Chapter 29- Progress

Lucy POV:

"Everything happens for a reason."

I hate that saying.

The only times it's said is when you're hit with shit luck.

What I do love is my best friend Levy. So as soon as I'm finished crying. Well, after a good twenty minutes of getting myself under control.

I give her a call and tell her what happened.

"Are you fucking kidding me?" Levy rarely swears! So her anger makes me feel better.

"Yeah, I need a new place. Like tomorrow."

"Do you want to stay with me until you do? I know there isn't much space. But it's better than staying there."

"What will Rogue say?"

"Don't worry about it."

"But, isn't he going to ask why I'm staying with you?"

"He won't know, he never comes here. Apparently my mattress isn't soft enough."

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah, why don't you pack your things and we'll get you out of there tomorrow."

"Thanks Lev." I sniffle still emotional

"No problem. I have work in the morning. But I can take some time off so I can help you?" Levy offers

"Thank you, but you don't have to do that Levy. I have the day free. I can see about renting a moving van or something?"

"Oh! What about Natsu's truck? Are his keys there?"

"Levy you're a genius! I bet the staff in the building can help me cart my stuff down too!"

"I'm sure, you should ask! I can also stay at Rogue's place twice this week. I could push for more. And you can sleep on my bed those nights."

"Thank you for everything Levy. I really appreciate it." I sniffle

"Aw you're welcome Lu. You know I'll always be here for you."

I spend the rest of the afternoon packing—tossing my things into suitcases and crying.

God I am so stupid! I made this into something it's not. I really thought we had something. That there was something between us, obviously I was wrong. I should have known better than to mix sex with feelings.

No matter I need to get out of this place. I find Natsu's keys and call the guy at front desk so I can move out my boxes.

I'm so angry with myself I don't even think twice about using Natsu's truck without permission.

Ms. Ooba comes out to see what all the noise is about.

"Oh Lucille, are you moving?" I don't correct her. She gets my name wrong every time.

"I am. It was so nice living across the hall from you!" I say with mock enthusiasm

"Likewise, Lucille." I flip her the bird when she disappears into her condo.

While I wait for the front desk guy, Romeo to load all my boxes into the truck. I check on Happy. Of all the things I'm going to miss about living in Natsu's condo, apart Natsu, are his pets. Coming home to Sally and Happy always cheered me up after a bad audition. I cry playing with Happy. He really was true to his name.

I'm a puffy eyed mess by the time I'm ready to claim Natsu's truck. Romeo looks a little uneasy as I try to navigate this monster. But I manage to get out the underground parking lot without hitting a thing.. unfortunately.

I don't particularly care if the truck ends up with a ding. So if I want to change lanes and no one's letting me, I do anyway.

I arrive at Levy's place and park in the underground. I'll drive back tomorrow. Levy lives on the outskirts of the theater district. It's a fabulous area. Her apartment isn't that far away from Natsu's condo. She makes great money where she works so it's affordable for her. Unless I manage to get a primary role in a broadway production. There's no way I would ever live in an area like this.

By the time I'm done moving my things in, I'm sweaty and hungry. I'm incredibly disappointed in Levy's food selection. There's lettuce and some fruit.

Hangry, I grab my purse and head down the street for some comfort food. Something greasy and unhealthy, yum. I'm passing by a small wide ranging theater, when I notice a poster for open auditions. It's for today. And right now!

Intrigued, I abandon my quest for food. As long as I can read the script and learn the lines in the time they give me, it's worth a shot. I have no food in my stomach, so it's not like I'm going to vomit.

I enter the theater, it's gorgeous! High ceilings, carved pillars, details everywhere!

I put on a bright smile. "There are open auditions here today?"

The woman sitting behind the folding table eye's widen at my appearance.

"There are."

I look down at myself. I'm a mess. My eyes are still red and puffy. Hair disheveled, shirt wrinkled, my jeans are ripped, and not in the trendy way. I'm far from put together. Might as well have heartbroken stamped on my forehead.

"Okay! Great, I'd like to audition." I say anyway.

She gives me a hesitant smile but still slides a form over.

"Fill this out please."

I scribble my way down the form and pass it back.

"They'll call you in shortly."

"Thank you."

I scan the script. The scene they've chosen is one with high emotion. The female lead is angry, frustrated, and explosive. I'm feeling all those things. If anything, this role will be cleansing.

