*Lumi* I walk into the room, the soft light casting a warm glow on the scene before me. My heart skips a beat as I see Luca sitting there, cradling our tiny son in his arms. A surge of love washes over me, filling every fiber of my being. Luca's eyes meet mine, and a tender smile spreads across his face. I can't help but be amazed by how effortlessly he handles our little one. It's as if he was born to be a father, his touch so gentle despite his size, his voice so soothing. After two weeks I am finally starting to feel mostly like myself again after the birth. At least in those ways that will return to being as before. The ones that won’t, Well I do not care, it was all worth it to have our little Rasmus. His name means beloved and desired and he truly is both. I watch in awe as Luca tries to make our baby boy smile. He makes funny faces and coos softly, his voice filled with pure affection. Our son's eyes fixate on him, captivated by his presence. It's a magical sight, one th
2 months later *Tom* The sun is blazing hot on the Texan soil as I walk into the room where Luca and I are supposed to get ready for the big day. I glance at my reflection in the mirror, adjusting the collar of my shirt, I am ignoring the faint pain in my leg… a harsh reminder of the past. "Think it's hot enough?" Luca's voice pulls me from my thoughts. He is already dressed in his new suit, looking more Hollywood than Texas, but his grin is as wide as the Rio Grande. "I think it's just right," I reply, a smirk pulling at my lips. I remember how Meri will often tease me about my British love for cooler weather. But today, even the heat seems tolerable, maybe because I finally will get to call her my wife. Luca laughs, a hearty sound that fills the room. "That's because you are about to marry the woman of your dreams. Even a Texan summer can't dampen that." "Marrying the woman of my dreams in a double wedding with her equally beautiful twin and my best friend," I add, causing
*Lumi* I sit in the garden, feeling the warmth of the sun on my skin, as I watch my two-year-old son, Rasmus, playing with his cousin, Valo. Their laughter fills the air, a delightful melody that brings a smile to my face. Luca and Tom are tending to the barbecue, the tantalizing aroma of food making my stomach growl with anticipation.It's hard to believe that two years have passed since that special day when Meri and I both became mothers. My chronic leukemia, once a heavy burden, has been kept under control with the help of the new medicine. I feel healthy, alive, and grateful for every moment I get to spend with my family.The news of Meri's pregnancy fills my heart with joy. I glance over at her, as she is sitting beside me, her baby bump starting to show. I can't help but smile, I am so happy for her and Tom. "Meri," I say, excitement bubbling in my voice. "Have you found out the gender of your baby yet?" Meri's eyes light up, and a mischievous grin spreads across her face.
*Meri* "Are you completely sure you don't want me to stay here with you ? I hate leaving you when you are sick". I look at my beloved twin sister Lumi, who is all bundled up in bed with a cold. She smiles at me. "Yeah, we just arrived in London… go see the city. You shouldn't sit here just because I'm sick. I'll be okay… I have tea, Netflix and something called hobnobs". We arrived yesterday in London from Tampere in Finland to study at UCL on a government paid scholarship. Our father is in the military and has been for many years, so that is why we got this possibility. "Okay then, but I'll take a lot of pictures and send them to you". I tell her, stepping into my shoes. She smiles at me again. "I know you will". We always wanted to see London. Well we want to see the world while Lumi still can. But so far we have only been on a few short trips to Norway and a single family holiday in Mallorca. My father simply didn't have the time and the money wasn't big either. I grab my sm
*Meri* I breathe in and look around as I enter the area. Okay which way to go first ? One way there is a colourful playground and behind it a small sports stadium ... the other way the path disappears around a bend. Hmm the playground no doubt, it looks so bright and funny. So I turn right, walking on the path running along the playground. An elderly woman comes towards me with two small dogs. One of them pulls towards me and I squat down to scratch it behind the ears. She smiles at me. "Oh sorry my dear, he just loves being cuddled". "It's totally okay. I love dogs and he is very sweet". I say looking up at her. "And I love cuddling too". "He is usually much more reserved towards strangers. But dogs are good judges of character". The woman says with a smile. "Come on boys ... have a nice day my dear". I get up, smiling back at her. "You too". Walking on I reach the playground. It is bright and looks fun and exciting. Making me kind of wish I was a kid again. We didn't have a
*Meri* Should I have done… like something ? Am I just stupid thinking I felt anything ? I mean it was a complete stranger I was looking at. I had returned after about 20 minutes, but he had been gone and maybe that was for the best… I mean what was I going to say to him ? I have been spending the last four hours looking at shops and landmarks, sending a few shots to Lumi. And now I am walking over Leicester square, wanting to check out the theaters before going home. There are quite a lot of people gathered down the side street that I turn down. But it is probably just like a guided tour or something. I am kind of walking in my own thoughts, honestly thinking about my running man, pushing a bit to get through the crowd and not really looking. Just as I get through, cursing to myself that people are so selfish blocking the street like that, someone slams into me hard. And hadn't they quickly caught me I would have definitely been knocked over. "What the fuck woman, are you blind
*Tom* Okay by now I am completely sure that she isn't a fan. Honestly she seemed to have no idea who I am and it's quite refreshing. I am kind of pacing the street, waiting for Meri to come back out in costume… Meri, what a special name, it fits her very well. It had been a spur of the moment decision, suggesting her as a stand in for Lena and I still don't totally get why. The trailer door opens and Meri walks out in Lena's outfit, tight leather leggings, over the knees leather boots and a leather jacket, all black. Her long blonde hair is covered with a bright orange wig. "I know, I look ridiculous". She says with a small giggle and spins on the spot. I swallow hard, she looks damn sexy. Oh stop yourself Tom, standing here staring at her ass. She can't be more than in her early twenties, she is too young and would probably think you an old perv for looking at her. "You don't look ridiculous, you look great". I say softly. "Wonderful… Great… no one will notice it's not Lena"
*Tom* Honestly I feel so stupid right now, I had gotten caught up in the moment and felt a, for me at least, rare connection. So I pushed away the thought that she was too young, that I shouldn't ask out a woman I don't know, and I begged her to go on a date with me. She almost ran back to the trailer, telling me she was sorry but she couldn't, that she was not in London to date, but to focus on her studies. After she had changed back to her own clothes she disappeared so fast I hardly got to say goodbye. You are a fool Tom, of course she said no. I had been too fast, to direct apparently, but I mean who says I will ever see her again ? Her look told me everything, I might have forgotten about the age difference, but she didn't. I shake my head and get ready for the last scene. It can't just be nothing, can it ? I mean… seeing her in the park, then her walking right on set… and that kiss, the thought sends my blood rushing through me… it had been something special, I am sure of