Unexpected Love

17. Will Justice Be Served

Angela stirred awake to the sound of Lucy's quiet whispers, opening her eyes to see the girl she loved staring at her with a mixture of fear and determination.

Today was the day they would face Chris together, and Lucy's emotions were written clearly across her delicate features.

As Lucy traced the healed scars on her wrists, Angela felt a pang of sadness and concern. She gently wrapped her arms around Lucy, pulling her into a tight embrace. "Hey," she said softly, her voice filled with warmth and understanding. "We're in this together, remember?"

Lucy nodded against her shoulder, her breath hitching slightly. "I know," she replied, her voice barely audible. "But I'm just... I'm scared." Angela held her tighter, her heart aching for the pain Lucy had endured.

"It's okay to be scared, Luce," she soothed. "But don't let that fear control you - you're stronger than you think." She carefully took Lucy's hand in hers, guiding it away from the scars and entwining their fingers together.

"Look at me," Angela urged, lifting Lucy's chin so their gazes met. "You've come so far, and today, you'll take another step towards healing." With a deep breath, Lucy nodded, her eyes filling with tears.

"Thank you," she mouthed, before pressing her lips to Angela's in a brief but heartfelt kiss. They sat there for several moments, drawing strength from each other, until Lucy finally pulled away with a sigh.

"Let's get ready," angela said, determination lacing her voice.

As they prepared themselves for the monumental day ahead, Lucy's nerves continued to escalate, causing her to refuse food and even ignore her diabetes management. Angela, watching this unfold, grew increasingly concerned and frustrated.

She knew Lucy was terrified, but she couldn't bear to see her neglect her health like this. "Lucy, please eat something," Angela pleaded, her voice laced with worry. "And you need to take your insulin." Lucy shook her head stubbornly, her eyes focused on the floor.

"I'm not hungry," she muttered, her hand trembling slightly. Angela sighed, stepping closer to Lucy and placing a firm yet gentle hand on her arm.

"This isn't just about today, Luce," she said sternly. "You have to take care of yourself - for you, for me, for everyone who loves you." Lucy looked up at her, tears threatening to spill over. "I know," she whispered, "but I just... I can't."

Angela could see the turmoil swirling in Lucy's eyes, and her heart broke. She took a deep breath, pushing aside her frustration, and knelt down in front of Lucy.

"You can," she said firmly but kindly. "And I'll be here to help you, every step of the way." She held out the insulin pen and a small container of fruit, waiting patiently for Lucy to make a decision.

After a few tense moments, Lucy took a shaky breath and accepted both items, her eyes never leaving Angela's. "Thank you," she mumbled, injecting herself and taking a small bite of fruit. Angela smiled, relieved, and brushed a tear away from Lucy's cheek. "We'll get through this," she promised, her voice steady and strong.

Upon entering her room, Lucy found herself drawn to the ensuite like a moth to a flame. She stood before the mirror, her reflection revealing a girl on the edge.

The blade called to her from its hiding place in the cabinet above the sink, promising relief from the storm of emotions raging inside her. *Just one cut,* the insidious voice whispered.