Chapter 10
Her heart ached like never before. It hurt so bad, she needed to stop to take a breath.
"Go! Go!"
"What about you?"
"They don't want me. They want you! Now…go!"
Panting heavily, Lucy turned her head back. Go? Go where? There is nowhere else to go. Awakened in the middle of the night, she only had time to put on her sneakers and jacket. She knew this day would come, so she had been sleeping in regular day clothes instead of her comfortable pajamas which she didn't have.
"Run! They're coming."
Lucy heard the banging of the door which her follower is trying to prevent the others from opening. Standing at the edge on the rooftop of a five story building, she could see the rooftop of another building. It's impossible to jump across. It's too far.
"where is it?"
She ran towards the other edge, finding the fire escape, she felt a sense of hope. As she was about to take the first step down, that hope disappeared when she saw others on the streets looking up, waiting for her. The building is surrounded by her enemies. There is no escape. "…damn it…." What else could she do except yell for help. But if she yell, who would help her in the middle of the night? Who can help her at this moment?
"Jump! Jump! I can't hold on!"
After throwing her gun towards the other building, she ran back as far as she could. There is no time to think of the best way to do this. There is only one way, once chance to prolong her life and that is to run as fast as she could and jump at the right moment. Running at full speed, with her strong foot, she pushed herself off the edge as hard as she could with her eyes focused on the destination, more than 20 feet away. "aaaAAHHHH!"
It didn't work. It was farther than she thought. Her hands reached out to grab anything she could reach, but all she could grab hold of was air.
"Sshhh…it's okay…you're okay…Shhh…"
Panting heavily, with eyes shut tight, it took her a moment to hear the gentle voice from the one who's holding her. With her heart pounding out of control, feeling the warmth of the body holding her tight, Lucy managed to open her tired eyelids slowly one at a time. It's only a dream.
"It's okay…Shh…shhh…"
Feeling the soft rub on her spine, Lucy began to feel more relaxed, still thinking of what just happened. Even though it was only a dream, she once had to do it for real, jumping from one rooftop to another to run from her enemies. Her father's loyal followers weren't so lucky. Thinking of all of those who died protecting her brought all those emotions back. Her eyes shut tight to prevent tears from forming. She took in a few deep breaths to control herself and hugged her lover tight which it's exactly what she needed now. With her eyes closed, with her arms wrapped around her lover, there is nothing else on her mind except the person holding her. How long has it been since they held each other like this? It felt so good, she didn't want to let go. The warmth, the closeness, and the tight hold her lover has on her caused her heart to pound as fast as before but for a totally different reason. Feeling comfortable, she placed a gentle kiss on her neck. But something didn't feel right when all her senses started to kick in. It's not the blonde hair. It's not the room she's in. It's not the fragrance. More importantly, it's the woman standing at the door 10 feet away. Amy? Quickly pulling back, she realized it's the famous blonde.
"What…what….." She has a lot of questions but that's all she could get out from her confused mind. "Wait…Amy…I can explain…" She could see her lover, looking very upset, walking rapidly towards her… "I can explain…"
Her eyes opened and immediately squinted at the bright light. With one intake of air, Lucy suddenly felt the need to cough, coughing out whatever it was in her throat that was blocking the passageway. She noticed Amy on her right but couldn't think of anything else right now except trying to breathe. With the help of her lover patting her back, Lucy finally managed to stop coughing and took a moment to look around the unfamiliar surroundings. As the top of the bed was being slowly raised up, she leaned her back against the pillows after taking a sip of water. The moment the bed stopped moving, she was met with a tight hug from her lover. This time, she is certain that it is the former blonde agent hugging her and not the other blonde. The color and the feel of her hair may be the same but the scent is different. The feel of her body may be the same but her voice is different.
"You should've listened to me."
"I'm sorry." A quick apology escaped her mouth as she tried to think of how she ended up there. It can't be good. Hospital. Amy…here..why? Aside from the surprise sitting in front of her, she was confused at why her body suddenly felt so painful. "ah…ah…ahhh..." She couldn't feel the pain before but now she could feel as though every muscle in her body is falling apart. Questions…later…bathroom…now. Lucy lifted off the blanket as fast as she could but realized it was a bad idea when she tried to get off the bed. Her legs didn't move as if it had been frozen in place. She reached out to touch her own legs, pinching, poking, hitting various parts, but the only thing she could feel is the rapid beating of her heart and her upper body, weak and painful as if she had been hit by a car. She continued hitting her right leg, hoping that it was just sleeping and hoping whatever she was feeling, in this case, not feeling, would go away. Another dream? She wished. Something told her that it wasn't. It wasn't until Amy wrapped her arms around her did she stop doing any more damage.
"It's going to be okay. It's going to be okay." Amy said as she held her tighter.
It wasn't supposed to be this way. After having the conversation with Ethan that night, Amy decided to go to New York. He's right. There is no reason for her not to go since the semester ended. She came to surprise Lucy but was shocked to learn the news. After calling numerous times and not getting a response from Lucy, that's when she realized where her fiancée might be. It was all over the news, news about the megastar. The first thing she did was call Max, then Scud. There was nothing she could do except pray that nobody will get hurt. Let them get the money and leave. Don't try to be a hero. Lucy. She wished it was that simple. But she only found out the truth after getting a call from Max. It wasn't just about money.
The waiting area is a familiar place. Amy has never been in this hospital but had been in the waiting rooms in other hospitals too many times in her life. Sitting on her left is Alexis. It's at this moment she wished she could turn back time. She wished she could convince Lucy not to come. It was a selfish thought.
What she learned from Max disgusted her. They had been on missions to rescue hostages in bank heists before. But these criminals were different from the rest of them. They came prepared and they used the megastar as a bargaining chip. Why used this method? Why not threaten to kill the hostages to get what they want? Amy didn't understand until Max told her the news regarding the US committing a series of human rights violations against the prisoners of war which included torture, physical and sexual abuse. It was for revenge as well as to get what they want. The megastar refused to take her clothes off in front of the camera until they threatened to kill a child. Lucy wouldn't be able to sit there and do nothing. If she was there, she wouldn't be able to either. With 4 armed males and 1 female, the only thing Lucy could do was offer them money to try to stop them. Lucy succeeded but what she got instead was a severe beating. They kicked and punched her so badly, it frightened the hostages. They didn't stop until the FBI acquiesced to their demands. If Mr. P was in charge, the outcome may have been different. The bruises all over Lucy's body, forearm, legs, face, eyes, and the cut on her lip showed what she went thru to save the famous blonde. But Lucy, you couldn't save her. You should have listened to me. It's too late now. The only thing Amy could do is pray.
"Amy"
"Max"
Max quickly approached and gave her friend a comforting hug.
"How is she?"
"She's getting an mri now. Max, she can't…her legs…she can't…"
Seeing those tears about to form in her red-eyes, hearing her trembling voice, Max understood and again hugged her. With everything else that happened, Max was glad that Amy contacted her at the right moment. If she had contacted her after the negotiation was done, it would have been too late. This case would be out of her hands and there may be a chance that their true identity could be revealed, the former criminal leader's and the Perfect Score's. At least now, the only ones who know about the gender of the disguised brunette are the doctors and the ones who rescued her.
"She's going to be okay. She's a fighter. I know she will." Max said with confidence.
