L'Arte dell'Amore (Not Edited)

VI

Lavender was laughing at Mr. Ripley, as he made a funny face at her.

Victoria was doubled over laughing at her grandfather and the silly girl, who was becoming her best friend.

The art charity dinner event was tonight, but this morning Lavender felt terrible. She had finally talked to her Mama, but only for a little while. Lavender knew something was going on, why wouldn't mother tell her.

Though her frown didn't last long around Mr. Ripley and his granddaughter.

"Mr. Ripley you look silly when you make that face!" She giggled as she put new books away. Ripley chuckled at the girls and moved back to his office.

Lavender turned to Victoria and smiled big.

"You are the best of the best friends, Vicky." She said with much love and appreciation. Lavender knew she shouldn't get too attached to these people, but how could she not! They were so nice and kind.

"Lav, stop it. You will make me cry!" Victoria said as she pretended to fan her 'crying' eyes.

Lavender shook her head and giggled as she turned back to do her job. The books were piling up lately with all these donations.

She sat down excitedly as her and Victoria worked on their project.

"I think you should just spend the night at my house, so we can get ready and then just come back. How does that sound?" Victoria asked as they worked.

"Like a sleepover?" Lavender asked timidly.

"Exactly! It will be so fun!" Victoria said and looked at Lavender who looked to be in deep thought.

"Okay." She whispered, nervously. Victoria clapped excitedly.

—————

Victoria dropped Lavender off and told her to grab a bag. Lavender rushed around her tiny apartment shoving lots of things into her bag. Her bunny, her books and phone and clothes. Check, check, check. Lavender repeated in her head.

Making it back to the car Victoria drove them to her apartment. It was a nice apartment in a good part of the city.

Lavender looked at the flowers around the windows with envy. She loved it.

She walked with Victoria to the front door. After entering, Lavender took in the exquisite state of her home. She instantly felt smaller, weaker.

She hated that she felt that way, trying to push the thoughts of not being good enough away.

"The spare bedroom is down that hall. Your bathroom connects to it." Victoria explained as she went to change. Lavender was hesitant, not wanting to intrude.

Slowly she made her way to the extravagant bedroom.

A soft gasp escaped her lips as she looked at the size of the bed. The huge windows that provided a breathtaking view of the city. Lavender smiled as she took her bunny out of her bag.

Embarrassed that she had such a silly object she hid it under the pillow. She couldn't sleep without him. Lavender just thought it was too weird. Her back was a bit sore from putting away all the new donations, so she laid down for a second, though she accidentally had fallen asleep.

Victoria was almost done getting ready, she wondered if Lavender was done yet. Surely she had enough time. Slowly, Victoria knocked on the guest room door.

There was no answer.

Victoria pushed the door open slightly, and laughed at the sight of Lavender sleeping. It was 4:30 in the evening. They had to leave at five.