Algernon Black

(Chapter 142) Furiously Beating

Lucy still assisted in any way she could in the aftermath of the attack. And for the first time since meeting Algernon, finally started to comprehend just how much was put onto his shoulders. Algernon had been constantly pulled away by every man and woman who wanted to speak about what he saw or be reassured that he would be able to protect them if another invasion occurred. Even when he wasn't around, she heard men and women uttering his name constantly, and in the same sentence, they mentioned war. It made Lucy's heart sink, just as much so as when she would catch Algernon in one of the spare moments their paths crossed and he ignored her like a plague. But at least his treatment had helped Jasper, who had finally woken. Lucy spent days at his bedside, making sure he was comfortable and recovering, mostly fretting over his eyes which still hadn't recovered its vision.

His family arrived to get him soon after. They thanked Lucy for helping their son and took him away just as quickly. Lucy couldn't explain the ache in her chest the goodbye had caused, maybe it was because she never had a goodbye where she saw the person again, but she felt terrible remorse. And it also felt like the start of a long isolation as everyone in Attwood slowly started to disappear. She bit at her cheeks as she walked towards the back of the infirmary, passing rows of now-empty beds as anyone that had a home to return to did, which meant Lucy was left not knowing where to go.

Lucy drew open the closet's curtains but was pulled away from entering when a voice stopped her.

"Still doing his bidding I see," Pecilia said, swaying her hips as she sauntered towards her. She was wearing her usual outfit, but this time with warm leggings under her shorts to combat the winter's cold and a thick padded tailored coat.

Lucy's face sunk when she glimpsed the luggage she carried. "Actually I'm doing Wilham's." She held up the bandages she'd already retrieved. "He needs more dressings and salve to take home."

"You shouldn't be doing his either," Pecilia said, eyebrows knitting together in her characteristic glower. "Stop letting people tell you what to do."

"Except you?" Lucy responded without missing a beat.

Pecilia smirked as did Lucy. Being rude and snobbish had always been a way to keep Pecilia from feeling unwanted things, such as the sorrow that came with parting, though she never really had anyone that ever made her feel the strong impact of goodbye until now. And she absolutely hated the feeling it retched in her stomach.

"If you don't listen to anything else I have to say, at least listen to this." Pecilia stepped closer so Lucy might finally hear the words as clearly as she spoke them. "Protect yourself. When it comes down to the end, don't rely on anyone but yourself."

Lucy understood who she meant by anyone and nodded, though she had to break eye contact to do so.

Pecilia lingered awkwardly for another few seconds, unsure of how to initiate a goodbye.

"Well, anyways." She pivoted on her heels and jiggled her hands as if pesky sentiment's of the heart could be shaken off. "I'm leaving."

Lucy returned a somber smile. "Goodbye, Pecilia."

Pecilia glanced back to Lucy as a concerned line wrinkled her forehead, before trekking the rest of the way to the exit.

"Oh, and Pecilia?" Lucy called out, right as she opened the doors. Pecilia halted but didn't turn back. "If you ever need someone to rely on, I'm always here," Lucy said with all the care and honestly she meant with the promise.

Pecilia wavered and gripped the handle tight enough for palms to hurt. "Who would ever be in a situation so fucked up they would need to rely on you?"

Lucy laughed because though Pecilia tried to convey the words bitterly they had no harshness, just as Lucy had come to realize was the same with her heart.