Wiping her tears away, Amy managed to think about someone else besides her lover. "How is she?"
Amy understood when Max shook her head. It was a question that she knew the answer to, but was hoping that it would be different. How else would one feel after being sexually assaulted? It would be like, if not worse than, losing the ability to walk again.
Hours later
"Doctor said you can be discharged tomorrow." Doctors suggested more tests to be done but Max felt it would be safer to get Lucy into another location as soon as possible. Tests and physical therapy will have to wait.
Lucy heard but did not acknowledge. Looking down into blank space, she opened her mouth as each spoonful of food was fed to her. There was nothing wrong with her hands or her other senses. She should be thankful for that. But somehow finding herself without the ability to move her legs the moment she woke up sent her into a state that she had never been before. She didn't think it would happen to her because she escaped death numerous times from more dangerous situations. But now, she came to believe that she is just like everyone else; when the time comes, she won't be able to escape it. She can't remember how it happened. But one thing she knows for sure is that she…may never be the same person she used to be.
It was exactly what Anthony said. But nobody expected that it would happen in a bank, with the megastar in it. Was it a coincidence or did they plan this from the beginning? Lucy didn't speak her thoughts and allowed Amy to continue telling her what happened with Max filling in the missing pieces.
That day, the megastar had planned on taking something out of the safe deposit box. The moment she entered the room where the safes are, four men and one woman pulled out handguns, announcing a takeover. Everyone was surprised they weren't there just for money. What they wanted took hours for the government to agree with their demand. Terrorists, that's what Anthony told her about. That's what the secret service asked him about. The last thing Lucy remembered was following the famous blonde. That's what she had been doing after New Year's.
The more she heard, the more certain she was that their plan was to use the megastar to force the government to release a prisoner. Using a regular citizen wouldn't have the same effect. Using someone as famous as her will capture their attention.
Noticing that Lucy had been staring into blank space as if not hearing a single word from her, Max tried to comfort her with this information. "They don't know who you are. They just think you're a transgender."
That made sense to Lucy. Even if she was caught in the middle of a regular bank robbery, she and the rest of the hostages would need to be questioned by the police. She would have no way of getting out of it. Giving them her fake ID would pose a lot of questions. However, Lucy was a bit confused when Max continued with the story until she learned what happened inside the bank wasn't broadcasted to the public. The only ones who know are the FBI group that was in charge and the hostages. Her heart ached after hearing the details of what they wanted the megastar to do. It made sense. It would be suicide if she fought back. She would have done everything she could to save the megastar from being humiliated. She was disappointed to learn that the terrorists got away with what they came for, the money from the bank and one of their own. Despite the condition she was in, she was glad that she was able to save the megaster until she learned what happened afterwards.
The FBI provided them a helicopter but was not able to fulfill their second request on time. It was clear to Lucy what the FBI was trying to do, stall. The terrorists weren't stupid to fall for that either. As a result of their unfulfilled demand, what happened later made her want to kill them. What hurts even more is realizing that she had failed to protect the one she came here for. Despite all the nightmares, given to her as a hint, she still failed. It wasn't Lucas. It was a terrorist. Oh God…She didn't want to listen anymore.
Her eyes looked up into her lover's. "nnno…." She reached out to hold her lover's wrist. Shaking her head, she didn't want to believe that it's true.
Amy placed the bowl down and motioned Max to stop talking. She knew this would happen. Wrapping her arms around Lucy, she spoke softly over her shoulder. "She's alive." She could feel Lucy shaking her head. "You did all you could." She could feel Lucy's upper body trembling. "Lucy, don't blame yourself. Please…don't." She extended her hand to the side, motioning Max and Alexis to give them some privacy. "Calm down…calm down…please…" She was afraid that Lucy might go into shock. She had seen it happen before when patients wake up finding themselves to be different. But in this case, it was finding out what she wasn't able to do. She realized just how important the famous blonde is to her when an earsplitting scream of agony echoed through the VIP hospital room.
A day later
Amy pushed the wheelchair inside the hotel suite with Max and Alexis following from behind. Lucy instructed her to go towards the tv instead of the bedroom. She wanted to find out what the news is saying about the incident, but more importantly, about the one whom she could not save.
Bending down, Amy spoke softly while placing her hand over Lucy's thigh. "Are you hungry?" Amy didn't think it would be wise for Lucy to dress as 'David' again. So she thought it would be easier for Lucy to dress as herself, avoiding the public eye.
Lucy shook her head and continued flipping through the channels. When she noticed that her shoes were being taken off, she stopped Amy from doing so. "I can do that." She could see her lover letting out a small smile. She could see her lover leaning towards her. She could see that things have already begun to change when her lover, for no reason, gave her a kiss on the cheek which it's something Amy would never do in front of others. Unlike Amy, Max and Alexis weren't treating her like a helpless individual.
After Amy left the area, Max took a beer from the refrigerator. "Do you want one?"
"any wine coolers?"
With a quick warning, Max tossed the bottle towards her. Lucy didn't expect that but was able to catch it. Max then tossed a bag of Doritos and nuts which Lucy was able to catch with ease. Lucy wasn't surprised that the news channels were still talking about the incident. But what surprised her was that nothing negative was said about the FBI. According to Max, there were 2 FBI officials who watched the assault as it happened and did nothing until it was too late. One woman thanked the megastar for saving her child and mentioned 'him' as a hero for standing up against them. The hostages talked about the assault, yet nobody mentioned how the FBI failed to protect a citizen of the US, the megastar. This is what is confusing to her until Max told her that the megastar had not yet talked to her and none of the hostages know exactly what happened after the megastar was taken away to another room.
Anger boiled up inside of her once again. "Do you know who did it?"
"He was wearing a full face ski mask."
Damn it. If he was wearing one, then all of them would be as well. "Max, destroy the tape." If anyone else gets their hands on it, the outcome would be disastrous, especially a sex tape involving a famous person. News will spread like wildfire just like right now. But at least now, it's only a speculation from the hostages.
"We destroyed it already."
"What? Why?" Lucy was more confused than ever. That was evidence.
All eyes turned towards Amy who suddenly called out.
"Lucy, you can't drink that."
"Why?"
It was obvious to her but when Amy saw everyone staring at her like she's the one with the problem, it made her think twice. "..your bruises…" She could see that it didn't make sense to anyone.
"It's okay."
"they don't want any more problems from the public…they know they made a mistake." Max continued.
Lucy didn't like what she's hearing. They destroyed the evidence to save themselves. What about her?
"That's why they assigned this case to me."
Lucy became even more confused until Max clarified how Mr. P convinced his superior to let him take over the case. It was an idea Max pitched to Mr. P. She lied about her friendship with the megastar to make them believe that she will be able to talk her out of exposing the truth. And the truth is the megastar would not have been assaulted if the FBI gave them what they wanted in the first place. "I know this isn't right, but it's the only way to help you."
Help me? Lucy was disgusted with the reason, even though she agreed that the megastar should not tell anyone about the assault, but for her own benefit and not for the benefit of others. She came to understand why Max would want to talk to the megastar. Getting more detail of the incident isn't her only purpose.
"If those idiots are still in charge, they might not find out so soon, but may eventually find out what they should be looking for is a woman."
