She walked to her support group the next Thursday. Her mind reeling with incoherent thoughts. Jack. Jack was her Jack. She had too many questions she wanted to ask: what happened to little birdy? Had he died? And if he hadn't was he alright?
And to Becky: what was she planning?
She walked into the large white building, stopping to acknowledge a small sharp pain in her forehead. She pushed it aside anxiously (having done so for weeks now) but was beginning to think it was more serious than she was willing to believe.
Lucy grabbed the handle and flung the door a bit too fiercely. Becky stood by the snack table as she greeted people with a benevolent smile.
I need to ask you something. Lucy did not hesitate to get straight to her point.
Of course Lucy, nice to see you being open. Becky grinned. Lucy did not return the friendly smile.
I've recently noticed that you've been involving yourself with my father...why?
Her face went white as she mentally fought with herself.
Look, I've just been telling your father how you're doing and-
He told me you sent Jack here for a reason...what are you playing at?
She licked her lips. Jack, as you know, is poor. He's in this support group for free.
Lucy nodded, astonished and yet not showing it. Becky sighed.
Your fathers intentions were to get you to be more social...to forget about your pet bird. He soon realised that that wasn't working and so I suggested bringing a boy to support group.
And how did you know Id be interested in him? She asked.
Becky smiled. Bringing him to the group later than everyone else was bound to attract your attention. And did it not?
Lucy folded her arms slightly. He knows about my bird.
How?
When little bird ran away, he happened upon Jack...who carelessly lost him.
That is mere coincidence. I had no clue Lucy.
Or maybe fate? Jack asked from behind her. When had he arrived? Had he heard their entire conversation.
Lucy, he tested, Im so sorry about your bird. I didn't mean to lose him and I didn't understand that he kept you sane.
After the call, I thought of you everyday. I know I had no clue what you looked like, but I conjured up this perfect girl with golden locks and red cheeks.
And how isane it is that when I came here, I found this girl...and she wasn't perfect. But her imperfection seemed almost too perfect to be imperfect.
And it was you.
Lucy it's you. He laughed joyfully and Lucy could not help but smile.
And what about my bird? Is he really still lost? The thing about Lucy was she remained hopeful until deflated. His smile disappeared. And she knew.
In a sudden haze of shock, sorrow, Lucy's head spun with vertigo and all she heard were tiny whispers before her body collided with the floor.
Come my darling. Come to me.
Mamma loves you.
