The Pain that Lingers

Chapter eight: Defend the Lie

Lucy
My aunt Tara picked me at the time she said she would come get me.

 
It was almost two in the morning, and I was tired.

 
"How was the train ride?" Aunt Tara asked.

 
"It was okay." I spoke almost quietly. 

It was really boring, but I hope Clay and Alyssa will be happy and excited when I surprise them.

The past

"Oh Lu. I'm so sorry about what happened with your dad," Alyssa said. I glanced over at her and gave her a quick nod. "Thanks Lyssa." I say. Clay joined in on the hug and we all sat there for a good five minutes. "When do you leave?" Clay asked breaking the silence. 

"Next week..." I said sniffling. Alyssa wiped away my tears with her thumb. "Don't cry. It's for your own good. We'll be fine," she said. They might be fine, but I wouldn't be. It was the last week of school in May. My hair was shorter, I became thinner and more depressed as time went on. I couldn't live life like this. I'm so happy they understand my position. I'm glad I have such amazing understanding friends.
Present
I was too deep into my thoughts to register my surroundings. My aunt parked in the parking lot of her apartment complex. She lived near times square because of her company. She is the CEO of her own skincare brand; it was cool to see her grow. She is a well-known Dermatologist; guess she wanted a totally different career compared to my dad and Uncle. I don't blame her to be honest...

 
Her apartment was renovated, it looked really nice. Aunt Tara put in a big chandelier in the kitchen, and sparkly curtains. Her room was a pink, black color because her and my uncle share a room, they wanted it to look spicey and fun. 

I walked over to the kitchen to grab a water bottle to take my medicine. I had to take some sleeping medication to get through the night and block out the memories of the past. My memories flow through like crazy when I try to sleep. Without my medication, I have nightmares that scare me to death. Not literally, but close to it. 

The next day 

It was Saturday, meaning I had only until Monday to surprise my best friends. I was only planning on staying for a few days. School is on fall break in the beginning of September and October. 

"Morning sleepyhead." Aunt Tara said shaking me awake. I groaned as she went over to the window to open the curtains. God, she reminds me of my mother when she tries to wake me up in the morning. My hair is a giant frizz ball, and I feel icky from sleeping partially on the train. I rolled out of bed. 

"I'm going to hop in the shower." I say. 

"Sure, but after we're going out to the diner!" She said. I used to love going to the diner, that was my favorite part of living in Manhattan. Sure, there are some diners on Long Island, but the one's in Manhattan are killer and the bomb.com. Pretend I didn't say that I know it's cheesy. 

"Sounds good to me!" 

When she left my room, I hopped in the shower. In the apartment the guest room had a bathroom, which was nice. My room has a bathroom as well, but whenever me and Logan shower at the same time in different bathrooms for some reason his bathroom takes all the hot water. Speaking of that moron, I see Instagram photos of him, Jayden and Marcus chilling together at some party that was thrown this weekend by someone who I do not know. I'm over parties since the last one, well at least on Long Island. 

Tonight, was going to be a spectacular night. Aunt Tara got in contact with Alyssa and Clay's parents for the surprise tonight. I'm going to meet them at Frankies. Frankies is a small little milkshake shack. Before my uncle went to the army, he used to take me to Frankies on my birthday.

"Ready to go?!" Aunt Tara called as I was getting dressed. I blow dried my big fluff ball that I call my hair and started to head out. "Yes!" I yelled. Her apartment is one of the bigger ones, it's a penthouse apartment. With her practice, I'm sure she would make that much money to get an apartment like this. 

We got to Monica's Diner. The diner was small, and full of glass. Even the windows are glass, and the exterior. I forgot how much I missed going here. 

"After the diner, we can go shopping if you want until you see your friends tonight!" She said. 

"I'd like that." I say smiling at her. Aunt Tara's auburn hair is to die for. Her hair is a dyed Auburn, but she still rocks the look. She has on a nude lip color, and her skin is tan thanks to our Italian side. Her New York accent is strong, if you would hear her from another state, you can tell she is from New York. Me, I don't have much of an accent believe it or not. 

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It has been a while since me and Aunt Tara went to get breakfast, and lunch at the mall. I got some new outfits and a gift for my two best friends. 

After almost an entire summer, I can finally see them. 

I wonder how they're going to react by me being here. 

Are they going to be excited? 

Gosh, stop over thinking... I thought. 

I was tapping on some concealer to hide my dark circles. I knew where Frankies was from my aunt's place. It was only a five-minute walk; I'd get there in no time. 

"Remember, if anything happens, I want you to call me. You have my number, and your parents' number. Please, don't be afraid to ask for a ride if you're going drinking!" she said. 

"Relax, I don't drink. Thanks for the pep talk, I am leaving now." I said as I headed out the door. I nearly jumped up and down because I was so excited to see them.