𝟎𝟓 | 𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝 friendships

"She knew she was really sad when she stopped loving the things she loved." —Atticus

THE LOUD SOUND of droplets smacking the building, sidewalks, and busy streets was all Avelina could focus on. The clouds were opaque and hanging over her, covering up the sun. She gazed up for a moment, feeling the water droplets drip onto her skin.

Avelina bought herself a big jacket to cover her figure as she walked down the street.

Miss Paola sent Avelina to the local food market to grab a few things for their special dinner tonight. She also expressed how important it was for Avelina to be getting exercise.

Avelina sighed. She could feel the darkness opening its arms to swallow her whole. She tried to get in contact with the new owner of HomeCare, but he never answered. Her heart broke at just about everything he could have discovered about her.

Once she made it to the market, she noticed a man who sat on the sidewalk. His shirt was ripped up and dirty. He tried his best to cover away from the rain, but it still managed to make him soaked and shivering.

Avelina casually walked over to him. She grabbed both sides of her jacket before taking it off. The man watched her as she placed it on top of him.

"I'll bring you something from in the market, okay?" she questioned.

"I-I can't take this," he began to take the jacket off, but she shook her head. His eyes landed on her swollen belly as guilt trickled in.

"It's fine! I have plenty more, I promise," Avelina reassured him. She didn't wait to hear him say anything else before heading into the market.

Miss Paola wanted her to get enough food to make some beef stew. It had been so long since she last ate beef stew, and she almost couldn't remember what went in it.

Pulling out her phone to google a recipe, she accidentally bumped into someone. Her phone fell to the ground, and what was already a cracked screen, was now a shattered device. Avelina didn't need to pick up her phone to know that it was broken.

"God! I'm so sorry!" A familiar voice exclaimed. Avelina peered up to see the same red-head that drove her home the other day.

"It's fine," Avelina muttered. She tried to bend down to pick it up, but her big belly blocked the way. A loud sigh moved past her lips.

"Here, I got it," Lucia said, bending down and grabbing the phone. Avelina grimaced as she stated at it. The phone was definitely a goner.

"I'm sorry," Lucia repeated, handing the phone to Avelina.

"It's fine. I've been needing to get a new one anyway," Avelina consoled her.

Lucia smiled. "Hey, I remember you! Avelina, right? I gave you ride in my taxi cab."

She nodded her head, recalling the chaotic driver. Lucia's smile grew, showing off her perfectly straight, white teeth.

When she noticed Avelina was empty-handed, she handed Avelina her basket to place food in.

"Oh, thank you," Avelina muttered. She slid her damaged phone into the pocket of her leggings and grasped the basket.

"No problem! I was just looking around. Everyone has been saying this place has the best produce," Lucia said.

"So you're really keen about your vegetables?" Avelina questioned just to strike up some conversation.

Lucia nodded her head enthusiastically. She lifted up a ball of cabbage that Avelina didn't even realize she was holding til' now.

"Yup! I've been a vegetarian for five years now," she explained. Avelina smiled at that. Even though she wasn't a vegetarian herself, she always applauded those who took their health extremely important and cared for the animals that they were saving.

Avelina wanted to stick around and talk, but there was an alarm that sounded off in her brain. She already said too much and spoke for too long. If she wanted to stay out of Adrik and Vincent's radar, she couldn't slip up.

"That's amazing," Avelina breathed. "Well, it was nice talking to you. I have to finish with these groceries."

Avelina began to walk away, but like a stray puppy, Lucia followed.

"Let me help! I don't really know anyone around here and you seem really sweet. So, I'd be happy to just stick around as... friends?" Lucia questioned, desperation lurking in the shadows of her eyes.

Avelina's shoulders fell. She knew what it was like to be in a city and having absolutely no one. It was lonely.

"You don't have any family?" Avelina wondered out loud. The girl shrugged.

"None worth being around," she muttered.

Avelina watched as Lucia gazed off elsewhere. She looked as though memories were strumming through her mind, fighting to make her heart sing.

Lucia shook her head and kept her smile firm.

"I get that," Avelina said, thinking back to her brother. He called the other day, but Avelina didn't bother answering. She was worried that he found out about her pregnancy and was calling to tell her to get rid of it. She couldn't fathom hearing how much of mistake she was making by keeping Adrik's baby, or how she's a traitor to their family. She didn't want any more negativity.

"What are you looking for?" Lucia questioned, skipping past Avelina. She enjoyed the vibrant energy Lucia shed off. She seemed lively. It was so different from the depression Avelina had been faced to deal with.

"Things to make beef stew," she answered.

"Great! My father used to make it all the time," Lucia said, grabbing Avelina's wrist and walking her toward the produce. She began placing carrots, potatoes, and onions in the basket.

Avelina was grateful that Lucia knew what to get. With her phone now completely damaged, she would have had to walk all the way back home to ask Miss Paola what was necessary for dinner.

"So, Avelina, are you always out and about?" Lucia asked, stealing a glance at her.

Avelina shook her head, a frown settling on her face. There was nothing more that she wanted than to confide in someone. She wanted them to understand her struggles and voice their agreement on how shitty of a life she had. But she knew she couldn't do that.

"I like to be home," Avelina answered. Instinctively, she rubbed her baby bump, and Lucia's eyes followed.

"Do you mind if I feel?" Lucia questioned, her eyes never faltering from Avelina's pregnant belly. Avelina looked around, not really sure what she was looking for before nodding her head.

She watched Lucia as she reached out to feel the swollen bump. A gasp left her lips. When she glanced up at Avelina, there were tears yearning to fall from her blue eyes. Avelina's brows pulled together as she watched the red-head stranger, curiously.

Lucia pulled away, wiping away her tears. "I'm sorry, babies make me so emotional." she chuckled.

Avelina nodded even though suspicions lingered in her mind.

They continued to walk through the market, grabbing ingredients Miss Paola would need.

"I once... I once lost my baby. I was pregnant by a guy I shouldn't have even loved. He doesn't know I miscarried, and sometimes, I think it was for the best. He really hates me now," Lucia laughed, but there was a sadness that lurked in her words.

"Why would he hate you?" Avelina found herself asking.

"Oh!" Lucia waved her hand dismissively. "Misunderstandings, you know?"

"Well, have you spoken to him?" Avelina questioned, quirking up a brow. "You know, to clear up those misunderstandings."

"No, I'd rather him hate me. At least I know I still exist in his mind. Even if I'm just an obstacle for him to face, I am relieved to still be in his memories, his vengeance, his rage, his heart. I know it may be selfish, but it would pain me to know he has forgotten about me," she explained.

Avelina sighed. She knew she was probably making a big mistake as she said, "you should join me for dinner."

—

Instagram: amarieauthor

Twitter: amarieauthor

Facebook: authoramarie

Tiktok: amarieauthor

Website: amarieauthor.org

Question: do you trust Lucia? Why or why not?

Thank you for reading. Please vote!