CHAPTER 5: DITCHED

I woke up with a sudden noise of an alarm clock. I got out of bed, stretched, and shut the alarm clock off. I probably would have slept in if I didn't. I went to my closet which I had already organized my clothes with and picked out an outfit, I picked out a red frilly mini-skirt, black thigh highs, black platform boots, off-white shirt, light blue denim jacket, and an off-white scarf with a golden triangle necklace. I went to the bathroom and brushed my hair and teeth thoroughly and then put my hair up in my signature side ponytail, I decided I didn't feel like that was the hairstyle for my outfit and just let my hair down. I didn't like that hairstyle either, so I put my hair in a messy bun and that looked fine.

I left my room and decided I'd just get some fast-food breakfast on the way. I didn't have to be to work in another hour and thirty minutes so it should be fine. I took my time down the stairs since I haven't worn the platform boots in awhile and they we're a little big. When I reached the bottom Natsu wasn't there to greet me. I'm not going to bother with him anyway, he and myself are fine on our own. I opened the door and let myself out. It was a bit strange that Natsu wasn't there but he's honestly probably doing something. And then a thought hit me, Wendy. I sighed, there was nothing to do about it. I hurried to my car carefully making sure I won't trip. I just got these thigh highs and I wasn't planning to tear them now.

After I ate my breakfast from MgRonalds and arrived at my work I got a sudden rush of nervousness run through my body. It made me really uneasy as I walked up to the elevator and awaited to arrive on his office floor level. That came faster than expected, I was already on the level and I waited for a second, then the elevator closed and I quickly shot my hand towards the button to keep it open. My hand was shaking as I reached for it, I really didn't know why I was so nervous. I managed to click it and scurry out towards his office which unfortunately in this case, wasn't what I wanted. I quickly gave myself a pep talk, you can do this Lucy, you shouldn't be afraid just go for it. I sighed of relief and knocked on the door.

Mr. Dreyar responded quickly, "Come in." I opened the door and walked towards him. "Hello, Lucy." He said crossing his arms. "Hi, Mr. Dreyar." I felt mad now, really-really mad. I was mad at him for not giving Levy's job back. I wasn't sorry, it's my business that I got married to Natsu Dragneel, not Sabertails, not Mr. Dreyar. "If we're here to select someone to cover the story..." I started superior hiding my angry feelings, "Why didn't you offer the job to Levy?"

"That would have been unprofessional. Levy's your best friend... and so I consider her to be very close to the story as well. So her covering the story would probably also violate the clause about not reporting... stories that you're personally involved with." We could have done this differently, we could've had her go behind my back and talk to him, not this way. Because then she's not personally involved. "But Levy's not personally involved... and besides, that's not what she said. She said you won't let her do it because of the policy." He jumped immediately at my comment, he looked frightened, his face was pale and he was not crossing his arms anymore. "Levy said that!?" He said in agony almost. Well I overheard... but what is with this policy? Levy didn't tell me about it either... it all seems very secretive.

"Yes." I choked on my words. I just lied, this is just fantastic. "Well... it's nothing to do with that. It's really the fact that both of you are too closely involved with the story. He said shrugging trying to hide the shocked look on his face, he wasn't doing a good job. "But-" "Regardless, the freelance candidates for this role are waiting outside. We better not keep them much longer, huh? The selected person will basically meet with you once a day and you will update them with any stories that you come across and anything you think our readers will find interesting. Okay with you?" He asked. "No, not really. I still think you should call Levy and let her have the job." I said shrugging.

"Lucy..." He sighed. "It's not going to happen. Just please accept the fact that one of these reporters are going to do it. Since you're starting to get on my nerves... I'll go call the first one in." He said walking towards the door where they were at. That was so rude... I just ughh! He is so ughh! He walked in with the first selection, she had blue hair which curled at the ends, and she wore a blue dress with brown boots that went past her knee. "Lucy, this is Juvia. She's a freelance journalist originally from Magnolia." He nudged me, "Get your hands off of me." I said silently but not quiet enough where he wouldn't be able to hear it but not Juvia. "Juvia, this is Lucy. She'll be listening in on the interview."

