Thanks for the support and for reading. Things will pick up faster after this chapter so I hope you guys enjoy this.
-Rift
People stared and gawked at the shiny, sleek car outside the ice cream shop. It felt even more out of place here than in the parking lot that it drew all the attention. Everything else in sight looked plain or uninteresting. Minutes ago Juvia and Lyon got out of that car, went into the ice cream shop and ordered their dairy. They were slightly disoriented with Juvia's unique style of driving, managing to swerve in a perfectly straight road, barely surviving the experience. Lyon simply could not contain his laughter when they parked.
"What flavor for you, missy?" the man behind the counter said with a heavy Southern accent. He had a shaved head and the thorny crown of Jesus was tattooed onto his exposed arm. Juvia found it strange why a tough looking guy was working in an ice cream shop. Lyon had said that this was the best ice cream shop he knew, Juvia had heard of the place. She hadn't had the dessert in a long time and she missed it. She looked at the assortment of flavors before her. There was mint, pistachio, chocolate, strawberry, rocky road, vanilla, and any other flavor Juvia could imagine. Her mouth began to water and she licked her lips. She had a hard time deciding and took longer than she'd have wanted. Lyon just silently stood beside her.
"I'll have the cookies and cream" she said looking up at the man, smiling apologetically for taking so long. The server nodded and turned to her companion. "And for the gentleman?"
"Same as the lady, thanks" Lyon said without even glancing at the flavors. He had his hands in his pockets and his tie hung loose around his neck. Under the light of the shop his face was illuminated beautifully, emphasizing the richness of his hair and the striking shade of his eyes. He looked tall and elegant even in an ice cream shop. Juvia wondered if she'd ever see him less attractive.
"Comin' right up" The man said, distracting Juvia from her observation. He served their ice creams in cones with sprinkles and fresh strawberries on top. Lyon paid even before she got her wallet out, winking down at her.
They sat across each other with him leaning onto the table beside the display window so that they could observe and keep an eye on the ridiculously luxurious car. There were a bunch of teenagers seated two tables from them, devouring ice cream cone after ice cream cone. They were talking very loud and it annoyed several other costumers. It didn't help that they always started their conversations with "Like he said-"or "ohmygosh really?!". Juvia started to taste her cone. It was so delicious that she didn't wonder why the kids devoured theirs. Lyon also started on his, looking at her, amusement in his eyes. Looking out the window, she stared at the car.
"How'd you end up with that?" She asked curiously, nodding her head towards his ride. He had mentioned before that his family was rich, but Juvia thought he was a rebel so why did he have such an expensive car?
"Well, my father wanted me to have it, I refused at first. The car was sick but I didn't want him to waste money on me like that, you know with the recession going on and stuff like that. My dad was really clever, so he sort of showed it off to many people during a Christmas party, saying that it was a gift for me. I didn't want to decline in front of so many guests. I had no choice but to accept. I'm stuck with it ever since." Lyon shrugged and ate more of his ice cream. His hair looked a little disheveled like he'd just woken up, but Juvia liked it that way, it made him look a little boyish and careless. The worry in his eyes was gone replaced by calm and confidence. " Might as well use it. I won't lie it's a pretty car but I don't like the extra attention" He finished.
"It's just that, I find it strange that you're a dude and men are like built to worship 'pretty' cars. It's sort of a given in your gender, must be the testosterone or something. " Juvia shrugged.
"Sure I appreciate it but I guess it's not that big of a deal to me. Weird as it sounds, I think I would rather prefer cool guitars and records than outrageously expensive cars."
The chimes rang as another costumer entered. She glanced at Lyon again, curious as to what he was thinking. He sort of looked like a model posing for a famous magazine, even with an ice cream in his hand. He looked divine. Your being really creepy again, Juvia Carter. Stop fan-girling and eat your damn scrumptious ice cream. Juvia cleared her throat and shifted her eyes away nervously. She didn't want her weirdness to ruin the perfectly good moment. A question came to her mind.
