Unexpected Love

15. Her Safe Place

The words hung heavy in the air between them, charged with emotion and uncertainty. Angela's eyes widened in surprise, but she didn't pull away. Instead, she held Lucy even closer, her heart aching for the pain she saw reflected in those honey brown pools.

"Lucy," she breathed, her voice gentle, "I like you too." The admission was soft but sincere, causing Lucy's eyes to light up like stars. Angela smiled reassuringly, brushing away a tear that had escaped Lucy's lashes.

"But," she continued, "we don't have to rush anything. Let's just take things slow, okay?" Lucy nodded, sniffling, and buried her face in Angela's shoulder.

For now, this was enough - knowing that their feelings were reciprocated, that they weren't alone in this strange new territory. And as they stood there, wrapped in each other's arms, Angela couldn't help but wonder what the future held for them. But one thing was certain - they'd face it together, come what may.

Angela smiled down at Lucy, her heart swelling with warmth at the sight of the other girl's excitement. "How about I take you out on a date tomorrow?" she suggested, her voice laced with a hint of playfulness.

Lucy's eyes lit up like fireworks, her whole face transforming with joy. "Really?" she squeaked, her voice barely above a whisper. Angela nodded, chuckling at Lucy's reaction. "Really," she confirmed, pressing a tender kiss to her forehead.

In that moment, Angela couldn't remember the last time she'd felt this alive, this happy. The thought of spending an entire day with Lucy, exploring new places and getting to know her better, filled her with a sense of anticipation she hadn't experienced in years.

And as they pulled away, Lucy's eyes gleaming with hope and happiness, Angela knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, they'd tackle them together, hand in hand.

Lucy's eyes fluttered closed, heavy with exhaustion, but she stubbornly shook her head when Angela suggested going to bed. They'd spent hours talking and laughing together, and she didn't want the night to end just yet. However, Angela had other ideas.

Taking on a more dominant tone, she said firmly, "Lucy, you're clearly tired. It's time for you to get some rest." Despite the weariness weighing her down, Lucy resisted, - arguing that she wasn't sleepy. But Angela wouldn't budge, her voice gentle yet insistent. "Young lady, I will not allow you to neglect your needs. Off to bed, now," she ordered, a hint of amusement in her eyes.

Lucy couldn't help but feel a thrill run through her at Angela's sudden shift in demeanour - it was comforting, somehow, to know that someone else cared enough to take charge when she couldn't.

With a reluctant sigh, she allowed herself to be led to her room, the soft click of the door signalling the end of their day together. But even as sleep claimed her, Lucy couldn't help but wonder what tomorrow would bring - and if it would be just as wonderful as today had been.

At 3 AM, the silence of the night was shattered by Lucy's piercing scream, echoing through the apartment like a ghostly wail. Angela bolted upright in bed, heart racing, and threw open her door to find Lucy standing there, trembling violently.

The moonlight streaming through the window illuminated the tears streaking down her face and the terror in her eyes.

Without hesitation, Angela pulled her into a tight embrace, whispering soothing words into her ear as she rubbed circles on her back. Lucy's panicked breaths gradually slowed as she clung to Angela, her mind reeling from the vivid nightmare that had ripped her from sleep.

Her eyes fell to the fresh cuts on her wrist, a stark reminder of the pain she'd tried to escape. She knew she shouldn't burden Angela with her darkness, but in that moment, she couldn't bear to be alone.

So she whispered her fears into the safety of Angela's chest, praying for the nightmare to recede and the warmth of reality to consume her.

Angela listened intently, her heart breaking for the girl she'd grown to care for so deeply. She didn't know how to heal Lucy's wounds, but she knew she'd be there for her every step of the way. And as they stood there in the quiet darkness, Angela silently vowed to protect Lucy from the monsters of her past and the demons that haunted her dreams.

With a tenderness that belied her strength, Angela lifted Lucy into her arms and carried her over to her own bed. She gently laid her down on the soft sheets, tucking the covers around her trembling form.

Lucy clung to her, unable to shake off the lingering terror from her nightmare. Seeing this, Angela didn't hesitate - she climbed in beside her, wrapping an arm securely around Lucy's waist.

"Shh, it's okay," she murmured, pressing a comforting kiss to Lucy's temple. "You're safe here with me." In the warmth and safety of Angela's embrace, Lucy finally felt herself begin to relax.

The steady rhythm of Angela's heartbeat lulled her, a soothing melody that drowned out the screams of her past.

She snuggled closer, seeking solace in the older girl's presence, and whispered a quiet "thank you." Angela simply squeezed her tighter, offering no words but communicating volumes with her touch.

As they lay there together, Angela silently vowed to always be Lucy's sanctuary, her safe haven in the storms of life. Whatever darkness threatened to consume her, Angela would be there, a beacon of light guiding her back to safety.

And as sleep finally claimed them both, Lucy felt a fragile sense of peace settle over her battered soul - a peace she hadn't known in far too long.

900 words- hope you enjoyed

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- E