Lucy had no recollection of the events that happened. Finding out that she was rescued in the ocean near the New York/New Jersey lines 80 miles from where the heist took place confused her even more.
"Something happened and you're the only one who knows."
As Lucy was trying to remember, something else caught her eye. Her brows furrowed again when she saw her lover bending down next to her. "I can do that."
This time Amy wasn't helping her take off her shoes. She was picking up her shoes up from the floor. Lucy leaned down, grabbed both pairs and placed it on her lap. Pulling the wheels back one feet, she stopped, then rolled the wheels forward. All noticed that she had done it before by the way she skillfully maneuvered the wheelchair. She rolled it back into her previous position next to the couch as if she was driving a car, smoothly and perfectly. Looking up at Amy, she couldn't tell what she was thinking but could see that she was tired by the redness in her eyes. She extended her hand out expecting her to take hold of it. Amy did without hesitation, took one step forward and bent down.
"Go take a nap. I'll let you know when dinner's ready." Lucy said in a gentle voice and hoped that her lover can get some sleep. This is the least she can do for her now. Not knowing when she will be able to walk again, she wanted the situation to be as less stressful, less worrisome, and less of a burden.
The results of the tests didn't seem obvious. Usually when a person could not feel her legs, the cause is an injury to the spinal cord. But what separates her from others with the same injury is that she is lucky that there is no damage to the nerves that allows her to control the elimination of waste. What she wanted to hear isn't words of hope and encouragement. What she wanted to hear is the truth. And the truth is doctors don't know if it would be possible for her to walk again. Hearing that didn't make her regret the decision in coming here, it made her regret the decision for acting alone. She could have asked Anthony for more help. She could have asked Scud.
Watching Amy giving her another kiss and heading towards the bedroom, Lucy tried not to think of the future because at this moment, she couldn't see anything but unhappiness. Even now, she couldn't see how she can bring that wide smile back into her lover again. Lucy cleared her thoughts and returned her attention back to the agent.
"Max, I don't think you should talk to her."
Lucy didn't think the megastar would want to see her because after all, Max is a cop and they're not that close. Besides, she didn't think Max is the right person for the job.
"Alexis, you go talk to her." Seeing how well they bonded in the last few weeks, Lucy thought Alexis would be more appropriate. If anyone can, she believed that Alexis could. Lucy expected her to agree. But what she saw was hesitation and indecisiveness. "Alexis, you're not doing this for them. You're not doing this for me or Amy. You're doing this for her. Think of what will happen if everybody knows about it. It will get worse. It's going to get so bad, she won't be able to go out without hearing about it. Everyone will be talking about her and they're not going to stop. Do you understand?"
Alexis understood the first time she heard but felt that the public has a right to know what the FBI did or rather didn't do. It could have happened to anyone, even her. Putting herself in the megastar's shoes, she would want everyone to know what the FBI didn't do. It will capture the attention of millions and only then would the system be forced to change. As ridiculous as it sounds, it takes a tragedy to make people aware that there are problems with the system and those who worked there. But that's her own opinion. What would she do? Lucy's explanation made her think twice. After having spent a few days with the megastar, Alexis found her to have a very strong personality. Seeing her interviews on the web, she found the megastar to be eloquent, smart and can handle herself in tough situations. But would she be able to handle this?
"I want to ask her what she wants to do." Alexis felt it's the right thing to do.
That was not the response Lucy was expecting but understood that the megastar may be like Alexis, not easily persuaded.
shoot…. She placed the bottle down and pulled the wheels back. Both Alexis and Max were wondering where she was going until they saw where she was heading to.
"Do you need any help?"
"no." Lucy wheeled herself in and closed the bathroom door.
"You should know the answer to that." Max didn't understand why Alexis even bother to ask.
"She will if she wants to take a shower."
When Alexis heard about her injury, she was as shocked as the blonde. Why? She asked the Lord why he would do this to her. She was only trying to help. When she saw how the brunette acted a while ago as if it didn't bother her, she felt better knowing that the brunette didn't succumb to it, like many others have.
Max did not plan on staying with them but since it was so late and her hotel is in New York, she decided to call it a night and went back to her room after dinner. It was a good idea to move to a hotel in New Jersey. Even though the FBI is no longer in charge of the case, those who are curious might still be searching for 'him'. The farther away they are from where the helicopter was found, the less risk of 'him' being found. The sooner they leave; the better. That's what Max is hoping for. But from the conversation she just had, she sensed that the former criminal leader might have other plans and leaving the US is not one of them.
Lying on the king size bed, with eyes staring at the ceiling, Lucy is in deep thought, thinking about what just happened. Taking a shower wasn't possible without the help of her lover and Alexis. She would need a different setup so she won't have to rely on anyone. Her eyes turned towards her lover who just stepped out of the bathroom. If she is not in this state, her lover would be sleeping in another room, not next to her. Not until marriage. At this moment, it seems that it will never happen…marriage.
"Do you need anything?" Amy said in a gentle voice.
Lucy shook her head in response. Amy thought of something and got off the bed. Lucy had forgotten herself until Amy put some night cream on her face. After the night cream, Amy placed moisturizer on her legs, body and arms which made her wonder if this is what happened every night when she was in a coma. It made her wonder if this is what it's going to be like in the future.
"I'm sorry." Lucy felt the need to apologize for putting her thru this again.
Hearing those words, seeing those apologetic eyes, Amy understood why she was apologizing and regretted saying those words the moment she woke up. You should've listened to me. At that time, she didn't know about her legs. She didn't mean it the way it sounded and felt the need to clarify.
"Lucy, listen to me. Everything is going to be okay. We're going back to London. Nothing is going to change. You understand?" Several hours ago in the living room, seeing Lucy's behavior, she had thought that was what Lucy was trying to tell her; that things aren't going to change. But right now, hearing the tone of sadness and regret, Amy wanted to reassure her by leaning down and kissed her gently on her lips which she realized later that she shouldn't have.
"Owww"
With a smile in place and her upper half body rolling on top of Lucy's, Amy kissed gently on her cheek before speaking softly into her ear. "I love you."
I'm sorry. Lucy repeated in her own mind as she wrapped her arms around her lover's upper body. I can't go back, not now.
"Amy…" Knowing what would happen if she told her now, Lucy decided to wait. "it hurts."
Amy immediately lifted herself up and apologized and gave another kiss on her cheek before saying good night and snuggled close to her like all those nights when they slept together.
Nothing is going to change. Lucy wished that's true. One thing she knows for sure is going to change is that she won't be able to love her the way she used to.
Several hours passed.
Lucy regretted more and more of drinking the wine cooler. There was one thing she did need and she totally forgot about it. The wheelchair wasn't next to the bed. She turned to her left and could hear the soft breathing from her lover. She decided not to wake her up and see if she could do it by herself. The first thing she did was rolled her lower body down on the floor. Since that worked, there was no need to crawl on the floor because that would require a lot of her upper body strength. It was a short distance to the bathroom and she applauded herself for finding a way. Once inside the bathroom, she knew exactly what she had to do. She was unsuccessful the first time and she needed Max to help her. It was more difficult than she thought. The moment she tried to stand up, her knees bent on their own. She was able to transfer herself from the wheelchair to the toilet but by the time that she did, her arms were too tired to push herself up again to pull her pants down. But this time is different. She didn't have the wheelchair. Even with her knees on the floor, she found it difficult to pull herself up, especially at this time of the night when her body is not fully awake. Damn it. She internally cursed for not being able to do so and for waking up her lover who was standing at the door.