"Greetings." She nodded. "So, Juvia, describe yourself for us." Mr. Dreyar said. "Well, I am very passionate and I also love photography and never go anywhere without my camera. I also am a bit fond of writing as well. I'm working hard to make more of a name for myself in the industry. I did have a online magazine but it go.. er.. shut down." She said stuttering. "Why was it shut down?" Mr. Dreyar asked. "A colleague of mine posted some inappropriate photos of hiself in an attempt to get a girlfriend." She said choking on her words. "Oh! I remember that! , right?" I asked. "Yeah! Er- not our best moment, I admit. But the magazine got loads of hits before it shut down!" She said smiling.

"Mmm hmmm. What about your credentials?" Mr. Dreyar did the opposite of deadpanning. "Oh, yeah. I didnt an online journalism course from home. Juvia liked it and thought it was fun. I learned a lot about how to do the job better." She said. "Okay. Lucy do you want to ask a question?" I nodded, hobbies, job, or describe himself in 3 words... hmm. Hobbies really isn't the best thing to ask since this is supposed to be work related, her last job was probably ... and to describe... hmm. "Okay, Juvia. Describe yourself in three words." I asked. "Yes... I would say... individual, passionate, and motivated." "Cool, why those words?" I asked. "Well individual because you're only going to meet one Juvia Lockser. Passionate because I like to write, and motivated because I want to get this job done the right way."

"That's great." Well she seems nice but maybe a little weird. "Thanks, Juvia. We'll get back to you later today." Mr. Dreyar said dismissing him. "Thanks, but I had my phone... but I seemed to have misplaced it." And irresponsible. "I'll email you then, please will you send the next candidate on your way out?" Mr. Dreyar demanded and nodded. "Sure. Juvia is glad to of met you." She walked out of the room and the next interviewee appeared. He had green hair, with a maroon tee, and denim pants. He was very casual looking. He had green eyes, and a mole or a beauty mark under his right eye.

"Hi. Are you..?" Mr. Dreyar started. "Freed Justine." He squinted at Mr. Dreyar. "I've got a master's degree in journalism from Lamia and graduated all my classes with firsts." Freed was giving Mr. Dreyar a bad look. Like he was annoyed, I was annoyed too. Me and Freed should be friends. "Er... right. Well, would you like to tell us something about yourself?" He asked.

Freed sighed and crossed his arms, "What would you like to hear? You've got my credentials in front of you. You know I have qualifications and experience necessary to do this job... so you may as well just give it to me now." Freed said. Damn sassy, I'm actually kind of afraid to ask a question. "Well, we have to interview all the candidates before we offer the job. It's procedure." "Fine." A long pause a woke it was awkward, just Freed staring at Mr. Dreyar. "Well? Are you going to ask me anything?" Mr. Dreyar nudged me. "How would you describe yourself, Freed? In three words?" I asked. "Well, firstly, you haven't hired me yet, it's Mr. Justine, thank you. And, secondly, clearly you haven't thought a great deal about your interview questions. That one's easy. I'm driven, professional and ruthless. I'll get you whatever story yo want, I guarantee it. I can get anything out of anyone."

Yeah like an interrogation probably. What a horrible human being... his credentials would be impressive if he was a bit more humble. "Great, thanks Freed. We'll get back to you later today." Mr. Dreyar said cracking his knuckles. "You're sure you don't want to offer me the job now?" Freed asked uncrossing his arms. "Sorry, but we have to continue." "Yeah, yeah, procedure. Well, I look forward to working with you both. Well actually I look forward to working with one of you.." She said, turned around, and left.

"And what did you think of 'Mr. Freed'?" Mr. Dreyar deadpanned. If I give everyone good comments, he probably will end up being confused on who to decide. But if I give Freed a bad comment, and everyone else a good comment he will probably well... give me Freed. "Well, he had good qualifications... but she was a bit abrasive." I said putting it in the nicest way. "Yes, his qualifications are very impressive. I, for one, quite like someone with a no-nonsense attitude. At least I know that he wouldn't lie to me." The next candidate walked in.

