Author's Notes: Before you start reading, I just want to thank you all for the amazing feedback! I'm glad you're enjoying this story. I'm excited to see how some of you will react to what's going to happen next, I'm sure it's going to be a surprise to some of you. Anyway, without further do, happy reading!
Today's work had started in a different way. Upon arriving at the building, we were all summoned to the grand entrance on our work floor to hear what Natsu had to tell us. We had no idea what it was about. We waited for a few minutes for his arrival. When he finally did, everyone was very attentive to hear what he had to communicate to us.
"Thank you all for waiting." he started, "I don't want to disturb you or stop you from continuing your work, so I'll be brief." he gestured to Lisanna to hand him a piece of paper, "I want to announce that an important event is going to happen in about two weeks. Fairy Tail is going to sign a very important partnership for our future with another very highly praised company. Because of that, we have decided to host a big event to welcome our new partners and also to give you some entertainment for all the magnificent work you do every day. I hope you are all excited for another great event that will be organized by Lisanna and her assistants."
At that moment, all the employees clapped their hands upon hearing those words. I did the same, even though I didn't know what this event was about or what might happen, since it was going to be my first. From the happy expression on the faces of everyone else, something told me that it would be a very fun and memorable event. Even so, without even knowing where I got the courage, I decided to ask.
"Umm, what kind of event?"
Everyone who was looking at Natsu turned their gazes in my direction. I didn't know how to feel about that. Sometimes I think they all forgot that I was new to the company and had no idea what traditions they were doing. Still, Natsu answered me calmly and with a smile on his face.
"A party. It's a party we usually host when something like this happens in order to celebrate. You'll like it, you'll see." he gestured for someone to approach him, "My right arm and best assistant will now give you some additional information about the event."
I was amazed when I saw the person who approached his side at that very instant. I couldn't believe who was standing in front of my eyes... Erza. She smiled at everyone and picked up the paper that Natsu had in his hand from the beginning of the announcement. What did he mean by "right arm"? Erza was another one of Natsu's assistants this whole time and I didn't know? As soon as Natsu nodded to everyone and looked at me subtly with a smile, he left and went to his office. Erza cleared her voice to grab everyone's attention.
"Good morning everyone. I'm going to give you some information that might be of interest to you. As you know, whenever there is an event like this our company decides to organize a party and choose a theme. This time we have decided that the theme of this event is going to be Jazz. So, as you may have guessed, the dress code is a little more formal than usual. I'm sure that Mr. Dragneel pays you well enough for you to be able to get quality clothes." she smiled and everyone laughed, except me who had no idea how I could afford it, "So, I hope that on the day of the party you will all be in a good mood and with a big smile on your face because that's what Mr. Dragneel and I want."
I had to admit that I wasn't expecting an announcement like that. I didn't even know that it was usual for such events to be organized whenever the company made an important new partnership. I couldn't lie and say that I wasn't quite excited, but all that joy and information was too much for my head first thing in the morning. Erza ordered one of the girls to come forward and give her an envelope.
"Here are some invitations for all of you with some extra information... And of course, each of you can choose someone of your liking to bring along. And no... Some of you womanizers can't bring two women like you did last year." she smiled, "The party will be held in the event hall here in the building. I hope you all have time to prepare and show up with a good face." she started handing the invitations to everyone and when she gave it to me, she winked and smiled, "I can guarantee that you will all have fun. That's all for today, thank you."
After that, everyone dispersed and I just stood in the same place looking at Erza who was about to leave. I tried to gather the courage to speak before she disappeared again.
"Erza, wait!"
She turned to me and smiled again.
"Lucy! Are you enjoying your work? I told you it would be much easier to handle if you ignored Lisanna."
"Yes, I am... Umm, I have to ask you something... Did you give my report to Mr. Dragneel because he asked you to?"
"What makes you think that?" she tilted her head.
"I don't know, it's just that... I didn't even know you were Mr. Dragneel's assistant, I guess I was taken by surprise. I just wondered if it was him who wanted to see my work or if it was your suggestion."
She smiled and walked towards me, "You know, I've been in this company for a long time. I know the corners and history of this company as well as Mr. Dragneel does. It was with that and because I confronted him a few times that I was able to end up being his right-hand. I did something that he wasn't expecting from someone who worked for him and made him take an interest in me, so he asked me to help him. Some of his partners did not like the idea of seeing a woman in a position of power in this company. Mr. Dragneel was the one who said that if anyone had a problem with that, they could cut ties and business with him. It was a surprise to some of them, but it was a big step for women like me and you." she paused for a few seconds, "Looks like now I'm not the only person who has managed to pique his interest."
I had no idea what she was talking about or if that answered my question. She winked and without saying anything else, continued on her way and got into the elevator. I was even more confused. She acted in such a mysterious way that it was almost impossible to understand her. I sighed and went to my desk to do the necessary tasks for the rest of the day.
