Chapter 4 The promise pt 1
The sky had begun to look like it was setting with orange, pink and purple colors all stacked in one rainbow almost reminding Lilly that the three of them will always be there together, falling and rising again. It gave her peace. She felt a presence next to her, taking seat of the sidewalk, noticing it was Steve as she felt his big coat from his arm brushing against her elbow. Causing her to shift to the side, making him room as he sat down next to her, He gave her a slanted smile, knowing that he wanted to make her happy despite being awkward with girls (especially in times of despair), she knew Steve was sadden to hear that she would be leaving. However, it made her more grief-stricken to see that, so she tried to put a happy face in his attempt to say something until he was able to vocalize his thoughts.
"So Bucky and I got this for you," he ruffled his hair and began to rummage through his coat pocket with his left hand.
She shook her head, grabbing his other hand. "Steve, you didn't have—"
He cut off, matching her head motion "No—sorry, you… it just this made us think of you, and well, we want you to have it," he seemed so determined, "here, so you can think of us, and never be late," he turned over the hand that been placed over his, placing the 'gift' accompanied with his smile. Lilly's hands went over the item, slowly opening her hands, seeing it was a pocket watch, silver with beautifully floral designs engraved on the top and bottom with a lily, it had a matching silver chain and a button that made the lid pop open revealing the time, which seem to be accurate, reminding her how late it is.
"How did you guys afford this? It looks lovely but expensive," she absently asked, still keeping her eyes onto the watch.
"We bought it before we spent all the money calling your house," he answered her, leaning back and having his two twiggy arms to hold him up. Hearing that made her heart fall into the cement that she sat on, but she realized what she might look like and that was being sad, sad the fact they spent their money trying to contact her and sad that she didn't tell them her predicament until now. She was indeed happy with the gift but to try to hide her emotion in terms with how much time she could have use today until she remembered how it hurt her.
She then decided she would tell what she was thinking. "I really wish we could do something instead of making you both worry."
The sound of the wind blew past the two which he then threw his head back to look at her, "The sky is beautiful, perhaps we can just watch this together?" the conversation was interrupted with the sounds of shoes knocking the sidewalk, Steve and Lilly turned their heads to the intruder, doing this almost in sync, looking backwards upside down with their arms mimicking each other as they leaned back. It was none other than Bucky who came with two glasses of waters in each of his hands while Cece went inside closing the door for Bucky.
"Well, I think I got a plan to fix that," he said. His face seemed so much more uplifted and gleeful, Lilly adjusted her position to sit up and be able to see her friend whom comforted her, striding to the two from behind. He gave them the glasses to the two, resulting with Steve saying "thanks, Buck!" before taking a toast with a gulp, and in Lilly's hand which ended up brushing her fingers against his, causing her suddenly remember what happened earlier which made her feel really shy, making her to look away and feeling her cheeks become heated. He then sat down next to her.
"What do you mean and how?" she asked, advoiding his eyes as she sipped the water.
He then placed his hand over his leg, but before he could answer Steve leaned in front and looked past Lilly. "Buck, where is your glass?"
"I drank it inside," he responded, peering past her causing Lilly to feel a bit uncomfortable, making her think should she move back or get up? She glanced at the two who both seemed to be in their own world, talking about how they should be hydrated and if it would be good enough.
"Uh, should I get up so you guys can hold hands?" she spoke, moving back.
"Sorry, Lil, we didn't mean to leave you out," Bucky answered, looking back at her, causing her to shallow hard. His eyes seemed to piece her cool.
"No, no, it's fine, but what are you talking about? Hydration is important," she inquired, moving her unkempt bang behind her ear.
The small blond spoke up, peering over her arm. "I wanted to make sure that knucklehead drinks enough fluid because I don't want you to give him CPR or you needing to carry him out with me," he said jokingly.
She turned to him, furrowing her eyebrows. "Are we running a marathon? because its way too late for that," she asked quizzically. Her head snapped back at the tall brunette who laughed.
"Alright, look she won't have to CPR me or carry me out because I'm not passing out, not since this is the last day for Ms. Fontana," he said, giving her a smile, raising his eyebrow which she face palmed, realizing what he was getting at. For years she been using the name, Farina, not because she wanted to lie, well, it wasn't technically a lie anyway. He seemed to see her reaction and responded with a grin. "When were you planning on telling us that Farina was actually Fontana? We found out from your father."
"Look, I can explain," she spoke, looking up at him who seemed to wait on her response patiently.
"Come on, Buck, give her some slack," Steve injected, still looking at the two but also seemed to be looking at Lilly as he seemed curious what her reason was.