"Hi, I'm Sherry Blendy." She said. She was wearing a short pink dress with navy blue stripe below her dress. It was strapless, and really revealing. "Hi, Sherry. I'm Laxus Dreyar, this is Lucy. Tell us about yourself." He said about to put his arm around me. What the hell? I immediately pushed it away and he straightaway turned that little fiasco into a yawn. What was he thinking? Does he not get the clue that I literally just got married? "Well I just graduated from college last year so I'm still learning. But that's okay because I'm a fast learner! I love writing anything any everything so I'd happily take on any stories you have... and know I'd turn them into a great article." She said smiling innocently. "That sounds good. Lucy do you have a question?" He asked. Yeah I sure do have a question, what was that little thing you tried to pull not to long ago? "So, where was your last full-time employment, Sherry?" I asked. "Well I haven't actually had a proper writing job yet but my last job was in a book store. I loved it there but I had to leave to pursue something bigger. But working in a book store was certainly good for my reading habit! I love reading." She was very enthusiastic.

I liked her, she was really innocent, and friendly. "Well-read people tend to write well." Dreyar said. "I quite agree, Mr. Dreyar." She said. She seems lovely, if a little inexperienced. "Great, thanks Sherry. We'll get back to you later today." He said. "No problem, thanks for your time." She replied walking back. "That was the last of them, what do you think of Sherry?" He asked. I could either say something bad which could either increase or decrease my chances, I really really liked her."She's great! A bit inexperienced but a nice girl." I said. "I'm not so sure. She seems young and a bit naive. Experience does really count for something in this day and age and she had none. Well, if you were going to choose one of them, which one would you pick?" He reassured.

Well, Juvia seemed weird, cool, and irresponsible... Freed was very qualified but kind of a complete bitch... and well Sherry seemed lovely but she has no experience at all. "I think Emily would be a great person to work with. I'd love to give her-her first real job." I said. "Terrible idea. She's got zero experience and knew absolutely nothing." He said. "But she definitely seemed willing to work hard to make up for that!" I said giving him a disgusted look. He sighed, "Well, I'll take your opinion into consideration when I make my choice, but no guarantees." He said. "K." I shortened it. "You'll hear from the candidate chosen, later." "Okay, and I have a real quick question." I said.

"Sure?" He asked. "What was that thing you tried to pull back there with the Sherry interview. You really disgust me, Mr. Dreyar." He looked confused, like he never even witnessed it happening. "I don't know what you're getting at, Lucy." "Just please note, I am now married. Goodbye, Dreyar." I said turning and walking out the door of his office. I didn't bother to look back or turn the door behind me.

I made my way towards the elevator and clicked on the button to go back to the lobby. I have a feeling that didn't go well. When I got to the lobby I went straightaway towards the exit and then to my car. I just got a text from Natsu. "Hey, want to go to dinner tonight? Tell me when you get back, see you!"

When I got back to Natsus' house I immediately got out of my car grabbed my bag and went inside. I opened the door, "We're you serious about that text?" I asked. "Well, of course I am. Natsu Dragneel wants to really get to know his new wife and all. There's no paparazzi out there right?" He said stretching. "No" I said. "Alright well providing that there are no paparazzi shall we go?" He responded. "Are we going somewhere posh? Will I need to dress up?" "Nah. You look lovely just as you are." He assured me.

I nodded and took his hand that he offered me as we left out the door. He first walked to the passenger side of the car and opened the door for me. "After you, ma'dam." He said. "Don't mind if I do." I played along. He laughed and after I got in he shut the door and made the way towards the driver seat. It was only about a 20 minute drive to the restaurant, it was called 'The Hargeon Restaurant'. When we went inside, it was really fancy. "Natsu, I should have dressed up, this place is really posh!" I said. "Relax, they're used to it. I dined here once in my track suit." He shrugged. "Fine, just pass me the menu I guess." I said. "No, you're going to tell me your favorite foods and then I'm going to pick you something that I think you'll like."

