Donuts
I sat on the sofa facing my huge painting. I was staring at it ever since I woke up. The light and darkness are fighting for dominance in my artwork. The sun was setting which produced the orange hue of the sky and the sea. The huge moon is behind the three coconut trees. It's larger than the usual moon. It's actually surreal-looking.
Natsu's condo is quiet. I can leave him, you know. Just like the first time. But... no. I'm not leaving. I'll give this to myself. Just this day... moment... to myself.
My eyes shifted to his room's door which was slammed open. He went out while struggling to put on his white shirt. His huge and fast steps ate the distance from his room to the kitchen. I heard how heavy his hurried steps are.
"Shit!" he shouted and I heard something broke, "Lucy?"
I stood up to look at him but he went out of the kitchen before I can even walk to him. Our eyes met and he quickly ran towards me. He enveloped me in a tight and warm hug with a deep sigh. My eyes widened at his reaction.
"What's wrong?" I asked.
He remained silent, arms never losing its tight hold on me. I don't know why I feel like something is pinching my heart.
"Don't do that again!" he scolded, angry and frustrated.
I frowned while thinking what I did to make him this angry.
"Do what?"
"Leave without telling me," he murmured in my hair.
A smile made its way to my lips. Something touched my heart.
"I'm just here sitting..." I chuckled.
He dropped his arms beside him and faced me with clenched jaw.
"Is that why you panicked?" I asked.
His sharp eyes replaced the worry I saw earlier. I grinned at him, tightening my hold on the comforter covering my nakedness while he glared at me.
"Yeah. I thought you're gone..." he said in a low voice.
My throat dried, smile now gone. He held my hand and put it in front of his mouth to cover it with kisses.
"Why are you up so early?" he asked while kissing each finger.
"I'm just looking at my painting..."
He turned to the frame in front. The both of us are now looking at it.
"It's stunning. Do you like my gift?" he asked. I nodded while smiling.
"Good." he kissed the tip of my nose.
He guide me to the kitchen. It's just 5 AM but it looks like he wouldn't be able to go back to sleep so he's here making breakfast.
I sat on the high chair on the counter. I saw how his pink hair was still messy and his eyes were a bit heavy while he prepared the cooking pan. He grabbed the bacon and eggs inside the fridge. I leaned on the counter and rested my chin on my hand while watching him.
"You left the Dreyars?" he asked.
"Yup..."
"Are you going to find a new job or just... work on painting?" he glanced at me.
He turned the electric stove on. I pouted.
"I'll work on ConFAP..." I'm not sure why I'm telling him these when I don't need to.
"What will you do there? Volunteer?"
"Yup. Painting..." he turned to me before nodding in agreement. The green tint of his onyx eyes are more defined in the morning. It's rich and dark colour that reminds me of the forest sent shivers down my spine. The intense look of his eyes pierced my soul.
"You... met Touka yesterday?" Natsu asked with a tiny hesitation in his voice.
I was stunned. Why did he ask that? What the fuck is with Touka?
"Yes." I frowned in confusion.
"Did she tell you anything?" he turned to the stove, like he doesn't want me to see his eyes.
"Hmmm. Nothing. Just about the opening of the new ConFAP Home."
"When is it?" he asked, turning to me with tensed shoulders.
"It's on Monday. I'll be there."
Natsu became quiet. He looks like in deep thought. He said nothing and proceeded with the bacon. I can't help but ask, "Why? What's wrong?"
He shook his head, "Nothing. Didn't Laxus assigned you to train an intern?"
"He didn't."
"Where would that opening happen?" He didn't turn to me.
"Magnolia. You won't attend? Didn't you donate a huge amount for that?"
"I will probably be there..." he simply answered.
That day, he asked me to stay in his condo but I refused. I just gifted this day for myself and that's just it. I am not sure how to even tell him that. I gave him what he wanted that night. I also got what I wanted. It's a give and take situation. But I shouldn't let it happen again. I'll just end up losing since I fell in love with him.