When I got home after a tiring day at work, I sat down on the couch and picked up the invitation Erza had handed me in the morning. It was a relatively simple invitation, with the detail of my name written in the middle. It only had some information that we needed to know for the party, such as the outfit and what the theme was. Considering that they had chosen Jazz as the theme, I was already expecting the wardrobe to be more formal than usual. The party was to be held in the company's ballroom, whatever that was. I had never been there before, and I confess I was anxious to see how big it would be. There would be alcohol at the party, as well as a fantastic band that would play a lot of jazz music during the event. I picked up my phone and called Levy.
"Good evening, friend!" she said immediately, "Are you in any other trouble that you need help with?"
"Actually... Yes, but this time it's a little different. What about you, are you in your natural habitat tonight?"
"I don't know what you mean." she laughed, "I'm at home, I didn't feel like going out today. I think I need to calm down for a few days. So, what do you need?"
"To go shopping."
"Oooh, I'm all ears! You know I'm always ready to go shopping big time!"
"There's going to be an event at the company to celebrate some kind of partnership and let's just say... we need to bring a more formal wardrobe. I need your help picking out a dress."
"You picked the right person! With my help, you're going to be the prettiest girl at the party that the guys will be all slack-jawed as soon as they lay eyes on you."
I could almost hear the pride in her voice through the phone. Her company while shopping was at least going to be fun and that's what I needed.
"Great, I'm counting on you! I'll meet you outside the mall tomorrow?"
"Sounds good to me. See you then, Lu-chan!"
The next day, at the shopping mall, I left the clothing room for the seventh time after a long afternoon searching for various types of dresses to match the party theme. I was starting to get exhausted from looking at so many different clothes, even though I love shopping. Levy looked at me with a disappointed face. She examined my dress one more time.
"Umm, that's not quite what I was thinking."
"This is the seventh dress I've tried on," I sighed, "I think we'll be here all day."
"It's your boss' fault for choosing such a unique and hard theme. I have to confess that we have yet to find a dress that has surprised me."
"That's not my goal, Levy. I don't want everyone to have their eyes on me."
"Of course you do! That's what I'm here for. You have to be the fanciest, most beautiful girl at that party or my name isn't Levy!"
"Ugh, at this rate I won't even be able to find a dress the day of the party."
Levy held up her finger and motioned for me to wait for her in the room. She winked as if she was telling me that she had the matter taken care of and for me to just stand there and wait for her to come back. After a few minutes, she came back into the room with a tight red dress on her hand. That dress would certainly draw people's attention, although that was not my goal.
"This one will fit you perfectly! With the body you have, you can be sure that no one will be indifferent when they see you walking into the party."
"Levy! That's not what I-"
"Here!" she suddenly handed me the dress, "Put that on and surprise me."
I sighed and closed the curtain. I looked at the dress one last time and started to put it on. The dress was tight...of that there was no doubt at all. It was long enough to reach just above my ankles. It had that sexy movement of a gala dress and my hips were too prominent. The dress also had a neckline that revealed a bit, but still left room for imagination. I had to admit that I liked to see myself in that dress when I looked in the mirror. I opened the curtain and waited for Levy's words. She stared at me without saying anything with wide eyes and opened her mouth.
"Well?" I tried to get her attention.
"You look... beautiful! That one is perfect!"
"You really think so?" I looked at the mirror again.
"Of course I do, are you crazy? You look like a real princess! Anyone will set their eyes on you as soon as they see you. Especially your-"
I turned around when Levy stopped talking and noticed that she had her hand over her mouth. Clearly she had said something she didn't want to and I raised my eyebrow.
"What were you going to say?"
"Oh, nothing! I was just letting my enthusiasm speak louder." she got up from her chair and clapped her hands together, "It's decided! That's the dress you're going to wear."
"Well, thank you... I guess now it's time for your reward." I smiled and she looked at me confused, "Did you think you were going to go through all this trouble without me giving you anything in return?"
I went to my coat and pulled out another invitation that Erza gave me that was meant for the guests chosen by us to bring to the party. I handed her the invitation and she inspected it.
"What's this?"
"An invitation to the party. You're going to be my plus one. Did you really think I wouldn't take you with me?" I smiled.
Her eyes glazed and I knew she liked it. She looked at me smiling and then threw herself into my arms in a hug.
"Thank you, Lu-chan, I wasn't expecting it at all. Wait... Does that mean it's my turn to pick out a dress now?" I nodded, "Great! Let's get to work then, shall we?"
The time it took Levy to find the perfect dress for her seemed completely untrue. As soon as she looked at the clothes, she immediately found the one she wanted to wear. When she tried it on, she looked like she was living a princess dream, and I had to admit that she looked beautiful in that dress. It was a yellow dress that clung to her neck and the length reached a little below her thighs. She went back to the store to get some white gloves to match the dress and she looked like a duchess.