"That's not fair!" I crossed my arms. "It's totally fair. It's like speed dating. Go on, what are three of your favorite foods?" "That's easy. I love pizza, sliders, and cheese fries. Extra cheese wherever possible!" I said. "So, basically, if there's grease you're happy?" He asked. "Now that just sounds awful." I blurted out. "You mean there's no truth in that?" He replied. "Really?" I asked sarcastically. "Aw, come on, don't pout at me. I love pizza, sliders, cheese fries too." "Well... okay, yes, maybe there's some truth in what you said. But grease is yummy!" I say shrugging. "Well I'm not gonna judge!" He replied. "So what are you going to choose for me?" I asked. "Ah, now you'll have to wait and see..." "So can I ask you the same question and do the same for you?" "Sure, if that's what you want." "Okay, then, Natsu Dragneel what are three of your favorite foods?" "It's so hard to choose just three but probably... mushrooms, steak, and cheesecake." He said. "Wow, yours are much more diverse than mine!" "Ah, I like to make things easy for you." He smirked patting my head. "What do you mean by that? You'll see when you check the menu and pick my starter, main course, and dessert!" "Okay, I will." I grabbed the menu and looked for the starter section column.

Mushrooms... ah garlic mushrooms for his starter. I looked at the main course column now and choose a sirloin steak and for the dessert I could have picked cheesecake but I'm going to be a little mean and pick chocolate fudge cake. The waitress came and asked, "Hi guys, can I take your order for the evening?" "Lucy? Would you like to order mine first?" He asked. I nodded, "For the starter, he'd like garlic mushrooms, and the main will be... the sirloin steak and finally for the dessert a slice of the chocolate fudge cake, thank you!" The waitress nodded. "For you, sir?" "I'll have the Margarita for starter, gourmet cheeseburger for main... and the strawberries for dessert, thanks." The waitress nodded and left. "Gotta have some fruit with that grease!" He said. I laughed, "You got like everything I would want to eat! How did I do?"

"Pretty well. Two out of three ain't bad!" "Oh good! I think my hunger sidetracked my brain for a second there..." I said. His phone started ringing, "Sorry I better get this." He said after pressing accept on his phone. "Hello..? ...Wendy?" He started. "Wendy, calm down, stop crying. Look I can't understand what you're saying. Just breathe slowly for a minute. In and out. That's it." He said calmly.

"Now, what's the matter?" He said. He was nodding non stop. "Oh. He said that?" He sighed. "Yes, Wendy, I can come. It's fine Wendy, I'm not really that busy. Yes, I just sat down to dinner. Well, keep calm and I'll be with you in a bit. Okay, bye." He hung up and sighed again.

"Is everything okay?" I asked. "Not really. It's my friend, Wendy. She's well, she's going through a tough time right now. She really needs me. I'm so sorry, Lucy, really I am, but I'm going to have to go. The waitress, Jess, she knows me. Tell her to put it on my tab. I'm so sorry, I'll make it up to you." He said. "Okay..." I choked. "Thanks for being so understanding." He said and left.

I should have known this was too good to be true... the first time Natsu and I are truly getting on and Wendy gets in the way again. And I wonder what he means by "Jess knows me" ...Who hasn't he slept with? What a disaster I should have never agreed to this. I sighed. "Oh did he have to leave?" Jess asked as she came over by me. "Yeah. He said to put it on his tab." I sighed. "Okay. Do you still want the food?" "Can I take it to go?" I asked. "Sure, honey." "Hey, Jess?" "Yeah." "Does he... does Natsu come here often?" "Sure, he comes all the time. Usually with another girl though. I think her name's Sammy or Lindy or something..." "Wendy?" I asked. "Could be." She shrugged. "I'll go and pack your food up for you." She said and walked away.

When I got home I got a phone call. I picked it up, "Hello?" "Hi, Lucy it's Freed. I'm just calling to let you know I'll be the one reporting on your story. Not that that's any surprise to anyone, of course." Oh no! I can't believe he picked him! "Hi, Freed! That's great. When would you like to get started?" I said sounding gleeful. "Mr. Dreyar gave me your home address so I'll be around at some point tomorrow." She said. "Oh, actually, Freed, I don't like there at the-" "Look, Lucy, I don't have the time to deal with this right now. Some of us have work to do. I'll see you tomorrow."

Oh no, I can't believe I have to work with him. Why on earth did Mr. Dreyar choose him? I specifically said I wanted to work with Sherry... unless my theory that he's still mad with me so he's making things as difficult as he can for me is no longer a theory but a conclusion and fact! That's got to be it. This has been such a terrible day. I think I'll just go to bed and then the day will finally be over. It was night time anyway.