Unexpected Love

42. A Nesting Emotional Mess

At four in the morning, Angela woke to the sound of running water and the gentle clinking of dishes. Puzzled, she slipped out of bed and made her way to the kitchen, where she found Lucy standing at the sink, her silhouette framed by the moonlight streaming through the window.

Her hands moved mechanically as she scrubbed a plate that was already sparkling clean. Angela's brow furrowed. "Lucy, love, what are you doing?" she asked, her voice heavy with sleep.

Lucy jumped slightly, turning to face Angela. "Sorry, I didn't mean to wake you," she murmured, a forced smile playing on her lips. "I just...couldn't sleep." Angela's eyes searched Lucy's face, noticing the dark circles under her eyes and the tension in her shoulders.

*Something isn't right*, she thought, concern blooming in her chest. "Lucy, you shouldn't be exerting yourself like this," Angela said softly, walking up behind Lucy and wrapping her arms around her swollen belly.

Angela watched with surprise as Lucy jerked away from her touch, a flash of irritation crossing her face. "Lucy?" Angela ventured tentatively, unsure of how to proceed. Lucy spun around, hands braced on the sink edge.

"*Why can't I just get some peace?*" she thought, frustration bubbling up inside her. "Don't touch me," Lucy snapped, her voice brittle with exhaustion and emotion. Angela recoiled, taken aback by Lucy's harsh words.

"Lucy, what's wrong?" she asked, her concern evident. Lucy sighed heavily, guilt replacing anger as she saw the hurt in Angela's eyes. "I'm sorry," she said, rubbing her own belly absently. "I just...I don't know. I can't sleep, and I need to do something."

Angela stepped closer, reaching for Lucy's hand again. "We can talk about it, love," she said gently, trying to bridge the distance between them.

Angela's heart sank as Lucy pulled away again, her words sharp and painful. "Lucy, please," Angela pleaded softly, sensing the anger and stress rolling off Lucy in waves. "I'm just trying to help." Lucy whirled around, her eyes blazing with frustration.

"I don't want your help!" she snapped, her hands balling into fists at her sides. Angela took a step back, stung by Lucy's harshness. *What did I do wrong?* she wondered, feeling helpless and confused.

Lucy took a deep, shaky breath, her eyes filling with tears once more. "I'm sorry," she said through clenched teeth. "I didn't mean it like that." Angela hesitated, unsure of how to respond.

She knew Lucy was under immense pressure, but the constant rejection was taking its toll. "Lucy," Angela said gently, "you need to tell me what's going on. I can't help if you push me away." Lucy looked away, biting her lip. After a long moment, she whispered, "I'm scared, Angela." The words hung heavy in the air between them.

Angela stepped closer, wrapping her arms around Lucy from behind.

Lucy's sudden outburst echoed through the quiet kitchen, the sound of shattering glass punctuating her words as a plate slipped from her fingers. "Why aren't you understanding?" she cried, turning to face Angela with tears streaming down her cheeks.

"Can't you just speak without touching me?" Angela froze, her hands in mid-air, the pieces of broken ceramic littering the floor at their feet. Her heart broke seeing Lucy like this, but she knew better than to push her further. She took a slow, calming breath and held her hands up in surrender.