I Promise You

Daddy and Loke didn't update me about what's happening anymore. Maybe they don't want me to get stressed.

However, I frequently hear them talking about the case they'll file against the Drakes and Natsu inside my room.

"I don't care about the evidences that Alabaster was blabbering about," daddy's low but hard voice said.

Loke gasped, "You and Uncle could get in trouble. And how about Lucy?"

"She'll be out of the country by then. She doesn't need to get stressed over all these. I just want justice..."

Loke reply in a hushed voice. It bothered me that I couldn't hear it anymore so I opened my eyes. He saw me awake so he stopped talking.

"Lucy..."

I rubbed my eyes. I've been here for almost two weeks now. My wound doesn't hurt that much anymore so I wanted to go home but they won't allow me yet. Daddy also mentioned that I'll stay with them for the mean time to ensure my safety.

I sat on my bed while Loke hurriedly went to me to help me even if I told him it's not needed. Daddy also walked towards me. I combed my hair using my fingers before talking.

"When am I going home?"

"Tomorrow, Lucy. As planned, you'll stay home for a week before leaving for Stella," dad explained.

"How about Aunt Michelle?" I asked.

Mommy didn't visit anymore. From what I know, she became busy with their own business. I also know that daddy didn't tell her about my pregnancy. Daddy wants to avoid talking about it.

"I already told her about that," daddy assured and my fears for creating a conflict with Aunt Michelle disappeared, "You're going to Stella with Sting."

I was about to protest when he cut me off.

"He's not going to stay with you, Lucy. He'll just escort you to make sure you'll arrive safely. I cannot go with you because I have a pending case filed by Senator Alabaster. Loke will be here to lead the business..."

I bit my lip. Sting has been an ass at the end of our relationship but as a person he's nice. I didn't contest their decision anymore.

"How about mommy?"

"Layla will go here later with Apollo. Your sister will be here too."

I asked it because I know Aunt Michelle dislikes to see mommy in their house. If I'm scheduled to be discharged tomorrow then mommy can't visit me here anymore.

"Did you tell her?"

"No, I didn't tell her. Your mom, Lucy, is very active in social gatherings. As much as possible, I want to keep this a secret but if you want to tell her. You may..." daddy said in a soft voice.

I thought about it hard. I can't leave without letting my mom about my true condition. But then again, she would ask about the father of the child I'm carrying. Before I can think about the next point, someone knocked.

Loke stood up and opened the door for us to see mommy and Uncle Apollo there.

Daddy and Uncle Apollo's eyes met. I shivered. They don't usually meet. Actually, I cannot remember if they've been on an event together.

"Lucy, I'm sorry I've been very busy..."

The fruits she's carrying was placed on a table on the corner. She placed her hand on my forehead like I have a flu or something.

"Apollo..." daddy greeted uncle, "I'll leave you three to talk privately."

"Jude," mommy stopped him. "Is it true? You're taking her to Stella?" I sensed a hint of anger in her voice.

"It's her choice."

"Why don't you go to Alakitasia, darling! Your Aunt Leandra would be there! You can go together!" mommy turned to daddy, "She's going to Stella alone?"

"Sting would accompany her but he won't stay there. He'll go home here after that. Layla, Deneb is there. He can look after Lucy there."

"Mom, I'm fine. I'll be okay. I'll stay with Uncle Deneb" I said to assure her.

Daddy successfully left. Loke remained siting on the corner while Uncle Apollo is standing with his hands inside his pockets. He's staring at us, just observing.

"How are you? Are you feeling better? Is your wound healed already?" She shook her head, "Is that going to cause a scar?"

"Mom, I'm feeling better. I don't know about the scar part. Maybe? But that'll eventually fade."

"You know, Ashley's been worried about you too. I'm so sad that her clients are Jude's enemies. She has an exhibit in Flavus, today's the third day. We sent the Drakes, Dreyars, and even the Titania but no one came."

"Auntie, don't waste your time. You're well aware about what happened..." I sensed the irritation in Loke's voice.

"I know. I just thought they would separate those kind of issues for arts sake! And besides, it's the Heartfilias, not the Lunas..."

Loke cleared his throat. I know my brother's stopping himself so I told mom myself, "Mom, please... I hope you understand. I mean even if you're out of this, I cannot assure you they would come for your invites. This is a very sensitive issue. Dad's stressed about this..."

"I know, I'm sorry. It's all over the news last week. Some of your dad's bodyguards got shot too."

"Maybe Jude should stop his illegal works so you won't be in danger anymore, Lucy..." I heard Uncle Apollo's cold voice.

"There's nothing illegal about dad's work" Loke insisted.

"Now. But in the past, there are many. And who knows, maybe in the future there would be illegal works again." Uncle Apollo laughed.

Mommy turned to Loke. I know she saw the anger in my brother's expression so she stood up, "I'm going to try to visit in your home. I believe Jude will take you with them. But if Michelle won't permit my visit, I'll just go to the airport on the day of your flight..."

Mommy didn't stay long. Though I hope we can really talk about everything that happened, I think it's probably best that she doesn't know about the sensitive details.

