Chapter 2: An evening full of discoveries
Shortly after leaving Officer Chen, Nyla and Angela rushed to join their new sergeant at the Food Truck near the police station. It had been a while since the three officers had gathered like this. That hadn't happened since the weeding and Jackson's death.
Once there, the three of them ordered their meals and drinks and then sat down at a table. It was only after a few minutes that they inevitably began to discuss their friend.
"Frankly, I must admit that I have a hard time understanding Lucy on this one. It is clear that the last few months have been tough for her, but I thought she was doing better," Angela began as dubious as worried. There was a reason for this behavior, and knowing her colleague it was no small feat.
"I don't know, but she refused to talk about it when I tried to discuss it this morning. She indeed lived through difficult times, but it has been several weeks since she is doing better. Whereas today, she has been weirding all day," Tim announced, just as concerned. Lucy was radiant and the strongest person he knew. She didn't let herself get knocked down easily.
"Refusing to speak is not in her character," Nyla continued. Although previously annoyed by the incessant flow of words, she had not only gotten used to it but had even come to appreciate it. It was part of their coworker's incredible personality, and such a change in character was not a good sign. Even after her abduction, she had not performed such a reversal.
They continued chatting for a good ten minutes when Sergeant Bradford got a message from Tamara about her roommate. Puzzled, the policeman immediately called her.
"Hey, you're on speakerphone. I'm with Angela and Harper. Is everything alright?" He questioned her, going straight to the point.
"I'm sorry to bother you but we need to talk about Lucy. I am worried about her. Last night was tough, and I would love to help her cope."
"Last night?" They all exclaimed, not knowing what she was talking about.
"Yes, it's a long story. I'm going to a party in town, can I drop by to chat? I think I know how to cheer her up," the young brunette asked uncertainly. She didn't know the group of police officers well, but she stepped beyond, determined to give her friend the birthday she deserved.
"Of course," Tim confirmed, delighted to be able to help his partner as best he could. Besides, and he wouldn't admit it out loud, he liked the young brunette. She was a strong, intelligent person who hadn't had it easy but did her best to get by.
About fifteen minutes and countless guesses later, the teenager moved to their side.
"I'm sorry to disturb your evening but I thought it would be easier to explain face to face."
"You did well Tamara. What happened with Lucy last night? Above all, what can we do to help?" Angela questioned under the watchful eyes of her colleagues.
"I think there is an accumulation of things. After all, she still has difficulty dealing with Jackson's death. Although she is much better it has been barely more than a year since her kidnapping happened. In short, all this is still fresh, and I think that last night was the straw that broke the camel's back ... A few days ago, her parents called to invite her to dinner the day before her birthday. She was reluctant after what happened when she graduated. Only you know her, she always sees the best in everyone so she couldn't refuse. I hoped that they would make up and help her. It was the opposite. She came home very upset without even eating and went straight to bed. I managed to get her to talk this morning. She didn't elaborate but from what I understand they once again insulted her choice of career and her lifestyle. They told her that she would never be happy and would never find anyone. Her mother even put Jackson's death on the table and blamed her for her kidnapping. I know Lucy is incredibly strong, but it must have been very violent, especially since her parents are very good at hitting where it hurts."
"My God, it's crazy that they spend their time making her suffer like this. They should be proud of her. On top of that, they had done a similar thing to her when she graduated," Lieutenant Lopez announced, suddenly understanding her colleague's behavior much better. She had always taken her parents' violent remarks to heart even though time had taught her to take a step back. After all, who doesn't want the love and recognition of their parents? Such behavior must have made her feel incredibly lonely.
"What?" Tim exclaimed completely stunned. The policeman knew a lot about dysfunctional families, but he didn't know his teammate's situation was so tense. Just the thought that Lucy could suffer in silence from her parents' rejection drove him nuts. Bradford knew the young woman was strong and independent, but his affection for her had given rise to an overwhelming desire to protect her from all pain. After all, she was the most amazing person he knew, sweet, empathetic, courageous, bright, and incredibly intelligent. She had made him see the world in a new light. She deserved the best.
"Yes, Jackson had explained to me that her father had not even shown up. Her mother had just come by to call her a bully and a failure. It was hard for her to take, but he took care of fixing the problem by telling her parents not to show up before changing their attitude."
