Chapter 13

Alfendi was sitting on a stool in the tavern when George sat down next to him.

"Alastair, how's you been?"

"Fine"

"Ok, and ah how are the neighbours treat'n ya?"

"Fine too"

"Not a man of many words I see-y"

"..."

"Ok well I just came to inform ya that you'll get 'nother visitor within the next week"

Then both men left their seats and walked their separate ways.

Time passed slowly during freezing nights and uncomfortably hot days.

Alfendi still wore his red and blue sweater because it smelled like the mystery room and slightly of Lucy's sweet scent.

During a late night visit of telling her stories. Her hair colour returned slowly and her face became more pink each day.

Alfendi noticed and watched her carefully for any signs if movement.

"Lucy, I don't know if you can hear me, but... I really do love you and 'my other side' may not admit it but he really is fond of you too. I just wish you would wake up my dear, sweet apprentice. You are the light of my life and... And I don't know what would have happened to me if you weren't with me. Forbodium, helping me find my life again, even now... I'd still rather be here than in prison... I'd rather be with you... Forever. Please Lucy wake u-

As he held her hand, radiating warmth into her palm. A small squeeze from her hand made Alfendi's heart skip a beat.

"Prof?" she said in a weakened voice.

Barely audible Alfendi passes it off as his imagination, watching her carefully.

"Prof?" She says again softly. This time Al looks up at to her eyes still holding onto her hand.

"L- Lucy?" He says with tears in his eyes.

"I h-..."

Her voice was rough and she could barely speak.

"Wa-... Water..."

He brought her a small cup of water then he raised the bed for her to sit up. She took a sip and a deep breath. When she looked at Alfendi she noticed he had tears in his eyes.

"I though you-... would never wake up" He said stumbling on his words.

Lucy put down the cup and achingly slides her hand over to his.

"Prof! I could neva' leave ya!" She said partially smiling at what she was thinking.

"I did 'ear... What ya said."

Said Lucy.

Alfendi shot up with wide eyes and his hands shook slightly.

"Um, I did mean it... But I didn't think you'd... Well..."

Lucy giggled faintly.

"Don't worry! Your secret's safe with me, and by the way Prof..."

He looked at her and kissed her cheek.

"I love ya too"

As they backed away from each other a woman walked into the room looking down at a clip board.

As he looked towards the door he said,

"You..."

Said Alfendi, with an angry look on his face.

"Hmph." She scoffed and looked at Al.

"You- Almost got me killed me in your car!"

"My name is not 'YOU' it's Alice, I work at the tavern sometimes and also as a nurse, but you would have already been informed in your letters."

...

"Hello Lucy I've seen your stats your recovery has been great. Let me just check your..."

She pullout a small torch and shines it into Lucy's eyes. Lucy blinks and Alice puts her hand out it shake hands with Lucy.

"Nice to meet you, I'm Alice"

"I'm... Lucy. Nice ta meet y-"

"Ah-" Alice holds her finger up "Lucky Layne, you're new name. You're Alastair's 'wife'. Just until we can ensure you are safe in witness protection.

A knock at the door startled Lucy. George walked in and smiled to everyone in the room, he stood at the end of her hospital bed, waiting for Alice to finish.

Lucy gazed up to Alfendi.

"Well..."

"Can I leave t' 'ospital t'day?"

She asked Alice.

"Not yet. A few more days, until you've recovered your strength."

Alice replied.

"Luc-ky you'll be fine, don't worry. I've never seen anyone with as much will power as yourself, you'll be out in no time... That name's going to take some time getting used to."

Al winked at Lucy to ensure her good luck.

"We'll keep you in this room for now, no one needs it and it's safer that you stay hidden before you recover your strength." George stated.

"Lucy, this is George. He's the sheriff he knows about what's going on he can help you whenever you've got a problem."

"Good evening Lucy, nice to see you've finally awoken."

He tipped his hat towards Lucy and ushered Alice out the door to speak.

"I'm sorry Lucy, because of me, my enemies have found my weak spot... And it's you..."

"Oh Prof don't be so sad, it'll all work out fine. You'll see, trust me"

A single tear rolled down his cheek as he wiped it away with the sleeve of his sweater. Lucy smiled and fell back to sleep.

i had HSC/end of year tests sorry for the VERY late post I was planning to upload earlier but eh here it is now the 14th chapter will also be uploaded in a few hours cause I've written it already just have to spell check and stuff... uwu/