friends on the other side

chapter nine

Evelyn clutched the small pile of Lucy's gifts in her hands as she walked through the city, her heart racing. She felt the brooch's cold weight in her pocket, a final reminder of what she was about to do. She cared for Lucy deeply, that much was undeniable, but the extravagance, the obsession—it was too much. This wasn't how she'd pictured love.

When she reached the garden where they'd arranged to meet, she saw Lucy already waiting on a bench, her expression lighting up the moment Evelyn came into view. Her warmth was almost overwhelming, filling the chilly evening air with a strange kind of brightness.

"Evelyn!" Lucy called out, rising from the bench and moving toward her with that same gentle grace. She took Evelyn's hand, looking into her eyes as if they were the only people in the world.

Evelyn forced a smile, squeezing Lucy's hand in return. "Lucy, I... I wanted to talk to you about something."

Lucy's face grew concerned, her fingers tightening around Evelyn's. "Is everything alright?"

Evelyn took a deep breath, willing herself to stay calm. "Lucy, I need you to know that I'm grateful. For everything. I mean, I don't think anyone has ever been this... kind to me."

Lucy relaxed, her concerned expression softening into a smile. "Well, that's because no one else has seen you the way I do, Evelyn. You deserve everything, and I'm just glad to be able to give it to you."

Evelyn glanced at the pile of gifts in her hands, then back up at Lucy. "But that's just it. All these things—the gifts, the attention—it's... a bit overwhelming." She hesitated, finding it hard to voice what she felt without hurting her. "I can take care of myself, Lucy. I don't want you to think I'm... using you or taking advantage."

Lucy's face fell slightly, a flicker of sadness passing through her eyes. But she nodded, understanding evident in her gaze. "I know, Evelyn. I just... I wanted you to have nice things because you deserve them. But I don't want to make you feel uncomfortable." She took the gifts back gently, setting them aside on the bench. "Thank you for telling me."

Evelyn let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding, feeling a weight lift off her shoulders. "Thank you, Lucy. I just want us to be... normal, I guess. Not complicated."

A smile returned to Lucy's face, this time softer, more genuine. "I understand. I don't want anything to get between us, either. I'll let go of the gifts if it means you'll be happier."

They were close now, close enough that Evelyn could feel the warmth radiating from Lucy, could see every detail of her face in the dim glow of the lanterns around them. In that moment, all her doubts slipped away, and all that remained was the quiet certainty of her feelings.

She leaned in, slowly, searching Lucy's eyes. Lucy didn't hesitate. She closed the distance between them, her lips soft and warm as they brushed against Evelyn's. The kiss deepened, tender and electrifying, each of them losing themselves in the other. Evelyn's heart pounded, her hands resting gently on Lucy's shoulders as Lucy's arms wrapped around her waist, pulling her closer. All the doubts, the questions—they faded in that moment, replaced by a simple, undeniable truth.

When they finally parted, Evelyn felt breathless, her cheeks flushed as she met Lucy's gaze. They stayed close, holding each other, as though neither of them wanted to let go.