The Empty Desk

Chapter 9

"Me? Living with Joshua? Are you serious?" 

"We actually are. I mean... He's the father of your baby. And, not only that. You love him I presume... You're turning 18 and you're soon gonna be open to other opportunities and make a life on your own. Might as well do it besides your loved one. Not that we have much choice." My mother reasoned. Her sweet understanding tone made me switch my sight to my father. Who sat with arms crossed over his chest in disagreement.

"Dad?" I called.

"I don't like this idea..." He let his voice trail off. "But, you decided this. You're an adult. And, I kinda want to agree that this is the best choice." He scoffed. A smile grew bright in my face, and even though I still was doubtful of the realness of my parents, I hugged them both.

"I think it's a good idea, too."

Third Person

That night, as Lucia laid in the floor, she thought that maybe Joshua wouldn't agree to this. Maybe, he only thought they were a couple and not something more. 

She pulled out her cellphone, and soon began to rapidly type with her thumbs.

9:01 "Joshua... busy?"

Lucia locked her phone and dropped it on her stomach. For a second, she thought that maybe she'd hurt the baby. She pondered for awhile if she'd be able to hurt the baby at all. Her phone lit up and she instantly unlocked it.

9:04 "Hey, love"

Lucia's heart skipped a beat as she read the way he addressed her.

9:04 "My parents came up with an idea today"

          "They said that I should move in with you"

9:06 Joshua: "Are they serious?"

This created a wave of thought inside Lucia's head that made her regret agreeing to her parents in first place. She saw the "typing..." icon pop up and awaited for the next text. It had been there for a while and she was growing impatient. 

9:07 Joshua: "This are the best news I've had so far"

As Lucia read this text, surprised by the length of it despite the time the 'typing..." had been displayed, her heart felt warm.

9:07 Joshua: "I look forward to having you here with me everyday"

                           "When are you coming? I'll have everything set for when you get here"

9:07 "Tonight?"

9:07 Joshua: "See you then"

Lucia locked her phone and silently rejoiced. She pulled herself up from the cold floor and proceeded to take the things she'd like to carry with her. 

She opened drawers, checks shelves, inspected closets. Taking most of her clothes, only leaving old pieces of clothing that she wasn't going to wear anymore. The girl gathered them all and arranged them inside an old black suitcase and a sport bag, along with other things she was sure to keep. She jogged down the stairs with her carriage, encountering her whole family in the living room.

"This is what you call forgiveness and trust, Lucia." My father voiced. I pressed my lips and raised my brows.

"Derek and I... We don't want to regret this choice. We talked to Joshua about this, and he demonstrated the love he had for you..." Lucia's mother explained. She kept on talking but all Lucia could think about was how her parents had actually talked to Joshua. On top of that, Joshua had somehow 'demonstrated his love' towards her. What had he said? When had he said it? Were all questions that lingered on her mind.