I Promise (Explicit Version)

~Chapter Five~

"So, there are quite a few friends visiting me. So, there's my wife, Julia, my daughter, Sophia, Lauren Lopez, Joey Richter, along with Brian and Meredith Holden. I've told them a lot about you, so if you ever feel unsure or scared or anything, text me. You know my information. I'm always here for you. I promise," he said. I nodded and he headed in, taking my hand. At first, I didn't recognize anyone. A few seconds passed and I identified everyone. Joey, Lauren, Brian, Meredith, and Julia. They all came up and introduced themselves. I felt safe. After overwhelming introductions, Darren took me to what would be my room. It was small with bookshelves aplenty.

"Thank you," I whispered.

"The girls did the decoration. I just told them what you liked and they did the rest," Darren said. I smiled and settled a few things. Phone chargers and the few books I had. We were still waiting for some stuff from the mail. I then called Robert. It went straight to voicemail and I sighed.

"Um hi. It's me, Luna. I just wanted to let you know that I arrived safely," I said, my voice starting to break. "I really miss you. I know that we were able to do this when I went to university, but it's different this time, you know? I- this is where I'm going to spend the rest of my life. We're really far apart and we both have jobs and commitments to take care of. I- I don't know if I'll ever go back. Luckily, I'll be able to actually see you in two months. Call me back."

I hung up and tried to hide the fact I was beginning to cry. It didn't work and tears rolled down my eyes. I allowed them to for about five minutes before I decided to begin editing the articles for tomorrow. Proofreading always helped me feel better.

I didn't notice that I had stayed in my room for almost five hours. Darren had softly knocked on the door. "Are you hungry?" He asked me. I nodded eagerly. "Come on."

I followed him and there was some pizza on the kitchen counter. I took a piece and began to eat gratefully. Conversations circled around me. "I'm sorry, Mere, but I'm sworn to secrecy. You'll know in May and that's that," Brian said.

"But do you even have a cast list? I don't need to know anything else, only if you have one," Meredith said.

"We have a rough draft of the roles and potential candidates," Brian surrendered.

"That's all I needed to know," Meredith said. Meanwhile, Lauren and Julia were having a completely different discussion.

"See, I know that she might not be celiac, but she still should try it," Lauren said.

"Okay, two things. One, she can't bite anything. Two, baby food doesn't even have gluten. This can wait a while," Julia said.

"But she will try gluten-free things like pizza. I bake and cook gluten-free because I'm selfish and want some," Lauren said. Darren and Joey were conversing about their college years.

"Remember that time when you showed me to the wrong class?" Joey laughed.

"Yes! I didn't know that the acting classes had changed location," Darren laughed.

"An-and I walked into a video production class," Joey laughed.

Dinner was a nice experience and before I knew it, I was ready for bed. I lay down and was reading when my phone went off. Robert. I collapsed into the wall in relief as I picked up. "You're awake!" I exclaimed.

"Yes, I was asleep when you last called me. So, how is it?" He asked.

"Well, it's certainly really hot. I haven't really had much of an experience, though. I have a job to keep up with and I had to proofread," I yawned.

"Well, keep me updated. I am already late to work and-," I heard him bump into a wall and had to contain my laughter. "Shit. I need to call in that I'm going to be late. And you need to— damn it— sleep." I giggled as I heard his string of curse words. He was trying to get his shoes on one-handed. "Okay. Be careful. I don't want to see you hurt the next time we meet up."

"Okay. Good night!"

"Night!" I exclaimed cheerfully, hanging up. I continued reading for about an extra half hour until Julia knocked on the door.

"Mind if I come in?" She asked.

"Not at all," I said, moving over to create room for both her and Sophia.

"Thanks. I was wondering about you. You were up here all afternoon and you haven't talked. Is everything okay?" Julia asked me, concern in her honey-brown eyes.

"Yeah. It's just that I'm tired and the newspaper is publishing a lot of short stories and I had to edit them," I said.

"Okay. Don't hesitate to ask us if you need anything. Darren also wanted me to tell you that Chuck, your oldest brother, is coming tomorrow. He wants to properly meet you," Julia said.

"Okay. Thank you," I yawned. Julia smiled and left. I quietly started playing the playlist with every Potter musical. Right now, I just needed reminding of my roots.

The next morning, I woke up by nine hours. Good thing it wasn't ten. I didn't want to wake up Sophia. My niece. Weird. I headed downstairs where I found everyone eating breakfast. "How's the time change treating you?" Darren asked. I yawned.

"I'm sorta used to it, I'm just not a morning person," I said.

"Well, eat something," Lauren said with a smile. I gratefully smiled back and began eating. I cleared my plate and put it away. Everyone but Darren had already started to get ready.

"Did Julia tell you about Chuck?" He asked. I nodded. "Well, he's coming in an hour and a half."

"I'm going to shower and get ready. Maybe I can talk to Robert," I smiled, that thought cheering me up. I showered and left my hair wavy. Let's see how it responds to LA climate. I had forty-five minutes to spare, so I first checked my email and then called Robert. He picked up.

"I was about to call you. Great timing!" He exclaimed.

"It's morning here," I said, "How're you doing?"

"Pretty good. It's just quiet. And I realized that you won't be able to see the show. Want to Google™ Hangout during it?" He asked.

"Yeah. I meant to text you last night, but my other older brother, Chuck is coming in.... about fifteen minutes," I said.

"Okay. Darren mentioned he had friends over. How is everyone you've met?"

"Well, I haven't properly talked to any of them. I only properly talked to Julia. She's really nice and cool."

"Have you been antisocial?"

"No comment."

"This is a verbal conversation, that doesn't work! Besides, stop being antisocial! What are you having trouble with?"

"Conversation topics."

"Weather. Books. Life. Harry Potter. Your short stories."

"Good idea." I heard the doorbell ring. "Well, I think Chuck is here. I'll talk to you later."

"Okay. Bye!"

"Bye!" I hung up and hurried downstairs.

Disclaimer: I only own Luna and the plot line.

I'M A FOURTH YEAR IN HOGWARTS MYSTERY!!!! It's so exciting and Ravenclaw won the house cup in year three, thanks to the 100 points Dumbledore gave me for breaking every school rule. So, that's that. Also, I already miss Robert and he hasn't been missing for an entire chapter yet. Have a great time 'till I upload!!!

--Luna :D