YEAH RIGHT. I TOTALLY FORGOT TO ANSWER ONE QUESTION FROM A REVIEW..

SORRY! ANYWAY, LUCY WON'T BE JOINING THE BAND. I HAVE PLANS FOR HER THOUGH.

Let's go a bit dramatic. Okay?

Just a bit.

It'll be a bit of Lucy's past.

You know.

Hahaha It was on the summary.

Wrecked past?

Anyway, thanks!

Chapter 4

It was time for Lucy's meeting with the board of directors. She went down to the conference room. There the projectors and holograms of different boards were already set up. It was only her who was there physically. She felt quite lonely. Well aside from her there were 5 people, 2 waiters and 3 body guards. Erza was still not around but the meeting must go on. Lucy can handle this herself, she was trained for this. She sat on the far end of the table in front of everyone.

She coughed a little to get everyone's attention. "Good afternoon Board"

Some smiled at her and some looked at her as if criticizing her. What do you expect? It's not common in a company that they would be led by a teenager who is like 10 to 20 years younger than they are. Lucy ignored their faces. She's used to this kind of treatment. Never has she found the Board of Directors pleasant for her. She's never fond of them. In fact she never had met them, yet. But she has to put up a face.

"As for different sub-branches the hotel is the lowest. And were getting a decreasing number of –"

"Get on with the plan Lucy. We'll just read the report." Said the man at the other far end of the table.

"Y-Yes. About that, I've already sent you all, the proposal to what were going to do. And all of you agreed on that so I just need a go signal from all of you. Or if any of you have suggestion that would be great."

An almost bald man with thick eyebrows and a moustache is the first to speak. "You know I agreed with all these. But can the bands be for all ages?"

Lucy smiled at him. "Well yes. Actually, most of the bands we've invited were for teenagers but we included some that sang classics."

"That would be good."

"Well your plan was good. I see no weakness in it as of now. Then let's get on with the next." Said the man at the farthest end of the table. All Board Members turned their papers to the next. "Oh, so it's this time of the year then."

"Where will this be done?" Another bald man that acts like a girl and has fake wings on his back happily asked to no one in particular.

A brown haired man with sunglasses answered. "I hope this year's would be tougher."

"Oh yeah. This will look like an all-star thing. The bands will be included right?" Asked the bald man with fake wings to do.

"But do the bands need not to join? They will just be with the company for two to three months." Lucy said, hoping they would agree with them.

"Still they were part. We need to build ties." The almost bald man said.

"Yes Lucy. Include them." Said the man across Lucy. "They were part of the company even for a short period of time. Just include them."

"Yes fath- Mr. CEO."

"Other matters will be discussed next mee-"

"Wait about this all ruling thing.."

"What are you up to Jiemma?" said the almost bald man.

"Well, I was just saying that our little Lucy, should be looking for a new candidate for a husband now. She needs all the help she could –"

"I can handle myself perfectly." Lucy butted in, feeling irritated of what he's saying.

"It's not just for you little girl."

"Lucy's not a little girl anymore. I think she's handling the company fluidly." Said the bald man with fake wings.

Lucy smiled. She someone on her side, even if they hadn't met her nor knew her personally they trusted her. Maybe she should start to trust them little by little.

"Bob, I was just saying that little Lucy needs help. She doesn't need to hurry and marry.. but if she wants she could." Jiemma said in a sly tone. "Look at her she's skin and bones. It's visible that she can't handle herself well."

"Lucy is it true?" said the almost bald man.

"Mr. Makarov I was more than capable of –"

"No you're not. And I heard rumors you've been wasting your time in a certain place. What's that called again? High.. High Life? That place sure has a lot of drunk, wasted people. You really want to hangout with those kinds of people?"

Suddenly, Lucy felt something very uncomfortable. She clenched her fists.

"You won't be able to handle yourself and the company. So I suggest you choose another man capable of managing the company.. with you." Jiemma said.

"That's not the only solution!" Makarov said in an outburst manner.

"ENOUGH!" The voice came from the far end across Lucy. "I've decided, if the Band Battle Royale won't work, Lucy.." He stared at her in thoughtful eyes. "You're going to find someone that'll be able to help you."

"I'm suggesting my son right now." Jiemma said immediately. "And I'm heading off. I have more meetings."

"But father –" Lucy tried to counter.

"Lucy, are you not confident with yourself?"

Suddenly Lucy's eyes were full of determination. "Okay. I'll do it. I promise. I won't fail."

"I hope none of this will be out to the press until it is final." Said the man at the far end of the table across Lucy. "That's all for n -"

"Wait father. Everyone." Lucy stopped them from vanishing. She turned to Makarov and Bob. "Mr. Makarov and Mr. Bob–"

"Call me grandfather." Makarov said.