"Why do you always order the same thing I do?" she observed. Even when he took her to lunch that one time, he ordered the same thing she was having. Juvia didn't think it was simply coincidence.
Lyon shrugged and tasted his ice cream again. " I guess I just want to try what you like" he said softly, looking back at her. A pleasant feeling arose in Juvia's heart. She surprisingly found it sweet of him, even his eyes were sincere. Bringing his cone down Juvia saw his face.
"Ughh, Lyon you got a little something on your face" Juvia said with a laugh. There was a smudge of cream near his mouth. He looked so clueless that Juvia laughed a little harder. She pointed at it as he tried to wipe it away, always missing where she was pointing at.
"Wait, Lyon stop you're spreading it" Juvia said, she couldn't wipe the smile off her lips. He looked so innocent with his ice cream in one hand and his eyebrows pulled together in concentration as he tried to wipe the cream off. Laughing still, Juvia reached for the tissue and wiped the remaining cream of his skin, all this while he intently stared at her. His magnificent eyes never leaving her face.
"What?" she said after he remained silent. This has to be the cheesiest situation ever. You know he missed so that you could do this. Somehow, she didn't seem to mind. They were the only costumers left and the sun began to set, turning the sky into a canvass of yellow and orange. Her ice cream was already finished while he still held his.
"Nothing" Lyon just said and finished his cone. They sat there for a few more minutes, looking at the sunset without saying a word. She felt comfortable with the silence. It wasn't awkward instead it was pleasant, with him she felt like she didn't need any words to fill the quiet. Looking at him, Lyon seemed relaxed too. His tie was loosened and his smile was content. His hair had streaks of light-burgundy where the light hit him and Juvia couldn't help but smile. He met her stare and his grin widened.
Standing up from his chair, he offered her a hand. Juvia took it and they walked out of the store with their fingers interlocked. Lyon drove her home, again silence filled the car as they passed by shining billboards and neon signs. She rested the side of her forehead to the window and closed her eyes.
After that dream and crying in his arms, Lyon cheered her up. He took time to make sure she was okay. He made her forget about all her nightmares and worries with just a look that said everything was going to be fine. He was kind and gentle. Juvia asked herself if he was like this to everybody. He probably was but she just thought it was unfair of her to put herself in such high regard in his eyes, but then again he had said that he was chasing after her, maybe this was his way of showing affection. Juvia hated being clueless, she didn't want to resort to making assumptions. She appreciated his actions and hoped that she was ready enough to develop feelings for him.
Their time had been so casual, it almost felt like a date. She didn't mind if it was. Juvia considered it a step forward, a progress. Lyon was also more than a friend to her. She realized that by looking at him today and thinking about things she'd never consider before. Juvia wanted to take it slow, take her time and see if her feelings develop over time. She saw potential in him, that he could be good to her. One question burned in her mind. Was she good enough for him?
Juvia knew she was damaged goods. With a messed up past and nightmares, also with her unstable emotional condition, she found it hard to believe that there was ever a man who'd want to be with her, much less someone like Lyon. He was every girl's dream, handsome, independent and affectionate, he could have his pick of women, but he chose her. She wondered what he saw in her.
After Gray, Juvia had strayed away from love. Fearing that if she entered into another relationship, it would turn out worse, Juvia and Gray weren't even officially together and their relationship turned out to be a mess, how much more if it was a real commitment? She somehow found solace being alone but she knew that she yearned for more than solitude. She was human after all, and she needed love.
She felt a hand caress her cheek and Juvia opened her eyes, leaning towards the touch. Lyon simply smiled at her. She turned her head around and realized that they were already in front of The Glasshouse, it's grand mirrors reflecting the darkening sky. She was so deep in thought she didn't feel the car stop." I gotta stop doing that " she muttered to herself. She had once again let her mind dampen her senses. She turned towards Lyon and saw him remove the tie that was hung loosely around his neck.