"I'm hallucinating. I understand her behavior much better. Chen takes such rejection from her parents to heart," Nyla breathed in astonishment. She had not been a perfect mother, quite the contrary. Only, and although she had witnessed toxic behavior many times, she would never understand how parents could do so much harm to their child.
"Earlier, on the phone, you said that you had an idea to help her. What can we do?" Tim asked, coming to his senses. He was angry and entangled in his feelings, but Chen remained his priority.
"With all that, I'm afraid she'll feel lonely. Since she couldn't have celebrated her birthday properly in the end, I was considering throwing a surprise party for her with her close friends. This will allow her to change her mind and have fun."
"That's a great idea. Wesley and I are definitely in. If there is anything we can do to help you organize, you don't hesitate."
"I'm going to need a little help with the organization, but I will especially need someone to distract her while I prepare everything in the apartment."
"Otherwise, we can do that at my place. There is more room, a garden and you can organize everything calmly. I'd find an excuse to bring her in," the policeman offered without thinking for a second. Everyone turned to him, surprised by such a proposal but not so much by the attention he paid to his old boot. He loved her and they all knew it.
"Seriously? I admit that would be perfect," Tamara admitted with a slight smirk.
For a long time, they continued to organize everything, and then the teenager left for her party, leaving the three policemen alone again. After a few minutes, Angela started.
"Your offer is very nice. I am sure Lucy will be very touched."
"It's not much, especially after everything she's been through."
"It's true. Finally, she's lucky to have you. You're lucky to be there for each other."
"I see you coming. We are friends. I know, it's weird because I never make friends with my former students, but I did it with her. Finally, there is nothing more, so don't fantasize."
"Yes of course and you devour all your friends with your eyes as if you wanted to undress them," Lieutenant Harper added playfully.
"In addition, you were never jealous of Wes as you have with every man who turns around her and yet we are quite good friends."
"I ... no you," Tim stammered with the impression of being unmasked.
"Hey Bradford, breathe! We don't judge. Lucy is awesome, and you are in sync. There's nothing wrong with that," her best friend reassured with kindness.
"I know you've probably imagined a dozen reasons not to say anything to her. To be honest I think the only reason she hasn't noticed anything is that she doesn't trust herself when it comes to a romantic relationship, which I can understand. After all, she's very intuitive about everything else," Nyla pointed out calmly.
"I didn't think I was so transparent. Does everyone know about it?" Sgt. Bradford gave in, aware that he didn't stand a chance with those two mule heads. Finally, they were friends and he had blind trust in the two young women, he had no reason to hide.
"I think that we know you well, it's different. Wes noticed it too. At the same time, we bet on which of you two would declare first. Jackson saw that you guys got together before ... Anyway ... I can't speak for Nolan but he has a good instinct on that sort of thing so that wouldn't surprise me. Considering your reaction earlier, if Tamara had no idea, she must now be. Genny has known something's going on since she saw you together the first time. She asked me the question when she was there and the fact that you broke up with Ashley a few days ago must have made her impression stronger. As for Grey, no one has talked about it with him, but this man notices a lot more things than he shows so I think he must have guessed that too," Lopez listed as if it was obvious.
"I see ... Well, that doesn't change the fact that I don't intend to tell her."
"Here, on the other hand, you are an idiot."
"Nyla is right. You will always find a good reason not to try anything and stop yourself from doing what makes you happy. Only, if there is one thing that the hell, we have all been through this year has taught us, it is that life is short. What matters is spending it with the people you love and telling them how much you care about them. Look, we won't insist because I know you well enough to let this idea rest in a corner of your head before returning to the charge. However, don't forget that you deserve to be happy, and I have never seen you as fulfilled as with Lucy and I attended your wedding. As for Chen's feelings, this girl would win the moon if you asked her, and she supported you during your post-Isabel period without ever running away. To me, that says it all," Angela concluded in a tone that made everyone understand that the discussion was over.
The trio finished their meal in a good mood although Tim couldn't get his colleagues' words out of his head. After planning the final details for the evening of the next day everyone went home. The policeman went to bed with thoughts in his head, entangled in his feelings but also a little lighter to have the support of his best friend.