CHAPTER 6: REPORTS
I awoke in a strange place. It wasn't strange but it was strange that I was here, it was my old room at my mom's house... I don't know what I'm doing here... I heard footsteps on the stairs but my back was hurting from waking up from the floor. Someone's coming! There was a knock at the door but whoever's on the other side doesn't wait to be invited in.
"Hello, Lucy." My mom said walking closer to me. "Mom!? Oh thank goodness, it was all a dream!" I said jumping with enthusiasm. "What was a dream, Lucy?" She waited a moment and I didn't bother to say anything because I knew she was about to continue. "Oh you mean that you married Natsu Dragneel?" She squinted innocently at me. "You know about that?" I asked. "Oh, Lucy, I'm your mother. I know everything. And I also know that you're going to let your bass break the news to the world tomorrow morning... without even giving me, your own mother, so much as a phone call! Let alone inviting me to your wedding!" My mom said angrily. "Oh no! Mom, I forgot to tell you!" I say, it was the only thing I really could say. "You forgot!?" She asked impatiently. "So you'e happy to let me find out that my daughter is married by seeing pictures on the front page of a gossip magazine?" She asked again. "I'm so sorry!" "Well sorry won't help you now!"
My pink childish room was no longer a room, it was fire, flames, sizzling up creating ash and dust. I couldn't escape, I was surrounded by fire. "And do you know what else I know?! I know you married him in Vegas without even knowing him! And I'm going to tell the whole world the truth!" She yelped. "No, mom you don't understand!" I choked. "No, Lucy, what I don't understand is why you would lie to me in the first place. And now, you can stay here and think about what you've done!" And she walked through the fire and left. "Mom! Mom, help!" I screamed. I started crying, I didn't know what happened I was confused.
I immediately jumped up in the guest room's bed of Natsu Dragneels' house. There was tears in my eyes when I blinked and squinted from just waking up. Well, that was a scary and weird dream... but dream mom did have a point! I haven't told real mom about me getting married and tomorrow Mr. Dreyar will release the news... on our website before it goes to press, including my name. And I KNOW mom keeps tabs on that website because she knows I work there! She'd find out straight away! I don't know what to do...
I could crash the website... but then Mr. Dreyar would probably get his techy guys and track my address or something down. I could ask Mr. Dreyar to publish it but that seems like a bad idea since he seems to be mad at me at the moment. Or I could call mom... I decided to call mom. I picked up my phone and dialed her, it kept ringing and ringing but no answer. I guess I should have known better than to think she'd answer at nearly 2 in the morning. She always leaves her phone downstairs. I guess I'll have to call Mr. Dreyar since its the best plan B I have. Yes I think that's the right thing to do anyway - it'll definitely give me a chance to tell my mom I'm married... I gasped. But why am I going to tell him I need more time..?
Ideas rushed through my head, I decided to pick out three out of the probable 5 I had. Either Natsu isn't ready, I need to tell distant relatives, or blame Natsus' agent, Zeref.
I have a feeling the best way to go is to blame Zeref because well... he won't care if I need to tell distant relatives, and he wouldn't extend the deadline just because Natsu isn't ready. Besides I wasn't that keen on Zeref anyway. I'll say he says the news can't come out yet without him reviewing the contract. I picked my phone up back from my pocket and dialed him. "Hello? Lucy? What do you want, it's nearly 2 a.m?" He asked. "Hi Mr. Dreyar. I'm sorry for the late call but it's urgent." I say. "What is it?" He sounded hesistant. "It's the story. I-it can't come out tomorrow." I stuttered. "What? Why not?" "It's Natsus' agent. He won't let us release the story with you until he's read the contract himself. "And how long would that take?" "No longer than a couple of days, I'm sure. He says it has to be done or there could be legal repurcussions for both parties."
There was a long pause of awkward silence. Then, Mr. Dreyar sighs down the line. "Fine. But this is the last favor I do for you, understand?" "I understand." "I'll give you two days and the story is going out, no excuses." "Yes, Mr. Dreyar, that's fine. Thank you so much!" "You're welcome. But Lucy?" "Yes?" "Don't call me at 2 in the morning ever again." "I won't. Thanks again." I said and did a little victory dance after hanging up the call. Woo! At least I've given myself a couple of days to tell mom! Although that won't be a great experience. I better get back to sleep. I've got lots to do tomorrow.
\ The Next Morning /
I woke up after getting a restless amount of sleep. I wonder if Natsu came home last night. I didn't hear him come in. I went to my walk in closet and changed into an outfit which contained of: A tucked in granite sweater which was one shouldered, a marroon scarf, blue denim jeggings, and brown riding boots that went up to my knee. I also grabbed my black purse and set it on the bed for later. I then went downstairs and went to check if Natsu was home. I looked in his room since the door had been cracked open. He's still not back! I sure hope he's okay... maybe I should text him and double check. I am his wife after all! I'm allowed to be concerned for him. I pulled out my phone and started texting him.
