And I present to you.. Chapter 2! Check it out, I hope you like it! :D
"Oi, why isn't your homework done?"
"My maid threw it away." I snap back, and I'm hardly even lying. I put the stupid paper on the counter before dinner, and some idiot decided it was okay to touch it without asking. I stopped her from throwing it away, then tossed it out myself.
Gildarts looks kind of pissed, well as much as is possible for him, and I sigh exaggeratedly. "Geez, I'll do the homework, just stop nagging me about it!"
He doesn't respond, just goes back to grading papers or something. I can tell he's ignoring me on purpose, so there's no point trying to talk. Turning around, I stalk to my seat.
"Lucy, are you going to take a nap again?"
Glancing up from my iPhone, I recognize that blue-haired girl. "What's your name? Love? Lav?"
"It's Levy…"
"Yeah, sure. What were you saying?"
"I thought I should tell you… it's probably in your best interest to stay out of trouble."
Raising an eyebrow, I look up from my phone. "Are you trying to say I'm causing trouble?"
Smiling, Levy gave a shrug that must look adorable to everyone around her. Definitely not to me. "Maybe, maybe not. But either way, you've caught Mr. Gildart's attention, even if it doesn't seem like it."
"Yeah? And is that a good thing or a bad thing?"
"Depends on what you make of it," she says, still smiling.
"Could you be any less ambiguous? What's he do, geez!" I grumble, starting to get a little nervous.
She hesitates, then points towards a group of boys who are chatting loudly in the back of the room. "They used to be the class troublemakers, until Mr. Gildarts became our homeroom teacher. Don't ask me how, but he changed them for the better. Turns out they're all good kids, who just needed a little bit of guidance."
I laugh grimly, still pretending to be doing something on my phone. "Sugar spice and everything nice, am I right? Well that doesn't explain why I should worry."
Sighing, Levy turned to the front of the class. "You're not exactly class rep, Lucy. Now like I said, I don't know for sure what he does, but Lisanna said that her friend said that her friend said that one of the boys said that Gildarts said that he knows everything about them. Do you want him knowing all of your secrets?"
I can tell she's acting mischievous on purpose, with a tiny smile on her lips. Shrugging it off, I turn back to my phone. "Thanks for your advice."
"Who do you think you're smiling at?" I glare half-heartedly at my companion, a beautiful lady made of marble. Don't ask me why I'm talking to a statue...
"Well, at least one of us can smile, anyways." I don't know why I always come back, but for some reason I feel peaceful in this tucked away garden that holds a beautiful treasure. "And what kind of person makes a statue of their wife?" I grumble, staring at the familiar golden plate that has the lady's name engraved upon it.
Layla Heartfilia. Somehow I can't imagine a person as kind-looking as her matching up with Jude. Which reminds me of why I came here, actually.
The old geezer literally went psycho when he found out I haven't been doing any homework for the past three weeks. I mean seriously? What's it matter to him? School's for people who wanna go to college, and get a fancy job, neither of which I plan on accomplishing. Not that he'll be around by then anyways, so why does he care so much?
Sighing, I force myself to head back to the mansion. Life sucks, I already knew that. Nothing is gonna change, even if I hide in this little garden. Kicking at pebbles that sit in my path, I run my fingers through my hair and let out a frustrated groan.
"Miss Lucy, Mr. Heartfilia would like to see you in his office!"
"Lucy, I'd like to apologize."
Unresponsive, I cross my arms and lean against the door, eyes narrowed.
"Earlier, I did something unnecessarily harsh, and it is something I truly regret. Will you forgive me for yelling at you?"
Giving a scoff, I push against the door and slowly walk over to him. "Do you want to know just how little I think of you?"
He shifts his gaze as I continue.
"You, old man, don't even make it onto the list of people I'd like to kill. And trust me-it's a long list. So why should I waste my time forgiving you?"
I hurry out before he can say anything, making sure I have the last word.
I'm walking to class in my usual attire, plus my headphones. Nobody talks to me, and I ignore them all in return. As I near the classroom, I catch sight of a boy. What was his name, Natsu? He hangs out with a bunch of boys, who all flock to Gildarts like fleas. I don't understand for the life of me what's so great about the guy, but I'm not in the mood to think about more possible problems.
"Hey, you're that chick from the lunch room!" I turn around with a death glare, freezing when it's that pervert from before, with the orange hair.
Luckily for him, another kid steps in. If not, I probably would have punched him. The boy has dark hair, and I can tell he's annoyed. "Man, how many times do we gotta tell you? You can't just hit on every girl you see! Besides, what are you going to tell your girlfriend?"
