“Hello?” Dom answered the phone, his voice thick and disconnected.

“How’s the sulking going?” Raya asked immediately, obviously not caring about formalities.

“Fine, thanks, and how are you?” Dom retorted, sounding ready for a good fight.

“I’m splendid actually,” Raya replied briskly. “I have some exciting news for you.”

“You and Orlando have had an annulment?”

“No,” she deadpanned, her voice losing its chirpiness. “I have called to try and help you and all you can do is ask if I’ve parted from my lovely husband?”

“I’m sorry,” he mumbled, though he didn’t sound it. “What is it you’ve called for? Have I won the lottery? Do I get all of Billy’s lines? Wait, if it were that, Pete would be calling. Have you decided to name your child after yours truly?”

“I’ve already promised that to Billy, I know you’re aware of that. No, I have called because I have just spoken with Anaka.”

He broke into what promised to be a very good explanatory speech with a gruff, “And you want to chastise me, cut my manly hood off and then hang me in the town center?” She coughed primly. “There’s more? What, you’re going to do all of that and then hang me stark naked so all of Britain can point and laugh?”

“Dominic, I would appreciate if you’d stop biting my head off with what you think are witty quips and what are really just getting on my nerves. If you would like to remove yourself from your own pity party and hear what I have to say, I’ll wait while you mop up your eyes and finish your good cry.” She crossed her arms across her chest and laid back comfortably on her sofa. Orlando had just stepped out to buy more fruit, so she was alone in the flat.

“I haven’t been having a good cry,” he muttered after a few moments. “If you MUST know what I’ve been up to, I’ll tell you. I’ve been putting together an ‘I’m Sorry’ package for Liberty.”

“There will be no need for that.”

“Are you forbidding me from ever seeing her again?” The statement was meant in sarcasm, but carried a hint of regret and foreboding in its depths. “I have spoken with her and we have sorted things out. Mostly. You know, in theory.”

Against her better judgment, Raya confided in Dom exactly what she’d told Liberty about Anaka’s confession. When she’d finished, the other line was so silent that she was momentarily afraid he’d hung up on her. “Dominic?”

“Mmmm,” he replied intelligently, getting back into the seat from which he had fallen from upon hearing the news. “Yes. I’m here. Raya, I have one question.”

“Sure,” she allowed, feeling slightly more happy than minutes prior.

“Are you likely to lie to me about this?”

“No,” she replied, not at all angry. “I would not lie about such a thing as the match I have created and hope to keep together.”

There were a few more moments of silence before Dom replied, “Thank you, Raya. I appreciate all you’ve done for Liberty and I.”

She couldn’t help but laugh, “That was uncharacteristically formal, Dominic.”

“I’m just…I’m really grateful…for you.”

It was obvious when he hung up the phone that their relationship wouldn’t be the same after this. It would be much, much better.

*

"Does this mean we can stop being all dreadfully boring and terribly angsty and get on with the funny?" Billy asked excitedly, clapping his hands together. It was the following day, and she had asked Billy over for tea in order to tell him the good news, as well as Orlando who she had kept in the dark up until now.

"I believe so," Raya replied, smiling.

"Thank God," Orlando said, kissing her quickly. "I was beginning to wonder if I could extricate myself from the circle of friends and join a happier crew."

"What, like Johnny Depp?"

"He's fun," Orlando replied defensively.

"He wears a lot of eye makeup."

"Only on set."

"What in the bloody hell are you TALKING about?" Billy asked finally.

"Pirates of Caribbean," Orlando answered proudly. "I'm Will Turner. Johnny's Captain Jack, a pirate. It's good fun."

"He wears eye makeup?" Billy questioned.

"He's a pirate."

"Orlando, not ALL pirates wear eye makeup," Raya said.

"In Hollywood they do."

"YOU'RE IN A PIRATE FILM!?" Billy yelled suddenly, throwing Orlando off guard so that he tumbled off the sofa and onto the floor in a heap. "AND YOU DIDN"T TELL ME!?"

Orlando struggled to get to his feet, "I had other things I was worrying about."

"THIS IS IMPORTANT! YOU HAVE TO BRING ME TO THE SET!" Billy was crouching close to his face now, looking severely insane.

"If you stop shouting, maybe I will."

Billy ignored him and continued. "I WANT TO BE A PIRATE! Will you PLEASE bring me to the set? PLEASE!?"

Orlando signed, but looked happy, "All right. Fine. But only as long as you don't squeal at Johnny and scare him to death."

Billy looked affronted. "I would never!" He paused for a moment, a finger tapping his chin in thought. “I am a large fan of Mr. Depp…I will try and contain myself for you, Orly, because I love you.”