"Hi Natsu, I'm just headed out for the day and saw you weren't back yet. Is everything okay? Call if you need anything. Lucy xo" I typed and sent it. I hope he doesn't mind me sticking my nose in... oh well, it's done now. And I have time to have coffee and check the news before I have to go and meet that reporter. I went to the kitchen and went in the fridge. I had left my coffee from yesterday there, so it was cold. I don't really mind cold coffee I love it from Moonbucks. I grabbed it and went to the living room chilled out on the couch and sipped it. "This morning on Mermaid Heel News, we have a HUGE exclusive for you!" The reporter said.
"That's right, I'm Sarano Agria, or as know as Angel. This morning Mermaid Heel News can exclusively report that Hollywood hunk, Natsu Dragneel is officially off the market! That's right, ladies, Mr. Dragneel was reportedly married over the weekend!" "Oh no! How on earth did Mermaid Heel News find out?!" I screeched. Mr. Dreyar isn't going to be happy about this, especially since I asked him to wait... if it wasn't for me, he could have published the story already and not been beaten to it by Mermaid Heel news. I sure hope he isn't watching... "There's no word on the identity of the lucky lady yet but our source claims that Natsu and his new wife are "blissfully happy" but laying low for now." Angel said.
She continued, "This certainly seems to be the case as representatives of Mr. Dragneel have yet to comment on the rumors. And although they are only rumors Natsu was seen about the town this morning with long-time friend and rumored flame, America's Sweetheart Wendy Marvell where he was photographed wearing on ring on THAT finger! Natsu and the 19-year-old star of Fairney Channel's teen drama 'Wendy's Tail' were spotted out in this morning. Where they were photographed having what seemed to be a very intense conversation. A local business owner commented that they had enjoyed an early morning brunch at his cafe and added that they seemed to be calm and enjoying each others' company." A picture of Natsu and Wendy came on screen. Natsus' friend Wendy is Wendy Marvell!? But she's super famous! How did I not realize? Or why didn't Natsu tell me? And she's so much younger than him! How can he have feelings for her?
"Now, Natsu Dragneel and Wendy Marvell do have some history after reportedly becoming fast friends at the after-party of the Teen Choice Awards three years ago, where Wendy received nine awards. Our source claims that Wendy is NOT Natsus' new bride but their apparent closeness may leave people wondering whether there may be trouble in paradise already for Natsus' brand new marriage. In other news, which member of boyband Oracion Seis has had a dramatic new haircut? Come back after this break!" The news faded out and transitioned to a commercial. Ugh! And now I look stupid! 'Trouble in paradise'! Ha! You can't have trouble in paradise if paradise doesn't exist! Natsu is going to have to tell me what he's playing at with Wendy Marvell and start acting like a married man! If he doesn't, we'll be busted and this 'marriage' will be over faster than you can say 'I do'... I sighed.
Oh no! And now I'm running late for that meeting with the reporter! I immediately switched off the TV and ran towards my car. I watched the clock the whole way there. I hated this, I have that reporter Freed to! So he's not going to be happy. When I arrived at my house I immediately got out of my car and ran towards Freed. "Lucy, nice of you to finally turn up! I've been ringing your bell for ages! Isn't this your apartment?" He asked. I had forgotten just how rude he is! I knew this would be a mistake... I'm sorry, Freed. Yet it is my apartment but... well... I've been staying with Natsu." I said blushing.
"I see. Are you going to invite me in, then?" He said impatiently. "Um... yes, of course." I said hesitantly. I unlocked the door and went on the elevator. When we we're going up he said, "Before we get down to business, I just want to thank you for giving me the job. I mean I know I was the obvious choice, but I'm not an ungrateful brat so thanks all the time." He smirked. "Um... you're welcome? So what's the plan?" I asked.
"Well Mr. Dreyar had a plan in motion but he said you wanted to wait for a couple of days so he's pushed it on. So the story itself won't break just yet." He said as the elevator reached my floor. "Great!" I responded. I guess Freed hasn't been watching Mermaid Heel this morning then... "Also here, this is the contract Mr. Dreyar asked me to give you." She said handing me the paper. I read it aloud, "This contract hereby declares that the client Lucy Heartfillia and Natsu Dragneel agrees to discuss the agreed-upon story with Sabertails exclusively." "That means you can't tell any other newspaper or magazine."
"I know, I have worked for Sabertails for six years now." I said nodding. "Well, it's my job to inform you." She scowled but then returned to talk normally, "So Mr. Dreyar wants to dedicate almost an entire issue to the exclusive announcement of your marriage... including a double spread of the wedding itself: color scheme, bridesmaids, first dance song... you know, the lot." She said. I felt a rush of anxiety flow through me, we don't have that information! Oh no, we're going to have to invent a whole wedding in a week! "Is that not okay?" Freed asked. "Yes, I'm fine! That's great!" I yelped and nervously smiled. "We can definitely tell you all of that stuff about our wedding that definitely happened!" Way to go Lucy, that was subtle. "Right..." He said sarcastically.