"So..." she waved her dress, "What do you think?"
"You look beautiful. I think you're really good at these things."
"I don't want to be modest, but I really am!"
We both laughed and went to the cashier to pay for the two dresses and left the mall.
It was already starting to get late, but I still had time to stop by the usual coffee shop we always went to. I said goodbye to Levy and once I got there, I walked up to the counter and ordered my usual latte. I waited for the drink and it was at that moment that I noticed a familiar person sitting by the window. Natsu... He was looking outside talking on his phone and I was so focused on him that I didn't even notice the first time the barista called my name. I grabbed my drink and slowly walked towards Natsu. I waited for him to finish his conversation and only after a few seconds did he notice my presence and was as amazed as I was to see him there.
"Do you come here regularly too?" he asked with a smile.
"Sometimes... What about you? I haven't seen you here that often."
"I usually come here when I want to abstain from work... and for the great coffee."
"I thought that place was the hill."
"Last time didn't go so well, did it?" he smirked and gestured for me to sit down, "So... What did you think of the event? It must have been a surprise to you, since you've never been to one."
"I confess I was a little surprised... I had no idea it was a Fairy Tail tradition to have parties like this."
"Let's just say it's an important partnership...and I also want to see my workers have a little fun. I know many of them work hard every day and deserve a reward." he paused and looked at my glass, "Is that a regular latte?"
"Yes... It's my signature drink."
"What a coincidence..." he raised his glass, "Mine is the same."
"The party wasn't the only thing that surprised me... I had no idea Erza was your assistant."
"Really? I'm a very mysterious man."
"That I can't deny..." I smiled, "I tried to ask her, but got no answer." he raised his eyebrow, "Was it you who asked her to see my report or was it her idea?"
He paused for a few seconds and smiled, "What do you think?"
"I don't... I don't know. That's why I'm asking."
"I'll leave you to think about the answer then. When you figure it out, then you will have finally learned everything I've been telling you up to now."
I couldn't contain my laughter after all that mystery and even though he was smiling, I knew he was confused and was waiting for me to explain my reaction.
"All this mystery... It's almost impossible to believe. I'm not sure what it means, but... I think that's the point." I put my hands in the air, "I give up. There is no question where I can get a concrete answer."
"You haven't really asked me anything concrete yet, remember? I think you should take advantage of it now."
"Nah, I think I'm fine."
"What's the matter, Lucy? Do I intimidate you that you can't even ask me the questions you really want?"
He looked at me in a way that made my whole body shudder at hearing that question. His eyes seemed to penetrate me at that moment and I almost felt like getting up and run away. My body wasn't going to obey me, but that strange feeling that stretched through the rest of my body was enough to show me that I was on alert again.
"I don't know if that's the right word..."
"Then what's the problem?" he leaned on his hand.
"What's going on here?" he raised his eyebrow, "This... The questions, all these interactions we've been having... I can't ask questions because even I can't understand what's going on."
He paused, "Meaning..."
"I need to know where we stand. I need to know if right now we are boss and employee or just two completely normal people having a casual conversation."
"I thought that whole matter was more than settled by now. I'll ask you the same question again from earlier..." he leaned closer to me and looked into my eyes, "What do you think?"
Honestly, I didn't even know... I don't know where I had found the courage to ask him that, but the tingling was still getting more and more intense in my body. What the hell did I mean by that? Was I expecting him to say that we are friends or something? His eyes were intimidating me at that moment, he was right about that... but I wouldn't admit it. Everything about him was intimidating. From his eyes, to his posture, to the way he spoke. There couldn't be anyone who didn't feel the pressure I was feeling at that moment when his eyes seemed to be examining every inch of me.
I no longer knew what to say or what to think. I was so completely lost and mesmerized in that moment that I could hardly even find my voice to say anything. He was not dressed in his formal suit from work. He was wearing a white shirt with the sleeves at the elbows and had the buttons slightly undone. That image of him was causing me strange sensations that were compelling me to run away from that place, but for some reason I couldn't.
"I... I don't know what-"
"Do you want to go home?"
"What?" I blinked and frowned.
"Before the event, we always give the workers some time to rest. We call it the 'recharge time'. It was something Erza invented so that everyone would be in a good mood on the day of the party and not tired because of work. Since this time you have two weeks, why don't you take advantage of it and go home?"
"Are you serious?"
He nodded and I was at a loss for what else to say. I was homesick...I couldn't deny it. I was taken by surprise at that moment. I really wanted to go back to Japan, especially to see my mother again...and Sting. All these days without hearing Sting's voice have been making me lose my mind and get more and more confused. I needed to see them both. I needed to feel the familiarity of home again to get back to my senses and to reality.
"Of course I do! I mean- I miss my mother and all that, but so soon I don't know if I'll-"
"You should go. I'm sure your mother will be happy to see you... and your boyfriend."