After getting her business done, she was carried back to the bed on her lover's back. Lucy felt helpless, awkward, and more than that, embarrassed.
Amy deliberately turned the bathroom lights off and closed the bathroom door. That way, if Lucy tried that again, she'd know immediately. She understood Lucy's intention but it's too soon. Her body has not fully recovered and she's already trying to prove to everyone, to her especially, that she could do it on her own. This made her realize that the talk they had earlier didn't work. She slipped under the blanket and snuggled next to Lucy.
"Ow!"
"Does this hurt?" There is no other way. Amy again poked her bruised abdomen.
"Ow! Amyyyyy…."
The room is dark. She couldn't see Lucy's face. "Can you wait until you get better first?" She didn't wait for Lucy to respond and leaned down, burying her face into her lover's neck. "Tell me if you need me. I'm here for you. There's nothing to be embarrassed about. I love you…and I always will." If that doesn't get thru to her, she's not sure what will.
With both arms wrapped around Amy, Lucy held her closer against her upper body. She failed in her attempt to prove her point but realized more and more what she needed to do.
Lucy had been waiting for hours. The last time she felt this way, nervous and anxious was when Janet gave birth to Zander. That day was full of happiness. But what she waiting for was the complete opposite. If she could walk, she would have been pacing back and forth near the door right now. Instead, all she could do is roll the wheels back and forth as a way of exercising and to keep herself busy.
"Lucy, stop it. Come over here."
Breathing heavily as if she had been jogging, Lucy stared at Amy who's sitting on the couch. It's the fourth day since the incident. She blamed herself for not being able to remember. There is nothing she could do except wait for Anthony to find those bastards first before the police does.
"Come here…" Amy called out again.
Lucy did as told and rolled the wheels forward. She looked up and wondered what she had in mind. She could see that Amy is in a better mood than the days before.
"Does your back hurt?"
It hurts but she would be rather moving around than sitting on the couch.
Amy wrapped her arms around Lucy's waist and assisted her to lie on the couch on her front. She then lifted her sweater up and placed a heating pad on her spine and began massaging her calves and shoulders.
"We're going to leave on Friday."
Friday?...3 days from today…I have to tell her.
While squeezing Lucy's calves, Amy contemplated on whether this is the right time to tell her. She had been thinking about it since last night after hearing Lucy's apology. She thought about the consequences of telling her now and later and came to the conclusion that the outcome will be the same regardless…because the fact is nobody knows if she can walk again.
"A few weeks ago, I went to see a doctor." Amy said as she began massaging Lucy's upper back.
That got Lucy's full attention. "What's wrong? Are you okay?"
"I'm fine...She's…a fertility doctor."
oh. Lucy couldn't think of anything else to say but a lot of things came running through her mind. It's not what she expected Amy to be talking about at this moment.
"She said it's better to do it sooner than later." Amy said as she gently massaged her shoulders in a slow pace, then placed a soft kiss on her neck before speaking in a soft tone. "I..." Amy again couldn't understand why it's so difficult for her to say it. It's not like she's proposing. Lucy already did that. "I want to get married now." She wasn't sure why her heart starts pounding every time those words come out of her mouth. When she didn't get a response and saw Lucy's eyes were closed, she became even more nervous, thinking that Lucy might not be ready, especially now. "Lucy?"
"ow!…ow!…"
Amy immediately pulled back.
"my back…hot…."
Amy quickly took the heating pad away and noticed her back was a bit red. For a moment there, she thought Lucy could feel her legs.
Seeing Lucy trying to turn herself around, Amy helped her in flipping her body over, then took the offered hand that was extended towards her and sat on the edge of the couch next to Lucy's hips. With her hand held over Lucy's heart and from the look on her face, Amy could feel what the response is going to be.
"I…" Before Lucy could continue, she was prevented from speaking by the finger on her lips.
"Nothing is going to change how I feel about you. We can do this. We have Scud and Janet and Nadia…they can help us…you'll see, it's…" Amy trailed off when she was interrupted. "What?"
Lucy took Amy's finger away from her lips. "after graduation" The thought just occurred to her. Saying anything else would definitely have a negative effect. Giving her a good reason would be better. "Give me some time…I want to see if I can. And by that time, if I still…can't…" Lucy didn't want to say it but knew it could be possible that she may never be able to walk again. "we'll get married…and we can start our family." She thought it would work but realized it didn't when she saw Amy shaking her head.
"Don't you understand what I'm trying to say? It doesn't matter..."
"but it matters to me, I want to walk down the aisle with you. I want to give you everything you want. I want to marry you…but not like this…not without trying first." Lucy held Amy's hand closer to her face. "five months, after you graduate, that's all I need…." Lucy said with such confidence, she expected anyone who heard to believe her, but could see that Amy isn't convinced. "You can concentrate on school, I can concentrate on what I have to do."
"I don't need a wedding. We can just sign the papers and…" Before Amy could finish with her thought, she was surprised by a sudden hug.
"please…Amy…."
The outcome isn't how Amy imagined it to be. It was either a yes or not now. If Lucy had said not now, she would have responded with 'when'. She could picture that conversation leading to an unhappy ending. But instead Lucy had given herself a deadline as if she too knew that this question would pop up. "I just want to be with you. Why can't you understand that?"
"I know and I understand. I won't let you wait any longer than that. I promise."
Amy couldn't understand why she was being so stubborn. She ran out of ideas to persuade her. So the only thing she could say is intimidate her. "If I find someone else before that, don't regret it."
"Then…maybe we should do it one more time before that happens."
Amy didn't expect that and instantly felt that nothing has changed, hearing her lover's horny sense of humor. For anyone in her condition, it would have taken weeks even months to overcome the pain and accept the reality. But for the former criminal mastermind, it took less than a day and she was back to herself. Crying over it won't bring her legs back. Being depressed won't either. Looking at her lover, she couldn't see anything different about her even with the impairment, except a few bruises on her jaws, the corner of her left eye and her cut lip.
"um...Amy, I was only kidding." Lucy said as she was being pushed down gently.
Not just the comment, the way she said it shocked the heck out of her. Amy wasn't thinking of that either and realized what else was bothering her lover. She leaned down inch by inch closer to Lucy's face and noticed her nervousness. It was quite odd. She had never seen that look before. She herself had that look the first few times they made love but on Lucy, never. It made sense now. The deadline that she gave, it wasn't just about being able to walk. It was about being able to be…intimate. Ohhh…Luccccy… Her hands slowly reached up towards her cheeks. Her fingers gently caressed her bruised jaws, then slid down her neck, gently rubbing and massaging her tensed muscles. She could see Lucy becoming more comfortable with both eyes closed. Her hands continued to squeeze each inch as they glided along the upper arm, then back up. It was peaceful. It was quiet with nobody else around. She could only hope to put her lover's mind at peace, not thinking about anything, not worrying about anything, for a moment. But she realized how impossible that was when her fiancée suddenly grabbed hold of her hand that was pulling down her sweatpants a bit with the intention of placing the heating pad there. "What's wrong?"