"As for me, you can call me uncle." Bob said before Makarov could speak further.

"We've known you since you were a child, I've seen you grew up even if we haven't personally met yet. I've always treated you as my granddaughter." Lucy can't say anything. A while ago she was hating the Board, but now with this two she felt different.

"T-Thank you so much Gramps.." She turned to Bob. "..Uncle." She smiled sweetly at them. Just then everyone's holograms were shut down. It was just the man across Lucy and her that were left there. Lucy prepared her things and was about to leave when she noticed her father was still there, well her father's hologram.

"Lucy, are you eating?" The blonde man said as he watches her daughter.

"A little dad.. the time I went to High Life, was eating with Erza. You know her. She's always taking care of me. I was just finishing everything before I do things for myself, the company's more important." Lucy said to her father smiling.

"I'm sorry you have to do all this Lucy."

"It's okay dad. This company is everything to me. I won't let anything happen to it. Besides, the Board expects so much from me. I need to save the company."

"Lucy, I don't want you forcing yourself. Look at you-"

"Father, no. I'll prove them that I can run the company. They won't get my mama from me." Lucy said. She was at the verge of tears.

"If only I was there. I could help you." Lucy walked towards a table where a lot of pictures were on top of it. She picked one up. It was a picture of her family and their business partner. "If only they were here. If only he was here, he would be supporting you. You two should've lived a normal happy life, together. You shouldn't have been bearing all the responsibilities of these two companies."

"It's okay dad. He's gone.. He won't come back. It's been a long time since then, we should move on."

"Lucy.."

"Dad, don't worry about me. We should not live in the past. We can't revive a dead person, there's no need in hoping that he's.. still alive." Lucy said. Her voice was shaking. She set the picture down and walked to where her father's figure was. "Get well soon dad! I miss you! I need to go work on some more papers. See you soon!" Lucy waved goodbye as she hurried to exit the conference room.

Lucy went back to her office and sat down on her chair. Feeling really stressed right now. Suddenly her office door opened revealing her best friend. "Hey Erza" She said weakly.

"What happen Lucy? Sorry I wasn't able to make it in time. You looked more tired now than ever."

"Well, it was that time of the year again." Lucy sighed and turned her computer on then started working again.

"Now that you mentioned it I remembered. That'll be fun." Erza looked at all the new papers Lucy was to work on. She gets one of the set from her table and lifted it. "I'm going to start on this."

"But Erza that's too many. You don't really need to help me." Lucy said seeing how much Erza get from her table.

"Lucy, I promised you I'll be your substitute partner right?" Lucy smiled. It was a genuine one. One that Erza seldom sees. She's glad she offered her help.

Lucy nodded. "But just that okay? I don't want you stressing out with all thi –"

"You don't remember what I applied for do you? I especially put it on my resume, to be your secretary. Right?" Erza smiled. "So don't worry about anything. I can handle this."

"Thanks a lot Erza. You're the best friend ever."

"Besides I want you to finish all this today. No slacking off." Erza said and gave Lucy a serious look which made her go back to work and work faster.

"Okay, okay. I'm on it. I'm sorry!" Lucy said hurrying to finish as much as she could.

After a few minutes, Lucy heard her door opens again. She saw a huge table that was coming near her. "What the?"

"I will be sitting with you for today. Also I bought some snacks for you. You're looking paler than ever." Erza said as she set the table down with a loud thud. She handed Lucy a sandwich and juice. "There's more so eat this up, quickly."

And as Erza said they work in silence trying to finish as much as they can. With occasional breaks for Erza when she saw that Lucy's snack was now gone. She never fails to give her another batch. Being a girl with a small frame, Lucy is one hell of an eater. She eats like a man. The 20 sandwiches Erza made were now reduced to 8. Well it will soon be the end of the day so she thought it would just be enough until Lucy's dinner.

"You sure like my sandwiches." Erza smirked.

"Of course! They're the most delicious food. And I haven't eaten since yesterday so I'm really hungry."

"It's okay. I especially made this for you."

"We will be done with all the papers!" Lucy cheered. "I'm so happy."

"I told you. Working by twos would be better if you just try asking."

"But Erza, you know why I don't." Lucy said in a low sad tone.

"And I promised you right? That until we find that person you're supposed to marry since you were kids, I will be the partner he never was."

"He's not coming back." Lucy paused for a while.

Erza looked at Lucy. Lucy's hands were shaking. Her eyes were obvious with water on it, ready to spill anytime. "You never found him. So there's a possibility he's still al-"

"No. I don't want to put my hopes up again."