His polo was slightly crumpled, Juvia thought that was probably from when she clutched it. His hair was still disheveled and Lyon ran a hand through it, exposing his face completely. He looked a little paler and his eyes were tired. One of his hands gripped the stirring wheel loosely. She noticed a silver chain on his wrist that glinted in the light.
"Thanks Lyon, for everything. I had fun" Juvia whispered as she straightened in her seat, still looking at him.
He met her eyes and grinned, his smile lazy and lopsided. His shoulders were a little slumped from exhaustion that Juvia thought was partially her fault and his chest rose as he breathed deeply. "Anything for you" he whispered back. She felt pain in her chest as she imagined how tired he must be.
Snow Patrol softly played on the radio. Lyon slightly shifted in his seat so that he could face her. He let his eyes trail on the building before settling on her face, the smile back in his mouth. Juvia could only think of one thing to thank him properly. She rose slightly from her seat to lean towards him and laid her hand gently against his cheek. She looked at his silver eyes, wide with surprise at the closeness of their faces, and smiled.
His mouth was slightly open as if anticipating for something to happen. His skin felt cold under her fingers, but warmed gradually at her touch. He swallowed deeply and Juvia could feel him holding his breath. So much for taking it slow a voice said in her mind. He deserves it she countered her own thoughts.
Turning her head sideways, she kissed his cheek. He sucked in his breathe and Juvia could hear his heart race, hers wasn't any better. She could feel his soft hair touching her forehead and his smell surrounded her. It made her light and heady, almost intoxicated. "Goodnight Lyon" she whispered to him and pulled back. She looked up at him shyly, a bit ashamed, she'd never done that before. Even with Gray she never had to initiate contact, it was always him who touched her first.
Lyon still had his mouth open but his eyes were bright and alert. His grip on the steering wheel was tighter and his posture was straighter. She smiled at him sweetly, happy that her little kiss gave him energy. Opening the door, she stepped out of the car.
She turned back and waved at him through the open window. He still sat frozen, but after a second later his mouth tipped up into a satisfied grin and waved back. She watched as the black Ferrari drove away. Juvia didn't feel like taking the stairs today so instead she hopped into the shiny elevator and pressed the back of her head against the wall. She couldn't take the smile off her face. Juvia felt so happy, her heart was light and she felt like she had wings. She hated that she was acting like a teenage girl but she was too happy to care, even with the annoying elevator tunes blasting form the speakers.
Back in her home she showered and changed into PJs, crawling into bed she stared at the ceiling. Juvia knew that she was definitely attracted to him, but was not sure if she already had feelings. "At least it's a start" she said to the silent room. She found herself excited about the next time she was going to see him again. She felt giddy and light, like a teenage girl with a crush.
Gray then entered her mind and Juvia's happiness was dampened by the thought that she would see the dreams again if she closed her eyes. This day was like a roller-coaster ride. She woke up feeling her worst and then hours ago, she felt like the happiest girl in the world, yet now she was gonna go back again to being miserable. It wasn't Gray that made her miserable but it was the memories that gave her so much pain. The dreams showed her their moments together, bad and good, yet even if they were the happy ones, Juvia knew how they all ended up into their separation. That was where everything lead, to that dark room.
She sat up and called for Stranger. If there was any way to prevent the nightmares even just to dampen them, she would take it. The big dog hopped into the bed and nuzzled her arm. She grinned at the Stranger's enthusiasm and ruffled his fur. She tucked the dog to bed and turned out the light. Praying to God to let her happiness remain, closing her eyes, she let herself fall into sleep.
"Hey Io, would you date someone older than you, I mean like someone 3 or 4 years your elder?" Jordan said lazily, she played with her hair, twirling it around her fingers and blowing on the tips. She lay on the bed with her shoes still on. Pillows and books scattered around her and a drawing pad settled on her legs. Her black tank top, was slightly pulled up, revealing her belly button. She wore tattered jeans and a Levi's denim jacket. Her blinds were open and warm afternoon sunlight entered, illuminating several spots inside Jordan's room. Jordan's closet was half-open and Juvia saw several colorful pieces, dresses and graphic tees. Jordan stared up at the ceiling, closing her eyes now as if to sleep but open them again.