"Yes..." I lowered my head, "I'm sure they miss me as much as I miss them. Sometimes I look around and I don't even want to believe that I'm really here and not in Japan."
"If you're here it's because you've earned it. That's all you have to think about."
I looked at him and we both smiled. We stayed like that for a few seconds until I broke eye contact because I was feeling quite embarrassed again. That tingle returned and I tried to say something to make it go away.
"I have a question, though..." he raised his eyebrow, "Why Jazz?"
"Don't you like Jazz?"
"It's not exactly the genre of music I listen to the most, but I just thought it was an interesting choice."
"It was Erza's idea, she's the one who usually chooses the themes and arranges things related to the event. As you can probably guess, I'm not exactly good at that, my job is different."
"Yes... I can imagine." she smiles, "Well, since I get that you are an apologist for making all your workers feel good and happy, I have one more question."
"Go ahead, it's more than what I was expecting." he smirked.
"What's Lisanna's problem?"
"What do you mean?"
"I mean... with me. From the very first day you hired me, she seems to treat me like I'm the worst person who ever came into the company." I sipped some of my coffee, "I don't understand what harm I've done to her."
He paused for a moment and seemed to be surprised by my question. He smiled gently and I didn't know if it was to calm me down or if that subject had simply taken him by surprise.
"Don't worry about Lisanna, that's just the way she is. Let's just say she has a problem with new people. You're not the problem, you don't have to think about it anymore."
"I wasn't thinking about being her friend or anything like that... I just wanted to know if I had done anything to upset her."
He shook his head, "It's okay. The more you ignore her, you'll find it easier not to worry about her so much."
I couldn't help myself and laughed when I heard those words. They had been the exact same words Erza had said to me. He looked at me with a confused expression and I shook my hand as I tried to pull myself together.
"It's nothing, I'm sorry. I just remembered something." I looked at the clock to make it seem like an excuse and slowly got up, "Well, it's starting to get late. I'd better get going or I won't be able to finish everything I have to do."
"You better not forget that this is recovery week. From what your friend Levy said the other day, you've been killing yourself with work all day. That's not at all what you're supposed to do during this week."
"Thank you... I'll try to remember that." I smiled and grabbed my things, "Thanks for the company too. I'll see you in two weeks, then?" he nodded, "Right... Good night, Natsu."
I left before I could hear his reply, but I was pretty sure he would be smirking behind me. I knew I always ended up with a nervous posture around him, and I could have sworn he would be laughing at my embarrassment. As I said his name I could almost feel my voice trembling. How was a simple name so hard for me to say? I knew I would try to ignore the line that separated us professionally, but I still had a hard time doing it because every time I looked at him I felt more and more intimidated and I didn't even know if it was because he was my boss or... No! I couldn't think that way. Now the only thing I had to think about was that I had the opportunity to go home for two weeks and I could kill all my homesickness and have my childhood memories back for a while.
"Wait up." he got up from his chair, "I have to go too. I have to meet someone before the end of the day and I got distracted by the time."
He gestured with his hand indicating for me to walk ahead of him. I walked over to the counter to pay my bill while he waited for me outside the cafeteria. As soon as I walked to the door, he opened it with his arm and since I walked at a slightly slower speed than he was expecting, he took a step and we bumped into each other suddenly. I felt his hand lightly touch my back with the impact, probably afraid I would get off balance. Suddenly, that strange tingling returned.
The door bell made a noise at the moment of the bump and I was just too embarrassed that I almost had trouble looking him in the eye.
"I... I'm sorry!"
"It's okay, I was the one who got distracted."
When I finally looked at him after apologizing, I realized how close we were. I could still slightly feel his hand behind my back and I noticed that I had mine slightly close to his chest. The tingling intensified as soon as I suddenly looked into his eyes and noticed that he was doing the same. The embarrassment wouldn't let me react otherwise and I tried to get out of that situation as quickly as possible.
"Umm, thanks again and sorry for my clumsiness."
"That's okay, it was really my fault this time." he smiled, "You can get home okay, right?"
"I guess so..." he smiles, "Good night!"
"Good night, Lucy. Have a good week."
As I started walking to leave, I couldn't help but smile involuntarily as I thought about what had just happened. I was really clumsy and I don't even want to imagine what he must have been thinking at that moment. I had to admit that his company was pleasant, I had no doubt about that. It was going to be strange not being in the same space as him for two weeks, since it had become a habit. However, I was going to see my mother. I was going to see Sting. I was going to be home for two weeks and I was going to get a break from work to rest. My head was a mess, but I was going to use this time to get everything in order and get back to New York better than ever.
My plane had finally arrived in Japan and my heart was filled with joy. I was going to see my mother... and Sting. During the whole trip I had been wondering what I would say to him. What I was feeling with every passing day was so confusing. I had no idea what to do, how to react or what the right thing was. What I knew is that I needed to spend time with Sting to finally realize what my heart really feels. The proximity with Natsu was too much for me to handle.
