Dear Lucy

Chapter 13 : Weight of Accusation

As we arrived home, Mom waited anxiously in the living room. I exchanged a glance with Lucas, sensing he'd give her excuse not to make her worry j. I hastily retreated to my room, seeking solace.

In front of the mirror, I gazed at my reflection, tears welling up. How could they accuse me of theft? I stripped off my damp clothes, wrapping myself in a towel. The warm shower eased my tension, but as the water cascaded down, emotions overwhelmed me.

"Why would someone do this to me?" I sobbed, feeling vulnerable. Expulsion loomed, threatening my future. Mom's pride in my acceptance to this prestigious school now seemed hollow.

After showering, I dressed and spotted Ethan's jacket on the chair. I had washed it, intending to return it tomorrow. But now, it sparked thoughts of the party and the trio's indifference.

Liam, Alex, and Ethan had watched as I was accused and humiliated. No intervention, no words of defense. Didn't expect them to but...

Only Xena's presence might have changed the outcome.

I reached for my phone, but it lay lifeless on the table. It has been switched off. Just then, a knock on the door broke the silence. Lucas entered, his expression stern.

"What happened?" he asked, his eyes probing.

I sighed, settling onto my bed. Lucas pulled up a chair, his gaze intense.

"I was accused of stealing," I murmured.

Lucas's face darkened. "What exactly happened?"

I recounted the events, from the missing jewelry to the threats of expulsion. Lucas's jaw clenched.

"The fuck?" he growled. "We'll go to the police tomorrow and straighten this out. I'll escort you to school, and we'll set the record straight."

I remained silent, weighing my options.

"Lucas?" I called softly.

He turned to me, his eyes searching.

"It's not an ordinary issue," I warned. "But I can make it ordinary."

Lucas raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"

His tone hinted at a deeper understanding, one that went beyond sibling concern.

I don't want you involved in this, Lucas. It's Oakland School. No one believes I'm innocent, and if this escalates, I'll suffer for something I didn't do. People already think I'm a thief."

Lucas's expression softened, acknowledging the truth in my words.

"Telling the police or causing a scene won't solve it, and there's no proof," I continued. "But I won't back down. I thought about skipping school, but that would only confirm their suspicions ,that I'm a cowardly thief."

Lucas's eyes narrowed, his jaw set.

"I'll go to school tomorrow and negotiate," I declared. "I'll ask for time to find the real culprit. If I fail, I'll accept expulsion. But if I succeed, they'll face consequences."

Lucas's eyebrows shot up. "Negotiate?"

"Yes," I said, determination burning within me. "I won't be an helpless, weak girl. I worked hard to get accepted into Oakland, and I'll do whatever it takes to clear my name."

Lucas's gaze lingered on mine, a mix of pride and concern.

"You're not alone in this," he said softly. "We'll get through it together."