The Odd Couple - A Norman Reedus Fanfic Romance

Chapter 23 - Well....At Least Now I Know

LUCY

Jackson insisted that I sit in the back of the town car tonight. Said it wouldn't be proper for a girl who looks like a fairytale princess, to clamber her way out from his front seat.

I told him he should just strap me to the roof and slide me off. Because in this dress? Getting my ass out of any  vehicle, be it a gilded coach or pumpkin....is going to take a shitload of maneuvering.

Damn you, Sasha!

I know too bloody well that she pulled this shit on me deliberately.

If we don't have any time to go shopping together for an event such as this? She usually brings over three or four evening dresses from her cousin's beautifully stocked boutique. We then choose the one I'll buy to wear and return the others.

Today, she only bought the one with her....and  rocked up late. So, I didn't even have a chance to delve into my wardrobe. Make an alternate selection from the few I've worn to previous galas.

But I almost  forgave Sash....because of her sheer artistry when it comes to makeup. She somehow managed to completely obliterate my awful black eye. Though it had slowly turned more of a purpley, greenish-yellow shade over the last couple of days.

Almost forgave her!

Creeping down the stairs I felt more than embarrassed and rather too  much on display. I've never worn anything so revealing, slinky and form-fitting before in my life.

But when Mingus and Helena announced that I looked beautiful while gazing at me with such admiration? I actually felt like I was flying.

There should've been a film crew in the living room. Because my flaming plunge back down to earth would've been worthy of an Air Crash Investigation episode.

And with it, went the minuscule sliver of hope that I'd been desperately holding onto for the last few days.

Norman didn't even look at me at first....or utter a single word. Just shrugged as if some kind of response was expected. And he only did that  after Helena prodded him.

And when he did  eventually deign to throw a brief glance my way? I can only pray that I managed to conceal my humiliated reaction.

Because he didn't even bother to hide his own totally disgusted one  😢

*

Tonight's charity helps kids who are being bullied due to physical or mental impairments. And boy....it's one that I can really relate to.

It was bad enough growing up with a stutter like an idling chainsaw. But having a brain as well? I was advanced through the grades in the state school. Graduated when I was three years younger than the rest of my class.

I went through those horrible school days totally shunned and feeling like an outcast. And with a shyness that almost made me mute.

Yeah....I remember exactly what it was like to be bullied. Remember it only too well.

Luckily, Sasha's Mum found a lovely man who helped me. A retired speech therapist who was very happy to earn himself some money on the side for private consultations. 

I still see Jeremiah regularly, think I'll always need his help. 

Anyway, Sash sometimes comes along to these events with me, those that our foundation supports. Or one of her brothers, usually Zeke....will be my partner for the evening.

But tonight I'm going it alone as Sasha has a meeting with one of Jacob's teachers. And I really can't ask Zeke anymore....it wouldn't be fair. Not now that he's found himself a steady girlfriend.