heart beating faster than usual, and our eyes met.

“Promise?” Our pinky finger tangled tight.

Flashback off

I put a bowl of instant noodles in front of her. “One for me...”

“Thanks, Julie.” She slurped the noodles. “You right... no one can beat this ambience...” She leaned her head on my shoulder.

Lo-Fi jazz music played in the background as we stared to the wide window. The glimmering of city lights at night brings joy to us. “How’s your parents doing?”

She’s nodding her head. “They’re both great! How’s about your dad?” She’s looking at me.

“Hmm... I’ve never seen him since my departure. Why?” She chuckles. “Oh, right... wait a minute!” I put my bowl on the coffee table, then changed my focus to her.

I pulled out the drawer, then put a navy-blue box in front of her. “Happy birthday, Rumi DiNozzo. I hope... we can get married in the future.”

She gasped, covered her mouth. “Oh, Julie...” She closed the box, then hugged me tight. “Thank you...” she whispered.

I let go of the hug to help her wear the necklace. “You look beautiful in that necklace...” Her face reddened. We continued our meal, while having small talk about our job, life, and college experience.

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I blinked my eyes several times and observed her face. She was so peacefully in her sleep. I rubbed her cheek gently and tried to move my arms slowly.

Her eyes fluttered and opened. “Where do you want to go?” She holds my hand.

“I can’t sleep.” No point in lying right now. “Honestly, something... bothered me. I don’t know what kind that is, but... my mind keeps thinking about something.” She leaned her head on my thigh.

Her gentle touch is like a balm to my soul. She touches me so gently. “Take your time, Julie.” I took a deep breath and sighed.

I held her hand tight. “Well, I’ve been in relationship with someone... when we’re apart. It happened quick, and now... she passed away.” I wiped my tears with my thumb.

“I’ve also been in a relationship before...” she rubbed my back, then sat next to me. “Let’s heal and support each other, okay?”

I’m chuckling. I pulled her closer and held her tight. We were not speaking, just the sound of a police car serene in the distance, and we looked at my bedside table. “People said... the more you’ve been hurt, the more it will be difficult for us to heal.”

I get up, then take out the picture. I put all the photographs of her inside the trash can to burn later. “Let me help you,” she said.

She handed me a hand. I hold her hand and we’re cleaning my bedroom as we’re exchanging stories about our recent partner.

Flashback on

Milan, Italy

I kissed Maria’s cheek, and we were on the side of the street. “I’ve been waiting for you, Mi Amor (My Love)!”

We’re walking to our place where we used to hang out. My ring fell and rolled across the street. I don’t want Rumi to get mad. Besides, I don’t

want to destroy the government properties either.

I chased the ring, but suddenly someone pushed me aside. I heard a squeaking sound, then the sound of someone getting hit. “Oh no...”

I approached her, but the car fled the scene. Screwed this. I carried her like a bridal and ran through the hospital.

I keep mumbling the license plate.

Flashback off

“Once I already got there... she’s gone forever.” We’re sitting in front of the fireplace.

“I’m sorry to hear that. How about her family? Did they blame you?” I’m nodding my head.

“Spoiler alert, they also blamed you.” I held you tight, as I stroked your hair. “What’s the matter right now... she’s happy. I should be happy with my choice...”

She smiled as she wiped my tears with her thumb. “It’s okay, Julie. You’re doing great... you still become Julie that I used to know. She always... brave.”

I stuck my lips on yours and pulled you closer. Our tongues tangled as the desire came alive.