Chapter 3

Leaving

Standing on the front porch where tall white pillars held a brown plaited mini roof which helped connect with the main roof that covered white walls and there was a small garden near the window sills of yellow and pink flowers. Black double doors stood in the middle, aligned with the nice shade from the mini roof. The ground had nicely cut fresh grass, a little white paved way towards the double door entrance.

Bucky stood in front of the house. He examined the door and went to reach over to give a knock, only to stop and place his hands in his pockets as if he needed to contemplate on what they were doing. He then instinctively turned to look over at Steve who came next to him and shook his head.

"This is bad, Buck, you didn't say that we would go to her house." He eyed Bucky, matching him in posture.

The brunette looked away from Steve. "Well, this is the only way. Lil needs us and she needs us now." He said, if anyone else could see him he would look like he was in a dream state, but not Steve. He knew his friend knew what he was doing and that was thinking what they could do for Lilly, but the blond still seemed like he wanted to try to reason with Bucky.

"You know, Buck, she could be si—" He interjected.

Bucky turned around, "Steve, you know this isn't how she is and we both know she was acting strange yesterday."

Steve looked up, about to say something but just nodded in agreement. He gave a sigh. "Yeah, no, you're right, Buck… "

The dark haired young man flashed him a smile. "So we're going to go in the belly of the beast, you with me?"

Steve turned to the door, mimicking his smile, "Well, you're not going to take no for an answer."

The brunette grinned and laughed a bit. "Nope, how bad was it last time?" he asked as the blond went near the door and leaned in to knock.

"Probably a good ten minutes and that was when we were kids," he replied as he began to knock harder.

Bucky then stopped him by placing his hand on his friend's arm, "Let me," he spoke and pressed the little white in black frame wall doorbell as he thought it might get whoever was in the house's attention.

Steve glanced back at him. "Make sure to look sharp,"

He and Bucky straightened up. "Don't need to tell me twice," said Bucky. One of the doors, the one on the right side, opened and a tall man dressed in a black suit appeared, garnished with a red tie, a white dress shirt and a pair of sturdy black shoes. His dark brown hair was cut neatly and he had dark gray judging eyes.

He peered at the two, keeping his hand on the door at arm's length. "James and Steven, what are you doing here?" he quizzed them.

Bucky merely cleared his throat, "Just came by to see… I mean visit Lilly—Lillian," he answered, autocorrecting himself. He knew Lilly's father, Mr. Farina, liked it when she was called by her first name and not Lilly, at least by him and Steve. He then looked at Steve who glanced at him then back at the dominating man.

"Is she free, sir?" asked Steve.

The father seemed to glare at the two, but that could be his stare as he calmly replied, "No, she's busy. Good day, boys." he was about to close the door, causing Bucky to quickly push the door to try stopping it from closing with his hand.

"Apologies, Mr. Farina, we're just worried because Lilly—erm Lillian didn't show and—" as he was about to explain he was cut short when her father interrupted.

"Don't be, and I can see how she takes after some of you." He added. Steve glanced at Bucky and then back at Mr. Farina who was obviously now blaming them, about to close the door.

"Wait, wait, you can't just….." Bucky paused a bit, taking a gulp as he realized what he done his hand never moving. "We came a long way and we really would feel better to know Lil is alright," he put his hands in his pocket, gazing his eyes down as he continued.

"It would mean a lot. She means a lot to us." Steve said, continuing to stare at the man as Bucky looked up, hoping her father to understand why they were here, only to be surprised with the most half expected and surprised answer.

"You both got a lot of nerve. You think you can just make your way in and demand to see Lilly. She is busy right now and it's probably a good thing. You should be glad I'm not calling your folks on you two and your behaviors. Now get out before I change my mind!" he slammed the door at the two as the two looked at each other.

"We are not letting them board up Lilly," announced Steve as he went to head towards the door but Bucky pulled him back.

"I was thinking the same thing, but we gotta regroup and make a plan." they began to walk away on the paved sidewalk only to be startled to hear her father yelling.