Sighing, I'm about to leave, when suddenly I'm blocked by that kid, Natsu. He's grinning, and sticks out his hand. "Hey, I've seen you! You're in Gildart's class!" I ignore his hand, but unfortunately another boy interrupts, the one with dark hair. "You're Lucy, right?" He sighs and glances at the boy with orange hair, who's trying to wink at me through his sunglasses. "Sorry about this idiot, he has a bad habit."
I raise an eyebrow. "Yeah, I can see that." Turning my music back on, I walk away. What a bunch of idiots…
During class I pay attention for the first time ever. It's not like I have a choice, even though I really don't want to. My head is telling me that Jude wouldn't hurt me, but my heart is telling me not to get on his bad side any more than I already have. And my experience tells me that it's usually best to follow your heart over your head.
"So I guess that we're gonna have to show your parents you've done at least something this year, right?" Gildarts winks at the other teens, who laugh. I can't believe him…
"You should've bought a book at the beginning of the year, full of poems, right? It's time to put it to use, if only for the sake of not wasting your money."
A mix of chuckles and groans were heard as every student reached down to shuffle through their backpacks. As for myself, I haven't even seen such a book. And poetry? I mean come on, who listens to that crap anymore? Sighing, I settle back for a long, boring hour.
Later, back at the mansion, I once again eat dinner alone. My backpack is still slumped in the corner from where I tossed it, now that the maids know not to touch my personal stuff.
I'm lifting the fork to my mouth, when all of a sudden my wrist gives a little spasm, causing the fork to clatter against my plate. Surprised, I lower my gaze and stare at my wrist.
Apparently my wrist is shy, and it doesn't happen again. "… Well that was weird." With mild interest, I continue eating. As usual, food is first on my mind.
After dinner I grab my backpack and dash up the stairs. As I'm walking down the hall though, I pass by Jude's office, where I know he is. Staring at it for a few seconds, I reach down and grab the doorknob. Thinking twice, I knock first.
"Who is it?" comes a voice, obviously annoyed.
"Lucy."
"What do you want?"
"To come in. That's why I knocked." Moron.
"You may enter." he says after a second, and I do so. Thank you so much, your majesty.
Jude is sitting at his desk, in front of a large stack of papers. He doesn't even glance up when I walk in, and I cough to get his attention.
"What did you want, Lucy?" he looks up.
"The only reason I'm here is because my arm is acting weird. It was like 'tzzz', and had a seizure."
He rubs his forehead, not amused by my sound effects. After a moment, he speaks. "Do I look like a doctor?"
I raise an eyebrow, done messing around. "Believe it or not, as my guardian, you're required to take care of my medical needs. And I think that something's wrong!"
"For heaven's sake, we have maids for these kinds of things! Just because I'm your guardian doesn't mean you need to come to me for every single problem. Grow up!"
Glaring, I slam my hand in his desk. "This could be serious! Do you want to answer when I turn you in for neglect? That's a pretty serious crime considering you're my legal guardian. And when I think about it, that wouldn't look so good to your many customers, right?"
His eyes harden, and I almost regret threatening him. "Child neglect? That should be the least of your worries."
"Is that a threat?" I question, reaching into my pocket.
"A threat? Do you really think I'd stoop to such low levels?"
I give him a lazy look. "You're much lower than that, trust me."
Jude smirks, and proceeds to rustle through a stack of papers. Pulling out a file, he flips through it. "You're going to make a fuss about your arm having a little 'seizure', when you're living in a mansion. You're not being abused here, you're not starving, you're not living in a closet, you're not working for your own necessities, and you're not clothed in too-small hand me downs. The list goes on. Now, these are all things you endured previously. Are you saying you want to get thrown into one of those homes again?"
Trying not to let my face show anything, I shrug. "My goal is not to pick and choose which house I go to next. What I do is make sure I'm out after a few months. Your times up, and I'm going to get out of here."
In my room, I let out a sigh. And to think.. the reason I went in there was something completely innocent. Humming a melody, I pull out my phone and play the recording.
Once it's finished, I smile. If I ever have to put my word against his, this should prove at least as evidence that he's not as perfect as he made it seem to everyone. However, it's not like I'm in any hurry to get to the hospital, so I'm gonna try not to tick him off. This is for if he goes at me, and I need to prove it.
As I lay in my bed, my mind does a little wandering, and I let it roam free, thinking about completely random things-anything except for what was just discussed with Jude.
School's going fine, I guess. I mean it's not like I'm really doing my homework, but at least I'm thinking about it. That's gotta count for something, right? It's not like I have to anyways. Speaking of which, didn't Levy say that Gildarts would notice me if I didn't shape up? Chuckling, I close my eyes. That'd be something. If someone noticed me for once, I mean.
And besides him, there was that kid, Natsu. He remembered my name, at least. And honestly? I'm shocked that I even remember his.
"Hey Lucy, are you gonna eat by yourself again?"