Raya raised an eyebrow, a small smirk on her lips. “This isn’t going to turn to slash now, is it? Because I really don’t want my child to be an illegitimate bastard…Billy, please do not take my loving husband from me with your debonair charm.”

***

“Where are you going to go?” Alexia asked, biting a fingernail as she watched Liberty folding her clothes neatly and shoving them into two bags of luggage.

It was the day after Thanksgiving, a cold and windy November evening. A football game being watched by Kate and her boyfriend, Henry, was the only sound in the apartment besides the opening and closing of the closet door, the zipping of bags and the sniffing of two best friends.

“I told you,” Liberty responded, blowing a stray piece of hair out of her face before tucking it absently behind her ear. She had all of her auburn hair up in a loose bun but pieces of it had taken to falling out, dropping over her line of vision every so often. She had a cold and she looked worse for wear in a huge powder blue sweater and black pants, but she was happy and it was evident on her face. “I’m going to live in London. I’ve got a job there at a really quaint little bookstore. They pay really well, you know.”

“Yes, but where are you living once you get there? Raya told me she’d offered you their spare bedroom until you got yourself settled.” Alexia was standing comfortably against the doorframe with her slender legs crossed one over the other. She had just returned from a family Thanksgiving which had taken place a few towns over and had just gotten news of Liberty’s final departure.

“Viggo has leased me his flat for three months. After that, I don’t know where I’ll go. I can flit about for a while like a nomad then settle down somewhere. Maybe Scotland. Billy’s got a house there, he said I could have the apartment over his garage for as long as I wanted, free of charge.”

“Where will Viggo be for three months?”

“Filming in Vancouver,” Liberty stuffed a pair of shoes into the bottom of one of the larger suitcases.

“Why are you going, though?” Alexia asked, handing Liberty her jacket which she threw on top of an awaiting pile. “If you’re not going to live with Dom.”

“I want to give our relationship a real chance, Lex. If we’re not living anywhere near each other, it’ll be sporadic because it’ll be long distance.”

“Didn’t he just buy a place in LA?” Alexia questioned, flopping down onto the unmade bed and gazing up at the ceiling.

“Well, yes,” Liberty said slowly. “But I don’t want to live in LA. At least not right now. And it’s not open yet, anyway. He’s putting a pool in and having some repairs made. Elijah’s supervising until he flies to London, he said it’s the teeniest Beverly Hills home he’s ever seen. He was so proud of Dom that he was a little teary.”

“I just don’t get it,” Alexia sighed. “He’s only going to be in London for a small period of time…and as soon as you get there, there’s that promotional tour and the premiere circuit.”

Liberty laughed, “I must have forgotten to mention that I’m not leasing Viggo’s flat until AFTER said promotional tour and premiere circuit. I’m going to be a part of that first. The new job doesn’t start for three weeks and I haven’t got any classes until the next semester begins in January.”

She closed one of the suitcases but not without a lot of trouble that involved both she and Alexia sitting atop it and jumping up and down. “I guess what I’m really curious about is why you’re not just moving in with Dom.”

“I need to be on my own,” Liberty responded, pushing the suitcase out the door and into the hallway before reentering the room and starting on the second bag. “I want to be with him, but before I settle down, I want to support myself. I’ve never lived on my own, Lex. I went from living at home, to living with Ezra, then to living with you in the dorms. It’s going to be so awesome, just being by myself and buying my own groceries, paying my own bills.” She sighed happily and tossed a pair of flip flops into the side compartment of the bag.

“Well, since I won’t see you for a very long time, will you at least invite me to your wedding?”

Liberty, teary eyed, gave Alexia a strong hug, “Of course. And I’ll call once a week. Or write. Just to let you know how I’m doing.”

“You’ve packed the laptop Ezra gave you, right?” Liberty nodded. “Email me, then.”

“I promise I will.”

After several silent moments in which Liberty packed the remainder of her room, Alexia spoke again in a voice quite unlike her own. It was grown up sounding and humorless. “Libs, whatever you do, don’t let Dom go. You’re meant to be together. I don’t care what happens, just don’t give him up without a fight. And for heaven’s sake,” Alexia heaved a dramatic sigh. “Do NOT let your stupid pride get in the way of what could be a really wonderful thing. And don’t be scared.”

The following morning, Liberty said goodbye to her crying mom, her beaming older brother and her menace of a half brother with tears in her eyes that didn’t fall down her cheeks even as she handed over her boarding pass and got onto the plane, waving a final ‘see you later’ goodbye to the place she’d called home for twenty years. She was more than ready to start this new journey in her life, and she couldn’t wait to find out what awaited her in London.