"I guess not, I don't really have enough experience to tell. Why do you ask?" Juvia shrugged at Jordan, she was at the foot of the bed, cross-legged as she scanned through her friend's collection of albums. They were all mixed in a carton box and she arranged them patiently by year, genre and artist. She was holding a Green Day album when Jordan asked. She called up Juvia to come to her place since she was bored to death. After doing everything they could possibly think of, here they were now.
Gray went out with his friends and was not aware that she was with Jordan. She asked Juvia not to tell him. "He'd just stay here and I wouldn't have time to spend with you anymore" Jordan said with a pout when she called her up hours ago. Juvia had to admit that she was a little suffocated by Gray. They were always together, where she was, he was there beside her and where he was going, and he'd always take her. Juvia liked spending time but it was a little over the top, especially since they weren't officially a couple. People were already beginning to ask and gossip about them, Juvia didn't need the extra attention.
Flipping to lie on her chest Jordan sighed and rolled her eyes. "Well there's this guy that my friend introduced. He's cute but a little too macho for my taste but still cute. See he's older and I was just wondering if I should just go ahead and ask him out." Jordan raised her eyebrows at Juvia, expecting an answer, her blue eyes, centered only at her. Her hands were gripping the edge of the bed gently, her hair was tussled and her clothes were wrinkled.
"Ughh, I don't know, If-If you really think that's gonna work then why not" Juvia said hesitantly. These things were not her forte. She'd never known how it was to be in a relationship till Gray and they weren't even official. She wondered if they were just messing around but she didn't feel that way about him, it was already getting serious to her. She just hoped that it was the same for him. What they were doing was beyond being special friends and Juvia was concerned that her actions were beginning to be immoral.
Jordan considered this for a minute and rolled to lie on her back. Sighing she covered her eyes with the back of her hand. Juvia concentrated again on the albums in front of her, her thoughts began to wander. It had been weeks now since she and Gray started whatever it is they were doing. He always waited for her and took her home, carried her things and touched her casually. He was affectionate and possessive. They'd shared a couple of kisses now and Juvia felt like it was the first every time. Gray would always surprise her whenever he kissed her, suddenly out of the blue, almost spontaneously as if he did it whenever he felt like it. Her heart fluttered at the thought and her head seemed lighter. She remembered the hot pressure of his lip on hers, hungry and urgent. She couldn't help the smile that crept to her mouth, tentatively covering it with her hand.
"Violette, you and my brother, I don't really want to be rude or intrude in your business, you two look great together, but I just have to ask. What are you two really?" Jordan said hesitantly after a moment, she was still covering her eyes and her voice was so soft that Juvia barely heard the question. "I mean what is your relationship with him?"
What are we? Juvia asked in her mind. She swallowed hard and though for an answer. Friends? No, friends don't do stuff like that. Lovers? We never talk about anything like that. No, I do, he doesn't. She struggled for anything to say, opening her mouth as if to say something but closing it again, her eyebrows pulling together. Jordan moved to look at her, her eyes sad and sorry. "I don't know Jordan" Juvia said quietly, her voice breaking a little. Tears began to swell in her eyes and her throat burned. "I have no idea what we're doing"
Her hands felt weak and she dropped the albums. Staring down at them, Juvia's eyes were now blurry. Confusion and panic racked her mind. She'd been meaning to ask Gray the same question but she couldn't get the right chance. Every time she'd try, Juvia always faltered. Is he not thinking about this too? She asked herself. Juvia wondered if it was only her who was worrying over such thing, or maybe Gray had already decided and left her out of it. Why didn't he ever bring it up?
"What the hell is my brother doing?" Jordan sighed and crawled out of bed. She moved the box away from Juvia and sat in it's place. Moving her hand towards Juvia's face and brushing away the hair, tucking it into her ear, Jordan frowned, her blue eyes, clear as a ray of sunshine hit her face. "I'm sorry" she whispered and moved to hug her. Juvia's tears fell and she clutched Jordan, sobbing as the question ran in her mind endlessly.