Lucy couldn't think of an explanation and luckily what she had been waiting for hours entered the door at this moment. The two faces of the ones who just walked in told her that they didn't have good news.
Tossing her purse on the couch, Alexis blew out a big breath. Fatigue showed on her face. She took the heating pad on the table to warm her cold hands and sat on the armchair while Max took the seat on the other couch. Outside was below zero and covered with snow. They had been gone since the morning. Alexis was rubbing her temples. So Lucy gave her a moment to get herself together. Her heart was pounding as different thoughts appeared in her mind. She couldn't help but think of the worst.
After taking a sip of hot chocolate, Alexis explained where they went. It wasn't the apartment in NY because that's where all the reporters are. It was in a house in New Jersey where nobody knows about because the house is not under the megastar's name. It's in a peaceful area surrounded by acres of land, fences, and security guards. Unlike the apartment in NY, it had more privacy.
Lucy was surprised to learn that Alexis received a call from the megastar. It was a good sign. Getting a call from her meant that she's not in an unstable condition. "Is she…okay?"
"She's…how should I explain this?" Alexis said as she rubbed her temples.
Lucy leaned as forward as she could without falling off the couch. I'll kill those bastards. I swear to God. I'll kill them.
"She asked about you."
That was unexpected but seems logical since everybody knows 'David' was beaten up to save her from being humiliated and everyone knows that 'David' is still missing.
"I told her we're still looking for you, but she didn't believe me." Before they went to see her, they decided that it's best to continue with the lie.
"Alexis, I want to know how she is. Did she look like she wants to kill herself?" That's what usually happens to raped victims, depressed and suicidal.
"No. All she wanted to know is where you are. She wanted to send out a search party for you."
Alexis is right. It's not what she expected at all. Have people looking for her is the last thing she wants.
It was a huge house enclosed by a wall covered with snow. Surveillance cameras could be seen from the main gate and the main door. Once escorted inside, Alexis was expecting to see the megastar with friends and family, but all she saw were house staffs, security guards, and the megastar standing alone in front of a large window in a large family room with a piano. She doesn't know her that well, but knew at that moment what she would need, someone she can trust, someone she can talk to. She was expecting her to cry on her shoulder but that didn't happen. What happened instead confused her.
"She didn't believe me. She kept saying I'm lying…until…"
"I told her about the helicopter." Max interrupted. What they found were pieces of the helicopter floating on the ocean. They still can't find the engine. How it happened, they still don't know. Luckily, Max found her by searching thru all the hospitals and clinics for new patients.
The more she heard, the more sorry Lucy felt for not being able to tell her the truth. But even if she could tell her the truth, she didn't have the courage to face her. It wasn't her fault but she couldn't help feeling responsible. She was there. She could picture herself doing everything she could to prevent them from taking her away. Why wasn't I able to save her? There could only be one reason. I was probably knocked out. The bump on her head could be a result of it.
It was very quiet during dinner. After hearing about the megastar, Lucy wasn't in the mood to talk. She prayed that Anthony would be able to get those sons of bitches. She prayed for the megastar to be able to get thru this. She prayed…she stopped her thoughts when she heard what Max said.
"I'm going to see if I can tap into her phone records." Max said as she placed a piece of chicken into her mouth.
"Why?" Lucy couldn't think of a reason why she would want to do that.
"Is it because of that phone call?" Alexis asked out of curiosity.
"What phone call?"
Max explained how the megastar was standing in stunned disbelief after hearing about the helicopter and later tried to call somebody but when nobody picked up, she threw the phone on the couch before turning towards the ceiling to floor window, hiding her face from them.
"Who do you think it could be?" It was just a phone call. Lucy still didn't understand her reason for invading the megastar's privacy. When Max shrugged her shoulders, Lucy let her know she doesn't agree. "Unless you have a good reason, don't…" It was a command, not a request.
The familiar tone instantly brought back memories. Max heard that tone before when she called for Amy at Barcelona many years ago. Each time Lucy picked up when Amy was in the shower or too busy to pick up the phone, she would ask for Amy and Lucy would respond with an unpleasant tone. 'Amy, your psycho friend is calling you!' Max could still remember that. She, of course, didn't let that go and let Amy know she didn't appreciate that. That happened a lot. It got to the point where Amy was frustrated with both of them. Something happened afterwards because Lucy stopped calling her names and kept the conversation to a few words. To this day, she still doesn't know what caused Lucy to change her behavior.
"Excuse me?" Her eyes narrowed at Lucy to let her know that she didn't appreciate being told what to do. Without her, she would have died a few years ago. But she still didn't appreciate her attitude.
"Don't…invade…her privacy."
There it is again. Max took a quick glance at the Perfect Score before returning her eyes at the brunette. "If we feel we need to, we will."
"Max, I'm serious."
Max had learned from past experiences that to talk to people like the brunette, the only way is to remain calm. "I know you are. I'll do everything I can to help you...and her." She was referring to the famous blonde. "…and I'll do whatever it takes to get the job done."
Lucy didn't like the sound of the last sentence. Whatever it takes could mean a lot of things.
Amy could see that Lucy is getting upset. If she could stand up, she would be standing up right now.
"Lucy, she's not going to do that."
"If the situation requires it, then I will." Max said without giving a second thought.
"Max!" Amy wanted her to stop talking. She was unsure what her friend was trying to do. There was no reason for her to tell anyone what she plans to do.
"Look, Mr. P and I will take care of this. You go back to London and take care of yourself."
Lucy wanted to respond to that but felt that this isn't the right time.
"You're not going back, are you?"
Lucy was completely clueless at what Max was trying to do, first getting her upset and then this. Lying wouldn't be right. Silence only confirms it.
"Lucy?" What Amy didn't notice, Max somehow did. "You wanted to stay here?" She could see her fiancee glaring at Max as if she had spoiled her plan. "Why?" She understood the reason the first time. But in her condition now, she can't even help herself. Amy then realized the five months deadline meant 'living apart.'
Lucy knew it might not work, but she tried anyway. With a gentle voice, with a different expression from before, she turned to look at her lover. "Scud said there is a really good doctor here, the best. He treated a lot of patients with the same condition as me and..."
"Do you expect me to believe that?" Amy tried to keep her voice as calm as possible. She expected Lucy to respond but all she got was a blank look. "You're hurt. What do you think you can do here?" Her voice was no longer as gentle. She didn't want to sound like she's talking to a child but she had no choice. Realizing that it was a lie from the beginning got her even more upset. When she didn't get a response, she can't hold it in anymore. She stood up, pushing her chair back a foot. "tell me..what you're thinking…"
"Five months, Amy…I promise.."
"You're hurt! Lucy!...You can't walk! You almost died!"
"Amyyyyy, please…."
With a face full of confusion, Amy tried hard to keep her voice down. "You can't help Anthony. You can't help her. Why do you still want to be here?"
"I can't leave now."
"Why?! Because of her?!" Amy could no longer contain her anger.
"…Lucas…" Lucy said.
Max started this so she wanted to see if she can end this. "I'll make sure he stays away from her."