She then sighed "Farina is my mom's maiden name. I changed it because I don't like how Fontana sounds," she spoke plainly her, head hung down slightly, the two seemed to gaze at each other then suddenly hands were placed on her shoulders.
"Don't worry, we are not mad," spoke up Bucky, causing her to look at the two which made her smile a little.
Steve glanced at Bucky, "Bucky, tell Lil what's the plan," he smiled.
She turned her head to Steve; feeling confused but suddenly felt the two stood her up. "We are going a theme park," replied Bucky who seem to fix her collar and handed a hair pin. "You probably need this. It's going to get windy," he continued. She took it and pinned up her bangs
"Thank you, though it's probably already close now," she explained, facing him.
"It is, but we have a way in," Bucky added, winking.
"Wait, what do you mean? You don't mean…?" she continued on. Her mind filled with worry, "break in?' she asked. She played with her hair with her index finger nervously.
"Well, I would call it sneaking it in, right, Steve?"
Steve stood near the two. "Yes, though without anyone knowing,"
Bucky seemed to hear that and then enthusiastically placed his hand over his smaller friend's shoulder. "It wouldn't be 'sneaking in' if people knew, buddy."
He nodded his head slowly, "Yeah, I hope that it wasn't 'that'," said Steve, causing Bucky to laugh. Lilly stared at the two which made her giggle, leading to a laughter which resulted in an unexpected group hug by Bucky who pulled them in a tight hug.
"So you in?" he asked, turning to the blonde young lady who smiled.
"Well, I can't deny you from the surprise you got me," she joked.
"You bet, this is a one time deal for our special little lady," he beamed, letting them go.
Steve just smiled, giving a small laugh. "Yeah, the only exception, but who's going to take us there?" he then got patted on the back by Bucky.
"I got this—" he was then cut off by Lilly.
"Wait, what about my parents?" she recalled them, knowing how they were. Steve just nodded, looking at Bucky for answers.
"Cece says she got this," answered Bucky quickly. "Now, be right back," he left the two
About 5 mins later
The three stood in front of a taxi which was parked in front of the side walk where they have been sitting, turning to look up at the brunette, Lilly asked jokingly. "You called for a taxi? Does he know of the plan?" Her green eyes twinkled with eagerness and mischief.
As if noticing what the blonde girl said, Steve seemed to went along what she was saying, lifting his finger like he was stuck in thought, "Oh, well, if we are in a plan with the driver then I forgot the bolt cutters." The taller young man just shook his head; "Buck, you didn't think this through." finished the blonde.
"You two are thinking way too hard, just get in the car," he then opened the door for the two. Steve then just shrugged, heading in. Bucky turned over to Lilly, leaning on the door, face in hands and elbow crossed on the yellow top of the door. She could see he was going to say ladies first, but Steve already went in so he smiled as if he caught her looking at him. "Lil, need help getting in?"
She instantly shook her head, "No." As she went in, she heard the driver talking to her little friend.
"You know I can't take children," he spoke, trying to face the small blonde who sat on leather beige seats. Steve sounded like he wanted to say something until the driver spotted Lilly. "Oh! Are those your parents? Sorry, miss, thought your son was alone."
Lilly looked at the driver questionably, "Wait, I'm—" she tried to speak.
"What's going on?" asked Bucky as he slid in the car once she settled in. He bumped right at her shoulder, causing Steve to be pushed more in the back. Her eyes glanced at Bucky who seemed sardined in with the trio all in the backseat.
The driver tilted his hat looking at them, through the rearview mirror. "Was just telling your Mrs. how your son can't be in the cab alone."
"You know they aren't—" Steve cut in, only to be cut off by his best friend.
"Oh, you did, huh? Well, it's alright. We are together now. Lil always hates when Steve runs out on his own," he said.
Lilly quickly glared at him, "But we are—"
"Married? Yes, make sure little Stevie is all buckled up," he placed his hand over hers as if to show the driver they were indeed a family. He seemed to completely buy the act and went to fix his mirrors. She felt uncomfortable especially being this close, again to smell his cologne,
Steve leaned near her other side, "Lil, what is going on?"
The driver peered over to the dark haired young man, "So where you heading?" he gave a small head nod.
As Bucky answered the driver, Lilly spoke, "Your 'father' thinks it's best we stay this way," she said jokingly, whispering to back him.
"Wait why? That wasn't part of the plan," he protested.
Bucky leaned in, "Well, I completely forget this part and can hear you both, besides what's fun if there is no adventure? This is for our Lilly anyways," he ended with a proud smirk.
"Well, you could have left out the 'Stevie'" concluded Steve who leaned back in his seat only to play with his fingers. The driver started the car with the ignition lightening up. The three took this opportunity to buckle up
The driver dropped them off at a big parking lot which seemed to be empty. He agreed to come back at a later time.
