Filling in the Cracks

Chapter 40: Fresh Start

"It's me or Rory." I demanded as Lucas gave me his puppy eyes as did his new puppy, Rory. Oh, no. Not falling for that one. Did I mention, I have a fear for dogs? Oh and let's not forget cats now. How about any animal with four legs. Dogs are at the top.

"No! Don't! Put her down!" I screeched jumping onto the couch watching as Lucas laughed and carefully set the small puppy down. Heck, I didn't care about the size! When I said it was me or Rory I didn't mean it as he would just have to throw it off on the streets abandoned, just give it back.

That wasn't too hard, was it? He'd only had her for a week and I don't suppose or hope that he got to attached to her. Before you hate me for being a dog hater, don't. I'm just terrified. Yes, go ahead and laugh. I'm terrified. Just as I am of teletubbies. There.

I still hope he chooses me, after all. I've been his girlfriend for three months.

I'm starting fresh. No, I haven't taken my walls down. I've just regained myself a bit. I feel happy, really happy, around Lucas. He's brought my real smile back. Now that college is over I decided to stay in New Zealand. After all my boyfriend is here and it's basically drama free, what more do you need? Let me tell you what you don't; four legged animals.

I'm finally acting like acting like the 22-year-old I'm suppose to be.

Well, kind of..

Lucas plopped down on the couch next to me holding Rory in his lap and one hand on my upper knee since it was up to my chin in fear.

"Dawnykins." Lucas smiled.

"Lukey." I said bitterly.

"Rory is Josh's." Lucas told me.

"Joshua." I corrected for him.

He rolled his eyes playfully, "Joshua."

"Well if this is the surprise then am I free to leave?" I asked jokingly.

"No, no. This is anything but the surprise. Unless you'd like Rory.." Lucas trailed off picking up Rory and pushing her towards me while I jumped off the couch and landed on the ground with a thud and glared at Lucas.

"Alright, alright. The real surprise." Lucas said putting emphasis on the word real and lending me a hand like the gentleman he is.

"I've got business in New York. Would you care to join me?"

No.

At that moment that's the only thing I repeated in my mind.

No, I don't want to go back to NYC.

Yes, I want to be with Lucas.

'So what's it gonna be.' My inner voice pushed.

I had been planning to avoid New York for hmm, the rest of my life. I hope I'm being melodramatic because I have no idea how to say no to that sweet smile.

"I know you've dreaded to go back to NYC, and I don't want you to feel like you have to come it's only for a week--"

I cut him off, "When do we leave."

It's about time I face my fears. And if I'm lucky, we'll be far from the Upper East Side.

I said I was ready to face my fears, not my friends.

**

"I'm happy to announce we have safely reached New York City, you may now unbuckle your seat-belts, enjoy your day." The flight attendant said over the intercom.

Why. Why was my heart beat so fast and my palms so sweaty. Well maybe because it's the herd of paparazzi covering the gates. I suggested we take a normal flight instead of a private jet, well because I thought it would cause more attraction. But way to go Dawn! Wrong once again!

"Mr. Wards over here!"

"Who's Mystery Girl!"

"Could that be a next possible Mrs. Ward!" (My cheeks may have tinted a shade of pink because of this one.)

"Mr. Ward!"

"Over here!"

The voices just kept getting louder and louder as we reached the baggage claim. I knew that Lucas was big in the business world but in the media too? How is he being so calm.

"Hey, stop frowning so much. Show me that pretty smile?" Lucas knotted his brows together then exampling a perfect smile break through out his face as I returned.

We got our bags and headed into the limo. "So where are we staying?" I asked casually bringing a conversation.

"Well your mother asked if we would--"

"No!" I answered back a bit too quickly.

"I-I mean, we will. Before we leave." I gave him a reassuring smile rubbing circles on the back of his hand.

We reached a hotel several minutes later and settled in. I went to the balcony out and took in the familiar view.

Taxi cabs, people walking, Prada, Chanel, cafes, street vendors, local school kids crossing, the sun hovering above us radiating shine. The smell of coffee filled my nose. Ah, NYC. Needless to say, I've missed you.

A/N: Sorry! I know, I know! Short chappy but trust me, you'll be happy to hear I have super long chapters planned ahead. I had to keep this as a filler! Stay tuned for a fresh start loves :)

xx sabrina