Stone Cold Heart

The front door slammed, 'did you see the news?' Levy came barreling through my living room like a bat out of hell.

'What,' I blinked the past due notice forgotten.

She quickly changed the channel, 'An altercation got out of hand last night at a Magnolia establishment, involving Natsu 'Salamander' Dragneel.'

My heart sank, 'It seems once again alcohol got the best of our favorite Boxer.'

'Mommy?' A small voice came from the hall.

'Turn if off,' I quickly stood up from the couch.

Levy switched the channel, 'what are you doing up?' I asked sweetly.

Nashi rubbed her eyes with a pout, 'I couldn't sleep.'

She's so cute in her purple pajamas and a stuffed puppy under her arm. 'I'm sure we can fix that.'

'I'll make us some tea,' Levy excused herself to the kitchen.

'How about another story?' I offered as I reached for her hand and led her back to the bedroom we shared.

'O-tay.' She crawled into her bed and I tucked her in before snuggling next to her.

She released a fit of giggles as I rubbed my nose against her soft baby cheek.

'So, what would you like to hear?' I smiled.

Her pointer finger tapped her chin, 'mommy?'

'Hm?'

'Are you sad?' Her warm brown-eyes waited for an answer.

Her question caught me off guard, 'uh— no baby I'm not sad.' I said, 'why would you think that?'

She glanced away, as if she was hiding something. 'You were crying.'

My heart slowed, 'in the bath.'

I realized she must've heard me early this morning. Our bills continued to be stacked against us, I tried so hard to stay afloat but when our car died and I lost my job— I couldn't keep up.

This morning an eviction notice was tapped to our front door, and I disappeared to the bathroom for a much needed bubble bath.

I wanted to feel at ease, but I cried into my hands feeling like such a failure.

Nashi was supposed to watching a movie, but it seems she was spying on me instead.

'Mommy had a moment, but I'm fine.' I squeezed her to me.

'You don't have to worry.' I whispered into her strawberry-blonde locks.

I sighed as I walked back into the small dining room, 'everything okay?' Levy asked.

Tears welled in my eyes, a shaky breath left my lips. 'What the hell am I doing, Levy?'

Levy's hazel eyes softened, 'you're doing the best you can Lu.'

'It's not good enough,' the hot tears ran down my cheeks. 'Nashi deserves so much more.'

'Lu,' Levy moved around the table,

'I'm such a terrible mother,' Levy wrapped me in a hug, my arms limp at my sides.

'That's not true and you know it.' She squeezed me right before releasing me.

'I can't afford rent, Levy. I can't even afford groceries.' I stressed, 'Nashi has one stuffed animal.'

'One.'

'You have the answer to all your problems,' She was so straight-forward. 'You can end all of this.'

Her words felt like a slap to the face, 'I'm not going to ask him for a hand-out.' I tried to keep my voice calm.

'A hand-out?' Her voice raised, 'for Christ sake's, that's his daughter too Lucy.'

I shook my head in frustration, 'he doesn't even know.'

'Whose fault is that!' Levy's eyes widened, I couldn't even defend myself because she was right.

'Lu, I— I didn't mean for—'

'— it's true.' I whispered, completely defended.

'I didn't mean it,' She apologized. 'I just hate seeing you this way.'

'We're being evicted.' I confessed, Levy's expression filled with dread.

'We have to be out by the end of the week,' I added the final blow.

Levy rubbed her temples, 'how much do you need?'

'I'm not taking your money.' I argued.

She sighed, 'you don't have a choice.'

'I have a one choice,' I walked past her toward the kitchen.

'What?' She asked confused, 'who are you going to call? Natsu.'

I didn't respond, Levy watched with curiosity as I dialed a foreign number— I'm surprised I remember.

'Heartifilia residence.' I took a deep breath, I had to do something— for Nashi's sake.

'Ms. Frances, is my father available?'

Levy's eyes grew so wide, I shrugged helplessly.

'Uh— Ms. Lucy is that you?' I could hear the surprise in her voice.

'Yes, it's me. I really need to speak with Jude.' My heart sat in my stomach, I felt so uneasy about what I was doing.

My father is the last person on this green earth that I don't want to see me fail, he'd rub it in my face for later.

But as a mother, Nashi is the important person in my life and if I have to bare his cynical remarks about how I fucked up my life, I will.

'Lucy?' His voice remained unchanged, cold and distant.

'Jude, it's been awhile.' My palms started to sweat.

He grunted through the phone, I closed my eyes briefly, trying to gather up the courage.

'I'm guessing this isn't an apology phone call for running away three years ago.'

