Lucy's melodious voice resonated within the cavernous ice rink as she called out to her best friend. The midsummer sun streamed through the large windows, casting a warm glow on the glistening surface and the air was filled with the occasionally soft scrape of blades against the frozen expanse. His eyes, the color of amber, met hers as she watched him with a playful twinkle in her eyes.
A radiant smile played on the boy's lips as he glided effortlessly towards her. His movements were a seamless dance on the ice, a testament to the countless hours he had spent honing his skills. "Will you ever get off those skates?" Her voice carried a teasing tone, but there was affection in her eyes.
Isaac's boyish grin widened. "You know I won't, Princess," he replied, his voice laced with warmth. The sunlight caught the edges of his disheveled brown hair as he came to a graceful stop beside her. "Why would I when it gives me the perfect excuse to sweep you off your feet?"
A soft giggle escaped Lucy's lips as she carefully navigated the icy surface, her steps cautious yet graceful. The boy, now by her side, skated close enough to ensure she wouldn't slip.
"I swear you spend more time on those skates than walking,"
"I'm going to see you this afternoon, what are you doing here, Luce?" Isaac's genuine curiosity shone in his expressive eyes as he awaited her response.
Lucy grinned, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "I guess I'll go then, huh?" She feigned a departure, but quick on his skates, he swooped in, his strong arms enveloping her in a tender embrace, lifting her off the ground effortlessly as laughter bubbled between them.
"Isaac, put me down. We're going to fall," she protested, her laughter bubbling up as she clung to him for dear life.
"I would never let anything happen to you," He reassured, his eyes fixed on the girl with unwavering devotion. With gentle care, he lowered her back to the ice, their skates creating a delicate melody as they touched the surface.
Isaac flashed her another warm smile. "Let me get changed, and I'll buy you a chocolate milkshake at Toussaint's."
The hockey player eased himself into a bench as he began the meticulous task of unlacing his skates. Lucy, a step away, watched him with a fond smile, the dazzling midsummer sunlight casting a warm glow on her features. As he transitioned from the hockey attire to a more casual ensemble, the girls' eyes caught the intricate details of his actions—the careful removal of each lace, the deliberate choice of white Chuck Taylors, and the effortless slinging of his training backpack over one broad shoulder.
Isaac extended a calloused hand towards Lucy. She accepted it, their fingers intertwining effortlessly as they ventured out. The sun hung high in the late July sky, casting a warm glow over Fairbrook, the heat clinging to them like a familiar companion.
Lucy observed Isaac, her gaze lingering on the subtle movements beneath the bill of his cap. Shielding his eyes from the relentless sun, he looked every bit the quintessential athlete—confident, composed, and undeniably attractive. Lucy couldn't help but recall the hushed whispers of her schoolmates, affirming what she already knew—Isaac Hargrave was undeniably handsome.
A year ago, Lucy's feelings for Isaac had blossomed into something more than friendship. Their history traced back to elementary school, when Isaac stood up for her after a boy stole her lunchbox and her best friend hit him. He had promised to protect her, a promise had endured through the years.
Isaac's hazel eyes, framed by the cap's shadow, exuded warmth and kindness. His perpetual smile mirrored the golden retriever she often likened him to. He was friendly with everyone, always cracking jokes that made her laugh and ready to fight anyone who messed with her, especially those who called her 'Lucy Caboosey' only deepened her affection.
As they strolled towards Toussaint's, a nearby establishment, his playful voice brought Lucy back to the present. "Well, someone can't stop looking at me today," he teased, his tone light and teasing.
"Idiot," she retorted, a genuine smile gracing her lips.
Feigning offense, the boy placed a hand over his heart, his hazel eyes twinkling with amusement. "Fabray, all I hear is how much you love me."
The aroma of delectable dishes wafted through the air, enticing their appetites. Toussaint's had become a cherished haven for the duo, a place that not only served mouth watering delicacies but also held a trove of memories. Alongside the tantalizing scents, the walls boasted a colorful array of photographs, capturing moments from the restaurant's history. Isaac found solace in gazing at the images of his parents in their teenage years, and a few steps away, snapshots of him and Lucy adorned the space, frozen in time.
Isaac and Lucy settled into their special spot. The booth, adorned with intricate carvings, held a sentimental value for the boy, as the names of his father and closest friends were etched into its surface.
"Well, look who has decided to visit us today, the Hargrave-Fabray couple," a familiar, jovial voice rang out, breaking the stillness.
"Hello, Priest," Isaac greeted with unbridled enthusiasm. The waiter, known as Seth Cohen in the mundane world but affectionately dubbed 'Priest' due to the Hebrew translation of his surname, approached with a grin. He was one of Isaac's father's closest friends.
"I see you're wearing your training backpack, Ace," Seth observed with a knowing grin, his eyes dancing with a hint of nostalgia. "You're worse than your father when we were young. Always on those blades."
A playful glint in Lucy's eyes, she jested, "If Isaac could, he would marry his hockey stick."
"S' not true," The boy stammered, his cheeks tinged with a rosy hue as he absentmindedly traced circles on the table. Seth chuckled, offering a friendly pat on Isaac's shoulder.