Amy wished it was that simple but knew Lucy has other plans. "Lucy, please…come back with me…I don't want to see you get hurt." Amy begged but realized nothing could change her mind when Lucy continued to ask for her understanding and forgiveness. Shaking her head in disbelief, she didn't want to yell anymore. At this moment, she didn't want to listen or even look at her so she did the only thing she could and that is to let Lucy know she's upset and walked out of the room, slamming the main door behind her.
It's my fault. Lucy knew that but didn't appreciate the agent for bringing it up. She glared at Max who didn't care what she thinks. "She booked the ticket. When were you going to tell her?"
Frustrated with the situation she's in, Lucy has no choice but to ask the one person who might be able to persuade her lover. She moved her wheelchair towards Alexis, reached out to hold her hand, hoping what she is going to say next would make her understand why she needed to do this. If she does, then the Perfect Score might too.
This is the first time they've slept together in the same bed. Her anger subsided after spending an hour in the hotel restaurant alone. She needed time alone to think of how to persuade Lucy. She even called Scud and told him how ridiculous Lucy was behaving and was disappointed to hear that even he wouldn't be able to change her mind. What she learned from Scud, which wasn't a surprise to her after having been with her for almost 2 years is that Lucy could be very stubborn, even more stubborn at her younger years. She expected Scud to find a way to get thru to her, but what she got instead was the opposite; Scud wanted her to understand Lucy. If she had listened to everyone who thought she was crazy for leaving everything for a DEB, you two never would've been together. Those words somehow kept repeating in her head. Not only Scud, Alexis was doing the same. Lying next to the fashion designer, Amy found herself hearing a story of her past, Kristin's past.
"why are you telling me this?" It wasn't that Amy didn't like to hear about the events that happened in her life; she just wanted to know why Alexis suddenly brought this up.
Alexis continued to tell her about the time when Lucy was captured by her former supervisor and how she had forgiven the brunette even after finding out her true identity. As she was telling her the details of what happened in the cell, she expected her to interrupt and she did. Anyone who heard about her lover making out with someone else wouldn't be able to hold back.
"You two…did what?"
Alexis calmly explained her reason for doing so as well as the brunette's reason. "None of us knew what she was thinking. But know this, she has her own reasons." Alexis paused for a moment to let her words sink in. "She said…she feels responsible."
"…responsible? it's not her fault…"
"but she was there…and she couldn't save her…."
Amy let out a big breath as she tried to see the situation from Lucy's point of view. But it still didn't make sense to her. You lost the ability to walk because of her. If anyone should feel responsible for what happened, it should be them, not you. "I don't understand."
"I do…" Alexis shifted closer. "I met her. I got to know her. I don't want to leave her either…not right now."
It shouldn't make sense. But somehow it's starting too. Just like Annie, Amy found herself wanting to help her. There are people whom she knew for years but never found a connection with them and there are some whom she met for a few days and she felt like she wanted to know more about them. But she had this thought instilled in her the moment she learned what Lucy wanted to do. She had this thought months ago and had convinced herself that it's not like that. But two hours ago when she learned what Lucy wanted to do, she couldn't help but think that what she thought before could be true. "Do you think…she's into her?"
Amy didn't find it funny at all but somehow Alexis did.
"Can you blame her? Even I'm attracted to her."
That didn't help because it answered her question.
Seeing her frustration, Alexis stopped fooling around. "Do you think that she's going to give you up for her?" She said in a tone to let her know how ridiculous her thought was. "Do you think that someone like her would be interested in your girl?"
"Alexissss" Amy didn't like her response. "She can be very convincing." It happened to her, so getting the megastar to fall for her didn't sound impossible, at least not in her mind.
"Are you serious? " Alexis was trying to make a point but it didn't seem to work. "She's a singer, she's in the spotlight, everyone knows who she is, she has no privacy, she's into men…" Alexis was waiting for the blonde to say something but when all she saw was a body lying still next to her, she turned the lights on and got off the bed. "If you're not sleeping with her, then I will." Alexis stood still next to the bed, waiting for the blonde to respond. That may be the only way to get the blonde's attention and it did. Amy was staring at her and not in a good way. "She won't admit it, but you know she needs help."
"Don't…she needs to know she can't do this." Amy warned.
"…and you know she won't give in no matter what…"
"I'm trying to make a point." Amy could see that Alexis was moving a few steps backwards. "I don't want to see her get more hurt than she is now." She could see Alexis near the bedroom door. "Alexis, don't." Amy said in a commanding tone. "I'm not going to forgive you." She realized it didn't work when Alexis walked out of the bedroom. "Damn it." Even though she knows nothing will happen between them, she didn't like the idea of her lover sleeping with another woman especially Alexis on the same bed. Amy quickly got off the bed and ran out the door. Knowing what type of person Alexis is, it wouldn't surprise her if she would do it. "Alexis" She said in a whisper and grabbed hold of her hand, preventing her from opening the bedroom door to Lucy's room.
"Get in there before she gets more hurt." Alexis advised before walking back into her own bedroom.
Two thoughts immediately appeared in her mind. Both she and Alexis had already taken a shower. Lucy might not have and might try to do it herself. Shoot. Without knocking on the door first, Amy quickly went inside. The bed is empty. The bathroom lights are on. She had wanted to make a point but that is no longer important. "Lucy, are you okay?" She could've tried to open the door but knocked on it first. Not hearing a response, she became even more scared because accidents are more likely to happen in the bathroom. She opened the door and there she is, her stubborn naked lover is trying to crawl out of the bathtub. White wet towels were placed all over the tiled floor. Seeing her lover struggling broke her heart. She tried to assist but was pushed back.
"I can do this."
Stubborn. Amy always knew that about her lover, but just didn't realize how stubborn until now, until she was asked to go outside. It hurts to see her lover, unwilling to give in. It hurts even more to see her in the position she's in, bending over the bathtub in her naked form. Hearing the request again, Amy reluctantly walked out of the bathroom. Letting out a few deep breaths, she wiped the tears away from her eyes. She understood what Lucy was trying to do. Both were trying to make a point and both were unwilling to give in. Hearing the sounds of struggle inside the bathroom, Amy waited for Lucy to call her for help. One minute passed, two minutes passed, then when 10 minutes passed, Amy couldn't stand outside anymore. As she was about to walk in, the bathroom door opened wider. Looking down, Lucy is fully dressed, on the floor, lying on her abdomen, with her palms pressed against the floor. She reached out and bent down but was again told not to interfere. No matter how tough her training as a DEB had been, no matter how many missions she had been on where she had seen people in more unfortunate conditions, nothing affected her more than what she is seeing right now, seeing her lover crawling on her two hands with 2 long dead legs dragging from behind. Lucy, please…let me help you. She wanted Lucy to ask for help. She wanted Lucy to admit that she can't do this. She thought Lucy would because there is no way she can climb onto the bed. With knees on the floor, Lucy is grabbing on to the sheets, trying to pull herself up. Anyone could see that it would be impossible. The bed is just too high. Amy could no longer stand there and watch. She wrapped her arms around her waist and pulled the exhausted body up on the bed. With her body pressed against the back of her lover, she could hear her heavy breathing. "Please…don't do this." Sniffing in loudly, she needed to let her know how much it hurts to see her like this. Yelling at her won't work. Reasoning with her won't either. She was hoping this would but realized Lucy was in pain, physically and mentally when she saw her eyes shut tight. Amy slowly pulled back, then rolled Lucy over, expecting her to say what she wanted to hear. But all she got were eyes full of apology. Not hearing a response, just heavy breathing, she realized that nothing can change her mind. Nothing.
