Chapter 2.5 ~ Opportunist

I’d never been happier in my entire life, than the time I spent with my son. He was, without being overly dramatic, my new reason to live, and do what I do.

He surprised me everyday, with his intelligence.  He was an avid walker, and months before a normal baby would, he was toddling around the house, looking at everything, and touching anything.  Soft, blue feet soon got used to padding around the house, and with a little help from me, toddling became walking, and he was as steady as you or I on his feet.

Talking though, was another matter entirely. Calypso had decided to take on that duty, and I think he regretted it very quickly, no matter how ominous potty training was.  Astral had a problem with remembering what he’d been taught, a forgetfulness of sorts. Walking wasn’t a problem because he was actually doing something, and, as the saying goes, It’s like riding a bike, you never forget. Talking however, was a skill based on memory, and memory is where Astral lacked. So, it ended up that he was taught to talk not one, not two, but three times.

And that’s not to mention the almost daily reminders, which were taught by me while Cal was working. It was hard work, definitely, but any time spent with my son ended up being well spent, and so, I never complained.

Of course, not everything was sunshine and happiness. Cal was still working double shifts every day, and I was still writing until the early hours of the morning, just to try and get a few extra simoleons to get us through the week. And, despite Astral’s normally sunny disposition, and love for everyone, he had his bad days too, and those bad days were absolutely horrid.

Despite all that though, finding out I was pregnant again wasn’t as devastating this time. In fact, it was quite the opposite. We didn’t have to buy all the furniture over again, just a new crib, and buying a bit more baby food wasn’t going to ruin us. The only problem that haunted our minds was where we would all sleep when the kids were too big for cribs. Thankfully though, that was a while away, and so we were able to push that to the back of our minds, and enjoy the idea of another new baby in our home.

I emailed my boss this time around, letting him know about our impending arrival. We had agreed there was no point in my coming to work again, as my maternity leave for Astral ended about three weeks before my new maternity leave would begin. So, I just stayed off.  Before now, in the days before motherhood, I’d have been fuming at the prospect of being kept home from work for so long, but now it didn’t bother me. If I worked, I’d be happy, if I stayed home, I’d be happy. Calypso might have had different feelings about it, but I didn’t ask him, because I didn’t want to know.

Mr Slush was kind enough to still recognize me as a valuable member of the team, despite my absence.  He had received word that an incredibly important Berry had moved back to Zephyr Hills after six years away. Apparently he used to be big on the streets, a gang leader or something, but changed his ways, and now was making big time simoleons on his artwork. I took no time to think about this assignment,  and readily agreed to be the reporter for this job.  He warned that it would probably take longer than the normal article, as this was closer to a biography that a report. It was perfect, as I had plenty of free time with my maternity leave. My journalists instinct kicked in, and this story was the only thing on my mind for a week, and then I was given the go ahead to call this mysterious man, and schedule the interview.

“Hello this is Violet moon Icing with the ‘The Berry Broadcast News’. I was wondering if I could speak with Mr Waves this morning?” I said, using my professional tone, the one that drew everyone in, without even using an ounce of emotion.

“You’re in luck today Ms Icing, and you’re speaking to him.” , he replied, voice smooth and even.

“Oh! Oh good morning Mr Waves, how are you today?”

“I’m good thank you. How can I help you?”

“Well, we have received word that you had moved back to Zephyr Hills, and knowing you’re success in the art industry, I wondered if it would be possible for me to get an interview with you for the local paper?”

The line was silent, apart from a heavy sigh. I worried that I’d been too forward, and lost my chance. I should have realized that he was only just moving back to town, and probably had the busiest schedule one could imagine. I was about to offer an interview at a later date when he spoke.

“Of course, Ms Icing. I’d be happy too.”

“Can I meet you at the Beachside Diner, let’s say… oneish?”

“Certianly. I look forward to seeing you. I’ll be wearing blue, should it be crowded.”

“Thank you, Mr Waves. I’ll talk to you later. Goodbye.”

“Goodbye.”

I hung up, and let out an excited squeal. This was probably the biggest story of my career, and I was itching to get started.

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When I arrived at the diner, it was empty, except for one, blue man in the corner. I knew instantly that this was Mr Picton Waves, and doubt started to eat away at my mind. I couldn’t seem to draw my eyes away from the three deep scars on his eye, or the many piercings on his face. I then remembered the part of Picton’s story that I’d paid no attention to  the first time. His history on the streets.

My hand went to lay protectively over the small bump on my midsection. Giving the baby a comforting pat, which in reality, I needed myself, I went over to sit with Picton.

“Good afternoon, Mr Waves.” I said, extending my hand to shake his, as I took the seat next to him.

“And you, Ms Icing. Please, though, call me Picton. Mr Waves was my father, and now my brother. Never me.”

I noted the hurt hidden by humor in that statement, and I wondered how much I’d learn of this elusive family by the end of this interview.

“Okay, Picton it is. I’m happy you agreed to meet me.”

“As am I, Ms Icing. Although, this may not be as fun as you’ve imagined.” I laughed with him, as he had intended me to, but my mind was reeling. Who was this man?

“I’ll go ahead and start now, Picton, if I may. Please tell me what got you into art?”

“My.. my Mother was an artist. She never sold a painting, but she could have made millions on that alone. She was a huge inspiration to me, and having been blessed with her gift, I could never ignore the talent I have, and the love I have for art.”

I jotted down what he said, word for word in my little blue notebook.

“Why did you feel the need to move from Zephyr Hills?”

“Feel the need? Um… I found..uh. I found the business out of town better for selling me work than here at home.” he faltered, slightly, but regained control quickly. I noticed it, but mentioned nothing. There would be more interviews, and more opportunities to learn about Picton’s past.

“Is it true that you spent your teen years on the streets, in gang situations?”

He stared at me for a while, before muttering “Next question.”

I nodded, and said, “Tell me about your family life.”

“Next question.”

I struggled to stay quiet. The journalist in me wanted to know about Picton, and delve into his past, but the Mother in me knew how he must be hurting inside, for him not to want to talk about this at all.

“Are you planning to stay in Zephyr Hills?

“As long as the art market stays good, and no other sugar happens.. Oh. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t swear in the presence of a woman, that’s my bad. Forgive me.”

I flushed slightly. Being treated like a lady always made me act like a teenager again, flustered and speechless. I hadn’t even noticed his swearing, because honestly, as long as Astral wasn’t in ear shot, I used the word ‘sugar’ a lot myself.

“It’s no problem, Picton. Honestly.”

He glanced down at his watch, and his eyes widened slightly.

“I’m so sorry to have to leave you like this, Ms Icing, but I have to meet a client in less than half an hour, and she lives have way across town. Can we meet again? I’m sure you aren’t finished with me yet” he flashed me a broad smile, and stood from his chair.

“Of course, Picton! Don’t let me keep you. I’ll call you again very soon, to schedule another meeting, if I may.”

“Right, I look forward to it. I enjoyed out meeting, even if it was brief. Talk to you soon Ms Icing.”

And with that, he was off, and I was even more confused about this strange man than before we’d started.