I decided to go to Sting's house first, since it was the closest to the airport. I knew that Sting was home at that time and I wanted to surprise him. As soon as I arrived there, I got out of the taxi and carefully walked to the entrance. I breathed in and out and knocked on the door, but no answer. I knew he was home, since his car was parked at the entrance. I knocked on the door a second time and still got no answer. He was probably sleeping. I grabbed my phone and tried to call him but didn't get an answer. It was starting to worry me, I always wakes up when his phone rings. When I put my phone on my bag again, I remembered that I still had Sting's keys. Since we had been dating for four eyes, we decided that it would be a good idea to have a copy of each other's keys. I tried to look for it and when I finally found it, I opened the door slowly.
He wasn't at his living room or his kitchen, which meant that he had to be on the first floor. I tried to call for his name, but got no answer. He definitely had to be sleeping. I walked upstairs slowly so I wouldn't wake him up and heard some strange noises as I got closer to his room, as if someone was screaming. I frowned and stopped to listen. My mind was so confused and something in my chest made me feel bad. I had to be wrong... It couldn't be...
When I got to his room's door and went inside, I paralyzed. My eyes widened with what was right in front of my eyes. Sting was laying on his bed, completely naked with another girl on top of him. I didn't need much time to realize who it was. At first he didn't notice my presence, as he was too busy looking and grabbing Angel's breasts, as well as the loud noises she was making.
"Sting...?"
As soon as I spoke, he looked in my direction and his eyes widened.
"L-Lucy?!" he was startled and almost threw the girl out of his lap.
"Really?!" I asked back.
"Baby, I can explain!"
"Are you freaking kidding me?! What exactly can you explain?" I felt tears in my eyes.
They both began to quickly put on their clothes. He got up and tried to approach me, but I pushed him away and hit him with both my arms as I didn't want him anywhere close to me. Angel stood on the bed, looking at what was happening. I stopped hitting him and looked at both. As she looked into my eyes, Angel was about to get up and leave the room, but I raised my hand.
"Don't, you can stay." I looked at Sting, "He's all yours."
I left the room as quickly as I could and Sting followed me outside. I ignored him as much as I could and as I felt his arm grabbing mine, I quickly turned around and pushed him away.
"Please, Lucy! Let's talk, I can explain!"
"There's nothing to talk about, I saw everything! What exactly can you even say to me that I haven't realized already?"
"Lucy, I'm sorry!" he started crying, "I was an idiot, I was weak!"
"Yeah, that we can agree on."
"I'm sorry, baby! It's just- You were away for so long and I missed you! I don't wanna lose you, let me make it up to you?"
"Are you out of your mind?" I frowned, "Okay, here's how you can make it up to me... Don't talk to me ever again, forget that I exist!"
"What? You can't be serious?" he tried to reach me and I backed away.
"You think I'm joking, Sting? Look at me! Look at my face and take a guess!"
I felt like such an idiot at that moment. I felt like the worst person in the world, even though I wasn't the one to blame. I felt that everything I had with Sting in the past was meaningless, since imy absence was enough for that to happen. I couldn't believe that I was so happy to finally see him again before I had seen it in front of my eyes. I felt so foolish. I tried my best to stop the tears from streaming down my face involuntarily. The pain I felt in my chest didn't help, it only made it worse and worse.
"Lucy, please... Don't let something like this ruin all the years we've spent together."
"You've got to be kidding me... How can you even say that?!"
"I love you, is that so hard for you to understand?"
"I loved you too, Sting... But right now, I realize that I love me more and... the best thing for me is what I'm going to do now. You don't deserve me and I don't deserve to suffer because of you."
I quickly reached for my phone in my bag before he could continue trying to manipulate me. I texted my mother to let her know that I would be going home now. Luckily, one of the cabs was on the street and I walked as quickly as I could before Sting could continue. I couldn't hear his voice anymore.
"Lucy! Listen to me, please!"
"Sting, right now every breath of yours makes me feel the worst. Every time I look at your face, I want to punch it. So, leave me alone and go to hell!"
I ran to the taxi so as not to give him time to stop me. He wasn't going to be able to get me to give him one more chance, I wasn't going to do that to myself. As soon as I got into the car, I shut the door so hard I had to apologize to the driver. I sat there and took a deep breath, but at that moment the tears didn't stop. I put my hands on my face to wipe them away and looked at the window. It felt like my world was going to collapse at that moment.
I arrived at my house and I saw that my mother was already waiting for me at the front door with the biggest smile on her face. Looking at her and seeing that expression was the only thing that made me forget about all that happened before with Sting. She stood up as soon as I got out of the taxi and opened up both her arms to give me a hug.
"Oh, Lucy! My baby girl!" she hugged me so tight that I wanted to cry, "How are you? Look how gorgeous you are!"