Silence.

"Lucy you know, even if I don't know who he is I promise to knock him out if he ever shows up. But on second thought I won't be too harsh, because I know he's really important to you." Erza said in a comforting tone.

"Thanks Erza. Let's not just talk about him for now. The company first before me." Erza nodded and she went back to work again.

"Uhh Lucy?" Lucy looked at Erza. "Can you come with me this weekend?"

"Where?"

"Just somewhere."

"Sorry I can't. I need to finish more of these papers." Erza frowned.

"I'm sorry Erza."

"Then we'll finish all of this before weekend." Erza mumbled.

"You say something?" Lucy asked.

"Nothing. Just reading these papers."

Days passed and tomorrow is the weekend everyone has been talking about with Lucy.

"Let's eat!" Lucy cheered when the foods have been served.

Erza watched her and smiled. "Lucy slow down a bit."

Before speaking Lucy swallowed everything that's on her mouth. "But I want to eat a lot."

"And you will." Jellal said smiling nervously at her. They went back to High Life. That's just because Lucy was really mad at Jellal for not warning her with her drink. She ate there for free in exchange of the time she got drunk. Her first drunk moment.. her first –let's skip that. Lucy doesn't want to remember that now. That all happened in High Life within a night. She hasn't savoured every moment that time then.

"You should. Anyways, thank you for this free make-up food. I was really hungry and you're offer is just right on time." Lucy said then ate another forkful of pasta.

"I'm really sorry. I didn't really know you don't know."

"Whatever. It's done. My first time's been taken away from me. But you have this very good kind of way of making-up. I think I'm starting to like you.." She glanced at Erza. "No! No! Not that kind of like, like way. I was just pertaining to his way of making-up."

Erza chuckled. "I know that. Silly!" Then she ruffled Lucy's hair.

"Now my hair's messy." She said but continued eating.

Suddenly.. "I-I need water." Lucy said choking. A glass of water appeared on her side and she immediately grabbed it and drank. "HAAAAAA! Good thing you had water now."

She returned the glass to the waiter. She turned and smiled. "You saved my li–" Then there she saw a grinning Natsu.

"I saved your what?" He smiled teasingly.

"How'd you get here? You were singing there." She pointed to the stage. Then there she saw Levy. She's the one singing.

"Well I get here as soon as you eat a lot and choke. So I saved you. You owed me now."

"I don't owe you anything." Lucy rolled her eyes. "I told you to stay away, right?"

"Sorry can't." Natsu sat right next to Lucy. He was smoking. He stared at the foods in front of her and the food Erza was eating. "You sure eat like a man."

"Shut up. It's free and I'm hungry." Lucy coughed and fanned the smoke that was coming from Natsu's every breath. "Can you stop blowing smoke at me?" She said then coughed again.

"Is this bothering you?" He said as he exhaled again. He gestured for the waiter. "I want drinks. Hard ones." Then the waiter disappeared. "Where were we?"

"There's nothing as we. Put the irritating thing off!" Lucy pulled the cigarette from his mouth and.. "How to put this out?" She looked at Erza.

Erza chuckled along with Jellal. Lucy, so innocent.

"Give me that!" Natsu said, reaching out for his cigarette.

"NO! It's irritating. And I'm inhaling the second hand smoke. I still want to live okay?"

But Natsu kept on reaching for his cigarette until Lucy loosens her grip and it fell on the floor. She immediately stepped on it before Natsu could get it.

"So that's how to kill that irritating thing off." She smiled proudly.

"That was my last. Why'd you waste it?"

She glared at him. He shivered. "Don't ever smoke around me."

Natsu scratched the back of his head. "Whatever."

Lucy continued eating.

"Oh right! The last time I paid.." He remembered the bill. It was more than what he was paid for every concert. "It was worth two concerts."

"I don't care. You said you'll pay whatever I get."

"I didn't know you'll order one of everything!"

"I was hungry."

"But you didn't finish the food."

"I was drunk."

"…"

"Any other argument?" Lucy asked breaking the silence.

Natsu was staring blankly. "Hey, girl that is mine.."

"WHAT DID YOU SAY?" Erza and Jellal also looked at him in disbelief.

"Girl that is mine?"

"I'm not yours!" Then she smacked Natsu on the head. He was knocked out. "P-Pinky? Are you okay?"

No response.

"Oh God! I killed him!" She said frantically.

Jellal laughed. "Don't worry Lucy! He's just.." He looked at Natsu. "..asleep."

"Lucy it's getting late." Erza stood up. "Tomorrow's going to be a long day.." She turned to Jellal and smiled.