"By the way, it is Mr. Fontana!"

They both looked at each other "Fontana?" they spoke in unison.

"Can't believe Lil told us her last name was Farina," spoke the brunette. He paced back and forth and smiled a bit. "She's a little rascal. Let me tell you she is gonna have a lot of explaining to do 'cause this is a breach of trust," he stopped midway of his pacing and pointed in thought behind Steve who was sitting on the edge of the sidewalk in front of him brainstorming, thinking of ways for them to get to Lilly.

He observed the huge house that now looked like a towering castle from afar or in this case across the street. Tall and big but not wide enough like a castle, if abandoned it could be a haunted house, though not so much due to the sun and the brightly colored flowers decorating the window sills and the front lawn neatly near the pathway that led the guest towards the dark door as well as guarding around the front first floor window.

Steve then turned to the brunette, "Well, we both can ask her. I'm sure she has a good reason. If I was her I probably have Farina as a last name too." He replied in an attempt to comfort his friend. He knew how much Bucky was vigilant towards Lilly and him. He cared about their wellbeing and more importantly valued anything they told him especially anything Lilly said.

Bucky flashed an agreeing smile, half amused as he rested on a neighboring mailbox that the neighbor was so kind not to throw them out for. "Yeah…" he nodded.

The fair haired wanted to pull him back on tracks, "You think, it be bad if we climb up and try talking to her on that tree?" he pointed to the tree out front. "Near her window?"

Bucky followed his gaze and squinted a bit. "I don't see anything wrong with it, though we might accidentally go into a room we don't know about. This house is huge." He answered. He slipped his hands in his pockets.

Steve turned around, facing away as he glanced at the road with parked cars next to the sidewalk and bit his finger in thought. "We could just camp until she leaves? Lil hates being in the house all the time." He explained to Bucky who began pacing again.

"Seeing how her dad was, I don't think so. He could probably keep her in a basement and we wouldn't know about it, no disrespect," Bucky stopped abruptly as he then caught sight of a small car, black in color matching the doors of the house, driving in and parking near the house.

A short young girl came out with similar dark hair like Mr. Fontana, causing Bucky to walk right up to his blond friend, crouching to meet him at his sitting level. He slapped Steve lightly on his shoulder, breaking Steve's 'calculation' causing him to turn to Bucky.

"Ow! What is it?" he asked as Bucky never took his gaze off the girl.

"Maybe we don't have to do anything, look!"

He faced towards Bucky and saw what he was talking about. "It's Cecilia. We can ask her about Lilly." The brown haired nodded. The two got up from their positions and began to run towards the girl who was heading to her front door.

"Cece!" shouted the brunette. He met her before she could open the door. She turned to see him panting and holding his knees, giving her an embarrass smile. "Sorry for startling you like that." Recomposed, he got up and he looked at her.

She looked like she just came from school, wearing a backpack and a pastel flower dress. Her dark hair made her stand out as it was cut in a semi even hair from her bangs with her locks being wavy at the bottom. She peered behind him, seeing little Steve trailing behind him. She gave them a sweet reassuring smile, which was another highlight to her, being Lilly's younger sister.

"You didn't startle me, big brother Bucky," she spoke. She pointed behind Bucky, "Is Steve alright?" she asked with concern. Steve finally made it to the two, he was completely wiped out.

Bucky turned to look at Steve. "You okay?" he asked as Steve walked up, nodding while hunching over.

"Yeah, give me a moment…" he panted.

"You sure?"

"I'm fine… I misjudged how wide this street was."

Lilly's sister merely giggled. She knew how Steve liked to be manly. Her green eyes were pulled away from looking at Steve to the taller young man who gave Steve a pat on his shoulder.

"That's my pal for ya," he turned back to the little girl. His blue's eyes met hers as he bent down a little. "Cece, can you tell us if Lilly is alright? Better yet, can you take us to her?"