I cry real tears during my audition. Born of true frustration and sorrow.

I may take it too far with melodrama but overall it is therapeutic.

I leave the theater feeling less angry. Just really damn hungry. I find a pizza place and that's just what I need.

Tomorrow, I need to look for an apartment. I won't put Levy out like this longer than I have to. More than anything, I just need to be able to manage my life on my own. No more relying on anyone else.

In the morning I'm disappointed by the lack of communication from Natsu. I guess that clearly tells me where we stand.

I drive his truck back to his condo. I'm surprised I've managed to return it with no damage. Apart some spilled latte in the console. Although, I didn't try very hard to clean it up. I hope it smells like sour milk in there! I know it's a little spiteful but this is nothing compared to his deceit.

When I'm done with his truck, I decide to visit the kids one last time.

I check out Sally. Change her water and feed her a fat cricket.

Rubbing Happy's belly as he rolls around the floor.

"I'm going to miss you so much."

He curls around me, climbing into my lap and sticking his head under my shirt. His head pops out of the neck of my top.

I start laughing and tearing up again.

He butts my chin with his nose and snuggles into my neck. God I never expected to get so attached to this little family.

That's why I need to get out ASAP. So for the rest of the day my mission is apartment hunting.

I'm almost back at Levy's apartment when I get a call from an unfamiliar number. It's local. Not Natsu. I still answer.

"Hello, may I speak with Lucy Heartfilia?"

"Hi, Lucy speaking."

"This is Bob, you auditioned for me yesterday."

"Yes, yes I did." My heart is pounding.

"We were all very impressed with your audition!"

"Thank you so much."

"Unfortunately, the role you've auditioned for has been filled."

Of course it was. I have terrible luck. I can't do this on my own, I suck! Maybe my dad's right. I should just move back and fulfill my destiny to become a corporate drone.

I tune back in time to hear

"—today to audition for another role."

"Wh–What? I'm sorry could you please repeat that?"

"I was saying, there is a slightly more challenging role open. And your paperwork indicates you have vocal background. So if you're interested, we'd like you to come back and audition this afternoon?"

"I can do that! Definitely. What time would you like me to be there?"

"We have an opening at two o'clock."

"I'll be there. Is it at the same theater?"

"Actually, no. It'll be at the one down the street."

I scribble down the address and realize where he's talking about is a big deal! So getting this role would be a huge step in the right direction.

Ten minutes after I have arrived they call me in. I barely had enough time to look over the script or learn the song I'm supposed to sing. I don't even have a chance to get nervous.

And maybe that's exactly why I nail it! It's going to be such a cool production! It's also anticipated to be long running. This is exactly what I've been waiting for. What I've worked so hard for.

As I'm passing the smaller theater I auditioned yesterday. I notice a flyer.

FOR RENT.

Looking at the picture and address I decide to call and leave a message. It's not particularly far from here.

I have work at six. It makes me sad thinking more that than likely I'll have to cut back some shifts or maybe quit for this role. I love this job, the girls are one of the kind. And it was definitely an adrenaline rush! But this role is going to come with a very fair paycheck, one I can live off of.

My phone rings, I recognize the number as the rental advertisement I had called earlier. I'm astonished to find out it's not rented yet! Apparently it's a sublet and only available for two months. Not necessarily a bad thing. Short term will buy me time for something permanent. I set up an appointment with the subtenant to see it.

I check out the studio apartment. It's beautiful! It's the size of my room at Natsu's! and very chic. Apparently it was built for social gatherings. It's great! But, I'm starting to wonder if I can afford this.

"I know it's small.." Brandish says

"It's okay, it's only me anyway. So what would the rent be for this place?"

"I'm asking for twelve hundred a month. And a five hundred dollar deposit that you will get back if everything is returned in the same condition."

I've seen what the studio apartments in this district go for. She can't be serious!

"Deal!" It's really a no brainer. This is a bargain! Stay here for the next two months and get myself sorted out.

It's sad that I waited for heartbreak to finally get off my ass and do something progressive.

I guess things do happen for a reason..

End of Chapter 29.

I wanted to thank all of you for your follows, favs, and reviews. I didn't expect this story to go so well for my first time. So thank you! P.S Natsu POV next!