"I'm okay, mom! I won't be if you keep hugging me like this for too long." I laughed.
"I haven't seen you in so long, I have to!"
"It's only been two months, mom." I smiled.
"Really? It feels like a lifetime already! I missed you so much!"
"I missed you too."
There was a familiar smell coming from the kitchen and I realized that my mother had cooked my favorite dish, as expected. I smiled as soon as I saw it and sat down on the table to eat it. She laughed when she noticed my excitement. I was extremely happy to be there, having dinner with my mom after all this time. She told me that she had won a promotion and I couldn't be happier for her. I knew that she missed me, but at least she was doing well on her job. I told her that I would help her with whatever she needed, but I knew she wouldn't accept it.
"I thought you'd never come back home. Are you enjoying your life in New York?"
"Yeah, it feels a bit different but I love it there. Everything is so... alive. There's always something happening in the city and the people are really nice. I've met this girl, Levy, she's helped me a lot. She's basically the first friend I made there. She's a bit of a partier, but I love her company."
"What about your job?"
"I love it... Sometimes I have to do some extra work that I don't really appreciate, but... I'm working at the one of the biggest companies in the world and it was my dream, so... What's there not to love?"
"What about your boss?" she raised her eyebrow.
"He's... nice. We have a bit of a... complicated relationship. He's a very good boss." I tried to reassure her, "He's not the typical rude boss that only tells me to do stuff and doesn't really care about anyone in the company. Don't worry, I'm in good hands there."
"I'd just... love it if you could stay for a while. Your room is the same since you left, all your memories are still there. I'm sure you'll want to stay here for as long as you can once you go up there."
"Mom, you know I can't do that." I smiled gently, "I have to go back to work once these two weeks are over."
"I know, I know..." she lowered her head.
"Hey, I've been thinking... Why don't you come with me?" she frowned, "To New York. I know you have your job and we've lived here our entire lives, but... You'll probably get a better chance at a great job there and we won't have to be away from-"
"Sweetheart, I understand what you're trying to say... But I can't leave. I don't want to leave and you know it."
"Because of dad? Mom, he's been gone for so long now. Has he ever cared about us after all this time?" I got up, "Where is he? We haven't heard from him in years, why do you keep worrying about him or afraid that he might come back and we won't be here when he does?"
"It's not just because of your father... I've always had my whole life here and so have you. You went your own way, you wanted a different life and you went after it. My life will always be here, in Japan. I know your father... can be difficult, but you have to understand that-"
"Difficult?! Mom, he left us. He left without saying anything else, without even caring if his own daughter is okay. He acted as if he suddenly no longer had a family, and you still keep excusing him for it. Mom, I'm sorry but you can't keep worrying about a ghost."
"Your father is-"
"I don't know how my father is or where he might be! That's why to me he's a ghost and we can't keep worrying about him. You have to think about yourself, mom. You have to stop always thinking about others and not about yourself."
I felt a tightness at that moment as I said those words. Suddenly, my memories went back a few days ago to the moment when Natsu said those very same words to me. I finally understood what he meant and I was grateful for that.
My mother slowly stood up and put her arms on my shoulders to reassure me.
"Honey, I understand your side... Believe me, I understand. Your father left a great deal of pain when he left, but I also know that it also affected you greatly. You were very young, but you still have that memory inside you and I know it will haunt you as much as it haunts me." I could see the tears forming in her eyes, "However, that's not the reason I can't go to New York with you. You have a life ahead of you, you can make it any way you want. I don't think this is the best time for me to try to start mine again... Even if it would please me because I would be by your side and be able to annoy you every day."
"I just don't want you to suffer anymore, mom..." I tried to hold back the tears.
"I know, honey... I'm glad to have such a thoughtful little girl like you." she smiled.
I wanted to tell her everything that was going on in New York. I wanted to tell her everything that was going on with Natsu and how my head was a mess. I didn't want her to suffer any more with the subject about my father, just like I didn't like to suffer with everything that was going on around me. If there was one thing she had always taught me it was that my happiness should never depend on anyone else and I didn't want hers to either. It was getting harder to hold back the tears.
"I broke up with Sting..." I finally said.
"What?" she took my hands, "What happened, honey?"
I shook my head, "It doesn't matter, I don't want to talk about it... The only thing I want right now is to forget he ever existed."
I knew it didn't take many words for her to understand what had happened. She could always read my pain, could always understand what I was feeling just by looking at me. She knew it would be painful for me to talk about it, so she just nodded and continued to hold my hands, until she hugged me tightly so that I had all the support I needed. It was at this moment that I finally let the tears fall down my face.
"Why don't you go to your room and rest, dear? We'll talk better tomorrow. I want to know all about your adventure since you left." she smiled gently and I just nodded.