I wonder what kind of revenge he's planning? Revenge by making me fall for him? Or revenge by giving my father what he deserves?
"Lucy..." daddy's low voice greeted.
He's already in my condo when I got home. I almost jumped upon seeing him. My bedroom's door opened and Loke went out, hands inside his pockets.
"Dad, Loke..." I said.
Daddy sat on the sofa and titled his head.
"Sit down." he gestured the seat in front of him.
I obeyed him. Loke's standing beside me and I felt nervous. They don't visit my condo for nothing. My dad has the key. But in those many years I lived here alone, this is just his second visit.
"I heard you went with Natsu Drageneel again," daddy said.
I rolled my eyes and gasp, "That was it. That's the end of it. I ended it already, dad."
He shook his head, "That man will not leave you alone until he got what he needs from you. You should be far away. You need to be out of the country. Beyond his reach..."
My jaw dropped at what he said. Is this serious?
"No, dad!" I abruptly stood up in protest, "I am not moving out of the country. My life is here!"
Dad's eyes softened, "Lucy, that is the only way for you to be protected. You should leave. That Dragneel will target you while you're here. I don't want you to be involved here, Lucy."
"He's not going to use me because I won't let him, dad-"
"You won't let him? Then why did you go with him? You think he's not using you? Lucy... you are one fragile child. I know you have your issues and I know you're vulnerable. It's easy for him to manipulate you..."
I can't breathe because of what he said. I already left the Drakes! Isn't it enough? Do I really need to leave the country just to avoid Natsu?
"He can't use me, dad. I won't let him."
Daddy's frowned in disbelief while taking a deep breath, "How can I believe that, Lucy, when you went with him with just one dance?"
I was stunned. I am not sure where he got the info but that's my fault. I've been reckless. I let others see us.
"Dad, trust me. I won't let him use me..."
Daddy shook his head, "I am going to process some papers. If this continues, Lucy, I'll send you to Stella."
Daddy stood up before fixing his longsleeves. Loke gave my shoulder a comforting pat. I stayed in my seat, tired at everything that's happening with my life. Daddy turned to me before leaving.
"By the way, don't bring your car to Magnolia this Monday. Sting will pick you up. I will be there with your uncle."
I nodded, "Okay..."
He turned his back and left my condo. Loke stopped in front of me, frowning, "Does Natsu know about the opening of the new home in Magnolia?"
I nodded, "He's part of the foundation. He donated a huge amount so he must know about that."
Loke shook his head, "You told him you're coming? Or dad's coming?"
My eyebrows met because of his weird questions, "He knows we are coming, Loke."
"Did you tell him, Lucy?" His voice raised.
I got nervous because of the tone he used. My brother took a deep breath before massaging his temple. He combed his orange hair with his fingers before continuing, "I'm sorry... be with Sting that day, okay?"
I slowly nodded. He resumed walking 'till he got out of my unit. I closed my eyes and felt all strength left my body as I slumped in my seat. Somehow, all these dramas are making me so tired.
I slept that whole Saturday. My body shut down because of tiredness and the mountains of problems. When Sunday came, I spent my time painting. Every stroke reminds me of Natsu. I tightly closed my eyes. My phone beeped and saw a text from Natsu.
Natsu:
What are you doing?
Me:
Painting.
I'm still letting him contact me. Maybe dad's right. Natsu won't leave me alone. And because I'm too weak when it comes to him, I'm just letting him. Maybe he's right all along. That I should be out of the country? That I should stay away from Natsu?
Natsu:
Can we see each other on Tuesday?
I stared at his message. I don't know what to say to him.
Me:
I will try.
Natsu:
Please give me my chance.
I almost threw my phone. I covered my face with my palm in frustration, debating whether to reply or not. In the end, I chose the latter. I busied myself with painting.