"Oh!" she answered, causing Steve and Bucky to jump a bit. She looked around, coming closer to them. "Lilly says she's alright, but I think you guys should see her."

Bucky straightened up, adjusting his suit and its buttons while Steven nodded. "Well, that's the thing, Steve and I have been calling the house many times and even came here to see her," he replied, hoping Cece would understand and by his observation she did.

"Oh my God, I'm sorry you guys! I was gonna get you once I got back. You can come in" she opened the door. The two young men moved away as if the house was contaminated. "Come on in, Papa is out or rather, heading out. Mama is going with him. Just make sure you take your shoes off."

They glanced at each other and followed her in. Bucky peered down at the small female. "Wait, my shoes are kind of new, could I just keep them on?" he asked. His hand was on her shoulder, tightly holding on like a frightened child.

She looked up, "The house isn't going to eat you, but you can if it makes you feel safer."

"Good," he replied, quickly letting her go.

She went up the stairs. "Hold on, I'm going to drop off my stuff!"

Steven leaned in near him, "What was that for?"

"I feel that her father might have thumbtacked the floors so I asked to keep my shoes on in case of unwanted fleeing," he whispered back.

The blond nodded, crossing his hands over each other in front of him like a business man. "Good call, I'll probably do that too."

Bucky then walked off, placing his hands in his pockets, stepping away from the dark blue 'Welcome' mat that he and Steve gazed down at. The room they were in was white walled with various pictures and a black bookcase near a closet to the right, another entrance leading to the kitchen. Further straight ahead was a fancy living room, a staircase next to the doors that the two just walked in, a doorway to a family room with wooden floors all over. The walls in that room were the only different color.

"It's a nice place," spoke Bucky as Steve stood near him.

"It is too bad we don't get a full on tour," the blond added. Both looked up, hearing incoming footsteps.

"Lil?" asked Bucky, tilting his head a bit.

"Buck, it might be—"

Buck didn't hear what Steve suggested as he was cut off by Cece who reappeared before the two. "You guys can come up. Lilly is upstairs. You can go talk to her."

Instantly Bucky felt the need to run upstairs. "Buck?" called Steve, he followed his dark haired friend who ran up, passing Cece until she grabbed Steve's hand.

"Um, Steve," she said. He whipped around to look at the little lady who had been holding onto the staircase railing.

"Yes?" he asked, he saw her looking down as she fiddled with her shoes.

"Uh, would you like to see my rock collection?" she blinked slowly, gazing at him eagerly.

He let out a small smile, "Of course," he complied. She beamed, quickly running with him downstairs into the living room.

She stood over her dresser, in a room that had pastel pink walls, a white metal framed bed set horizontal to the dresser which was in the back, next to a window with thin transparent curtains, darker pink in nature. A night stand now emptied from the usual items: the clock opposite to the dresser, the night stand was next to the bed that was near a walk-in closet and her white door was wide open. The dresser where she was at was a big old piece with equally large old mirror, it was antique and had designs that spelled out antique. The mirror carried photos and pictures tucked in the edges, most of its contents were of her family, mainly her younger siblings and of course, her two boys which she kept in a special side of the mirror.

Stopping for a bit, she dug in its contents, reaching over to pick up a photo of Bucky and Steve posed shoulder to shoulder, arms over each other's neck. She gently brushed her fingers against it. The photo made her think of them, making her smile and well up a bit, only to hear an engine starting up, which seemed remind her of what she was supposed to do. She continued to pack; the clothes seemed to feel like they were seeping through her hands as she hurriedly gathered the loose clothing of a silk top and all of the shirt and blouses from the top burgundy drawer of her dresser.

She stuffed the outfits into an opened designed lily covered suitcase that sat on her single now bare bed. She quickly pulled the second drawer, resulting in it to fall out and spill out all of her skirts over the floor. "Oh no," she grabbed the clothes and fabrics, getting up which caused her neat bangs to fall out of the hair pin that held it back. She placed the clothes onto the uncluttered dresser top, and gazed up to the mirror, looking at her hair. She responded with unpinning everything and placing the pin down only to see a figure of a young man behind her, causing her to gasp and jump. "Bucky? What-what are you doing here?" Recognizing him after staring long enough and calming down, she adjusted her now open hair and put a strand over her ear, fixing the blue dress she wore.

