Total pages in book: 89
Estimated words: 87766 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 439(@200wpm)___ 351(@250wpm)___ 293(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 87766 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 439(@200wpm)___ 351(@250wpm)___ 293(@300wpm)
Sure, it’s a tragic love story, but Luci is into those sorts of things, and unlike those characters, I wanted our story to be anything but tragic. Only, it was, because of me.
In that instant I vowed to fix it, no matter how long it would take. I knew that if I one day ever got Luci back I’d never let her go. So I held the ring in my hand, I inspected the inside, and it’s engraving sealed the fate of my purchase. I will always come to you.
Up until now, I forgot I even had it, so much so that I have no idea where it even is, but despite the late hour, here I am, tearing my apartment apart searching for it.
While I want nothing more than this sweet girl to be mine forever, I fear what she’ll think about the commitment I’m asking for.
By Sunday, I haven’t talked to Luci all day, and even yesterday, I barely did. I’m on cloud nine as I pull into Deb and Matt’s house for dinner. It took me two days to find the ring, but I finally remembered hiding it behind the dresser in my closet, and low and behold, it was still there.
Eloping has done Matt and Deb good, and truth be told, I’m glad they did it, just as long as our parents never find out.
By the time we’re finished eating, I can’t hold back any longer.
“I’m giving Luci a ring for graduation!”
“You can’t give her that as a graduation gift,” Deb laughs. “You don’t give a girl a ring unless…” her eyes narrow in. “Wait, are you proposing?”
I nod, smiling.
“Oh my gosh!” She shrieks, and her chair falls back as she runs and hugs me.
“How are you going to do it? Give me all the details!”
That night, I call Luci again to say goodnight, but there’s no answer, and the next thing I know, I’m waking up to light shining through my bedroom window.
My phone is still on my chest, with no texts or missed calls.
As soon as I get to my office during lunch, I see a missed call from her. Finally.
I’m about to call back, when there’s a knock on my door. I shout for whomever it is to come in, and I don’t know why, but my heart is pounding, thinking maybe its Luci. It’s ridiculous, really. Why would she be here today, when I know she has her student teaching presentation?
Only a couple of more days, I remind myself.
My heart’s thudding halts when it’s Brittney who walks in.
“Please just stay where you are,” I jump from my chair.
“Why?” She smirks. “Scared we’ll kiss again?”
“You know that was not done on purpose. I-”
“Spare me,” she stops. “I know your girlfriend got my job.”
“That was not my doing.”
“No, David’s wife found out I was pregnant. He thinks I told her, but I didn’t,” she sighs. “Forget it. It’s a long story.”
“I heard the rumors,” I shrug, not feeling an ounce of pity.
“I think it was your slut of a girlfriend who told her to begin with.”
“Great, call her a slut, that’s going to make me real happy,” I cross my arms, and Brittney’s unmoving. “Look, I can assure you she didn’t. She doesn’t even know who his wife is. It must have been someone else you’ve wronged or blackmailed. I realize there may be a long list, but it wasn’t Luci.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“You don’t exactly have a great reputation.” I sigh. “You can’t honestly be surprised.”
“You’re a bastard.”
“Best of luck.”
She leaves, realizing I can’t help her, and I immediately lock the door behind her before calling Luci.
“Hey!” She answers immediately.
“I cannot wait for Brittney to be out of here,” I vent. “Do you know she’s pregnant? Apparently David’s wife found out they slept together, and who knows, I think he fired her, or blackmailed her back… Luci?”
“I’m here,” she clears her throat. “That sounds horrible.”
“Horrible?” I can’t help my laugh. “Are you kidding? She deserves whatever she has coming her way.”
“Pregnancy isn’t a punishment,” she breathes. “I feel sad for her.”
“Well you’re sweet, and that is why I love you.”
She’s quiet.
“Is everything okay?”
“Yeah,” she sighs. “I’m just beat. Sorry I didn’t call you back,” she yawns. “I think it’s the air mattress. “It’s the worst.”
“Well only a few more days, and you’ll be back in my bed.”
That has to cheer up.
Chapter 23
-Luci-
I get into my graduation dress, and the only thing I have left to put on is my cap and gown. Gracie waits with me on the couch, and we both look up when Ren walks through the door.
“Did you get it?” I ask nervously, and she holds up the plastic shopping bag.
“I’m pretty sure like five people from the theater department saw me, so you’re going to owe me, especially if this gets back to Dan,” she shoves the bag my way.