"Oh right I have papers to do." She cleaned herself up and stood grabbing her bag. "Hey wait!" She said as she hurried to where Erza and Jellal has gone to. She glanced back at the table. Natsu was still there knocked out. She gestured for the waiters to come. Lucy felt guilty. "Sirs? Can you please bring this man to the back stage bed? If there is anything like that.. Well I just can't leave him like this. Please take care of him, and if ever he wakes up tell him I'm sorry. Thank you!" She handed the waiters $500 each. "Take care of him okay?" Then she left.

Natsu smiled.

Lucy has just got home from a dinner with Erza and Jellal, and Natsu if his arrival was counted. Well she insisted on having dinner because Lucy hasn't eaten again for that whole day, and knowing her, Erza knew Lucy will finish the paper works when she got home then she'll forgot to eat again. So Erza made sure that Lucy will eat her dinner. Lucy's been working double –no make it triple the effort. Now she's been working at home too. She hasn't told anyone yet about the deal she had with the Board during their last meeting. Even to Erza. How could she? She won't give Erza more stress. She's already helping her with some works so this project will from her full effort. This project should be a success.

Lucy changed into her home clothes and started working again. She planned the event for hours. Then she looked at the time, 10 more minutes before her scheduled sleep. She decided to take a break feeling her brain was all worn out. She stretched from her seat and walked on her bookshelf. She looked for a book to relax her mind but her hands wander on a certain book. She pulled it and she saw that it was her diary from back when she was a child. It was when her life is still perfect, when she have them, she had her mother and when she had him. The little book used to be red but now it was a pale dirty red due to old age. It was not opened since that day, when they disappeared. He disappeared. She sat on the couch and read her diary, she laughs occasionally and then she fell asleep.

The next morning..

Lucy came back from jogging. She was panting. Time should not be wasted. She needs to do some more paper works today. It was 8 in the morning and she was to prepare her bought breakfast. Oh, by the way she increases her jogging time when its weekend.

"Oh.." She panted again. "I arrived right on time."

She made her way to the kitchen and set a bowl for the cereal and milk she just bought on her way back to her unit. Lucy ate on her living room watching TV. Before she could plop on the couch she secured the windows and all ways that anyone would be able to see her. They were all covered and locked. She sat on the couch in a very unlady-like manner and watched her favourite cartoon, Adventure Time. Lucy, being a serious, business-thinking, proper, fine and educated young woman, is still a teenager. She was not able to do this when someone's around because she has to maintain an image. Lucy giggled when the show started. She even knows the lyrics of the theme song. She was getting really into the show. The irony in it, on how Finn liked Flame princess but he was only hurting himself when he's hugging her. They were opposites, but they loved each other.

Then there was the commercial. And the news.

"Showbiz news report! The upcoming appearance of different bands at the Heartfilia Royale Hotel is really a hit." Lucy smiled, while putting another spoonful on her mouth.

"Of course it should be. It was all my idea."

Then the news on the TV showed a picture of the Fairy Law band holding their instruments and Natsu in front holding a microphone. The other side of picture was the Heartfilia Group of Companies' emblem. "But it seems that there was an issue going on. It was said that the heiress of the Heartfilia Group of Companies' personally invited the Fairy Law to join the performance. And it seems they were the first to know about this. So what does it sounds like?" The reporter asked the person beside her.

"I know right? It seems that Lucy Heartfilia is interested with one of the band memb -" Lucy cut her off by turning the TV off.

"Nonsense news. Making issues on their own accord." Lucy sighed and leaned on her couch. She had her feet on the couch in an Indian sit while eating her breakfast. "That Pinky.. informing the press about the project just like that." Lucy stood up. "Well better think of a way that won't disappoint the customers. After all this is just for the hotel's sake. No more, no less."

She washed the dishes and went back to her living room. It was just 9 in the morning, she still have plenty of hours left before 12. That's when she'll start working. Lucy plopped on the couch resting on her flat stomach. She removed her jacket exposing her pink shirt of two spaghetti straps. Lucy groaned on boredom. She doesn't like this. She wanted to do something. Lucy then sat up and looked around. The unit is clean. She already washed the dished. She looked at the TV, but she doesn't want to watch TV. She buried her face on the pillow hoping that when-

DING. DONG. DING. DONG. DING. DONG. DING. DONG. DING. DONG. DING. DONG. DING. DONG.

The doorbell won't stop ringing she got irritated. "I'm coming! Stop with the ringing, OKAY?!" Lucy shouted. But the visitor didn't stop. She stood up and stomped her way to the door and opened it. Lucy looked at the visitors. Then everything went black.