Darkness surrounded the room. Lucy wanted to apologize earlier but knew that it wasn't what Amy wanted to hear. She didn't expect to work out this way, but it worked. She got Amy's understanding. She got Amy snuggling close to her as if nothing happened.
Leave it to Anthony, he always comes thru, especially with his status now, it would be easier than many years ago. It wasn't Anthony's men who killed the terrorist they captured but Lucy wasn't sure if Max believed him. What they learned from Anthony confused all of them but weren't surprised to learn that they had this planned for weeks. Lucy believed that Anthony didn't have him killed. There was no reason for him to lie. If he did, he would have told her. One down and five to go…including the prisoner. Anthony let him go in hopes of leading him to the others but along the way, someone, somehow, found out and ended his life a bit earlier. It was his big mouth that got him into trouble. It was the way he treated the prostitute and what he said, comparing her looks to that of the megastar that led him to his death.
"Was it him?" Lucy desperately wanted to know. Anthony had no idea. Since he didn't want the news about the megastar to spread, he didn't have his men find out. Whether he did or not, his fate would've been the same. That's the only way to guarantee that he will never talk about it…ever again.
"If they had this planned for weeks, then they must have someone inside." Lucy said, lying on the couch as Amy bent her legs back and forth.
Anthony had the same thought.
"Who else knows that she was going to the bank that day besides her bodyguards?" When she was a DEB, Amy found herself not liking that job especially the part where she had to go undercover. But completing her mission brought satisfaction and being able to help those in need, she misses that.
"She might have told her friends." The first person that came to Lucy's mind is Blythe.
"…and Lucas…"
What Anthony said made her think twice. "Lucas? Why?" Lucy never thought it could be him. Humiliating his girlfriend in front of everyone and taking her innocence, that doesn't make sense.
"money" It was only a guess.
"no…he needed $50 million"
Lucy thought she was thinking clearly until Anthony told her the other possibility. There may be valuables inside the safe deposit boxes that may be worth a lot of money and it might have been a deal made between the terrorists and Lucas.
"So you're telling me that they did this to get that guy out of prison and Lucas helped them in exchange for money. Anthony, what you're saying doesn't make sense." By no means was she protecting her half-brother.
"Lucy, breathe…" Amy advised when she saw how upset she became.
"Why not?" It made sense to him.
Lucy wished Scud was on the other line at this moment. He may have other ideas. But Scud had other problems to worry about, his baby's health.
"because she is his girlfriend…" Lucy didn't think she needed to remind him what they did to her.
She didn't hear a response from Anthony so she knew he's thinking about it. If Lucas is involved, she's not sure what she would do. Would she kill him or just let Anthony do it?
"Amy, have you met him?"
"I have." Amy continued to squeeze Lucy's legs to get the blood flowing.
"What do you think of him?"
The question was unexpected. Her mind on its own thought back to that moment at the hotel where she met Lucas. Back in the Deb days, she had taken a course in profiling. It was a requirement that each DEB had to take. On her missions, she had to report back to her superiors about everyone she met. The way they move, the way they talk, what they talked about and how they act, she could easily tell what type of person they are. It was only a short moment when she met Lucas. He did most of the talking, complaining about 'David'. But from what she can see, he's an average Joe.
That's not what Anthony wanted to hear.
Amy stepped out of the living room for a moment. Lucy didn't pay attention to what she was doing until she came back with a pen and a piece of paper.
"Okay, let's recap…. they knew where she was going that day…it could be Lucas or her friends…." Amy repeated what Lucy said about Lucas. "If it's Lucas, then he did it for money." Everyone agreed that could be the only reason. "They could have their own plans." Amy pointed to Lucy to let her know that it could be possible that Lucas is involved. Getting his girlfriend assaulted might not be part of his plan, but it might be part of theirs. "Maybe he found out and have someone kill that guy." Amy reasoned and waited to see if Lucy could think of anything else to say against that. When Lucy nodded her head in agreement, Amy wrote it down on the paper. "Who else might know where she was going?"
"Blythe…but it can't be her." Lucy said in an obvious tone.
"Could they have somehow tapped her phone?"
Lucy responded with another nod. It's not impossible with the advanced technology these days.
"Could it be her enemies?"
The entertainment industry might not be as dark as the Underground but some are involved. Being that famous and successful, the megastar is bound to have enemies. Humiliating her in front of everyone is the best revenge. Lucy nodded in agreement.
Revenge. Lucy couldn't help thinking that may be the reason. Why else would they want the megastar to take her clothes off in front of everyone? All they had to do is threaten to kill her. The explanation that Max gave, she didn't agree. It had to come from a person with a twisted mind, someone who wanted to see her naked, someone who wanted to see her getting raped, someone….Damn it. Maybe there is another copy of the video out there and that someone could be watching the video right now.
"I think there is another possibility." Amy had been looking over the flowchart over and over. "her bodyguards…"
Bodyguards are paid to protect not the opposite. Lucy agreed that it could be possible. Who would know better about her location than her bodyguards? "Where were they?" They're bodyguards. They should be inside the bank along with the megastar. If they had done nothing to protect her, then it could be very possible that it could be them.
"I'll have someone check them out." Said Anthony.
Lucy immediately sat up when a thought appeared. "They're with her now." If they are involved, it would be like having a ticking time bomb next to her. It would be too late if they wanted to do something else to her. "Amy, call Max. Let her know what we think. Have her check her phone." Lucy didn't agree with that idea last night, but now she had no choice. Just thinking about the grave danger she could be in at this moment, her heart starts pounding twice as fast. Max, being there at the megastar's house, right now, didn't put her at ease. She is just one person. She couldn't possibly protect 2 young women without any training.
Amy noticed that Lucy wasn't thinking clearly. If they had wanted to do something to the megastar, they would've done it by now. That's what she wanted to tell her but knew at this moment that the only thing her lover wanted to hear is Max's confirmation.
Max understood why they would think that since she never told them what exactly happened inside the bank. The bodyguard who was with her that day did make an attempt to save the megastar and like Lucy, he was also beaten but to a point where he lost consciousness. In the condition he's in, he won't be able to go back to work until weeks later. Lucy was relieved to hear that but still there is a possibility that the other bodyguards could be involved.
After Max got off the line, Alexis came on. With the speaker on, both could feel that something was wrong because Alexis was hesitating. It was only yesterday when they saw the megastar. Lucy wondered what could have happened that would change her behavior after 24 hours? After getting the unexpected information, Lucy did feel better knowing that Max and Alexis will be staying with the famous blonde for the night. Not only that, it was the assurance from Max that she had her people guarding outside.
Hours passed. Lying on the bed, Lucy was still undecided. A part of her wanted to see how the megastar is and apologize for not being able to protect her. But another part of her is afraid to look her in the eye because she failed to save her. Her thoughts were broken by the arm hung over her abdomen. "What time is your flight?"
"I'm not leaving." Amy snuggled closer.
"Amy, you have school. It's your last semester." Lucy thought that she understood.
"Then come back with me."
"Amyyyyyyy...I can't…" Lucy said in an apologetic tone.
