In this together

Chapter 6: Its ok

(Lucia's POV)

My fingers tap the steering wheel as my eyes trace the parking lot. Why Amelia wanted to meet me here, I have no clue, but she said that it was important. I imagine that she wants to talk about what happened this morning. She briefed me when I called her and to be honest, I'm worried. Amity is a very strong person, but that kind of stress can do something to someone and knowing her, she won't want to worry Luz with it.

The nearly empty lot was quiet until a green Sedan pulled up next to me. I open my door and step out of the car as does Amelia. Leaning my body against the side of my Coupe, I pull out my vape pen as she makes her way over. I put on a smug grin as she comes into view.

"You couldn't go a day knowing I was in town and not see me huh Blight?"

My expression immediately drops as her face becomes visible, her eyes avoiding mine. Anger flushes my face as I take in the purplish spot just above her left eye and the small blood-stained bandage on her temple. My body automatically makes its way to her, and my hands hold her face. Her bloody hand meets mine and she lays her head on my chest. My voice comes out hoarse and quiet, not knowing the answer.

"Who did this?"

She lifts her head and smiles gently, pointing to my car. "Can we sit? I'm a little tired." I nod and she loops her arm through mine and puts most of her weight on me. I make a note to take her to urgent care later. Opening the door, I ease her into the seat and get in on my side.

"Amelia, tell me what happened."

She turns her head and takes a deep breath. "Ok. After I dropped Amity and the twins off at school, I went back to the manor." My eyes widened and she went on, "I know, but I needed to get stuff for me and Amity. Anyway, as I was leaving, father tried to tell me that I wasn't going anywhere and shit. I bucked against him, and I guess I struck a nerve because he hit me, twice." Her eyes fell and she tightened her fists, "I told him that Amity and I will never come back." "What did he say to that?" Letting out a dry laugh, she shrugged her shoulders, "That will change in time."

I let out a scoff and reach for her hand. I interlace our fingers and rub circles with my thumb while she lays her head on my shoulder. We sit in silence for a bit, her playing with my hand and me watching her bruised knuckles.

"You guys are going to need a place to stay right?" Her head slowly nods with hesitation as I wrap my arm around her tired shoulders. Sucking in a breath, she looks at me and smiles.

"Yeah, we do but I have no idea where we are going to go Lucia. I'm not going to ask you because I know how hard it would be to convince your mom and with Eric home-" I shake my head and carefully put my hand under her chin. "Amelia don't worry about that. I'm going to help you and Amity as much as I can. You guys need a place to stay, I can help with that." She lifts her eyebrow and looks at me. "You can? How?"

A smirk finds its way to my face as I pull my arm back. "Well, my job has been bringing in some money and then longer we stay, the worse things are getting. Luz's attacks are worse, and he is getting more violent. I started looking at apartments like a week ago after work and I think I found one." Her eyes stayed glued to mine as my smile grew. "You guys can take it. Luz and I will stay at Wiona's place. It's a two bedroom, two bath and it has a fair size living room and kitchen." Her expression changes to hesitation and she shakes her head.

"I appreciate the offer, but You guys need it." I nod my head and laugh.

"Yeah we do, that's why I'm starting my second job tomorrow and buying the apartment across the hall once I get the money." Her face goes soft, and she keeps shaking her head. "You can't overwork yourself Lucia. Amity and I will stay with Brooklyn until we find a place. It's fine." "Blight, look at yourself." I wave my hand up and down and she looks down, "Your clearly in no condition to work soon and you need a place where your dad won't think of looking. Don't you think Brooklyn's is the first place he will look for you guys? I'm not offering to let you guys stay at my place because I know how you feel about Eric. This apartment is affordable and as your...... friend... I need to care for you," I bring my had to her chin and make her look at me, "and nothing will keep me from doing that ok? Let me help Amelia." She smiles and leans her forehead against mine. Letting out a sigh, her arms wrap around my torso and lightly squeezes me. "Okay, we will take it, but you guys will stay with us too." I pull back and stare at her, "How are we supposed to do that?"