Stranger was barking into her ear and Juvia opened her eyes, groaning. She turned and light hit her face. Holding her hand up to the source, she sat up slowly. Her head ached a little, it was probably caused by oversleeping. Her hair fell in loose waves around her and she had too squint to see anything clearly. Stranger was beside her, sitting on his hind legs and wagging his tail. Juvia crossed her legs beneath the blanket and rubbed her eyes. That was when she realized it was morning.
Her eyes widened with surprise. She had a dream, but not a nightmare. It was a memory from the past but Gray was remotely in it. His face was already a permanent picture in her dreams but last night was different. Juvia's mouth smiled so wide her lips hurt. Looking around her, making sure she wasn't still dreaming. Her eyes lightened up. She grabbed Stranger and hugged him all while tears began to swell in her eyes. Thank you God, thank you magic dog she said in her mind, repeating and repeating it till her alarm clock went off. Startling them both, Juvia released the dog from her embrace and stood up, stretching her body. She forgot how it felt to wake up normally, not in the middle of the night, breathing hard and tears pouring down her face.
She got so used to the nightmares that she'd already prepared herself mentally before going to sleep. Hoping that this dream would be subtler than the last or this nightmare wouldn't last too long, but today her mind was clear of any worries. The sun opened to her as Juvia slowly pulled the curtains aside. Her view was spectacular as ever. Before she didn't have a clear mind to properly appreciate it and now she did. The buildings outlined the warm sky, there were a few clouds that drifted by the endless blue. The horizon was a bright yellow and orange.
She cooked eggs and asparagus, eating quietly while she read the news with her free hand. Juvia showered slowly, feeling the hot water run through her body, loosening her joints thoroughly. She ran her hands through her hair as the water made it glisten. She hadn't realized how long it was now, almost landing half- way her back. Dressing in a white, crisp blouse, khakis and nude heels, Juvia went to work, all with a smile on her face. Lana was happy to see her so up and energized in the morning, greeting her pleasantly with her red lips turned up into a warm smile. Juvia must have looked tired the past few days that it made her assistant worried. She entered her office and opened the blinds to let some light in. A few manuscripts were still unread on her desk and Juvia started with the first of the pile. Retrieving her laptop from her desk drawer, she typed and edited a few more manuscripts. Lana came in after awhile, bearing coffee and a small tray of biscuits with her.
Juvia's hands started to tire a little so she stopped for a moment and sat back in her chair. Breathing deeply and cracking her knuckles gently. Her eyes traveled all over her desk and they settled on Reese's tickets. Bending forward Juvia picked them up and examined the glossy parchment. " Voices on Canvass and Film" she read the title. It was already soon and Juvia didn't want to miss it. She had an extra ticket and Reese told her to bring someone. Her thoughts traveled towards Lyon, she wondered if he liked art. He was a writer so she assumed that he was also somehow connected to visual expression. She smiled as she formulated how she would ask him. "Hey Lyon, wanna go to my sister's show, who probably isn't very fond of me and used these tickets to bribe me for money?" Juvia said to herself. She hoped that Reese would appreciate it if she came.
Turning back to her laptop, Juvia began again at where she left, scanning her eyes all over the pages and letting her fingers moved across the keyboard. Juvia's eyes concentrated on the words she were typing. Half of the papers on her table were already finished. Although she was working her thoughts wondered of into the dream she had.
It was of her and Jordan, no Gray. That was the time when Juvia began to feel conscious of her actions, that was the start of her doubts. Gray didn't notice it then but Juvia knew that he would later on and it would bring them major trust issues. Jordan's question then was still unanswered to this day. Juvia didn't know what they were then and that hasn't changed till now, she never again thought of that question since she ran from him.