Rolling my eyes, I hoist my bag over my shoulder and stare at Levy, who had come up to me after class. "What's it to ya?"
Smiling gently, Levy shrugs. "I thought you might be lonely. Wanna eat with me and my friends?"
Chuckling grimly, I walk past her. "That's sweet of you, but I've got other plans."
"Oh come on, what 'other plans' could you have? You eat at the same table every day."
"Dude, that's kinda creepy." I mumble, but unconsciously let my gaze soften. Shaking my head, I leave without responding. I hear her calling my name, but ignore her.
In the lunchroom, I stare at my sandwich for a good ten minutes before finally tossing it back into the paper bag. Shoving it into my backpack, I let out a sigh. I can see Levy from here, sitting with her friends and laughing at something.
I was right to turn down her offer, because even if I wanted to, which I don't, I couldn't fit in. All her friends are girls, so what would a person like me talk about? My hair? Who I like? Yeah, because that always worked out so well with my old friends. While they talked about their latest crushes, I was trying to survive another day without being crushed. Smiling grimly at the irony, I glance back at Levy and her friends.
A bunch of girls from Gildart's class are with her, with huge smiles on their faces. Ugh. Why am I even bothering myself with thinking about them? Especially Levy. She doesn't seem to have a problem in the world.
She glances in my direction, and gives a little wave. Nonplussed, I quickly turn around, and start fiddling with the strings of my hoody. Sighing, I sneak a glance back at her. Ever since I came to this school, I've been having weird thoughts.
Finally after the dragged out hour of lunch is over, I follow the crowd that disperses to their classes. I fall behind when I stop to use the bathroom, and when I come out the hallway is empty. Well, aside from the group of boys who are hanging out in front of the classroom as usual. I see Natsu, and recognize two of his friends, Gray and.. Actually I don't remember the playboy's name.
I have to walk through the gang to get to the door, so I stand in front of them and cough loudly. They're laughing at something, and don't notice. Sighing, I recognize Natsu, and tap him on the shoulder.
He turns around, and I see his face lighten up with recognition. "You and your gang are literally right in front of the door. Can't you think of a better place to hang out?" I grudgingly ask.
Grinning, he scratched the back of his head. "Sorry, sorry." he nudges some of his friends out of the way, and I nod uncomfortably. "Thanks." I mumble, walking through the path they cleared.
Taking my seat, I pass by Levy, who's talking with that white-haired girl. She smiles at me, causing me to turn my head away.
I'm sitting down and beginning to settle in for the rest of class, when suddenly I notice a looming presence. Raising my eyes, I glower at Gildarts.
"What do you want, old man?"
He gives me a stare that bores right into me, and I sigh. "Seriously, what?"
"You've turned in two pages' worth of homework, yet you've been here for over a month. I don't ask a lot from my students, but what I do expect is a little more effort. So why aren't you doing your homework?"
Not meeting his eyes, I shrug. "No reason."
He raises an eyebrow. "Everything is done for a reason. Are you having trouble with the questions?"
Rolling my eyes, I stick out my jaw defiantly and refuse to answer. This results in him giving a smirk.
"Alright, you don't have to answer-that's fine. In fact, that's more than fine."
Uncomfortable, I glance up at him. "What are you talking about, creep?"
He laughs, and walks away. "What, you wanna talk now? You lost your chance, kid."
Resting my elbows on my desk, I clasp my hands. Isn't this what Levy warned me about? Too bad I didn't really listen, otherwise I'd remember what she said. Something about him, and troublesome kids, and… well whatever it was, if I'm actually causing problems, I'll figure out soon enough.
But I know better than to think that someone might actually pay attention to me.
Class starts as usual, with Gildarts cracking jokes, yet somehow managing to fit in lectures that stay in your head. Well at least he's not some boring old professor, that's for sure. I mean, if I had to sit through boring lectures eight hours a day, I wouldn't have had second thoughts about running away.
The warm Summer breeze is turning chilly, as seasons change. Fall will come along soon, against my wishes. For now, I'm making the most of the warmth, and exploring town. It's my first time out since before moving into his place, surprisingly enough.
I vaguely remember a time when I would spend all my time in town, doing what normal teenagers do. I'd do odd jobs over the weekend, then use my savings over the week. I didn't have much, having to buy my own food and clothes, different necessities, but that didn't stop me from enjoying my self. Eh… eventually those foster parents were charged with child neglect, and I was forced into another home.
Pausing in the sidewalk for a moment, I look around me, taking in all of the vaguely familiar smell of restaurants and fresh air, mixing together to create a tantalizing fragrance. With a smile threatening to break my composure, I decide to head back home. Too much exposure to all of these memories just might break me down.
On my way home, I catch sight of a certain girl with wavy blue hair a few feet away, walking out of the biggest library in Magnolia. That's what this city is called, by the way.