"Well, what can I get you and Miss Fabray? The usual?"
Isaac turned to Lucy, their eyes locking in silent agreement. A nod from her confirmed the decision, and flashing a megawatt smile, he placed their order. "An extra-large chocolate milkshake with cream and caramel on top and two straws, please," he requested, the anticipation of the sweet treat evident in his eyes.
Isaac, fidgeting with nervous excitement, broke the silence. "I have something for you," he confessed, his eyes sparkling with a mix of anticipation and a hint of shyness. Delicately, he rummaged through his backpack, fingers dancing over the items inside until he found what he sought. With care, he retrieved a rather bulky box, cheeks flushed ever so slightly as he pushed it towards her.
Lucy's eyes widened with curiosity and delight as she regarded the size of the box. Her best friend had always been thoughtful with his gifts, usually presenting her with a gardenia with a small sweet treat, occasionally even an intricately crafted piece of origami. But this, this was different. The box hinted at something more, something extraordinary.
Intrigued, she delicately untied the ribbon, revealing the concealed treasure within. The lid lifted to unveil a sight that stole her breath away. Nestled within the box was a delicate glass gardenia, its ethereal beauty protected by a transparent bell, reminiscent of the enchanted rose from the tale of Beauty and the Beast. The glass petals caught the sunlight, scattering it into a spectrum of colors that danced across the table.
Lucy's fingertips traced the fragile curves of the glass bell, marveling at the intricacy of the gift. "This must have cost you a fortune," she murmured, her voice a mix of awe and gratitude. Her gaze never left the mesmerizing gift as she examined it from every angle. "I-I don't deserve it."
She was aware of the opulence that the Hargraves. The patriarch of the family, Jacob Hargrave, was on the cusp of retiring from his illustrious career as the center for the New Jersey Devils. Despite his impending retirement age, Jacob's robust physique bespoke a man still in the prime of his physical prowess.
The Hargraves were not merely affluent; her best friend belonged to a lineage steeped in wealth, with Sir Archibald Hargrave, the great-great-grandfather, founding Hargrave & Co. The company specialized in wealth management, private banking, and investment advisory services. Through the years, the Hargraves had diversified their financial empire into realms such as real estate, luxurious hotels and private clubs, the patronage of arts and culture, and even ventured into the world of sports.
Despite their considerable wealth, the Hargraves were known in Fairbrook as pillars of humility and approachability. Their generosity manifested through charity events, opulent galas, substantial donations, and scholarships that touched the lives of many. The community held the Hargrave family in high regard, not just for their financial standing but for the genuine connections they fostered with those around them.
Isaac's father, Jacob, diverged from the traditional family path. Despite his significant stake in Hargrave & Co, Jacob harbored no interest in assuming a leadership role in the family business. His passion lay on the ice, much like his son Isaac. A veteran of countless hours spent waiting for a scout's discerning eye, Jacob's dedication to hockey had shaped his youth and defined his identity.
Remarkably, despite his focus on hockey, Jacob held a deep understanding of the intricate workings of Hargrave & Co. His own father, insistent on maintaining a sense of responsibility, had imparted the knowledge necessary for Jacob to be a competent heir. Even though he had no desire to helm the company, Jacob knew he would inherit the shares and had dutifully acquired basic knowledge about the family's financial empire.
Isaac, like his father before him, aspired to follow in his father's footsteps, yearning for the thrill of being drafted into the National Hockey League. He playfully mused about how this achievement would allow him to indulge every whim and desire of his princess. His words, though laced with humor, carried a genuine sincerity that resonated with the dreamer within him and Lucy couldn't help but feel a flutter in her heart.
Her frequent visits to the Hargrave home had become a comforting routine. Each time she stepped through the front door, she couldn't help but marvel at the atmosphere of love that enveloped the Hargrave family. Isaac's father was a romantic at heart, and his attentiveness to his wife, Sophia, was nothing short of enchanting. To Lucy, their relationship was the epitome of a fairy tale – a love that seemed to defy time, keeping them forever caught in the throes of teenage romance leaving her with dreams of a future as enchanting as theirs.
Isaac, the object of her affections and the embodiment of his father's thoughtful nature, consistently showered her with compliments, flowers, and carefully chosen gifts, an inclination undoubtedly inherited from his father. In Lucy's daydreams, she allowed herself to indulge in the fantasy of a future where she and Isaac shared a love akin to that of his parents. However, the harsh reality of her own physical appearance often pulled her back to earth.
With her plump figure, acne-speckled skin, and brown-reddish hair, stood in stark contrast to the societal standards of beauty. The students at Belleville, unable to see beyond the surface, subjected her to relentless bullying with taunts and jabs directed at her physical appearance. In the eyes of her peers, the idea of Lucy being friends with someone like Isaac was inconceivable.
The boy, though, stood by her side unwaveringly. His kindness and genuine friendship overshadowed the judgmental stares and cruel remarks. With a heart, too big for his chest, that beat with genuine affection for the girl, he declared her openly as his best friend without reservation.
