Voiced Thoughts [NaLu AU]

Chapter 22

~Lucy's POV~

I was more than a little distracted for the next week. Every time I tried to think of math or writing an essay—boom—their faces invaded my thoughts. Sometimes it was out of nowhere and others there had been something leading up to it.

Either way, I couldn't focus. And many of my teachers noticed. Some decided to give me small breaks while others threatened punishment if I didn't focus. However, my English teacher was not having it right now. "Heartfilia, do you need a break?"

"That might be nice," I responded, slightly ashamed in my incapabilities.

"Alright," my teacher thought of what to do. She glanced at the clock, "how about I email you the assignment and in exchange for your lack of focus, I will allow you to research the subject on your own."

"That'd be great," I sighed.

"However, I still expect the assignment to be completed by next Monday."

"Got it," I gave a thumbs up.

"Ok," she glanced at the clock again. "Seeing as we only have thirty minutes left of class, I will give the rest of the period to you as a free period. You can do whatever you want. If you want to leave, go ahead," she smiled. "But for now, I need a coffee break, so I'm going to trust you not to do anything irresponsible."

"Ok," I nodded. "Thank you."

She left, but poked her head back in the door. "I'm trusting you, Lucy." She winked at me.

I opted not to leave the classroom, preferring the quiet calmness to the questioning looks I would get from the people meandering the halls without a purpose.

For the first time in a week, I let my thoughts go completely unchecked. They started off optimistically, and gratefully. However, years of doubt and negativity don't exactly disappear without leaving their own marks.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

~Natsu's POV~

I trudged to the photography class. I swear, if I see those kids screwing with Lucy again, I will kill them this time.

I pushed open the door, ready to defend my new girlfriend if needed. I knew she could handle herself, but I also knew she wouldn't. She hated attention and did anything to avoid it,—though that was hardly possible in her situation—which included defending herself. But, to my surprise, the class looked relatively normal. Again, the teacher was lounging on his chair, reading and eating pasta. But the kids weren't acting like bullies this time. They were acting like kids.

I saw Wendy blushing while talking to Romeo, but other than that, everything was calm as the kids waited for the teacher to start. Then, as I walked to my seat by Lucy, I saw something missing. Where is Lucy?

A sprout of worry immediately grew in my gut. I decided to wait it out. If she wasn't here in twenty minutes, I would try to find her.

I tapped my fingers over my phone anxiously, texting Lucy repeatedly. I switched my gaze from the clock to the door every thirty seconds. I begged the door to open. I begged time to speed up. I begged Lucy to respond.

Finally, after an eternity, twenty minutes passed without my best friend stepping through the door.

I raised my hand, not bothering to wait for the teacher to call on me. "Excuse me, Sir. Lucy was here earlier and I'm not sure why she isn't coming. Can I try to find her?" It wasn't fully a question, but I waited for the teacher to give me permission.