***

“Will you STOP fidgeting about with your clothes!? We spent five hours getting you ready and I’d appreciate it if you wouldn’t wrinkle them before Liberty gets a look at you!” Raya slapped Dom’s shaking hand away from where he’d been playing with his collar.

“Sorry,” Dom mumbled, rolling his eyes.

“Good GOD, Dominic. You haven’t seen the girl for months, you would at least like to make a good impression, correct?”

“We’ve been over this, Raya, of course I would. But the point of the matter is that Liberty’s not gonna care that I’m wearing all over Calvin Kline. Or that it’s all wrinkle free.”

“I wouldn’t be too sure about that,” Raya replied. “Once you get her home, she’ll be pleasantly surprised that even your underwear are keeping with the entire theme.”

Dom swallowed, pulling the sleeves of his black sweater down his arms and then adjusting the collar of the white dress shirt beneath it. He was wearing loose fitted faded jeans to complete the ensemble, and sneakers.

“I believe that is too much information for even me, Mr. I Must Know All,” Billy stated sniffing haughtily.

Orlando shrugged, “I always like my women to be coordinated, you know, keeping an entire theme even with underwear.”

Dom narrowed his eyes, but turned away from Orlando to address Raya, “Yes, well, I don’t believe Liberty herself will be matching all over.”

“Only if Old Navy has suddenly decided to sell underwear,” Raya smirked.

Billy gasped dramatically, “Are you criticizing Liberty’s clothing choices?”

“Not at all. She’s got a wonderful style, since I’ve worked on her. At least she doesn’t shop at K-Mart.”

“But they have such great value,” Billy remarked loyally. “Elijah and I were playing new age couple, as we often do for a laugh, the other day and we popped in there and checked out prices for lawn furniture.”

Elijah, who had previously been listening to his headphones and dozing in a seat beside where the group was huddled, turned his headphones off and gazed at Billy reproachfully. “What RUBBISH are you BLABBERING about NOW?”

“I like how you emphasize every other word,” Billy chirped.

“He does do that rather well,” Dom agreed, nodding approvingly. “Must have picked it up in acting classes.”

“I never took acting classes,” Elijah replied snootily, pressing the play button once more and immersing himself in the music. In normal circumstances, Dom would be wondering what he was listening to, being a music buff just as Elijah was, but today was different and Dom didn’t have time to ask what new rock band Elijah was assessing.

“What is he listening to?” Billy asked, directing his question at Dom, who shrugged and turned back toward the gate, which was still empty.

“It’s your secret, why would you TELL IT TO ME!” Elijah sang, very off key, which prompted Billy to giggle hysterically and fall to the ground.

“What is that he’s got on?” Orlando pondered, gazing imploringly at Raya, who was watching Billy with a smirk on her lips. She was nearly nine months along now and her belly was protruding almost hugely so, but she was glowingly happy and she looked healthier than she ever had in her entire life. Though she was in pain with her swollen breasts, ankles and fingers, she passed it all away as part of the miracle. Even when she couldn’t get her Jimmy Choo mules on that morning. She’d raved lightly about how mules were supposed to be available for wearing at all times, but then threw some flip flops on and walked out of the house in a huff. She had the brown leather mules sitting beside her legs in a paper baby GAP bag to give as a welcome home present to Liberty, along with a new Kate Spade bag (which she’d bought on sale last week even though she had the exact same one) and a pair of Tommy sunglasses which hurt the bridge of her nose.

“It’s Howie Day,” Raya replied, pointing to the case Elijah was currently tapping against his knee to the rhythm of the song. “I need some water.”

“I’ll go and fetch you some,” Orlando offered, kissing her and helping to lower her into the seat across from Elijah. “Keep your eye on her, will you?” He asked Dom, who apparently hadn’t heard him.

“He’s got enough on his mind than to bother with a very pregnant woman. And, anyway, I’m perfectly all right.” Orlando hesitantly bustled off towards the nearest water dispenser (which happened to be the Coke machine two floors down) while Raya tried her best to calm Dom down.

“Dominic,” she said softly, tugging gently on his sweater sleeve. Startled, he took the seat beside her, sweat glistening his brow. She handed him a handkerchief which had the initials OB on it. Dom recognized it as a gift from one of Orlando’s fans and he hastily wiped his forehead and returned it to Raya. “You don’t have to worry, you know.”

Billy had finally gotten over his giggles and plopped himself down beside Elijah. “Why’s that?”

“Liberty isn’t likely to change her mind, upon seeing you.”

“The last time she saw me face to face was when I broke her heart…I don’t think she’s likely to get that image out of her head. I’m afraid I’ll always be associated with it.”

