Hating a star

Chapter 22: Visiting the family

(Hiiiiiii. Okay, I'm a crappy writer and just disappeared. Sue me all you want. I have no excuses for this and I'm sorry.

Lucy's PoV

After our brother/sister moment, I asked Gray if he wanted to see my mom. They always got along well. He agreed and we left for my place. "How've you been copping since?.." Gray asked hesitantly, not sure if he was still a soar subject or not. I took a deep breath, preparing myself as we walked down the street, a cloud of mist blowing out of my mouth. "It hasn't been easy. We're still paying off our dept to Aunt Laine. That's why I work there. My mom's been working as an assistant at a local law firm, but she's been getting ill lately. So they sacked her." I huffed, laughing sarcastically. Gray froze and turned to me, pulling my head into his chest. He probably felt even more guilty now. "I'm sorry. You didn't need to know that." I pushed myself out of his chest and brushed my hair down. His eyes widened slightly in shock and I turned away from him, starting on my journey. "When did you get grown up?" He joked, running to walk beside me. "Things happen I guess. You aren't exactly the same yourself." I looked up at the cloudy sky as I clutched my books to my chest. "Well, when you have to take care of your forever five year old best friend, you learn to to be more sensible about things." He smirked at his insult.

After a few minutes of silence, we got to my apartment. "Well, here we." I open the door, after unlocking it. "Mom, I'm home!" I shout through the house. The next thing I see is my mom appearing from around the corner of her bedroom door. "Hey sweetie, how was school?" She asks, rubbing her eyes and completely not noticing Gray. "Good. I've brought a friend with me." I step to the side to let Gray in as I throw my bag on the couch. "Gray? Oh my goodness Gray! How are you my son?!" She squeals, running up and jump hugging him. My mom was in her late teens when she had me, so she's in her early thirties now, although she acts like a nine year old on Christmas morning. "Miss Heartfilia. How've you been?" He asked back after she jumped down. "That makes me sound so old! Call me mom" She pouted, crossing her arms. "Anyway, you've gotten so tall! And so handsome. The ladies must be all over you." She elbowed him lightly in the side as I put the kettle on. "Y-Yeah, I guess." He blushed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Still so cute~. I hope you've been takin care of my baby at school. She's been working herself ragged since she started high school." She shook her head, sighing as she looked over to me. "I can take care of myself mom." I sighed back, pouring the tea and bringing it to the dining table. "My princess still needs to be protected. She's going to be a national treasure you know. Fiore's little sweetheart." She boasted as they sat in the table. "Have you finally got Kaby's craziness." I shook my head at her. "Kaby?" Gray asked as I poured tea. "He's a homeless man Lucy's been helping out with. We let him take showers here and give him food ever so often, but that's all we can do for him. He loves listening to Lucy sing." Mom informs Gray. "He's also a crazy, old, kook." I add. "He is a sweet old man. Don't be like that Lucy." She furiously sipped her tea. I sighed at her kindness as Gray chuckled. "I see I worried about you two for no reason." Gray smirked, leaning his arm on the chair next to him as he watched us bicker. "We've been getting through. But recently..." Mom trained off, leading the conversation down a dark path. "It's okay mom, you'll find a job soon." Placing my hand on her, I squeeze it. "I'll help out too. I can come over everyday and help with any house work if you want." Gray offered, stepping back up to his 'big brother' act. "But Gray. What about the band?" I asked. Even if they were on hiatus, they'd still have things to do. " we only do band stuff at the weekends, so I can come over during the week." He told us. "That'd be amazing! If you can, could you start now. We have a problem with our boiler and I haven't the money to pay for a repair man." Mom jumped up with a spring in her step. "Sure thing, dad taught me a few tricks." Gray started rolling up ha sleeves, following me mom to the boiler cupboard.  "Are you okay with this, Gray? I mean, isn't it too much trouble?" I grabbed his arm and whispered. "It's fine. I have a responsibility as your brother after all." He smirked before I let go and walked over to help.