Part 1

297 15 6
                                    

*Edit*
Ive rewritten it to make it sound better

This scene is set one year before Lucy became a rookie. At this point, her name is Ivy. She is caring for her 3 month old baby (adjusted age), Violet, who was born prematurely at just 25 weeks and requires supplemental oxygen. Ivy's boyfriend, Jake, is abusive, and they live in South Texas.

The evening of June 1st was a difficult one for Ivy. The oppressive heat of South Texas seemed to magnify the discomfort she felt. Daisy, her fragile baby, was suffering from a cold, and Ivy herself was wracked with nausea and vomiting. The stress of Daisy's condition and her own physical discomfort drove Ivy to take a pregnancy test. As she anxiously awaited the result, her heart sank when the test confirmed she was pregnant again. It became clear that Jake had coerced her, as their intimate encounters had ceased once she became pregnant with Daisy. The thought of confronting him about this was terrifying, but Ivy had resolved to do so if Jake seemed to be in a good mood. Unfortunately, when Jake staggered through the door, reeking of alcohol and exuding hostility, Ivy's anxiety intensified.

Jake's anger erupted almost immediately. He stormed into the house, his eyes scanning the untidy kitchen and the empty dining table. "Ivy, why isn't the kitchen cleaned and why isn't there any food?" he demanded, his voice a harsh rasp.

Ivy, feeling weak and overwhelmed, tried to explain. "Daisy and I have been sick all day," she said, her voice trembling.

Jake's face twisted into a sneer. "I don't care. I didn't even want her. She cries all the time and needs so much."

The contempt in Jake's words was palpable, but it was the violence that followed that left Ivy reeling. He struck her hard in the head and stomach. The impact was so severe that Ivy was knocked unconscious, collapsing to the floor. Jake, seemingly indifferent to her plight, retreated to their bedroom and locked the door behind him, leaving Ivy alone in the dark silence of their home.

When Ivy regained consciousness about ten minutes later, she was in agony. Her head throbbed, and her stomach ached, but she knew she had to act quickly. Gathering her strength, she packed up all of Daisy's essentials, including the critical medical supplies. With a heavy heart, she also took $500,000 in cash, along with her car and its keys, leaving behind her phone and house keys. Her plan was to minimize the chances of being tracked.

Her first stop was the local police station, where she wanted to make sure she wasn't considered missing. After explaining her situation, she drove to the hospital to check on her unborn baby. The confirmation that everything was fine provided a small measure of relief. Determined to start a new life, she drove to Los Angeles, finding solace in the anonymity of a hotel.

The next morning, as she began to lay the groundwork for her new life, Ivy changed her name to Lucy and Violet's name to Daisy, adopting the last name Chen. She enrolled in the police academy, which was set to begin on September 15th. With the date being June 3rd, she had ample time to prepare. She secured a part-time job and found a daycare that could accommodate Daisy's special medical needs.

On the morning of her first day at the academy, Lucy awoke to the sound of Daisy crying at 4 a.m. A glance at the calendar confirmed that today was the day she would begin her training. Now five months pregnant with her second daughter, Aurora, she had to navigate the challenges of preparing both herself and Daisy for the day. She managed to get Daisy ready for daycare and then headed to the academy, where a new chapter awaited her. Despite the grueling routine, Lucy remained resolute, even as she balanced the demands of her training with the arrival of Aurora. She purchased an apartment with enough space for her daughters and a spare room, symbolizing a fresh start.

Upon completing her academy training, Lucy learned she would be assigned to the Mid Wilshire police station. Her two friends from the academy, the only ones aware of her past and her children, would be her colleagues. They had promised to keep her personal life confidential, a gesture that provided her with a sense of security.

On her first day at the station, Lucy followed her usual routine, preparing her daughters for daycare before heading to work. Her car broke down en route, and she faced a theft attempt, which she resolved by making an arrest. Despite these obstacles, her enthusiasm remained unshaken.

In the roll call room, Lucy joined her friends as the training officer match game was announced. She was paired with Officer Bradford, and she noticed Tim, her assigned trainer, who seemed particularly appealing.

When Tim asked why she wanted to become a police officer, Lucy's mind raced. She struggled with how much of her past she was willing to reveal. Tim's directness only heightened her discomfort. As his demands for a response became more intense, Lucy felt overwhelmed.

In a state of panic, Lucy retreated to an alley, where she broke down. The pressure of her hidden trauma and the fear of exposure took their toll. Tim, following her, initially approached with sternness but soon softened. He listened as Lucy unveiled the painful details of her past: her abusive relationship, the trauma of her coerced pregnancy, and her escape. Tim's empathy and understanding provided a small but significant comfort. He assured Lucy that had he known, he would have treated her with the compassion she deserved.

This conversation marked a turning point for Lucy. Tim's response helped her process her fear and anxiety, allowing her to focus on her new role and the future she was building for herself and her daughters. The weight of her past remained, but with Tim's support, Lucy felt better equipped to face the challenges ahead.

Lucy's old lifeWhere stories live. Discover now