"All of the information is in the contract if you'r struggling to keep up." "Um... okay?" "Mr. Dreyar also wants exclusive copied of your wedding photos next week. We'll be putting them on the website to announce your marriage so that we're the first to break the news." "Oh my God!" I freaked. Where am I going to get an exclusive wedding photo went here was barely a wedding?! And they definitely haven't seen Mermaid Heel this morning... should I say something? "What now?" Freed asked. "Nothing! Nothing, it's just... exciting." I said. Just then the doorbell rang. "Are you expecting someone? This was supposed to be a private meeting..." He said. "No I'm not expecting anyone but I'd better check it out. I'll be back in a second."
I ran to the door and looked through the eye window. It was Mr. Dreyar. What could he be doing here? I opened the door and he let himself in.
"Hello, Mr. Dreyar." I started as he walked past me to Freed as I followed him. "I'd say I'm surprised to see you here, but I saw Mermaid Heel news this morning as well." I finished knowledgeably. "Yes, well, they have beat us to it. I knew I had to do something." He said. "What happened this morning?" Freed responded. "This morning, Mermaid Heel news reported on the marriage. They're only dealing in rumors but, still, the news is out there. I thought you would have heard, Freed?" Mr. Dreyar said as he was eyeing me. "Oh no, I was at the gym first thing this morning and then I had to go and discuss business with another client." He shrugged.
"Freed, will you please give us a moment? In private?" Mr. Dreyar asked. Freed nodded, "Oh! Well, yes, I suppose so..." Uh oh. "You asked me to wait to break the story." He squinted at me. "If we hadn't put it on hold, we'd have been the first to get the news out there. Why Lucy?" I crossed my arms. "I told you my reasons why I wanted to wait; I didn't know this was going to happen." "Even if that is true, I'm not sure I can trust you anymore Lucy. It was first starting about not telling me about your relationship prior to your wedding. But I've made enough excuses for you. Imagine if Mermaid Heel found out your full identity and released that information. Sabertails would be the laughing stock of the industry if one of their own reporters married a celebrity and still another magazine reported on it before they did." I sighed. I really didn't care at this point, he acts like I want to go through this and do it.
"I understand, Mr. Dreyar really I do, but I just need a couple more days." I replied. "I can't, Lucy, it's no good for business. So I'm bringing it forward." "What do you mean?" "I'm sure Freed told you that I'm planning on dedicating an entire issue to giving details about your marriage." He wanted to reassure.
"She did, yes." "Well, we're going to make it next week's issue, rather than next month." He said. "But the content of each issue is agreed two weeks in advance. Next weeks magazine is already decided, surely?" I asked. "It is. But it can be changed. We need this exclusive out quickly now if we want to make any money from it. So we will and I repeat will be publishing one of your wedding pictures in the next issue."
"But that comes out in two days!" I said. "I know. That's why we'll need a picture by tomorrow to go in the magazine. That way we'll definitely be the first to reveal your identity, if not your marriage." He said calmly. "What?! I can't get them by tomorrow!" I scowled. "Well, you're going to have to." He said crossing his arms. "I'll send over the amended exclusivity contract to you by email this evening, Lucy." He spat. "I need you and your little husband to sign it." I ignored his immaturity and conceitedness. "That's entirely unfair. It's MY life and MY marriage. I should and WILL have some say in this."
"You had a say and it hasn't worked out. You wanted me to wait to report on the story and look what happened." "And what if I just give the exclusive to someone else? A magazine which would let me have a say in how my marriage is announced to the world." I spat. "Well, you could do that. But you'd be fired, and no reputable magazine would hire you after this goes public. And I've done my research on your husband. I know he's out of work and has been for a few years now!" He yelled.
"It's a lovely place you've got here, a nice lifestyle. And I'm sure you couldn't maintain if you were unemployed. Think about it, Lucy." He said. I glowered at him and looked at him with daggers in my eyes. "Freed and the photographer will be back in two days to conduct the first interview and photo shoot. You should also contact Freed if you hear any news from the Mermaid Heel grapevine. Any time of day, she is on call to you. As soon as you hear something, I want to be the first to report on it. And I don't want any other news stories hidden from me, is that clear?"
I had words sizzling up from the tip of my tongue. I wanted to scream, and I wanted to punch him in the guts. This isn't just some silly old news story, this is my life!
"Crystal." I hissed. "I also need you to send me one of your wedding photos by tomorrow. No excuses. Goodbye, Lucy. I look forward to working with you and your... husband." He said as he turned around and left.
I can't believe Mr. Dreyar is getting away with this. He's blackmailing me, I'm sure. But what can I do about it? He's right; I can't afford to pay rent if I don't have a job and then what would I do? All of this is Natsus' fault! If he hadn't been out with Wendy, none of this would have been int he news! I wonder what Wendy thinks of all of this... I know he's confided in her. I heard him on the phone.
Unless the 'source' telling Mermaid Heel IS Wendy. If she's jealous and wants Natsu for herself then of course she would try to share our secret! I hope Natsu is at home, finally. We really need to talk.