5 - she did ballet

Monday was Lucy's least favourite day of the week. This was the case for many people, as the little bit of solace granted by the weekend is snatched away in an instant. And it's right back to forced routines and never-ending days.

"Lucy?" The girls head snapped up from the window it was leaning against. She looked out. When had they arrived?

"Hm?"

"I asked if you have your ballet bag." Capricorn asked, concern appearing in his expression.

"Um…" Lucy looked around. Purse, gym bag, library tote… no dance bag. "I must've left it…"

"No worries. I'll retrieve it and bring it this afternoon when I pick you up for practice."

"Thanks, Capricorn." Lucy grabbed her stuff and began to open the door before her chauffeur spoke up.

"You seem distracted, Lady Lucy. Is everything okay?"

"Everything's fine!" Lucy flashed a smile before heading into her school. It was going to be a long day. She walked through the halls quickly, taking an alternate route. Usually, she hangs out with her friends in the study commons until the bell rings, but she did not want anyone to see her today.

Lucy got closer and closer to her classroom, picking up speed as she approached the door. As long as she got there, she'd be safe-

"Lucy!" Fuck. "Lucy Heartfilia, where do you think you're going?"

"Lisanna!" Lucy turned around slowly, greeting her friends with a wave.

"Trying to escape?" Yukino narrowed her eyes.

"No… I was going to our spot, just had to drop off some papers for Mrs. Belno…"

"Don't even lie!" The two dragged Lucy to a nearby bench, all but throwing her on it. "Spill!"

"Spill what?"

"Michelle Lobster's birthday brunch yesterday." Yukino held up a photo on her phone. Lucy was holding Natsu's hand outside the Lobster mansion, waiting on their car. She couldn't believe she had to hide from nosy cameras in her own relative's home. "Were you planning to tell us about your little boytoy?" Lucy turned beet red as she pushed the phone away.

"It's not like that! Well–"

"Someone said he called everyone prissy."

"He didn't mean it."

"How did you two meet?"

"Don't interrogate me!" Lucy stood up. The bell rang right then, freeing Lucy. Saved. The halls started crowding as people rushed to their first class. "Bye girls!"

"You're not safe, Lucy! We're continuing this conversation at lunch!"

"Mhm!" They were not finishing this conversation at lunch.

Class was not a safe space. Peers Lucy barely knew asked questions about her supposed boyfriend.

"Lucy! It's been so long since we hung out. Thoughts on a double date?" Fake.

"I always wanted pink hair. Do you think dyeing it would increase my chances of a girlfriend?" Shut up.

"Is this your boyfriends Insta? He looks kinda emo. Is that, like, in?" Does he even have Instagram?

"Sorry guys, I really need to finish this paper..."

Lucy's head hurt.

Relief set when her teacher walked in, and class began. The commotion around her desk dispersed, and she could finally breathe. The glances didn't stop, and she knew people still had questions. She focused on her laptop screen until the bell, not even bothering to put it away before speedwalking to her next class.

The cycle repeated. Get in, deflect, get out. This couldn't be a hot topic all day. It was one little moment caught on camera with a guy no one knew. For all they could tell, maybe it was a one-time thing. I really hope it wasn't a one-time thing.

Lunch had rolled around, and the conversation wasn't easing. Could she not go through the salad bar line in peace?

"Lucy!"

"Lucy..."

"Lucy?"

Her head was spinning. Why were these people still talking to her?

"I don't know any of you..." Lucy scrunched her face unapologetically, shoving past the insulted bunch with her plate. She walked towards her usual table before seeing her friends waiting. The looks on their faces weren't looks she wanted to see. They were looks of hunger. They wanted answers that Lucy couldn't provide.

Glances were still coming from every direction. Whispers floating with her name. She felt like frozen gazelle in a field of lions. Why is everyone staring?

So, instead of walking to her table, Lucy closed her eyes and turned around. She walked to the door. Then another door. Then the main doors. And suddenly, she was outside. Taking a seat on the stairs, she took a forkful of grilled salmon, strawberries, and lettuce. Finally, some peace.

Alone with her thoughts was somewhere Lucy rarely got a chance to be, but it was nice.

Wait. Have I apologized to Natsu?

Amongst all the chatter, she had forgotten about the hurt expression on his face after dinner. All this talk about romance, and he might want nothing to do with her.

Well, there was no point in trying to hide it anymore. Everyone was aware, she might as well forget the secrecy. She whipped out her phone and shot a quick text to Natsu.

Lucy: Wanna hang?

Lucy watched her phone for two minutes, easing as the seen check and a typing bubble appeared.

Natsu: rn? rnt u in school

Lucy: Cant deal with school today. Take me somewhere?

Natsu: movie?

Lucy: YES! Anything

"What do you mean by 'Miss Heartfilia isn't on campus?' How do you lose an heiress?"

"I'm sorry sir. Other students said she left campus during lunch. In the meantime, we'd like if you could give her this pamphlet regarding the consequences of skipping... wait, come back please!" Capricorn was out the door in an instant.

"It's great news to hear you're returning to Magnolia, Weisslogia. I see big things for the future of Eucliffe Group and Heartfilia Railways."

"Always a pleasure speaking with you, Jude. I'm sure Sting will be ecstatic to see Lucy again. It's high time they reunited."

"Very true. Layla and I spoke recently about options for our daughter's courtship, and I'm glad this opportunity has arisen at a prime hour."

"Yes, and..." The voice over the phone faded from comprehension as the door to Jude Heartfilia's office cracked open. His eyes narrowed as his secretary poked her head in, and she began gesturing urgently.

"Weisslogia, I'm afraid something has come up. Let us talk more about this in person soon."

"I'll have my assistant send over my calendar. Thank you for your time, Jude." As the phone call ended, the businessman gestured for his assistant to enter. She rushed to the desk, clutching a tablet like it held a world ending secret.

"Sir, I have something I believe you need to see..."