Synching With the Devil's Son

Chapter 147

Lucien's P.O.V.

Mr. Parker's character is showing. He's just as strong as his daughter, or, more accurately, I can see where she gets her strength from. He welcomed me into his family and purposefully shook my father's hand, thanking him for dealing with Bella's attackers five seconds after being told he is the Devil. I gotta hand it to him, his internal fortitude is made of steel. We walk outside just as Chris drives up. He looks at the tree, then at Bella's car, and then at us. "What the Hell happened?" he asks, pointing to the wreckage.

"A mini tornado passed through here with no warning," Bella says, standing there with her hands on her hips, practicing her excuse on her brother.

"Geez, I guess so," Chris says, surveying Bella's flattened car and the upturned Oak tree. He shrugs his shoulders and turns to his sister. "Congratulations Bella," Chris tells her, handing her a small box and a bouquet of flowers. "Sorry I'm late."

Bella smiles at her brother. "You're not late, we're just getting started."

We walk over to the group of people standing with drinks in their hands. Mary must have been busy trying to get everyone to relax because for the most part, they are. For a while everyone keeps tossing furtive glances at my Dad and I, and Trish's gaze keeps landing on Bella until finally Bella walks over to her and says, "I will tell you all about it later, but not now, okay?" Trish narrows her eyes, but then nods in acceptance. The rest of the evening passes peacefully because everyone is taking their cues from Garrett who is a gracious and magnanimous host. By the time dessert is served, jokes and remembrances are being passed around and everyone leaves with smiles on their faces. Chris is the first to leave, excusing himself to go back to his friends house before it gets too late.

"What's her name?" I ask him, and he grins at me. "Laura, thank you for asking."

"Have fun," I tell him and he waves at me over his head, causing me to laugh. Mick and Liz are next to leave citing an early work day which nobody believes. Apparently, from the stories being told, they have started dating and are moving in together. Then Harmony and Jeff leave with the same excuse, winking at everyone as they get into Jeff's car. Daniel says, "I really do have to get up early tomorrow. I've got a 5:00 pick up scheduled in Knoxville." He and Scarlett bid everyone good night and take off into the night. Trish pulls Bella away, leaving me with a yawning Ryan. "You good to drive buddy?" I ask him, noticing the sway in his stance.

"Nope, that's why Trish is driving," he slurs. "We're having a baby, did you know that?" It never came up in the conversation tonight. I guess everyone has known for a while, but I've been trapped in an immersion cell by my Uncle and am completely out of the loop.

"No!" I say. "Congratulations!"

"Yeah man, she's due in early March, so I have a designated driver for a while," he says with a smirk. I'm stunned into silence, suddenly remembering what this day really means to Bella. She was going to take a home pregnancy test today if she hadn't gotten her period yet. Oh shit, what am I doing talking to this buffoon? I look around for Bella and spot her under the overhang of the barn nearest us, speaking animatedly to Trish. Trish doesn't look happy, so I meander over there, giving them plenty of time to see me coming. They can tell me to leave if they want to, but neither of them do. "That does not make sense," I hear Trish say, "I know what I saw."

"I promise you, Trish, I'm telling the truth."  Bella looks at me when I come up to her ready to join the conversation. I see Trish narrow her eyes at me.

"Bella tells me you are a Demi-God," Trish sneers at me. I look at her closely, trying to decide the best course of action. Ryan is still standing by the cars, ready to leave, and if Trish freaks out, somebody is going to have to drive them both home. I decide the truth is the best path, we will deal with the repercussions later. This is Bella's best friend, and I know how hard it has been for her to lie to her.

"I am," I nod sagely at Trish who starts shaking her head. "I can prove it to you, but I don't want you to freak out. Ryan is more than a little drunk and somebody is going to have to take care of him."

"Ryan is fine," she snaps, looking at me like I have two heads. Well, I have two wings, and with a nod from Bella, I usher Trish into the barn and spread them for her.

Trish's eyes widen and she squeaks, stepping away until her back hits the wall. "What the FUCK!" she yells, looking from me to Bella and then back to me again.

"Trish," Bella says quietly, "Lucien is an angel, so is his father." I notice she doesn't expound on my Dad's true identity and I agree it's probably not the right time.

"I can see that," Trish says, snarkily. "I uh...I have to think about this," she says, practically sprinting toward her car where Ryan is waiting.

"Trish wait..." Bella calls out to her.

"Let her go, babe," I murmur softly. "She needs time to think about what I just revealed to her."

Bella nods and then looks at me tiredly. "You know what? I'm suddenly completely exhausted and would like to go lie down. Care to join me?"

"I would love to, but you haven't opened your graduation present from me yet," I tell her.

She looks at me tenderly. "And you haven't been given your graduation present from me yet either."

I smile. "I didn't graduate."

"Yes you did, your name was called, you just weren't there to collect your diploma."

"Humph," I scoff, not really caring about receiving a high school diploma. "Well...would you like your present? I can wait until tomorrow if you're too tired," I tease her, knowing full well she loves receiving presents. She pretends to think about it and then nods eagerly.

I pull out an envelope from my jeans pocket, brush out the wrinkles, and hand it to her. She looks at me quizzically and opens the envelope, reading the letter. She slowly lowers her hand and looks at me in bewilderment. "You got the house," she whispers.

I smile at her. "WE got the house. It's a twenty one day escrow, we can move in at the end of July, giving you plenty of time to set up and prepare for school to start in mid August."

She smiles wetly, and hugs me to her tightly. "That is so awesome Lucien!" she squeals excitedly. "Can I give you your graduation present now?" she asks quietly.

"I don't need presents Bella, all want is you," I tell her, running my hands up and down her back.

She pulls away and says, "Well, too bad because there is no returning this gift to the store...I'm pregnant."

THE END