'I wasn't a child,'

'Hmph, your actions were childish. Leaving in the middle of the morning, not telling anyone about your whereabouts.'

'It's not as if you cared,' I gritted through my teeth.

'Tsk, what do you want Lucy? Life with Levy isn't all that great anymore.'

'You knew' I accused, 'you knew this whole time.'

'Of course I knew, you're my daughter.'

'Why didn't you stop me then?' My mind was reeling.

'You'd do what you wanted regardless.'

Good point, but still, 'you're a real piece of work.'

He sighed, 'what do you need Lucy?'

'Tell him,' Levy pushed as I glanced over at her.

'I have a three-year old daughter.'

The line stilled,

'What'd he say?' Levy was practically bouncing on her heels.

'A what?!'

'You have a three-year old granddaughter, her name is Nashi.'

'You called to tell me I'm a grandfather three years later? And I'm a piece of work.' He judged.

'I know we've had our differences,' it was like pulling teeth. 'But, I need your help.'

A bark of laughter drifted through the phone, 'my help? My righteous daughter is coming to me, of all people, for help.'

'I didn't ask for the attitude.' I spat, 'can you help us or not.'

'Oh I can help you,'

His voice had something hidden underneath.

'What's the catch? You're going to charge me interest. You want me to beg?'

Levy mouthed, 'stop that.'

'Oh no my dear Lucy, it's quite simple and easy.'

I huffed, 'what do you want?'

'Come home,'

I almost dropped the phone, 'what?'

'Come back home, Lucy. You can move back into your old bedroom.'

'And Nashi?' I couldn't believe my ears.

'You know there's plenty of room in this house.'

'If I refuse?' I worried my bottom lip. I didn't want to return, I couldn't show my face in that town.

'I can't help you then.'

Anger boiled in my blood, 'you just want to control my life, like before with—'

I stopped talking, Nashi was standing in doorway again with sleepy brown-eyes.

'Mommy why so loud?' She yawned,

'Come on, sweetie.' Levy quickly picked her up and took her back toward the bedroom.

It's not my life anymore, it's ours and I have to start thinking of Nashi before myself.

'What's it going to be?'

Our rugged apartment didn't have a fancy TV or a decent-looking couch, hell I couldn't even decide what the actual color our carpet was.

Nashi's never had her own room, she's never had brand new toys or clothes. I know that none of this is important, as long as Nashi is happy but my shortcomings are eating away at me.

She deserves more, and if I can find a way to give her that— I refuse to let her down.

'I'll be there by the end of week,' Even though I don't know what's going to happen, the weight lessened in my chest.

'Excellent, your room will be ready and I'll see about getting a room cleaned out for— your uh a daughter.'

It seems Jude struggled with the realization that his daughter, now has a daughter of her own.

'Jude—' I swallowed the lump in my throat.

'Thank you.'

'I'm going to miss you so much,' I cried into Levy's arms.

'Me too!' Nashi sobbed, pulling on my sundress. 'I don't want to leave.'

Levy kneeled down and squeezed Nashi tight, 'I'm going to miss you sweet girl, you're my favorite person.'

'Oh really?' I teased.

Levy smiled, 'you've been demoted.'

I gasped loudly, 'the betrayal.'

Nashi grasped my pinkie finger, 'you my favorite mommy.'

My heart melted, 'really Nashi.' Levy playfully poked her in the tummy.

The whistle blew—

'We'd better go before we miss the train.' My heart ached, I was going to miss Levy but this wasn't good-bye.

She'd visit for sure.

The train ride lasted three-hours and Nashi definitely wasn't prepared, the poor girl sighed out of boredom for the hundredth time.

'This is where I used to live,' the train pulled into the station.

Nashi glanced out the window, 'it's pretty.'

Magnolia is pretty, it's a lovely town with friendly people.

'Yeah, it is.' I felt so nostalgic, 'let's get going.' I held her little hand in mine.

We made it through the busy Sunday traffic and managed to find our ride.

'Ms. Lucy, it's so nice to see you again.' An older man said with a pleasant smile.

'Mr. Henry it's so good to see you,' I smiled. My father's staff always treated me with kindness.

'We are so happy that you've returned,' He hinted at the little girl hiding behind me.

'And you've bought an guest.'

I smiled nervously, 'yes, this is Nashi my daughter.' Nashi curiously glanced at the man.

'This is Mr. Henry, he's my friend.'

Nashi buried her face into my dress, 'she's shy.' I ran a hand through her straight hair.

'That's okay, little miss.' He opened our car door. 'Let's head on home.'