He stepped out from the dark with his hands in his jacket's pocket. "Sorry, Lil, didn't mean to scare you. Would have knocked but didn't want your parents to know." he peered outside then turned to face her. "Nice room you got here; took me a while to find it."

She walked up near him, glancing behind him. "Is Steve with you?" her question caused Bucky to smile. He loved how concerned she was of them.

"Yeah, he's downstairs I think." He followed her eyes then looked back at her. She was abnormally close to him. "You know this is the second time I scared you," he added which she glanced up.

"I-I wasn't scared," she stammered, moving away from him and crossing her arms elegantly like a rich woman.

He merely shook his head and laughed a bit at her mocking pose. "Well, alright, though Steve and I came to see you," he explained and gestured.

"You didn't have to come. I'm fine really," her smile was half full. He knew she wasn't fine, how she fidgeted and looked down, advoiding his eyes,

He took his hand out, attempting to ease her, still watching her. "When are you going to tell us that you are not fine?" he asked as she turned to face away from him. He could see she seemed to be struggling, making him almost feel bad for asking even though it was for them to help her. "Look, Lil, if you can't say, it's fine. Just Steve and I…were, well, were… worried about you, and not because you gave us gifts, it was how you looked at us and how you never sho—" he was cut off by the sudden sound of sniffles, making him to put his hand down and approach her from behind. "Lil?" he inquired. "Look, if I said something, I'm…." he could see she was shaking with silent sobs, her shoulders shuddered like they were freezing, it made him want to comfort her and confirmed to him that he must have made her cry. "Lil…I'm sorry."

He heard her make a loud gasp from his sudden touch on her shoulder. She turned around, tears streaming on her face. "It's not you…, I should have told you guys…." She shallowed hard.

He turned his head in confusion. "Wait, I don't get it. What do you mean? Tell us? Tell us what?" he asked. She moved away from him, wiping her tears as least she tried to. "It's so stupid. I came and thought that I could do it but I got scared and bailed out."

"Lilly, relax, I'm pretty sure it wasn't stupid but what do you mean 'bailed out'? On us?"

"No," she gave a long sigh, placing her hands on her hips after giving one more sniffle. "I'm leaving to an all girls' boarding school tomorrow," she finally said.

"Well, that's no problem. We'll be able to visit you—" he said reassuringly as he faced her until she abruptly cut him off.

"No, you won't be. I'll be going to England. I'm going there, tomorrow to England," she looked at him. This time what Bucky saw was a newfound courage, her eyes seemed blunt but with sorrow as she continued. "I was going to tell that day when I came to see you two, but got fearful because I'm terrible at goodbyes and I couldn't bear to think how we will be apart. And then I couldn't get the courage to tell you now, not like we could do anything… I have to pack, my God; I'm so silly to cry about this! I mean it's not like I will never see you both again," she explained almost out of breath, chuckling at the last sentence she spoke leaning on her dresser.

He did felt taken aback to the news, but being with them for so long he knew he and Steve would see Lilly again. He calmly tried to explain it to her, "Steve and I can always—" he chimed in only to be disrupted when he saw her get up, stuffing her clothing in the suitcase vigorously. "I should have told you both… would have made this less painful, if not for you both than me,"

"Lilly, come on, we'll work—"

"Please, stop it; stop trying to solve all of my problems. It won't work," she objected to his proposition. He felt words couldn't help calm her down so he decided to reach out and hold her as something inside him made him want to take it all away with a single pull. She was suddenly shushed with his arms around her; he set his chin on her head which made her fell into quiet cries. "Why? Do my parents not see that you guys are the best thing I ever had happen to me?" she spoke. Hearing that Bucky's heart felt touched, he knew Lilly loved them but not that they were the best thing that happened to her, he felt their feelings were well requited and that melted his heart, causing him to hold her tighter. Her face near his chest, her hands grasped his coat in frustration

"Shh…." He whispered. "We'll think of something," she moved away from him, looking up and shaking her head.