I don't think she's caught sight of me yet, but I'd rather not take the risk. Who knows what kind of chatter she'd start! Puling up the hood of my jacket, I try to blend in with the crowd.
"Lucy! Hey, Lucy!"
Crap. There's no where for me to run, I can hear her a few feet behind me. Turning around, I let out a dejected sigh. "Levy…"
Giggling, Levy catches up to me excitedly. "I knew it was you! Your fashion is totally easy to pick out!"
Muttering under my breath half-heartedly, I take off my hood, giving up all hope of escape. "What the heck is that supposed to mean, huh?"
Shrugging in her classic 'cute style', she hurries up, trying to match her short legs with my fast paces. "I mean, you don't even try looking like everyone else! You wear hoodies that definitely aren't meant to flatter you, and loose jeans, and sneakers! Wait, are those boy's sneakers?" her face contorts into joy when I nod sullenly. She gives me a gentle slap on the back.
"Girl, you're totally awesome! No girl I know would even dare to go outside without make-up! Well, except Erza."
"You just insulted me in so many ways."
Laughing, she continues as though I didn't speak. "Have I ever seen you wear make-up?"
Trying not to gag, I give her a look that could kill. "Stop trying to interrogate me."
She's persistent, I'll give her that. "Sorry, sorry, I didn't mean to offend you. But seriously, do you wear makeup?"
Frowning, I kick at a pebble. "Don't apologize if you don't mean it, moron. And the day I wear makeup is the day I walk into school with a heck of a lot more attitude than I do right now."
Levy narrows her eyes, mulling over what I said. After a minute, she speaks. "Wait, are you stereotyping girls who wear makeup?"
I shrug, smirking. "I'm speaking from experience, shrimp. That's not stereotyping, if the only girls I've met have all been the same."
We near the end of the line of shops, and my road home is just up ahead. The conversation isn't over, though.
"So how would you describe girls who wear makeup?"
"Dude, just stop talking. You're only going to make yourself mad, if you try picking apart what I say. Anyways, I don't even know why I'm talking to you."
She stops walking, but I continue, since my road is right there. I glance back, not surprised to see that she looks hurt. "Because we're friends!" she calls out.
Turning away, I head down the road, on my way home. "It takes two to be friends."
I hear her say softly, "or maybe it doesn't." No doubt she's giving that determined smile of hers, that always seems to show up no matter how many time I push her away.
What will it take to get her to leave me alone? I can't stop thinking about this as I walk home, and it's a long walk.
I'm finally back, and I can't stand another minute of this pink bedroom. What am I, a princess? Tugging at the pink curtains, I'm relieved to find out they come down really easily. I snort. What a cheapskate.
There's not much furniture, although what's here is stunningly expensive looking. I think I can keep it all, except for the unneeded vanity. All I have to do is paint the furniture and the walls, and then trade in the princess-ey bed set for something a little more… me.
For now, though, I settle with picking up and organizing a bit. Makes me feel like I'm in charge.
If I'm gonna be here for a while, maybe I should look into buying some stuff for myself. I'm not used to staying in a house for more than a few months, but it's already been that long. Kind of weird. I always thought that when I finally find somewhere somewhat stable, it'd be with a family that actually cared about me.
"And you, old man, definitely don't care about me." I mumble to myself, as I jump onto my bed with a pile of books.
"Alright, let's see what we've got here. Science…. Math… Biology.. Good grief, how much does the guy know?!"
'The guy' being Gildarts, who gave me a stack of homework to do over the weekend. Nobody else got any, which is definitely a sign that he believes in payback...
Sighing, I settle back, kicking off my sneakers and pulling off my hoody, leaving me in a tank top and sweats. Biting the end of my pencil, I glance over everything I'm supposed to fill out. A bunch of crap about wars, and buildings, and.. guess what? People! What a surprise.
I don't want to find out if Gildarts has a bad side, so I dejectedly get to work. This continues for about fifteen minutes, until I come across a word I don't know.
"Er… Conjugation?" I'm in the middle of the English section, and I literally have no idea what these words mean. Do people use these in daily conversation?
Not that I'm stupid, but not going to school for the better part of my life is kind of a big deal. That's why I never did homework all those years ago, and I guess the habit kind of stuck. Oh man, Gildarts is gonna kill me!
And Jude… Holy crap, I'm in trouble. Two guys mad at me for not doing my school spells trouble. And I don't even know how to spell trouble! Shaking my head, I dump everything onto the ground below to me, and curl up on the bed, sinking my face into one of my dozen pillows.
It only takes a minute for my weary mind to drift into sleep, much against my will. I'm so tired of nightmares stealing rest from my body, when it should be regaining energy.
But this time, something changed.
Thanks for reading! Please review :)
-God bless-