We loaded our suitcase in the trunk and headed back to my old home.

'Wow, so many flowers.' Nashi was in awe, 'is this our new house?' Wide innocent eyes shined with excitement.

'Sure is,' the large brick home hadn't changed one bit.

We walked up the porch and before I could knock Ms. Francis opened the door, pulled me into her arms and squeezed, 'oh Lucy I've missed you.'

'I've missed you too.' I breathed,

'Oh, I'm sorry.' She released me and dusted off her apron, 'and who is this sweet little girl?'

I gently nudged Nashi forward, 'Nashi say hello, this is Ms. Francis.'

She fidgeted nervously, 'hello... I'm three years a old.'

Ms. Francis gasped, 'you're three years old, I remember when I was your age.'

I laughed lightly, it's been five or six decades since she was three.

'Mommy, I'm hungry.' Nashi whispered.

'You're in luck Ms. Nashi, I'm preparing dinner right now, would you like to help?'

Nashi glanced between the two of us, 'it's all right with me.'

She smiled brightly, 'we'll be in kitchen. Your room is set up and Nashi's is across the hall.'

I nodded as the two strolled out of the living room.

The house smelt of fresh pine and lilac, the walls are covered in fancy portraits and certificates. I wandered down the hall, family photos lined the walls in expensive frames.

I slowly turned the doorknob and walked in, the plush pink walls remained littered with awards, posters and pictures. My book shelf was exactly how I left it, if anything changed it was the sheets to my bed.

'He didn't move anything,' I mumbled to myself. I figured another office would've taken my bedroom's place but I was wrong.

'Ahem,'

I flinch and whipped around, Jude was standing in the doorway.

'You scared me,' I placed my palm over my beating heart.

'Is your room to your liking?' He asked, it sounded so bizarre— hearing him being cordial.

'Uh, it's fine.' I glanced around the four walls. 'Nothing really changed,'

'I didn't want to— uh, touch your things.'

'Oh,' I blinked, 'that's um, nice I guess.'

He nodded, before he turned to leave. 'Jude,' I called out.

He glanced over his shoulder, 'how'd you know... I was with Levy?'

'Remember when the brat tried to sneak in?'

I crossed my arms, 'he's not a brat. If you would have given him a chance he wouldn't have accidentally broken a window.'

'Yeah, yeah. I invested in cameras after that.'

'Seriously!?'

'I couldn't have him sneaking into your bed,'

My cheeks flushed, 'I was an adult.'

'You were 18.' He corrected. 'And he was older with reckless tendencies.'

'Oh please, you make it sound as if he took advantage of me.'

He sighed, 'I admit that crossed my mind, but seeing him sulk around town days after your disappearance.'

My heart ached, 'it was a pitiful sight.'

If he was so hurt why didn't he respond to my letter, 'he must've gotten over it quickly.' I said scornfully.

'I wouldn't know besides what shows on the TV, he stays in the dark.'

I frowned... the TV didn't paint a pretty picture.

I ignored the problem. If I didn't acknowledge the issue than it didn't happen.

'I'm assuming she's his,' His hands slid into his front pockets.

'And if she is.' I said with defiance.

His lip twitched, 'it's none of my business if you don't want it to be.'

I couldn't believe he didn't fight back, that he didn't slap me with a demeaning remark.

I didn't know what to say, 'if you change your mind... I'd like to meet her.'

He completely left me dumbfounded, since when did Jude care?

He didn't wait for a response before leaving me alone once again, I'd need to speak with Ms. Francis about what happened to Jude because something wasn't quite right.

'Will you be okay?' I asked, Nashi had decided to sleep in her own room for a change.

'Yup,' I pulled the covers to her chin and I kissed her forehead.

'I'm right across the hall if you need me,' I told her as I turned on her fish-shaped nightlight.

I wished her a goodnight and cracked her door before tip-toeing back to the kitchen.

Ms. Francis has placing the leftovers in the fridge when I startled her. 'Oh, Lucy why are you still up?'

'I wanted to talk to you, if that's okay?' I leaned on the counter.

She gave me a concerned look, 'is everything okay? With you? With Nashi?'

'We're fine,' I clarified. 'It's actually about my father.'

'What about him?'

'He's treating me well, different.' I didn't how

to explain it. 'He's not being rude or self-centered.'

She smiled fondly, 'Ms. Lucy I know you've had your problems but when you disappeared.'

Her eyes saddened, 'it was hard on all of us. Your father checked the security footage and saw you and Ms. McGarden speeding down the road. I think he realized he pushed you away.'