In Isaac's presence, Lucy found a shield against the cutting words of her tormentors. The girls, particularly vicious in their attacks, taunted her when he was not around, asserting that she was a burden dragging him down the social hierarchy. Their venomous words insinuated that Lucy would be the downfall of Isaac's popularity and social standing.
The culmination of her suffering reached its zenith after a grueling gym class. Aware that Isaac was occupied on the ice rink, the girls orchestrated a cruel plan, eagerly awaiting Lucy's emergence from the shower. As she stepped out, defenseless and unsuspecting, they unleashed a barrage of slushies that left her utterly humiliated, drenched from head to toe.
The echoes of laughter and mockery reverberated in her ears, amplifying the isolation she felt. Despite Isaac's protective shield in his presence, the scars of her daily battles etched deeper. The girl clung to the hope that someday the cruelty would cease, and the world would see her worth beyond appearances.
"You deserve more than the stars, Luce," he murmured softly. Isaac's eyes locked onto Lucy's with an intensity that reflected the genuine emotions he harbored for her. His expression carried a tender sincerity that spoke volumes, a silent promise echoing in the depths of his gaze.
"I won't be around for the entire month of August, so I wanted to make it up to you in some way," he confessed, fingers fidgeting with the edge of his linen shirt, his nervous rambling betrayed the earnestness behind his actions. A hint of a smile played on his lips as he continued, "I know Beauty and the Beast is your favorite Disney story, so I asked my father to order the gardenia for you. I know it's traditionally a rose in the story, but since gardenias are our thing, I thought you might prefer it this way. It has dedication, by the way."
Lucy delicately turned the gardenia, her fingers tracing the inscription. "I will always come back to you ," signed ' I. Hargrave ' – tears welled up in her eyes. It was a phrase her best friend often used during moments when their friendship was put to the test.
A few moments of stunned silence passed before Isaac, nervously awaiting her reaction, finally spoke. "Do you like it?" he asked bashfully, his eyes searching hers for approval. "If... If you don't like it, I can ask my father to change it. You don't have to—"
"I love it," she interrupted, her voice a soft affirmation. A sigh of relief escaped Isaac, and a small, genuine smile played on his lips.
Just then, Seth made his entrance, presenting an extra-large milkshake with cream and caramel, complete with two straws. "Here's your order, guys," he announced with a grin, winking at Jacob's boy. "You sure know how to win a lady's heart, Hargrave. Just like your father, I'm telling you."
Isaac, basking in the warmth of the moment, responded with a smile, his dimples deepening. "She deserves the best," he said as the waiter left them alone.
Seth deftly wiped the beer-soaked counter, his eyes darting between the patrons scattered throughout Toussaint's. The lively chatter and clinking glasses provided a backdrop to the scene unfolding at one of the corner couldn't help but notice the chemistry between the young couple sharing a booth near the jukebox. With a knowing smile, he abandoned his bar post for a moment to discreetly observe their interaction. As he watched, a realization settled in his mind—these two were meant for each other.
Isaac, blissfully unaware, stood in the radiant glow of Lucy's admiration, the kind of gaze that conveyed a reverence as if he alone had conjured the brilliance of the moon and hung it in the vast expanse of the night sky. The boy was truly a gentleman, A Hargrave through and through. He mused to himself.
The Fabray girl also remained unaware of the piercing gaze cast upon her by the Hargrave boy. His eyes, filled with an infinite devotion that transcended the ordinary, it was like watching a love story unfold. She effortlessly had Isaac wrapped around her finger, and he seemed to enjoy it rather than mind. Lucy seemed to have a kind of magic about her that had the boy ensnared completely
As he returned to his duties, the owner of Toussaint's, Grace, a woman with decades of experience etched into the lines on her face, approached him with a knowing twinkle in her eye. "You've seen them too, haven't you?"
Feigning innocence, he raised an eyebrow. "Excuse me?"
"Jacob's boy and Miss Fabray," she whispered, her gaze fixed on a particular table., "It's like seeing them again, don't you think?"
"Gracie, they're still just kids." He replied, a hint of skepticism in his voice. "They're still too young to know what love is."
"I've seen you and his parents grow up, you and the boys spent more time here than your own houses " she scolded softly, a playful eye roll accompanying her words. "Isaac may not know it, but the Fabray girl is destined to be the future Mrs. Hargrave. I'm telling you."
"I guess we're all on the same page then. Even Russell approves."
Grace retrieved a vintage Polaroid camera from beneath the counter, her movements deliberate and practiced. With a swift motion, she captured a candid moment of the young couple. Nostalgia painted a smile on her face as she affixed the developed photograph to a wall adorned with a myriad of snapshots. Intrigued, the waiter peered over her shoulder to catch a glimpse of what she was scribbling on the image.
"What are you writing, woman?" he inquired with a playful tone.
Grace, a mischievous glint in her eyes, flashed a secretive smile and posted the photo on the wall. Seth leaned in, laughter bubbling as he read the inscription she had penned.
'Mr. and Mrs. Hargrave '05'