"But it's for three years," she protested. His hands never letting her arms go.

"We'll save up money and visit you…" he stared into her eyes which seemed to look at him for answers.

"I can't let you guys do that, it will be hard," she answered, wiping her eyes.

"Then we will write every day. Come on, Lil, we will always be with you, always be waiting until you come back," hearing that apparently brought back Lilly's tears as she started to sob, this time more louder, which made Bucky pull her in to console her. "You are the best thing that ever happen to us," he finally added with a comforting smile. He then rubbed her arms, he hadn't seen Lilly cry this hard since they were in grade school and even then it was expected for a child but this was different. "We will see each other again," he continued on.

She finally was pacified, he gently let her go as she began sniffling and wiping her tears off her face. "I gotta go back packing," she walked over to the suitcase, about to close it.

"Here I'll do it for you," he followed her, reaching over to snap the top to the bottom.

"Thanks," she said as she fiddled with her fingers. He picked up her suitcase and turned to her, wanting to cheer her up, he gave her a cheerful smile. "So where would the young lady want this to be?" he asked.

She pointed near the entrance, "Over there," he slowly strolled over there.

"It's heavy. You packing your whole room?" he quizzed jokingly, closing one of his eyes, giving off a feigned pain expression which made Lilly giggle a little.

"No, well, maybe yes, all the things I need to survive that school," she answered plainly, playing with her nails.

"Survive?" he asked, placing the suitcase down, he turned his head to her. "If there's survival involved, I think you will survive, you are pretty smart. Remember how you had to tutor us when our study guide got mess—" he was joined with her nodding and completing his sentence.

"Messed up during that fight, yeah, I remember," she laughed a bit.

"And let's not forget how good your medical skills are. Oh boy, if I was ever in a pickle I would total want you to be my nurse," he playfully placed his hand on his chest as if someone shot him. He caught how she looked down when he said that and thinking she was sad, he said, "Oh, well, I mean I'll live 'cause I have you. We will live because we always have you," he tried fixing whatever he said.

Almost as if she sensed his awkwardness she shook her head, "No, sorry, I was thinking of something else," she answered. Her eyes were still down; she shifted side to side, her head then shot up. "I guess, it's time to be a lady."

"That's the reason why they sending you there?" he relaxed his posture, placing his hands in his pants pockets.

"Yeah…. They said I need to stop being a boy and be with other girls. They probably won't like me," her head lowered almost in a way that looked like disappointment, but Bucky knew it was because of her insecurity.

"Lil, look at me, you're going to kill it at that school," he said. "If not, then Steve and I will burst through that all girls' school and kill it for you."

"No, I can take care of myself," she smiled.

"I know you can, but we are always here if you need us," he smiled back.

"I know."

Suddenly, they were interrupted by sounds of quick footsteps and panting of a familiar blond with a dark haired girl who both came in, the girl holding onto his arm behind Bucky. "Quick, big brother Bucky, say what you gotta say. It's a code red; Mom and Dad are coming out."

Bucky glanced at Lilly, who strode over to the group.

"Lilly, I was going to come up, but Cecelia wanted—" Steve spoke up only to stop when he spotted Lilly giving him a gentle smile, causing Steve to gently beam back.

"Well, I think we all should head downstairs," said Bucky.

"Dad won't mind so long you guys are a good ten feet away from the door," muttered Cece, but then suddenly heard a voice.

"Oh my goodness!" she then ran out with Steve who couldn't seem to catch his breath.

"Wait, Cece—" he said as he was carried off when she left. Bucky turned to Lilly and signaled with his head, smiling as she stood next to him. He then turned around to her room about to turn off the lights and close the door.