I listened as she spoke, 'the argument the two of you had that early morning before he realized you had left. He blamed your actions on his harsh words.'

'He didn't necessarily give me a reason to stay,'

I didn't like to remember that argument.

She reached over and held my hand, 'I believe he's trying to fix things.'

'Maybe,' I considered the possibility but it's strange, he's been indifferent toward me all my life.

'Let's talk about something more exciting, hm?' She started fussing around the kitchen, 'have you thought about getting a job?' She sat a kettle of tea on the stove.

I sighed lazily, 'yeah but where? I don't have any work experience besides waitressing.'

Ms. Francis froze for a moment, 'you know what, I believe the new bar in town was looking for help.'

I raised my brows, 'a new bar? Where?'

'What's it called?' She snapped her fingers, 'oh! Fairy Tale, it's owned by a nice young-woman.'

'Really?' I was curious,

'Yes dear, you should head down there in the morning.' She encouraged.

I stood up, 'yeah I will. Thank you for talking with me.'

We said our goodnights and I returned to my bedroom, Nashi was buried under my covers. It seems she needed me after all, I'm surprised she climbed in alone.

She's getting bigger every day, and he's missing out on so much.

My heart squeezed with guilt, as I watched our daughter sleep— her straight strawberry-blonde locks are tinted with more pink than usual, she has round baby cheeks, a tiny nose and light brown-eyes behind her eyelids.

After I speak with Jude, I'll focus on how to approach Natsu.

Tap Tap

'Come in,' I opened the office door and walked inside.

Jude sat up in his chair, 'Lucy what is it?'

'I wanted to talk to you about our last conversation, before I left.' I treaded lightly.

He motioned for me to have a seat, 'I'm not proud of that moment.'

'Me either,' I admitted. 'I shouldn't have spoken to you that way,'

'You were defending yourself.'

I smiled sadly, 'I was defending myself. I know what I wanted and who I wanted, you couldn't understand that.'

'You were so young Lucy, you barely stepped foot out into the real world.' He stressed, 'only to get swept up in a reckless relationship.'

'He changed, but you didn't give him a chance to show you.' It's true that Natsu had a wrap sheet for being a hot-head but never with me.

He was soft under that hard shell, gentle and kind. His cocky personality didn't fool me.

'I know,' he sighed deeply. 'That's my fault and I'm paying for it.'

He's talking about Nashi, 'I'd like for the two of you to meet one another.'

His dull brown-eyes lightened slightly, 'tonight at dinner? If you'd like.'

'Of course,' He seemed relaxed less tense than how I arrived.

'Great, well I'm heading into town to speak with lady about a job at Fairy Tale.' I stood and walked over toward the door.

'Uh, Lucy— wait,' I stopped.

'Yes?'

Something flashed before his eyes and than it was gone, 'nevermind.'

I shrugged, 'see ya.'

'Fairy Tale, huh?' The bar was designed as an old-school Tavern with bright colors.

I pushed open the wooden doors and walked through, 'hello?' I called out as I glanced around.

It's a large place, the floor space was managed well and it was clean. I was impressed, 'oh! Hi there.' A tall beautiful woman with snow white hair came out from a door behind the bar.

'We don't open for a while,' She said.

'Oh no, I'm Lucy Heartifilia.' I introduced myself, 'I was wondering if you still needed help?'

'Oh yes! The sign, I completely forgot.' She smiled sweetly. 'Do you have any food service experience?'

'Oh yes, I worked at a Diner for a while. It was slow pace at times but I'm a quick learner.'

'Alright, do you have any problems working weekends and some weekdays?'

'Well, I do have three year old daughter.' I said, some establishments prefer a childless worker.

'Aw, that's not a problem,'

'Seriously?' I asked baffled.

She laughed lightly, 'I like you Lucy.'

'I like you too uh, I'm sorry what was your name.'

'Oh, duh! I'm Mirajane Strauss, the owner.' We shook hands.

'It's a great place you have,' I complimented.

'You're so sweet, are you able to start tonight?'

'Sure! That's not a problem,' I promised.

'Perfect, be here by 9:15 that's when we really start to pick up.'

'Thank you Mirajane! I really need this, I won't let you down.'

'I have a good feeling about you Lucy.' She smiled. 'Oh and there's no uniform just look pretty which shouldn't be hard for you.'

I thanked her again before heading back home and after dinner, I'd start my new job! I was nervous but relieved as well. I could start saving up and with this out of the way I have no reason not to approached Natsu about Nashi.

Thanks again for reading and leaving a reviews! Natsu VS. Lucy in the next chapter, and I will try to make these longer.