Chapter 73

Lucinda's POV

With my impending doom approaching I figured I should at least hang out with my gang for the last time. By 'hang out' I mean that I'll just drop by thier places and stay for a couple of hours. Once I was ready to leave my house I fed Evgeny and refilled his water bowl and changed his litter box before I left.

Walking on the all too familiar path to the library, I passed by the park and entered the huge building. Lisa was sitting behind the counter as usual lost in her own world while she paged through the book in her hands. That's the perks of working at a library.

Unlimited books.

I walked up to her and sat on the chair in front of her. Since customers only have to interact with her when they want to borrow something, people don't usually approach the front desk upon entrance. I think that's the whole reason why we met. The fact that I wanted to break a taboo and talk to the seemingly shy blond with glasses.

And we've been friends ever since that day. The thought of our long friendship brought a tear to my eye, but I disregarded it and carefully plucked the book from her hands.

She was about to protest before she saw it was me and a huge grin overtook her face.

Then, she surprised me by hopping over the counter to embrace me in a bear hug.

"Where the hell have you been?!"

I tapped her lightly on the shoulder.

"Trying not to get killed everytime you hug me."

She immediately began to loosen her hold on me and I hugged her back. For a small moment we just kind stayed in our embrace and my eyes began to sting. She must have sensed my change in mood and pulled away to look me in the eye.

"Honey... What's wrong?"

I immediately pushed the feeling away and smiled.

"I just missed you that all..."

"I missed you too... So much that it hurt."

"I'm sorry for not being around often... I've been kind of... Busy"

She raised her brow in scepticism before she smirked.

"Doing what or should I say who..."

I shoved her shoulder back as a blush spread across my face. The fact that I haven't done anyone in a long time puts shame to my name.

"Melissa!"

She began to cackle away from my embarrassment. Just then a thought passed through my mind and I smirked.

"And what about you... Been getting some of that good loving from Vic?"

Just then she stopped laughing and a blush spread across her face. I began to laugh and she shoved my shoulder back.

"Shut up! Vic's not even here. He has an exhibition downtown..."

It's been a while since I've seen Vic's work on display. I swear that man is magic with a paint brush.

"And you didn't go with him?"

"So I'd have to interact with a bunch of art snobs... No thank you. Besides, his paintings are going to be sold at the fundraiser gala"

"The one Donny's hosting?"

"Yeah it's thier 25th annual- Wait a damn minute! Donny?!"

I slapped my hands over my mouth.

Oh crap.

"He doesn't ever let anyone call him Donny let along Victor, his best friend, but you can?!"

"Just forget I ever said anything..."

"Oh no... We are gonna talk. Spill the tea!"

And so I did. To be honest it's was nice to kind of get a girls opinion on my dilemma with Donny and Chase. Don't get me wrong, I love Dami and all but sometimes his advice is very short sighted. For about two hours me and Lisa just kind of talked and caught up with each other.

But then I realised I was burning daylight and that I still have several other people to visit. After a couple more hugs I was finally able to separate myself from Lisa and promised to call soon.

And I found myself back on a familiar path to Tia's Café. The walk there brought me a sense of deja vu and nostalgia. I entered the café and was greeted by the comforting smell of fresh coffee.

"Lucy!"

A huge grin overtook my face at the familiar greeting I would always get upon entering the café. I almost forgot what that felt like.

"Good morning everyone!"

My smiled faltered a bit when I didn't see Diego but I quickly hide it and embraced Tia who had approached me.

"My darling daughter... Why don't you ever visit me anymore?"

"I'm sorry Tia... I've just been a little busy that all."

"To busy to see me? I should be offended."

I smiled a little as she lead me to an empty table.

"Sit here... I'll have your favourite whipped up in a second."

I nodded as she walked away. I looked out the window at the busy street outside. Just then, the staffroom door burst open and a little blur of brunette rushed towards me and embrace me in a tight hug.

"Aunt Lucy!"

I hugged the little human next to me who filled my heart with so much joy.

"Hey Lou Lou... How's my favorite little angel?"

"I'm good"

"So what are you up to these days?"

She propped up on the chair opposite me and placed her elbows on the table and tested her head on her palms.

"I got a boyfriend."

She said with a shy smile on face. My eyes grew larger as I looked at her.

"What?! Tell me everything."

And so she did. Sometime during our conversation Tia came with our drinks and joyfully joined our conversation as we exchanged current things in our life. After a few hours had passed I bid them farewell and walked back home.

The sun was starting to set so I video called Fabiola along with Adam and Aiden. We talked until I reached the corner near my house and finally said goodbye. Once I reached my front yard I was surprised to find Donavan there leaning against his car.

