L'Arte dell'Amore (Not Edited)

XIV

A week had passed and Lavender managed to scrap up enough money, working for Ripley. She didn't take a break and it had taken a toll on her health. Her heart constricted thinking about how much she was disgusted by herself. Lavender drank a small glass of tea as she soaked in her bath.

The water and heat had been cut back on, but she was behind on rent, it was only one month and Lavender had saved up.

It would be fine.

Her phone rang before she could overthink anymore than she already was.

"Lavender! I was wondering if you want to come shopping with me, I know it's last minute. I just miss you so much, and I'm better now. Sorry I didn't call, I was so tired." Victoria said through the speaker.

Lavender instantly understood, she knew what it felt like to be tired.

"Okay I- um I am getting ready." Lavender's anxiety was extremely bad today, she had wanted to stay home and read all day. Lavender loved Victoria so much, and that's why she couldn't say no, she needed her.

"If you don't want to it's fine, we can stay home. It's just Aunt Rosa is at my house at the moment." Lavender perked up after hearing Rosalinda's name.

Lavender really missed her, and she didn't know when the next opportunity to see her would be.

"I- can we stay in? I mean only if you want to!" Lavender rushed out. She was scared that Victoria would say no.

Silly fears.

"Of course, where are you? Home? I'll pick you up in ten minutes if that's fine." Victoria's happy voice said through the phone.

Lavender tried not to tear up, how was she so nice.

"That's okay." She whispered softly.

"Perfect!"

———-

"Come on! Lavender there is no need to be nervous!" Victoria ushered her friend through the doors. Lavender didn't know why her anxiety was worse.

"I am!" Lavender said frustrated.

Victoria laughed at how her usually sweet friend snapped at her. The snap was equal to that of an ant. Though from Lavender it was funny.

"Victoria? You're back already?" Vincent's mom rounded the corner with a cookie in her hand.

Lavender watched as Rosa's mouth fell open.

Her heart was beating rapidly against her chest, did Rosa not want to see her. Lavender tended to jump to irrational conclusions.

Before anyone could say anything Rosa was pulling the sweet girl into her motherly embrace.

"Oh Lavender! I missed you so much!" Her professors mom had exclaimed as she let go of the small girl.

Lavender was overtaken by the warmth of the hug, curse her for her eyes watering. She managed to mumble a soft 'I missed you too.'

Soon enough they all three found themselves baking more cookies. Lavender never experienced much cooking with her Mama, and this made her realize how much of a bonding it can become.

Lavender was giggling as she focused on decorating the cookie. The precise design was hard to do with frosting.

Sweat beads forming on her pale skin. Without thinking she swiped her forehead with her messy hand.

Frosting coated her forehead and hairline now.

Victoria had finished hers and looked over to Lavender before she let out a continuous chain of laughter.