"Then I'm not leaving you. School can wait." Amy made the decision the moment she realized that her plan didn't work last night. Especially after hearing about the terrorist, she felt that her help would be needed. "Do you really think I can concentrate while you're here?...you're not going, then I'm staying." It ruined her plans of having a baby after graduation, but she has no choice.
"Amyyyyyy…" Lucy was unable to talk when Amy suddenly rolled on top of her and had her cheeks squeezed together.
"No, you listen to me. I know you hate being told what to do. But as of this moment, you need to listen to me. We're going to take care of this together. The sooner we get this resolved. The sooner we can go back. Do you understand?"
With her lips squeezed together, Lucy couldn't speak and can only nod. She hated the idea of putting Amy in a dangerous situation but realized that Amy may be right. If she had asked for more help, she wouldn't have been in this condition.
"…and the sooner we can start our family..." Amy said in sweet voice. Releasing her hands from Lucy's cheek, Amy leaned down and placed a kiss on her lips, then another on her cheek. "The doctor said, the sooner the better." Amy continued to press soft kisses from one side of her neck to the other.
"What?" Lucy said with confusion as her heart began to pound faster, her sexual desire was ignited the moment she felt Amy's body on top of hers. Her body wanted to but she can't allow it to happen, not like this.
"She said…it's good for the eggs…"
Lucy heard but was more confused than before. "Whaaat?"
"She said...it's easier to conceive if we do it more often." Amy responded in an embarrassing tone between kisses on her neck.
Lucy heard enough and pushed Amy's shoulders back a bit. "Unless your doctor is insane, I don't think she meant…us. Did you tell her who you're sleeping with?"
Amy had the same reaction when she heard and was quite embarrassed to tell the doctor about her partner. "I did…afterwards…." She leaned down again and kissed gently on Lucy's lips. "She said…it's good to be active." Amy repeated what the doctor told her. When she saw Lucy looking at her as if she was crazy, she understood why because she too had that same look that day. When she was asked how active she is, she responded quickly to the doctor, but was embarrassed to learn afterwards that the doctor was referring to her sex life not physical activity. She was shy to admit that it hasn't happened for months. That day after she got home, she was curious to know if what the doctor said is true and was surprised to learn on the web that some believed that besides having a healthy balanced diet and keeping fit, a healthy sex life is also important in increasing the quality of eggs. Among the people her age, her sex life could be considered as dry as the Sahara desert.
With her sensitive areas being touched, Lucy moaned louder, calling the name of the Lord. She would love it if she wasn't in this condition. Not being able to move, everything just doesn't feel right. Oh God...oh God...It had been so long since she's been touched this way. It had been so long since she's touched her lover. "OW!"
Amy quickly lifted her head up and stopped all her movements. "What's wrong?"
Lucy contorted her face in pain. She expected it to feel differently and it did. But what she expected was the complete opposite. Somehow having no feelings in her legs made her other areas more sensitive. In the state that she's in now, she just can't. She cried out in pain again, causing Amy to quickly roll off her.
"here?…" Amy said as she placed her hand over her abdomen.
Lucy wasn't pretending. It did hurt a little, but not to the point where she wouldn't want to make love if she was in good health. It would be better this way than telling her the truth. Knowing how much Amy wanted to have kids, she can't blame her for believing everything her doctor said. Sex would increase the quality of eggs? That's the craziest thing she ever heard besides the magic weight loss pill.
Next day
Snowflakes melted the moment it hit her face. Cold wind blew softly against them. Lucy was undecided until Alexis called her again. The way Alexis described the condition the megastar was in persuaded her that she must show herself. She just didn't expect Amy to go with her.
Amy pushed the wheelchair thru the main door. They were greeted by Max and an older female staff who led them up the long staircase. There is no other way to go up but to be carried on Amy's back. Lucy was not surprised to see how big the house is inside since she had lived in one of these when she was a kid. Paintings hung along the walls in the long quiet hall. Lucy could see Alexis walking out of the room at the end of the hall.
"I'm sorry. I had to." Alexis apologized for not being able to keep her secret from the megastar. She was crying. She broke down in front of her when she heard about the death of David.
They decided to declare 'David' as dead to end the search party and mainly to end everyone's curiosity. It was easy to do so since the helicopter exploded in midair in the middle of the ocean.
"How is she?" Lucy wasn't sure what she meant when she shook her head but knew it wasn't a good sign. Dressed in a black winter coat with a blue scarf around her neck, a black cap, and a pair of dark shades, Lucy looked up at her lover who patted gently on her shoulder. Unlike before, Lucy wanted to see the megastar more than ever.
"Wait…" Alexis stopped Amy from pushing the wheelchair forward. "She only wants to see you."
Lucy understood completely. "Stay here." She said softly to Amy. Not knowing what to expect inside, Lucy wasn't prepared for it. All she wanted to do is apologize in person and hoped that her presence and her words would be able to bring the famous blonde some comfort.
The door slowly opened. Lucy rolled the wheelchair forward and noticed the famous blonde standing near the last window 30 feet away, looking up at the dark sky, pouring snow. With the lights dimmed, an atmosphere of sadness surrounded them. Lucy rolled forward another foot. It seemed like it was only yesterday when she saw the blonde singing and smiling towards the crowd of fans. That happiness, that innocence, that liveliness were no longer there. I'll kill those bastards. I promise. Moving five feet closer, her wheelchair aligned with the blonde's position 20 feet away, Lucy could now see the left side of her face. It wasn't what she expected from a victim of sexual assault. Her tears must have gone dry by now. Her anger, her sadness, all of her emotions must have exhausted her. Now it's time to heal. It will get better but will never go away. Now it's time to think of what to do, how to move on, how to live...
Lucy moved another inch forward, then stopped when the blonde turned towards her. Her heart ached at the sight and began to pound faster when the blonde starts walking towards her in a slow pace. Each step the blonde made, she couldn't help thinking that she made the wrong decision in coming. Lucy, you coward. It wasn't the first time she failed. Each time she did, she couldn't sleep for days. Her mind would think about the things that she could have done differently to change the outcome. When it involved the life of her friends and followers, what she did was inflict pain upon herself by working out to the point where all her energy would be drained or have a fighting match with one of her followers or friends where she would end up with bruises to remind herself never to let it happen again. Being in this wheelchair would be a reminder to never…let…it…happen again.
Her heart pounded fiercely as those blue eyes came closer and closer. Not knowing what to say, Lucy remained silent, showing a face full of apology. Seeing a hand slowly extending towards her, she remained still, allowing the blonde to touch her cheek, her bruised bearded face, her brows, and her cut lip. Being this close to the megastar made her feel even more remorseful, especially when the megastar ran her fingers through her dark brown hair, lightly touching her scalp, the bump and forehead. They have never been this close before, only a few inches of space between their faces. Each touch made her feel more ashamed and guilty for not being able to save her. Each touch caused her tears to build up and her lips to curve downwards. Lucy lifted her hand up an inch, but reminded herself that it wouldn't be appropriate to be touching her. Looking into those innocent tired eyes with red streaks, she couldn't stop blaming herself. Her eyebrows then raised slightly when she thought she saw a small lift in the corner of the megastar's lips but she realized it was only in her imagination combined with blurry vision and dim lighting when the left side of her face suddenly met the megastar's right palm with full force.