With A Full Heart

x || chapter twenty-one

x || chapter twenty-one - jack 

             I know why Lucia is so persistent on staying away from her mom. But I can't help but think that she's making a big mistake. Obviously, her mom has something to say to her that she wasn't able to say when she left.

I focus on a topic that isn't her mom and find myself laughing at the old memories Lucia and I are sharing. We are currently sitting cross-legged on her floor, videos of us as children play on her t.v. Lucia has a wide smile on her face as one particular video plays; our sixth-grade play, a production of the princess and the frog. I being the frog, and her being the princess. I was suited in a green body suit with a frog mask on. At the time, it didn't seem as horrifying as it does now. 

Lucia was wearing the puffiest dress to date, and while she reads her lines, she has to keep patting the ruffles down, because they keep getting in her face. 

"Wow, looking at this makes me realize why I got all the ladies." I say, "I was a stud in that green body suit." 

Lucia stifles a laugh, "right." 

I glare at her and she breaks out laughing, a smile instantly forming on my face. Days like these almost make me forget that not even two weeks ago, she wanted nothing to do with me. But it also makes me remember that if I want to keep her here, I need to watch what I do.

I clear my throat and look up from my hands, "are you coming to my party this weekend?"

Lucia shakes her head, "I have a date."

The word date catches me off guard and I look away, nervous that she might see the confusion on my face.

"Wow. With whom?"

"Buddy," she smiles. "Maybe if the date is over in time, I'll swing by the party." 

"Nah, you go and have fun." I shrug, "don't let me hold you back." Even though that's all I want to do. 

She smiles at me and pulls out her phone, typing out a quick text before pocketing her phone again. "There, I made sure we have enough time to stop by." 

And there it is again—the calm before the storm.