Dear Lucy

Chapter 10 : The Party

The classes I took were mind-numbingly boring, and Angelina didn't attend them including the trio, a welcome absence that brought me slight relief. I desperately wished the day would hasten to its end, freeing me from the monotony.

I hastily left school early, eager to avoid any snide remarks or teasing from Alex or Ethan.

When I arrived home, my mom was peacefully sleeping. Lucas was actually taken aback when he walked in, surprised because I had called him earlier to say I would take the bus and he shouldn't bother to pick me up.

"BB, are you okay?" he asked, his voice laced with genuine concern, his eyes scanning my face for any signs of distress.

Since I had no sisters or close female friends to confide in except my mom, Lucas had always been the one I turned to, sharing my thoughts and feelings with him, though I didn't reveal everything, knowing he worried about me too much.

"I wasn't really, but I would be okay," I reassured him, forcing a weak smile.

He arched his brow, skepticism etched on his face. "Are you sure?" he pressed.

I nodded resolutely. "Or are you worried about the party?" he asked, his tone gentle.

My eyes widened in surprise, I had completely forgotten I would be attending a party that night, and I was clueless about what clothes to wear. The thought sent a flutter of anxiety through me.

This is going to be my first time attending a party," I admitted, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness.

"Seriously, I don't know what to wear," I said, seeking Lucas's advice, my eyes scanning his face for guidance.

He chuckled. "You can wear anything, just avoid anything too revealing," he suggested

I rolled my eyes good naturedly. "I don't even have dresses like that," I replied, smiling.

My thoughts shifted to Dad, and concern etched my face. "How's Dad?" I asked.

Lucas nodded reassuringly. "We can both visit him on the weekend."

My heart ached, thinking about Dad's accident. He'd been in a coma since falling from a building, and rumors swirled about attempted suicide. But I knew that was impossible , Dad loved us too much to do that

"Sure," I said, pushing aside the sorrow.

"I'd better find something to wear," I added, glancing at the clock.

Lucas's expression turned curious. "Any letters today?" he asked.

"Yes, two precisely," I replied, "but I'll show you later."

With that, I headed to my room to find a party outfit.

As I entered my room, I opened my bag and pulled out the two letters. I reread them, my mind racing with questions.

Did I show any symptoms in class that I wasn't feeling good , except in PSR.

What game was the person talking about? And how did it involve me?

The letters' cryptic messages swirled in my mind.

I tucked the letters into my old box where the first one was and began searching for a party dress, rummaging through my clothes.

~~~

Night had fallen, and I'd been obsessively checking the Oakland School group chat. Everyone was abuzz with excitement, discussing the party and debating the dress code while In the project group chat, No one said anything or inquired about my well-being, and I didn't expect them to. Their indifference was predictable except Xena