He had his eyes closed while tilting his head upwards and his arms crossed over his chest. He was in perfect view of the sunset that gave him a beautiful sun kissed looked. My stupid heart skipped a beat as I walked nearer and with every step I found myself going slower. As if I was afraid of ruining this moment, because I was.

You know those split second decisions that define everything? All it takes is one stolen moment in time and suddenly your whole life changes forever?

Yeah... This is one of those moments but I'm going to do it.

I'm going to tell Donny how I feel about him...

I'm going to risk everything because what have I got to loose?

Taking a deep breath I approached him and he opened his gorgeous eyes to look at me and my anxiety just skyrocketed. I could feel my heart pounding in my rib cage as this claustrophobic feeling spread all over my chest.

Am I nervous?

Holy fuck I'm nervous!

"Hey Butterfly..."

Fuck!

Why did he have to go and call me butterfly?!

"H-hi..."

Get a grip on yourself Lucinda!

I cleared my throat and put my hands on my hips. I mustered the best poker face I could ever produce and nodded my head towards him as I just remembered that I was supposed to be angry at him.

"What are you doing here all of a sudden?"

"C'mon... Don't be like that."

"Be like what? You suddenly show up after ghosting me for two days like it ain't shit."

For a split second he looked regretful but then furrowed his brows in confusion at my accusation.

"We used to not talk for days longer than that and it's only now you get mad?"

"Well it's different this time..."

I looked down to hide my sadness at his response. He pushed himself off of his car and stood in front of me and held both my hands. I looked up at him and at that moment I felt the most vulnerable. Like anything could break me but I didn't mind since I knew he'd protect me.

"Why is it different?"

I opened my mouth to respond but then suddenly my phone rang. I looked down at my pocket but he held my chin gently and made me look up at him.

"Ignore it..."

And so I did and at some point the ringing stopped. Throughout this entire time my eyes remained locked together with his with his hand on my chin. The tension between us was electrifying and I was afraid at some point I'd suffocate. Then he asked his question again.

"Why is it different Butterfly?"

Just as I was about to respond my phone rang again. I grimaced and he smiled gently. He nodded towards my pocket and let go of me. He resumed his position at his car again. I sighed in disappointment as I dealt with whoever just ruined my moment.

I looked at the caller ID to see that it was an unknown number. I was going to ignore it thinking it was spam but then remembered that spam never calls twice. Out of curiosity I answered then put the phone to my ear.

"Hello?"

"Hello... This is Misha Green from Green Attorney's. Am I speaking to Miss Valeria O' Connor?"

Valeria O' Connor

Immediately a sharp feeling of anxiety shot down my spine and into the pits of my stomach. The dark and horrible memories of my past began rushing back to me.

"Speaking..."

She sounded relieved that she was actually talking to me. Its been a long time since someone has ever called me by my real name... And now a total stranger just shook my whole world.

"I'm calling to discuss the terms of your father's will... How soon can you get to Eversden?"

"I'll be there first thing tomorrow."

"Wonderful... See you at ten am tomorrow."

I hung up the call and placed my phone in my pocket once more. I guess my emotions were clearly being shown on my face since Donny was by my side in a second. He cupped my face with his hands and looked me in my glasses eyes.

"What's wrong?"

I swallowed the horrible feeling that stuck in my throat and cleared my throat.

"I-I need to go to Eversden right now..."

"Eversden... That's at least a six hour drive and you don't seem to be in the best condition to get there."

"I'll be fine... I just- I just need to grab my stuff and get going."

I pulled out of his grasp as I felt the tears building up in my eyes.

I will not cry.

I will not cry.

I will not cry.

As I walked towards my front door he grabbed my hand and I looked back at him. He smiled reassuringly and held my hands.

"I'll come with you."

©©©©©©©©©©©©©©©©©©©©©©©©©

HIIII! G. R'S

WHAT A NICE LONG CHAPTER... OBVIOUSLY I NEVER PLANNED IT TO BE THIS LONG I JUST STARTED WRITING AND GOT LOST IN THE ZONE.

WHAT IS ABOUT TO COME NEXT IS OBVIOUSLY AN IMPORTANT PART IN THE BOOK AND LOTS WILL BE REVEALED SO IF YOU'RE ONE OF THOSE PEOPLE WHO SKIPS CHAPTERS THEN DON'T EVEN CALL YOURSELF A READER... YOU ARE A DISGRACE TO THE BOOKWORM COMMUNITY.

WELL... TILL NEXT TIME.

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