"This place is really empty," Lilly scanned around the area after getting out of the cab. She probably looked like a lost lamb away from her flock as she gazed around the area.
"So, I may have not known about the cab, but Lil, I know where to go," he said, signaling with his head, placing his hands in his pockets. He gave her a shy smile. She smiled back at him and then turned to see what Bucky was doing. He had been talking to the driver and was giving him money. Lilly then glanced back at Steve who started to walk away, going further if nobody followed him, she then decided to follow him. It was probably due to her inner mother bear but she didn't like Steve going off on his own, maybe because he had been picked on and got into fights. She did want to wait for Bucky but went where Steve was walking, settling in next to him on the dirt then she prompted up on the sidewalk like a tightrope walker with her arms spread out to keep her balance.
"What about Bucky?" she asked.
The fair haired young man looked up. "He will be fine besides he really wants you to have the best day before you go." Hearing that made her smile, if she could she would jump up on them for being so thoughtful, however her mind was brought back when she heard Steve pop the question. "Are you going to tell him?"
Her voice suddenly broke into a panic, abruptly stopping. "What?!" she nearly lost her balance, almost like he saw it, the skinny friend paused in his tracks, turning to face her, getting ready if she would fall as he widened his arms as if to catch her. "I'm alright," she heaved a sigh, relieved to not fall on her small friend. Steve mimicked in sighing with relief. "Why do you ask?" she asked. He looked at her eyes, softening with a sad look, jumping and landing in front of her confident-in-waiting.
"I think it probably be best to tell him," he advised her, his eyes not leaving hers.
"That can't be discussed besides…." She whispered, leaning near him. "…Bucky is here."
Steve turned his head in disagreement. "Lil, that's why you gotta tell him, you are going to be gone for three years. He's got to know how you feel about him."
"I can't…." she glanced down. Her shoes were becoming dirty from her earlier walking on the sidewalk and trudging of the soil.
She then felt hands on her shoulders, "Lil, tell him. You've been having this feeling for a while now since we were kids."
She laughed a bit, "Yeah...but what if this is one of those feelings that fade?" she asked.
He shook his head a bit, "It's not, not if you still feel that strongly."
She then threw her head back, sighing. "Oh my God, is it that obvious?" she searched for answers at her shorter friend.
"Not for those that are not trained in this kind of thing," he responded.
He then lightly shoved her shoulder. "I guess you must be trained in that kind of thing," she said.
He then chuckled, "I learned from the best."
She hugged him. Their embrace was broken when they heard shoes hitting the parking lot ground and saw it was Bucky who jogged up to them. After giving the driver a wave, Lilly turned to the taller male. "What happened?" she asked. Her hands had slid from his arms and were still with Steve's, making them look like they were holding each other hands.
"I went to tell the driver the truth of our little charade," the brunette answered. "You guys alright?" he panted.
Lilly nodded. "Yes I am, just making sure Steve know how much I appreciate him being with us," she turned, facing to him and glancing at him, using one of her hands to brush his hair.
"Buck, you sure you're alright?" he asked, not seeming to mind her brushing his hair.
Bucky seemed to like how she cared about Steve like a mother. He glanced down at the two, "Lil? What happened to your shoes!?" he asked, causing her to look down.
"Oh, it got dirty from the soil, apparently it was watered," she explained, lifting her leg. "if it gets too dirty, I'll just fling them off!" she laughed. Unfortunately, she slipped hitting to Steve who seemed concerned, trying to catch her only to be pushed down.
Bucky reached over at the two. "Lil, you are too eager to crush anyone in your wake," teased Bucky who seemed to stand over her, showing his hands to her to help her up.
Steve nodded under her; pushing her up with his arms. "I agree," spoke Steve with slight pain in his voice.
"Oh my goodness, you guys! This wasn't on purpose," she smiled slightly embarrassed, turning to face Steve who got up with her help. Once up she took some dirt from her shoes and playfully wiped Bucky, giving him no time to react. As he tried to shield himself, getting smears on his coat and face. "This was on purpose," she giggled, running away from him.
"Oh no, Lil, you just—" he was about to—what Lilly saw to be a ploy of revenge—bend down to the soil, about to grab a handful of dirt.
Steve went on ahead, "Guys, come on." Bucky stopped midway laughing and shook his head as Lilly fixed to move her hair from her face. They then went after, Steve catching up with him.
Fun Facts so I can cover up: if you're wondering how Bucky got money for the taxi cap, Bucky got it from Cece. Also, if you're wondering where Lilly is sleeping since she packed her stuff, she's sleeping in her sister's room.