212 follow-up

July 13. 

Fashion Week, the week of grand catwalks begins in late July 1994 and ends in August. The sultry temperature is already beginning to hit the coasts, and the change of season is common; adapting is no different. The catwalks start in the late afternoon and extend into the night, well into the early hours of the morning. The festive vibes of the 4th of July are still fresh in people's memories, but now they are expressed differently, with people strolling the streets.

The recording ended on July 12, 1994, and every significant thing said was met with Winona's wall of ignorance and Billy's non-committal gesture. The day after the fiasco, Winona engaged in the same activity with her current 'boyfriend,' David Painter, who paraded around without caring more than appearing cool and being a disruption to some people just trying to do their jobs. On the other hand, the increase in ticket sales was not just an accomplishment, as sales were increasing by 400% per week statistically. Not only were toy sales on the rise but the breakeven point had already been reached. The collective sigh at Lux Animation was just one of the biggest news.

Like the new release of One Piece, which quietly entered people's radar, it was a story not particularly remarkable and with a childish appearance, only read by a few and not as famous as other deliveries guaranteed by Billy himself. However, Billy's optimism for the series was once again the artist's consideration as the boss decided the favoritism of his series.

-I think it's a goodbye, - said Billy to Claire.

-That's how I see it. It was a pleasure working with you. Don't let your artistic streak fade away. Besides, I might go to Fashion Week; my mother is a designer, and I might be there at times, - said Claire.

-Thank you, Claire. You can call me on my phone, and I'd be more than happy to spend time together, - said Billy, offering friendship, unlike his dealings with the last people he had met.

He handed over the number as he should, ignoring Claire's anticipation, alive and very eager, to have the number of a handsome guy she had recurring dreams about.

-Expect my call, - said a very cheerful Claire, saying goodbye. She would return to California while Billy would travel to New York. Not only did he have to attend Fashion Week, but he also had to stay updated with the people who were part of the comic book editorial circle.

A forgotten breeze, as there was an annual merit meeting he had missed. He needed to put himself in view and see how well or badly the industry, which he had certainly forgotten, was doing. The fiasco with Jim Lee gave him a chance to take some benefits. The good treatment was justified at first, but the signs of an offer did not arrive even when it was clear that Image Comics and Wildstorm Comics were smitten. The not-so-satisfactory sales of his comics hit the company hard, and Billy's response was clear: let fate decide.

The clean air was lost in the constant smoke of New York City; the heat there was more unbearable than on the West Coast, a spicy heat that dripped the skin. However, there was an intrinsic coldness among the buildings that helped relieve the heat.

To his surprise, there was Mili Avital with her bright green eyes, wearing high heels with a white dress that clung to her body, leaving much to the imagination, and men couldn't stop looking at her, even if they had to pretend since their unhappy wives saw a woman who, by all accounts, was a runway model or something similar. Models were not scarce, but neither were beautiful women.

-I was surprised when you called me. Who would have thought that we would see each other again in a few days? The movie was a total success, something perfect for the resume, - said Mili.

-I'm curious about that too. I didn't expect you to be available for me. I thought you'd be at some audition, - said Billy.

He pursed his lips to one side.

-My agent mentioned that it was best to be cautious. For now, I intend to participate in the doctors' series you recommended. It was unbreakable. I like your hunches; they tend to be true, - said Mili, embracing Billy. He returned the hug with pleasure; in his head, he just wanted to forget his life in San Jose, waking up from his past mistakes.

You always make mistakes, but now, each mistake you make is clearer than the last. All mistakes can cause discomfort and pain, but now, you realize that you have been blind to certain things, to certain mistakes, that you have forgotten because you believe that drawing non-stop is the only important scenario in your life. You have neglected your personal life, and fallen into many vain ideas.

Interestingly, now you don't question if you made a mistake; you question an implacable anger to end your enemies. Warner's plans had filled your prestige, coffers, and businesses.

Women, and friends, you now understand a little more, but you make the same mistakes repeatedly, without feeling the need to settle down.

-You seem a bit subdued. Is everything okay? - Mili commented.

-I am. -

-Well, like last time, you were a very nice guy, so I decided to be one of the women who invite men to eat. Come, my baby is nearby, - said Mili, leading Billy through the intricate corridors. There, there was nothing but a long way to find the car, such a long way, only meant one thing in the chaotic city of New York: the parking lot.

-What a complete chaos finding a parking spot! -

-I got it as a gift from my old boss, although it's nothing fancy, I can say it has made my life a lot easier these past few days, - said Mili, pointing to the coupe, an old car from a past model.

-And I deeply appreciate your support. Although, I still wonder, has anyone recognized you on the street? - asked Billy.

-The first week I was nervous, but I'm not very popular; maybe someone would point and wave at me, but I'm unknown. Hahaha, I can still sneak away to the downtown for shopping, - said Mili, opening the trunk.

-That remains to be seen, - said Billy.

-But, come on, city traffic is maddening, and we'll take a good while to get there, - replied Mili.

Escape was a primary way to leave things behind. For now, he would live in New York City for a while.

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