Episode 2

LUNA

I had to put in a lot of effort to keep my emotions in check, to not run away. For years, I've attended therapy and done everything in my power not to distance myself from people, to lead a normal life.

"My little genius, we didn't expect you for another two weeks," my grandfather greeted me with a hug and kissed my forehead. His touch isn't as uncomfortable.

"Daniel, what are you waiting for? Help her with her suitcase. Come on in, we'll call your mom to let her know you've arrived," my grandfather released me. I followed, feeling awkward, as Daniel carried my luggage.

"I'll leave your suitcase in your room," I heard his deep, cold voice. It's clear there's nothing left of the boy who always trailed behind me.

"Grandfather, it's late. Call mom in the morning, I don't want her to rush over. It's getting dark," I requested.

"Alright, I'll let you settle in. Daniel and I were about to pick up Ines and Janna for a movie. Go to your room; I had it redecorated for you. It's the same as before you went to boarding school," my grandfather said.

"Thank you," I said appreciatively.

"Tell Daniel I'm waiting in the car," he asked as I ascended the stairs. Reaching my old room, he stood there with a picture of me in his hands. Not knowing what else to do, I clenched my fists and spoke up.

"Grandfather Jackson says he's waiting in the car to go get your sister and your mom," I informed him, avoiding his piercing gaze.

"Why did you come back? To torture me? You've always thought you're better than me, always pushing me away. So why return if you can't even bear to look me in the eyes?" Daniel said with clear anger.

"No, I—" I tried to tell him it wasn't like that, but the words wouldn't come out.

"Don't say anything. To you, I'm not even worthy of being the little genius's friend," he left, and I grabbed my pillow to scream into it. I didn't want him to hear me.

I wanted to tell him I never thought I was better than him, that I didn't want to push him away, but it's something I still can't control. After screaming into the pillow, I let a few tears fall, then began relaxation exercises. I had to calm down, or it would be a bad first night here. Once composed, I took a long shower, put on my pajamas, and got into bed, not without inserting my earplugs, which didn't help much. At around three in the morning, I woke up thirsty and, not expecting my arrival, there was no water jug in my room, so I went down to the kitchen. After grabbing water, I ran into Daniel on my way out, clad only in his pajama shorts, his perfect chest and well-defined abs exposed. I quickly moved away, feeling nervous.

"Have you never seen a man shirtless?" he teased. I shook my head.

"Then you should take a closer look instead of running away," I grew even more flustered as he cornered me against the wall, and I closed my eyes.

"Do I seem so insignificant that you can't even look at me?" His words took me by surprise, and when I opened my eyes, I saw him leaving through the garden door.

Of course, he's not insignificant, but the words wouldn't leave my mouth. Annoyed with myself and with him for thinking so, I ran back to my room and screamed into my pillow again. Maybe it was a mistake to come here; buying my own apartment might be best, where I can be more at peace in my controlled space.

I couldn't sleep for the rest of the night. I closed my eyes for barely five more minutes at six in the morning and opened them when I felt someone stroking my hair. I looked up to see my mom Jessica, who my friend Marc calls "2-for-1."

"Hi, my little one," Jessica said.

"Hi, mom," I replied as she hugged me and climbed into bed with me. It was easier when she did this because she'd embrace me without making eye contact as we talked.

"I missed you so much, my moon, my little one," my mom said.

"Me too," I replied.

"You didn't announce your arrival because you didn't want a party, right?" she knew me well, and she would have thrown one, but she understands me, especially since a few months ago, Grandfather had disclosed my condition to her, so she gets why I sometimes pull away too much.

"No, I didn't want one," I replied.

"Okay, how about a family meal instead? No music, just us," she offered.

"Okay," I agreed.

"Get ready for breakfast; I'll be waiting downstairs," she kissed my forehead and I headed for the shower.

Sometimes, I'm curious about my father, but I don't want to search for him. It's hard enough to express myself with the family I've known all my life; if I sought him out, I'm certain I couldn't speak to him.

After showering and getting ready, I went down to join everyone in the dining room, including Daniel.

"Welcome," Cristobal gave me a small hug, and so did the triplets. Sofia, as I was told, would arrive for lunch since she was at a dance audition. Carter hugged me very briefly; he's a bit like me, not seeking physical contact.

"Luna, do you know what you're going to do?" asked Cristobal.

"Yes, I've found the building I need for the company, and some contacts from London have made some recommendations," I replied. I can talk to others as long as they don't seek prolonged eye contact during the conversation and don't try to touch me.

"If you need help, you know you can count on us," Grandfather Jackson said.

"Yes, thank you," I replied.

Everything was fine and calm until we went to the garden, and Daniel decided to blast rock music at full volume. My head felt like it was going to explode. I covered my ears and hurried to my room for my earplugs. When I was returning, I heard a dispute between my brother Carter and Daniel.

"What's the matter with you? We agreed no music," Carter reproached him.

"Why, because the princess doesn't like it?" Daniel said.

"Enough, both of you," intervened my mom, noticed me watching, so I went back up to my room and hugged my pillow.

"What's going on between you and Daniel?" my mom asked. How could I answer her if I didn't even understand it myself?

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