People saw them together, but Gray didn't seem to notice, or he didn't care at all. He continued being affectionate towards her. He touched her hands, wrapped his arm around her waist or shoulders, stroke her hair or her face. He acted like what a boyfriend would've been towards Juvia. She wasn't so bold as to do things that he was doing, yet every moment she spent with him, she felt herself become more greedy and seeking for his touch. She still felt conscious of their relationship but she didn't push him away either. That's' cause I loved him then. Juvia said in her thoughts.
A soft knock interrupted her thought and Juvia looked up. Lana's head appeared behind the door, her hair spilling under her.
"Jordan's here to see you Ma'am, shall I let her in?" Lana's red lips uttered as she looked at Juvia's work. She raised her brows, Jordan rarely visited her during work, especially on a school day. Juvia shut her laptop and fixed the papers on her table, she though it must be urgent or Jordan had nothing to do.
"Yeah, Thanks Lana" Juvia waited as Lana's footsteps faded and was replaced by another's. Jordan opened the door with her foot, holding two cups of coffee and a box of donuts in her hands, a wide grin on her pretty face. She had a jacket on, a plum T-shirt, jeans and trainers. Her face was clean of any make-up. Jordan's freckles were noticeable but her face was fresh and relaxed, periwinkle-blue eyes clear and bright. Juvia noticed she was a little too jumpy.
"Hey, you look great today. Something good happened?" Jordan said as Juvia stood up to take the food out of her hands, setting it down carefully on the table. She sat on one of the chairs in front of Juvia's desk and opened the box. An assortment of donuts lined the container. Cream-filled, sprinkled topped pastries made Jordan's eyes sparkle. She grabbed one of them and turned the box towards Juvia crossing her legs.
"You too, something happen with Zef?", Juvia picked one of the donuts and bit into it. Bread and cream filled her mouth. She walked towards the seat in front of Jordan and sat. Her hair was lightened by the sun rays behind her, emphasizing the color.
Jordan's eyebrows perked up and her eyes sparkled. Something definitely happened Juvia noticed, extra happy Jordan opened her mouth as if to say something but instead bit her lip and giggled. "It's a secret" she said winking and taking another donut from the box.
"Alright, alright I won't ask. Anyways, remember that time when you asked me about what I thought about dating older men? "
Jordan's eyebrow went up and she took another bite of her donut, trying to remember what she was talking about. She shook her head and took a sip from her coffee. "I don't recall"
"The macho guy that your friend introduced that was older than you" Juvia said giving a hint.
"Oh, the muscle dude? Yeah, now I remember" Jordan's eyes grew big as she began to recall. " He and I were a disaster, that's why I don't like men with big muscles" She bent her arm up to show her point, rolling her eyes.
"That was what I dreamed of, Jordan. Last night wasn't all about Gray" Juvia said as she chewed on her bread.
Jordan's mouth formed into an O and she jumped a little from her seat. "That's awesome Io". She grabbed both of Juvia's hands and gripped them tightly. "Was it Stranger?"
"I don't really know for sure, but yeah I think he kinda calms me down when I sleep." Even before Juvia fell asleep, she was already thinking of the dream that was about to come. How bad was it gonna be? How long? Which memory? All these questions racked her brain till she finally fell asleep.
"That's amazing" Jordan squeezed her hands and sat back in her chair, her eyes contemplating. They sat like that for a long time, lost in each other thoughts. Juvia looked down at her coffee cup, swirling the brown liquid as hot vapor rose up.
Juvia had found a remedy, but not exactly a cure, not yet. She had always thought that one day she'd find something that would remove her nightmares, but with each night spent dreaming about Gray, she slowly lost hope, only now did her hopes return, although Stranger was only a comforter, a medium to allow her to dampen her nightmares but not completely banish them. She was still somehow satisfied.
If her dreams would remain subtle, Juvia thought she could bare it for a little while longer. She cracked her knuckles and closed the box of donuts. Jordan was still lost in thought, staring at the window behind Juvia, her blue eyes distant. She was biting her fingernails and her other hand gripped the arm of the chair.