She walked me up the stairs while holding my hand. My mother always knew how to give me emotional support. She always knew how to comfort me, even if she did it with few words or gestures. We both went up the stairs and at the end of the hall, my bedroom door was closed and I felt a tightness in my chest. I had only been gone for two months, but it seemed that a feeling of comfort filled my chest completely once I looked at the door.
A tremendous feeling of tranquility came over me as I entered my room. Everything was still the same. I fell onto my bed, satisfied. It felt like nothing could affect me there anymore. My memories went back to my childhood days, when everything was so simple and I didn't even know. When I was free from worries and didn't have to think about all these horrible things that were inside my head. I was with my mother again... I was home. I felt bad about what had happened with Sting, but deep down I also knew that it was the best thing for me to do. In the end, I knew that it was a decision that would benefit me. Besides, I had my mother right next to me, she was right there to help me get through it.
She sat down next to me and put me to bed just like she used to do when I was younger. I felt so much comfort by that. I put my head on the pillow and took a deep breath to try to calm what I was feeling in my heart at that moment. It was a feeling I wouldn't wish on anyone. It was as if I felt like the most inferior person in the world at that moment and as if everything I had done for Sting hadn't meant anything.
I felt my mother's hand on my head and as she stroked my hair, I felt sleep coming faster. When I finally closed my eyes and let myself rest, everything around me went black.
Despite the events of the previous day, I was able to sleep comfortably. As soon as I got out of bed, I could smell freshly made pancakes coming from the kitchen. I quickly went downstairs and as soon as my mother noticed my presence, she smiled gently.
"Did you sleep well, dear?"
"Better than I was expecting. Besides, as soon as I smelled those delicious pancakes I immediately got a smile on my face."
"I was expecting it... Some things never change." she pulled up one of the chairs, "Sit down, they're almost ready."
The pancakes were great, as always. I couldn't help but feel nostalgia as soon as I tasted them. I always loved my mother's pancakes, it was the best breakfast I could ever want. She sat down next to me and stared at me with a curious expression and I knew questions were coming.
"So... Since yesterday was a rough day and I couldn't talk to you about anything else... What's your boss like, anyway? The famous Mr. Dragneel."
"He's nice... More than I was expecting, at least. He is considerate of his employees and pays me well for my work. I'm still learning some things, but the atmosphere in the company is great."
"Good... I'm glad. Is he handsome?"
"What?" I almost chocked on my coffee.
"Your boss, silly." she laughed.
"Why would you ask me that?"
"Can't your mother just be a bit curious?"
"Being curious is not the same as being nosy."
"For me to be nosy, there would have to be something for me to pry into. Is there something?" she arched her eyebrow.
It was almost impossible to hide anything from her. She could just look at me and was able to figure out everything that was going on.
"You're the worst, you know that?" I laughed.
"You better watch your words. You're my daughter, who's to say you don't have those genes of mine too?"
"It's complicated..." I paused and drank some of the coffee, "I don't even know how to explain it because I don't even know myself."
"Hmm, do you have pictures of him?"
"Mom! Of course not, that would be inappropriate!"
"You wouldn't be the first girl interested in her boss. I have to know if he is a good match for my daughter." she laughed and I slapped her on the arm.
"We're just...co-workers, that's all." she raised an eyebrow and I sighed, "Okay, sometimes we can have some interactions that are... kind of informal, but we don't have anything with each other."
"You're overcomplicating something that seemed much simpler when I first asked you about it."
"Let's just finish eating breakfast, okay? I don't wanna talk about that right now."
"Okay, I'll try not to torture you about that anymore... What about friends? Did you make any?"
"Just one... Levy. She's a little crazy sometimes, but she's the best company I could have had since I got there. Besides you, she's the person who gives me the best advice."
"Really? Hmm, I can see I'm going to have to fight for that seat with someone else."
"Don't be silly, no one can ever replace a mother like you." I smiled, "You have to meet her someday, I'm sure you'll love her."
"If she's a good friend to you, I'll really enjoy meeting her."
After the two weeks passed, I had to go back to New York. I said goodbye to my mom and I felt the tears in my eyes once again. I promised her that I would visit again during Christmas. She hugged me tight and I was so happy. These days I had spent with her were great. I was able to forget for a while what had happened with Sting and I had to thank my mom for that. I was also happy about the fact that she was proud about my job and my choice of going to New York to start a new life. I had to admit that a part of me had always been worried about what she might think, but now I knew that she would always support me in my decisions.
As soon as the cab arrived to take me to the airport, tears fell from both of our faces and it was even harder for me to leave.
"Take care of yourself, honey. Promise me you'll always think of yourself first before anything else."
"I will... Take care, mom. Thank you for everything."
We gave one last hug, even stronger than the previous one, before I finally got inside the car. I waved as soon as the car started moving and my mother's figure grew smaller and smaller as the distance between us increased.