Hours passed without me noticing until a knock on my door made me conscious of the time. I stood up while thinking of the person behind my unit's door. My eyes widened upon seeing Natsu at my doorstep in his white v neck t shirt and faded jeans... It's a freaking Sunday! He's carrying a box
"You... didn't reply," he explained his presence.
I couldn't bring myself to smile. I opened the door for him but I know he read my expression.
"Don't worry. I'm just here to give you some donuts, that's all. I won't come in."
We stared at each other. I heard him curse a bit.
"I'll just put this on your coffee table and I'm going..."
I let him place a box of donuts in my table. I silently watched him turn his back to leave.
"Thank you, though..." I avoided his eyes.
He nodded, hesitating to talk, "You're welcome."
I'm in this fucking emotional turmoil. I didn't finish my painting because I spent the remaining time watching a love story while eating the donuts he gave me. Dammit! I am a wreck and I don't know what to do with myself! I don't know what I'm doing with Natsu! The only think I know is that I'm torn between thinking if this is still a part of his plan to use me or not...
I wasn't able to eat a proper meal. The only thing I ate the whole day are the donuts he gave. I slept throughout a movie with a donut in my hand and woke up to Sting's call.
"I'll be there in twenty minutes..." Sting informed.
I didn't even notice that it's already Monday and I still need to prepare myself for the opening of the new ConFAP Home. I quickly went to the bathroom to take a quick bath. My stomach protested. I sighed upon realising I'm neglecting my own health.
After that bath, I dressed up. I wore a white pencil cut skirt and midriff top. I put on a light make up and my lipstick has a shade of dark pink which is fitting for the eye make up I'm wearing.
Sting called again. He's probably in the basement.
"Hello..." I answered.
"Lucy, are you done? I'm outside your condo unit."
I stopped combing my hair before going outside. I opened the door for Sting and his eyes widened upon seeing me. I frowned at his reaction and shrugged him off. I saw the box of donuts in my coffee table and saw that there's still some pieces left so I grabbed one. I'm hungry and I can't prepare a decent meal because we're going to be late.
"Is that your breakfast?" he asked. "I don't have time," I simply said.
"We can stop by a resto outside before going to Magnolia..."
"No... No... I'm fine, Sting. Let's go," I said before quickly biting the strawberry flavoured donut in my hand.
"But, Lucy..." Sting tried to protest.
We only have two hours left before the opening would start. I can't afford to be late just because I'm hungry and it's traffic.
"Let's go..." I said before boarding the elevator.
He followed me. He stayed quiet inside the elevator while I'm chewing my donut. Sting crossed his arms while looking at me
"Are you sure you're fine with that?"
"Yup, I am," I answered.
We went outside as soon as the elevator opened. I quickly walked towards his car which is parked nearby. He clicked his keys before I can touch the door handle and I went inside.
I felt sleepy and thirsty during the ride. It's a good thing Sting brought a mineral water which he gave to me.
When we arrived, I was awed at the beauty of the new Home for the kids in ConFAP. There are many trees there and a playground too. The cars of the businessmen are parked at their grounds. I also saw some medias to cover the event.
Sting and I both exited of his car. My eyes were glued to the beautiful Home in front. There is a huge staircase and a double doors which is barricaded by a huge ribbon meant to be cut later as a sign of opening.
"Let's go find dad and uncle," Sting said.
I nodded and followed him. I quickly saw the both of them. Body guards were encircling them. Loke's also standing near them, he's frowning at me.
"Let's find our seats..." daddy said.
Loke and I sandwiched daddy. Beside me is Sting and his father. The bodyguards were standing around us discreetly.
Some people from the media went to dad for an interview. I stayed silent while watching the newly arrived guests. I recognised some politicians, personalities, and senators.
And then I saw Natsu. He's alone. Two reporters quickly raided him. Loke caught my eyes. He gave me a sharp glare so I returned my eyes to the huge double doors of the Home. Damnit!