Juvia had mentioned her dreams to her a few days after the dreams started. They were walking by the beach when she revealed her only secret to her best friend.
They leisurely strolled by the sea side, bare-footed they felt the sand under their feet. Jordan wore black shorts and a bikini top with a zebra detail. Juvia opted for a white tube, matching shorts and a dark blue cardigan. The wind breezed by them, spraying sand on their faces and whipping their hair back. The waves were gentle, slowly making their way to the shore.
"Jordan" Juvia called her friend's attention. She was looking towards the vast sea, squinting at the sunset.
"Yeah?" Jordan said quietly, still staring away. They were already half-way along the shore and palm trees could be spotted in the horizon. The air was damp and humid. Juvia stared down at her feet as they continued to step forward. Sand filled the spaces between her toes and they slightly tickled her. She'd asked Jordan to come with her on a vacation. She just actually wanted a change of scenery. Her dreams shocked and stressed her so much she needed to get away from the city.
"I have dreams" Juvia started slowly, swallowing the lump in her throat and tucking her hair behind her ear. "Dreams about the past, about Gray" her voice dropped to a whisper at the mention of his name.
Jordan's head whipped around, her eyebrows were pulled together and her mouth was pressed into a tight line. She abruptly stopped, slightly spraying sand all over her. "What?"
Juvia sighed and raked her hand vigorously through her hair, pushing it back as another breeze blew by. She faced Jordan and looked intently at her, willing her to understand. "I have dreams about your brother"
Jordan said nothing. She just stared at Juvia. She was probably trying to understand if she was just joking or telling the truth. The sky began to change, from a blue-violet in now had streaks of yellow and orange. The sea also seemed to darken, turning into a murky deep blue. She swallowed and reached out for Juvia's hand without saying a word, her face seemed paler, even under the afternoon rays. Her skin had been tanned a little but at the mention of Juvia's secret, blood seemed to drain out of her.
Juvia accepted Jordan's outstretched hand and squeezed it. They both watched as the sun set, slowly descending towards the horizon, as if to merge with the sea. Shadows began to appear and the sky darkened further. They watched till the last rays of light were visible.
Juvia stood from her seat, emerging from the memory. Jordan was the first person she'd ever told about her dreams. Dr. Allen came next. She had a hunch, someone was gonna add to the list soon. She thought of her parents or maybe Reese, maybe even Lyon, perhaps it was time to tell Gray as well. Nevertheless, she didn't want to find out.
The Beatles' Hey Jude rang through the room. Jordan slightly jumped from her seat, breaking out of her thoughts. She fumbled inside her pockets and produced her phone, vibrating with the tune.
"Yes?" Jordan said to the receiver, turning away from Juvia. Her friend whispered quickly to the phone. Turning back to her, Jordan was smiling again. "Let's celebrate"
"For what?
"You know, for your first no-Gray dream, besides dreaming of me is a celebration in itself" Jordan flipped her hair exaggeratedly and stood up, tucking her phone back to her pocket. "Wanna catch a movie later?"
Juvia supposed it was some kind of a good omen, so why not celebrate it? She considered for awhile if she wanted to spend the night alone again or go out and enjoy herself. The choice was pretty simple. "Okay, 5:30?"
"Yeah! That's the spirit" Jordan said and hugged her tight. She grabbed her coffee and waved goodbye as she walked out the door. Juvia turned towards her desk and sighed, placing her hands at the edge of the table. How long has it been since she went out for a movie, even just to hang out with friends, she could not remember. "I need to get out mo-
"Wait!" Jordan's voice startled her, she almost squeaked and her breath came in a rush.
"Damn Jordan, don't scare me like that"
"Sorry" Jordan approached the table and grabbed the box of donuts. "You don't mind if I take these? I'm still kinda hungry. Momma needs her donuts"
Juvia laughed at Jordan and nodded through her chuckles. "Sure"
- End it all in fire, burn it all in ice and leave the ashes behind.
Again, lots of thanks! Love and Luck to you all..
Till the next chapter..