The flight went by so fast that I was startled when the commander said we were about to land. I had texted Levy to let her know that I would be arriving today. I had missed her. She was the first friend I had done ever since I came to New York and I really wanted to see her. Although, inside my head I wanted to stop by somewhere else first. I had no idea why my mind involuntarily wanted that. I felt a tightness in my chest at the thought that I was about to see Natsu again. I hadn't heard any word or news of him since I had left for Japan. It had been two weeks and I didn't know how to react once I saw him. Would everything be strange again or would everything be as normal as before I left?
I called the receptionist of the company and she had told me that Natsu was still there. I got into the taxi and asked the driver to take me to Fairy Tail. I wondered what I would say to him. I had nothing planned in my head, since it had been a sudden idea. I didn't even know if he would want to see me at that moment or if he would be busy. I would probably be making a fool of myself again. Would he be surprised to see me in his office after I came back? I didn't even know what I should say once I got there, but my chest kept tightening every time I thought about it.
I took the elevator and once I reached the top floor, I saw the lights on. I didn't see anyone there, since it was late and everyone had already left. I walked slowly to his office and was suprised when I suddenly heard an unexpected voice... Lisanna.
I tried to hide behind the wall in front of his office. I glanced around and the door was slightly open, it was possible to see only a little of what was going on inside the room. Lisanna was not dressed in her usual work uniform. She was dressed in a tight fitting black dress. It was possible to see some of the curves of her body. She walked slowly towards his desk and I felt a tightness in my chest when I could finally see him, sitting on his chair with his head leaned on his hand.
"What are you doing here?" Natsu asked. It was almost weird to hear his voice again.
"What do you mean? Don't you like my company anymore?" she was speaking with a more seductive tone than I was used to, "I miss the times we used to spend together."
"I'm working right now, Lisanna." his voice sounded irritated.
"What happened to you? You've been so cold to me lately and I don't even know why. I've always done everything you asked, everything to please you. Is it so bad that I want some time alone with you, like old times?"
What did she mean by that? Apparently, she and Natsu didn't just have a professional relationship. They used to be together... She wasn't just his secretary, from her conversation it seemed that they had once been something more. I felt the tightness in my chest becoming worse and I knew I had to get out of there.
"And is it that bad when I tell you that now is not the best time?" he answered.
"It never is..." she approached him slowly, "Tell me something, is it because of that girl?"
Was she talking about me? No, it would probably be another girl in Natsu's life that I didn't know about and I was just being paranoid again.
"Don't be silly, Lisanna. I just have too many things to do lately and your insistence isn't helping."
"So cold..." she went around the desk and slowly pulled his arm away so she could sit on his lap, "How can you be that way to me? Don't you miss our moments anymore? Those were the moments that distracted you..." she ran her hand down his arm, "Those were the moments that made you forget all the pressure you feel from your father. It was those moments that made me realize how good you felt when you were with me."
The tightness in my chest was getting worse. Something was telling me that at that moment I was torturing myself and the best thing to do was to leave. Still, my body wasn't responding and I was too shocked by that conversation that I couldn't even absent myself as I wanted to.
"Lisanna... Can you get off-?"
"Shhh... Don't talk, please." she used her hand to lift his chin so he would look at her, "Just enjoy this moment again and don't think about anything else. Don't think about your father... Don't think about annoying little girls who only want you for your money... She's been gone for two weeks and have you heard from her? She wasn't even able to leave a note at the reception..."
The girl she was talking about was me after all. I was completely shocked not knowing what to think or how to react to the conversation. I had not made any contact with him or the rest of the company because of everything that had happened when I arrived in Japan and because I wanted to be alone and rest with my mother. Was he upset that I never said anything?
"Stop acting like you know me, Lisanna."
"Then, what's the matter? Why don't you treat me the way you used to anymore?"
"Lisanna, I don't-"
"Just look at me... Just that."
I stopped for a few seconds to take a deep breath and try to calm the strange feeling I was experiencing. I felt less and less in control of my body and my reactions. Why the hell was I reacting like that? After I calmed down, I looked back at the office and Lisanna had her hand placed on Natsu's face as she continued to look at him seductively... almost desperately too.
"I know you want those moments back as much as I do..."
He continued with an annoyed expression and didn't answer her. At that moment, without saying anything else, she moved closer to his face and kissed him. At first she was trying to get a response from him, which she eventually did. He suddenly stood up and they deepened the kiss.
My breath got short at that moment as I saw what was happening in front of my eyes. I didn't know what to think. Everything inside my head seemed like a cloud covering my consciousness. I couldn't think straight... At that moment I just felt like going home and I didn't even understand why. I put my hand on my chest and didn't understand why it seemed like it was hurting so badly. I needed to get out of there and leave, I shouldn't have been listening to that conversation, let alone the noises that followed as if the things that were on his desk had fallen on the floor. A tingle ran through my body and I finally gathered courage and headed for the elevator to get out of the building as quickly as possible.