A/N: Hey, guys! So, this chapter is going to be a bit different, thanks to an idea I got from a friend of mine. So far, we've been enraptured by Peri's life alone. But, what about Lapis? So, I'm thinking I give the POV change a try. If you guys don't like it, we just pretend this chap never happened and go back to Peri. Sound fair? Yes? No? Great!
Also, thank you to all of you that've voted and commented, it's appreciated! Anyways, on with the story. -L&L
Her keys made a resonating 'tink' as they fell into the bowl, jacket being shrugged off of stiff shoulders. "Mom, I'm home," she offered out, stepping from her flip flops and pushing them to the door side.
She didn't get a reply, but that was expected. She knew her mother was probably upstairs anyways; even though the move was supposed to have helped with her depression, she still spent most days wallowing in self hate as Lapis tried finding activities to keep her out the house. It was horribly normal at this point.
Her hands came up as she mussed down her wind beaten hair, feet taking her forward. Through the sitting area, a sparsely decorated room with no more than a couch and small TV, to the kitchen, where the remainder of their unopened boxes held possessions too menial to need at the given moment.
She nearly gasped aloud when she found her mother hunched over, sitting on the single wooden stool with elbows propping up her pale arms and heavy head. Her dull blonde hair fell down, covering her shoulders, creating a veil that kept Lapis from seeing her face.
She didn't need to, though. Her mother's shaking shoulders and almost silent sniffles told her what was going on. It felt wrong to leave her there, even though she really didn't know what to do. So she put on the best smile she could fake and leaned against the doorway, trying to ignore that her stomach was rumbling. She didn't want to go in that room, even under necessity.
"Hey, mom. Glad to see you're up and moving..." Yeah, it didn't sound sincere, even when she tried. In all honesty, it sounded berating in a way.
Her mother either didn't hear or didn't care. Her huddled form continued to shake, weeping, and her voice didn't perk up. It was a pitiful sight to see her mother like this. But it had been this way for nearly a year.
Ever since Lapis' aunt had died. And, in a way, Lapis could understand. Her aunt had been the type of person that lead, that anyone could listen to and respect and appreciate. She had been that one rock for her younger sister, keeping her safe and sane after it became known that Lapis' father was... heavy handed.
"Okay, um... I was going to go out tomorrow, pick a few things up. I think I marked everything we really need but, I mean, if there's anything you need...?"
No answer. Lapis found herself smiling regardless, the gesture simply for herself, and she cleared her throat, not knowing what else to do. "I'll uh,... I'll see you later, then."
And she stepped back, momentarily pausing to see if that elicited a reaction from the woman at all. Nothing, save a slightly less muffled, shuddering sob. She winced and turned, wanting, needing to get out.
A shiver managed to overtake her spine as she stepped through the cafe's door, the bell sounding out above her head. The warm air that assaulted her was what made her shudder again, such a contrast to the air outside. It was nippy today, no doubt about it.
A girl was sitting behind the counter, Sadie if memory served her correctly, and Lapis was actually grateful that it wasn't the other guy that worked here. Lars, she thought his name was. What a sexist dick.
From over the top of a paperback novel, Sadie threw her a smile and a wave, pushing her dirty blonde hair from her eyes and glossing over the page number before closing her book.
"Hey, how are you?"
Lapis shrugged, slipping from her jacket and tossing it onto a random chair before strutting to the counter. She leaned against it, eyes glossing over the pastries on display. "Eh, not complaining. Kinda bummed out that it's too cold out to be on the beach."
Sadie nodded, propping her elbows up on the clear counter and resting her chin in her hands. "I think a lot of people are. Steven came by earlier, made Amethyst pay for a large box of chocolate donuts since they couldn't go build sand castles like she promised."
Lapis gave a small chuckle, even though she had no idea who this Steven person was. Amethyst was that girl from lunch, though, she was pretty sure. Weird girl, very extroverted. But friendly enough, if you were interested.
But that thought only led her back to a certain geeky blonde, and that just made her frown. Peridot was... something else. Even Lapis herself was surprised at the interest she felt for the four-eyed, spiky haired, surprisingly musical nerd. And that wasn't okay.
Not even a little.
"Hey, you okay?" Sadie questioned, pulling Lapis from her own thoughts, and she blinked to find a hand waving in front of her face. "You just kinda zoned out there," Sadie clarified, eyes scrunching in question.
Lapis threw a small shrug and pushed her hair back, sighing. "It's cool. I'll take a bagel, please. Er, make it two. I'm starved."
The blonde in front of her chuckled, sliding from her seat even though her eyes remained on Lapis. "Then why stop here? There's like, three fast food places in this town. Go get pizza or something."
Standing straight and watching the display case being slid open, Lapis winked playfully. "But I want to see you."
Sadie snorted, grabbing a bag and sliding the two bagels inside. "Yeah, right. And I believe in the 'Rock People' Ronaldo keeps posting about on his blog."
The two giggled at the statement, Lapis eventually rolling her eyes as she shoved a few wadded up dollar bills on the counter. "Thanks. See ya around, I guess."
The blonde nodded, opening up the cash register. "Later, alligator."