“She’s put it behind her,” Raya replied soothingly. “She told you she has, so you should believe her. She considers it to be a thing of the past, and I would too, if I were you. After all, it was all a big misunderstanding and it never really happened.”

The group was vaguely aware that there was an announcement sounding, Dom was the only one who paid any attention just in case Liberty’s plane had gone down in flames or something equally awful. “Custodial staff please report to the first floor Coke machine. Unidentified male has shot a bow and arrow into the machine. Bring several mops, many bottles have been spilled.” He turned to Raya to make sure she’d heard this recital, “Does OB need to take anger management?”

“Of course not. But you know how he hates when those dreadful machines steal his money.”

“He gets right pissed off,” Billy contributed, nodding. “I didn’t know he brought his bow and arrow.”

“Well, he didn’t bring the full size one. He brought his mini practice one, which he always carries in case of an emergency. It’s plastic, I hardly thought it’d puncture a machine.”

“Probably all depends on how much energy you put into it,” Dom commented lightly.

“Yes, I suppose so,” Raya agreed, sitting back in her seat. “I wonder if he’s drenched in Dasani.”

“Better than being drenched in Coke. That stuff stains,” Elijah said, shutting his CD player off.

“You should think so, since it has cocaine in it.”

Elijah looked doubtfully at Billy, “Since when does cocaine stain? And also, it doesn’t have it in there anymore.”

Billy stuck his tongue out, “You would know, Mr. Drug Lord.”

Elijah’s eyes narrowed dangerously, “Are you implying I do drugs?”

“No, actually, I’m implying you sell them, but since you’re asking, I’m sure you do them as well. How much pot have you got on you right now?”

“None,” Elijah replied blandly. “As I don’t do drugs.”

“Liar,” Billy sang, swaying back and forth. “It’s the only thing that explains your mean demeanor.”

“If he were doing pot,” Dom cut in. “He’d be happy. So it doesn’t really account for it at all.”

“Can we stop discussing drugs, now, please?” Raya asked nicely. “Liberty’s plane just landed.”

“Oh sweet Jesus,” Dom muttered, clutching the arms of his chairs. “I think I may be sick.”

“Ask Elijah for some Mary Jane to calm you down,” Billy suggested, a grin plaguing his lips almost precariously. Elijah hit him upside the head, which vanished the grin from his face.

“Perhaps you should stop mentioning Mary Jane because Liberty will think that Elijah has taken up with Spiderman’s girlfriend or that you’re using code for marijuana, which will lead her to believe that all of us are completely stoned. I, for one, don’t want that reputation on my head. What with the baby coming and everything.” She patted her belly absently and sighed.

Many people were getting off the plane, looking happy and tired all at once, hugging loved ones and squealing when they saw each other. Dom was standing up beside Billy, Elijah and Raya looking anxious, until he caught a glimpse of shimmering auburn hair. Liberty, wearing sparkly flip flops, a long flowing jean skirt and white button up blouse which only had three buttons done up, was walking briskly off the plane with a bag slung casually over her shoulder and a jacket over her arm. Her hair was freshly cut and was bobbing about her shoulders. She’d parted it differently and it gave her the look of a Hollywood movie star, especially paired with the dark glasses that were over her eyes.

Raya saw Dom slide back into his chair looking aggrieved. “I’m sure she sees us,” Raya remarked dryly, pushing Dom to a standing position. “What, with Billy jumping around and waving his arms frantically. Not to mention dancing around with Elijah as if they were on some cruise ship.”

Dom let out a hallow laugh as Liberty stepped up to them, a huge smile on her lips. She looked tired and warn out, but otherwise radiant. Billy throwing his arms joyfully around her saved Dom the embarrassment of standing so far back, not ready to make his presence known. Elijah hugged her next and then she bent down to Raya, giggling about her size and looking utterly shocked.

“Last time I saw you, it wasn’t really like you were pregnant…but God, Raya. You look wonderful.” She hugged her and then turned around to face Dom, her smile getting larger. “Hey there.”

Dom smiled and took the two steps towards her before engulfing her in the tightest hug she’d ever received. Some point during their teary reunion (which included an awful lot of kissing to Billy and Elijah’s disgust) Orlando stepped up to them soaked in various Coke products; he looked pleased to see Dom and Liberty embraced so and walked up to Raya, apologizing for her lack of water.

Raya was dabbing at her eyes, “Oh don’t be silly. Look at this! It’s as if nothing horrible ever happened.”

“You told Dom it would be this way,” Orlando chuckled.

“Yes, but I didn’t believe it!”