Chenford discovering love

The bar

Lucy had rushed into work this morning and quickly put her belongings away. She dressed and started the routine of making sure her hair was out of the way. Angela entered the room hey Lucyloo how are you? She smiled at her own rhyme then got closer to Lucy who was so focused on getting herself ready she didn't notice Angela. Earth to Lucy Chen. Lucy jumped and Angela saw straight away. all the signs. Puffy eyes, red nostrils and glossy eyes. It was no secret why she was upset. Chris and Lucy had a shouting match this morning she looked exhausted. Hey Angela said softly you okay. Knowing her friend a hug would've made everything worse so she opted for a gentle arm squeeze. The second Angela did this Lucy winced and stepped back woah are you good? Angela said panic in her eyes and her arms raised ready to comfort. Lucy nodded then left quickly.
Lopez and Bradford were riding together today. Lucy was filing paperwork. Lopez decided to confide in Tim because she knew he had a soft spot for her.
Wait she actually winced and pulled away Tim replied. I think it has something to do with the massive argument she and Chris had today. Wooooah wait back up what argument. Tim pulled the shop over. Angela said she didn't hear all of it but it might be about the house he wants to get. She's not herself at the moment. He's pressuring her so much.
Tim thought the Lucy he knew loved social occasions and that could be enough to get her talking.
Invite her to the pub this evening he said gesturing at Lopezs phone.
A- pub for a few after work??
L-idk I think Chris has something planned.
A- I really want to catch up, since having Jack I feel like I'm losing people.

Angela felt awful telling the lie. Technically it isn't a lie because she felt like Lucy was slipping away from her. Angela knew how kind Lucy was and hoped this was going to get her to come.

L- ok I'm in. looking forward x

Angela showed Tim the message and he breathed a sigh of relief.
Their shift was quiet and 6pm rolled around. Angela waited for Tim as they walked over to the pub Lucy finished slightly later so she had texted her to say she would get a table. The hubbub of people, clinking glasses and the game could only signify that the end of people's shifts had begun.

Angela and Tim sat in a booth and Nyla joined them. They filled Nyla in. They thought the more people they trusted and wanted the best for Lucy the better. It could be harmless said Nyla after a while. Angela frowned. Nyla hun he screamed at her. She's winced when I held her arm. She's an emotional wreck. I don't recognise my best friend. Tim felt a twang and an uneasy feeling he was worried. There was something about Lucy. Something that made him want to slow down and truly appreciate life. They had grown close not close like her and Angela but close.
The door opened and she walked in. She wore blue jeans that hugged her hips and curves and a long blacktop. Her hair was loose and curled. She scanned the room trying to locate her friends. She was looking at her phone and furrowed her brow she made eye contact with Tim he held up a hand and waved with a friendly smile. She offered a soft smile back and held up 2 fingers and her phone. Oh looks like she has a call Tim said to the girls giving Lucy a thumbs up. Lucy walked over to the gap by the toilets and answered. Tim excused himself saying he needed another drink but stood close to Lucy but out of sight. He listened
L- I can't keep having this conversation Chris. I-I-I don't know
Her voice sounded strained like she was trying not to cry.
L- I have had a long day, I told you I'm seeing Angela she needs me today. Please Chris don't do this now.
Lucy sighed and sniffed Tim heard this and all he wanted to do was wrap her up and hold her. She finished the call and walked out. Seeing Tim she forced a smile hey she said I'm sorry I had to um she paused. You had a thing Tim said with a caring smile. Yeah something like that Lucy said. She pushed her hair back the smell of coconut hitting Tim. So he began how are you and you and Chris ? Bringing the bottle of beer to his lips.
Lucy immediately looked away took a breath and said I'm good yeah we are good thanks looking back at him. She knew Tim could read her like a book. It's pointless lying to him yet here she was lying. He studied her face she gave very little apart from a smile that said please don't ask me because I can't do this here. Tim said I best be getting back to Angela see you in 2. She smiled and went to get a drink.

The group had come up with a plan after hearing Tim's update someone should stay at Lucy's tonight to make sure she's safe.
Angela said the only way will be if one of us are "really drunk" she might open up then? Nyla didn't feel like she knew her well enough. Tim wanted nothing more than to do this but collectively they decided it should be Angela.
Lucy returned with a Diet Coke. Heyyy where's the alcohol Angela said point to the coke. Lucy gave a small chuckle. I don't fancy the hangover. Looking at Tim she said how many has she had. Tim replied too many I think it would be best if she woke up in a kid free house. Angela looked at Lucy omg can I stay with you!! It could be like before she said making the best puppy dog face. Lucy smiled and said sure. She grabbed her phone. Excuse me guys I have to make a call really quickly.
She rang Chris to let him know. Voicemail. Shit.
The gang drank for another 2 hours by this time everyone was a little tipsy if not completely smashed. Tim remained sober carefully watching Lucy. As the night drew to a close they all said their goodbyes.
Thank god we have the weekend off Nyla said. The group laughed.
Lucy made sure Angela was strapped in and they set off. When they arrived at Lucy's she noticed the lights were off and breathed a sigh of relief. Chris wasn't home. Angela noticed this.
Let me get you some pjs I'm going to get ready for bed too she said. Angela got her phone out and text Tim.
A-she was funny when we got home. Saw lights off and did a massive exhale.
T- I'm so worried try and get her to talk to you.
A- how
T- I used to give her a really long hug and she would spill everything.

Angela put her phone down as Lucy came back into the room. Angela stood up and flung her arms around her best friend. Woah are you okay Lucy said returning the hug. Angela was overcome with emotion and held her tightly. I miss you she said Lucy stroked her head and rubbed her back letting go let's go to sleep she said patting the bed. Angela couldn't help but notice there were no pictures of Lucy and Chris but a smashed photo frame by the end of the bed. Lucy saw Angela's eyes looking. I dropped it im so clumsy she said as she put her hair in a loose bun she wore an oversized tshirt and pants just like Angela. They got into bed the clock read 00:23 Lucy closed her eyes she was exhausted. Angela listened to her breathing ease and become regular her mind was spinning she was so concerned for her friend. Angela rolled over and saw Lucy was facing her. Carefully brushing a strand of hair away from her face that's when she saw it...