The Girl In The Louvre - Chapter 23 Anticipating The Future And Reminiscing The Past 3

The reason why Julian left to travel the world two years ago was that he could feel himself slowly turning into the man that his mother wanted him to be. One capable of making cold, callous decisions, without thought of the repercussions his actions could have on thousands of employees.

His breaking point had been the mines in Bolivia. He had always known that his mother did not care for her miners, but when he found out about the tunnel collapse that had killed over one-hundred miners he collapsed. The combination of the stress of the past few years and the sudden shock had sent him into a coma for two weeks. When he finally woke up again, any trace of respect or admiration that he had ever had for his mother was gone, replaced with only repugnance and loathing.

What made him really disgusted was that she could have easily just paid a bit more for safety standards in the mines, if she had just done that none of the miners would have died. Instead, she had decided that it would be better to save money and if in a case where a mine collapsed, all she would have to do is hire more miners. After the collapse, she simply sent more people to the mines and didn’t bother changing any of the safety standards.

Grabbing the water pitcher on the table, Julian poured a glass for the both of them. After taking a small sip of the water and letting it slowly slide down the back of his throat, Julian decided to come out with it. “You know that project that I worked on while I was in Venice? Although I experienced a small hiccup, it is back in action.”

Across the table, the blond-haired boy’s hand shivered. He tried to hide it by taking a sip of water, but it was obvious that he was visibly shocked. “You really did it, I never thought you would have the balls. Don’t you know that this could get you killed?” Although he sounded concerned, his face was brimming with pride. His friend had finally taken the first step in showing that they were different than their parents. “Do you need help with anything?” Happy to help his friend with their dream, he quickly offered his help.

Nodding, Julian answered, “I need help with the factories and designers. I already have reliable suppliers for the rest. You know that man right? Will you introduce him to me? If I get him to design my clothes, I doubt I will fail.”

Hearing the request, the other boy slowly sipped some more water. “It will not be hard to find people for the factories, but it will cost a bit more if you want them to outfit them as we planned. As for that man, well, I can get you a meeting but whether or not he joins your project will be up to him.”

Smiling, Julian decided to not continue with this conversation anymore. Instead, he wanted to know more about how his friend had been doing when he was gone. Although they often talked over the phone, there were many things that could only be said in person. “So Sebi, how have you been really?”

Hearing that question, Sebi’s eyes grew darker and responded with another question. “Have you ever truly fallen in love Julian? I don’t think that I have ever seen you with anyone.”

“Until a few days ago, yes, I had never loved anyone other than aunty Cao and you.” Smiling slightly, while remembering that special someone. “I think I now have though, it is just complicated.”

“While you were gone I accidentally fell in love too.” His lips had a smile of ridicule on them. “Do you think it is stupid to fall in love when you are only fifteen? Or do you think it is stupider to fall in love with a woman who does not love you but instead another man?”

“I think that it does not matter who you fall in love with, or how old you are when you decide that she is the one. All that matters is that you are happy, but Sebi, are you happy?” Looking deeply at his friend, Julian waited for his answer.

Sebi looked back at Julian and smiled widely. “Of course, it is just stupid puppy love after all.” Although he was smiling widely it looked worse than him crying. His smile was stretched tight and his eyes had lost the joy that they had earlier. Replacing the joy was despair and loneliness with a touch of insanity.