Unexpected Love

16. Their First Date

Lucy woke up long before the first rays of sunlight dared to peek through the curtains. Anxiety still clung to her like a second skin, a lingering remnant of her nightmare. Unable to lay still, she slipped out of Angela's embrace and padded quietly into the kitchen, intent on making breakfast as a thank you for her comforting presence during the night.

As she stood by the stove, skillfully flipping golden pancakes, she felt a pair of warm hands slide around her waist. Her heart leapt into her throat, but the familiar scent of vanilla and coffee grounds told her it was Angela.

She leaned back into her, relishing the feeling of being held and protected. "Morning," Angela mumbled sleepily, pressing a soft kiss to Lucy's cheek. "You didn't have to do this, you know," she added, her voice still thick with sleep.

Lucy simply smiled, turning to look at Angela over her shoulder. "I wanted to," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. "Besides, it helps keep my mind off... things." Angela's grip tightened around her waist, and Lucy could feel her nodding.

"Well, thank you sweetheart" Angela said, her voice sincere. "I'm always here for you, luce. No matter what time of day or night it is."

The simple words sent a wave of gratitude crashing through Lucy, and she had to blink back tears as she finished cooking.

Lucy placed a steaming plate of pancakes in front of Angela, her stomach twisting in knots. She couldn't bring herself to eat - the memory of Chris's hands on her felt too raw, too real.

But Angela noticed immediately, her keen eyes scanning the empty space in front of Lucy before settling on her pale face. "Hey," she said softly, reaching out to cup Lucy's cheek. "Why aren't you having any?" Lucy tried to shrug it off, her throat constricting painfully.

She didn't want to burden Angela with her problems - not after everything she'd already done for her. But when Angela pulled her onto her lap, holding her firmly yet gently, she couldn't find the words to resist.

"I... I'm just not hungry," she lied, burying her face in Angela's shoulder. Angela sighed, rubbing soothing circles on Lucy's back. She knew Lucy better than that - knew she was hiding something. "Lucy," she said, her voice gentle yet firm.

"Tell me what's wrong. You can't keep this all bottled up inside." Lucy hesitated, then whispered the truth: "I had a nightmare... about Chris. And now... I can still feel him."

Angela's arms tightened around her protectively, anger flaring in her chest. She hated that Lucy had to go through this, hated that she couldn't do anything to take away the pain.

But she could offer comfort, and so she did - holding Lucy close, feeding her small bites of food, and whispering words of encouragement until the sun rose.

Throughout the morning, Lucy remained uncharacteristically clingy, seeking solace in Angela's strong embrace.

Angela didn't mind - she understood better than anyone the demons that haunted Lucy's past, and she was determined to be there for her every step of the way.

She carried Lucy around the apartment, allowing her to burrow into her neck and simply exist without fear. They watched TV, played board games, and talked - anything to keep her mind off the nightmare and the reality.