I get nervous everytime she talks and Loke gets mad. I don't want them to bicker in front of me. I got discharged from the hospital. The wound is nearly healed and Virgo told me that if it'll scar, I can undergo treatment to lighten it. The wound is on my back. But the only important thing for me is my condition.

Dad's home has a really tight security. There are guards 24/7 and has CCTVs everywhere. Loke and Virgo were also trained to defend themselves and hold a gun. I want to learn too but because of my condition, I banished that thought.

Sting visits almost everyday to talk to Loke and me. I can't believe I'll be grateful for that. I am so bored and Virgo is always away with her friends. If Sting is still not here, I just spend my time staring blankly at things.

I started packing. Our flight is near after all.

"How's the first trimester? Aren't you nauseous or something?" Levy asked when they visited me one day.

We're in the living room while eating pizza. I just took a bite and found out that I'm not in the mood for that. It's embarrassing because I was the one who requested the cook for a huge pizza with four flavours but I just ended up taking one bite.

"Not really..." I said, "I get headaches sometimes but that's all."

"Maybe it's too early for that..." Levy said, "Well, the symptoms vary, right?"

I nodded while staring at the pizza.

"By the way, are you really going this Saturday?" Cana whispered.

"Yup. I'm going with Sting..."

"You know, Laxus asked us about you and if you're going out of the country..."

I almost choked when I heard her. I frowned. Why would Laxus ask them that? Did Natsu ask him to? For what?

"Natsu has a TRO for you, right? He cannot go close to you since he was also there in Magnolia that time..."

I didn't breathe for a moment. I noticed how Levy slightly elbowed Cana. It's okay... I need to move on. Natsu's not that important anymore. The only thing I should worry about is my child.

"Maybe he joined the shooting or he got shot by a stray bullet..." I said without thinking.

Both of them didn't reply. Levy did her best to change the topic and she succeeded. Our laughters echoed inside as we talked about what's happening inside the office. I trust my friends. I know that they'll keep my pregnancy a secret. Even Cana, who's father was said to be close to Natsu, would never betray me. I trust that they won't tell anyone about it. Not even my child's father... Especially him, rather.

Mommy and daddy escorted us to the airport. Mommy was crying but I don't feel anything about this. I don't know why I don't feel emotional about leaving. Maybe because I'm sure that I'll be back even if daddy discouraged me.

Sting and I are already inside the plane when homesickness hit me. I realised that during those four months, my life drastically changed. My usual routines like work, jog, and party turned into this. I can't believe it.

And then it hit me... I am pregnant! I still can't believe it until now!

Will it be a boy or a girl? And... would my baby... look my Natsu? Will he or she copy his eyes? My chest tightened. I can't imagine how I'll feel if every time I look at my child's eyes, I would see Natsu staring back at me. It's going to be devastatingly beautiful.

I wiped the tears that are making their way to my cheeks. Damnit!

"Lucy, are you okay?" Sting whispered before grabbing the tissue.

I nodded while wiping my face. He's just staring at me. I stayed silent while looking at the window before turning to him. I saw the worry in his eyes.

"I'm sorry..." Sting's voice cracked.

Instead of crying, I got shocked. My tears stopped because I saw how his eyes teared up.

"I'm really sorry for everything..." he shook his head before wiping his closed eyes.

He sighed before opening his eyes, there's still tears in his reddish eyes.

"If only I didn't cheat on you. If only I didn't become selfish, all of these won't happen. I am so... so sorry. I didn't want to lose you. If only I can turn back the time, I wouldn't let anything ruin us..."

I bit my lip. It's over and done. I loved Sting. He will always be my first love.

"I can be a good father to your child if you want. But then I won't force you. It's going to be your choice, Lucy. I'm so... so sorry for what happened between us. I love you, Lu. I really do. I've been tricked by lust." his voice trembled.

I held his hand while he continued, "I know this might sound as an excuse to you but I'm really sorry. I don't know if you can forgive me for it... for everything... If you can't give me the love you've given me for the past years, then I do hope you can still be my friend."

I nodded. It's the only thing I can give to him.

"I will be there always when you need me. This time, Lucy, I promise. I promise you... You don't deserve what I did to you. I'm sorry..." I smiled despite the tears in my eyes, "It's okay, Sting. I forgive you."

"I owe you the love you've given me before. I owe you the forgiveness you've given me now..."

I shook my head, "I give love because I love, Sting. I don't give love to be loved so you don't owe me anything."

We stayed like that for a few hours; silent while calming ourselves down.

I smirked when I felt Sting let out a huge breath of relief.

"You'll find a woman who can love you more than I loved you before, Sting... Who knows, maybe you even meet the girl for you in Stella."

I chuckled. He playfully nodded and smiled at me, "I'm going to wait for your next appointment with the doctor before going home —"

"Sting..." I frowned.

"Just let me, Lucy. As a friend, okay? You shouldn't be alone in things like this. And I'll be back after a month..." I laughed. Is he serious? "You won't have a love life in that case..."

He just laughed while shaking his head.