Chapter 29: Chapter 29

Lydia’s P.O.V

“All packed up?” Ivy asked as she handed me another dress that my mother had bought for me to take to Rosewater.

“Almost…I think.” I sighed. “I came with one bag and I’m leaving with three.”

Ivy gave out a short laugh. “I’m glad you came though. I would’ve felt lonely without you.”

“I’m glad I came too.”

“So…how are thinks with Lyric? I noticed a bit of tension between the two of you this morning.” Ivy asked curiously. “Everything alright?”

I sighed and tossed aside the dress I was folding. “Lyric wants me to become his girlfriend.”

“Really?” Ivy gasped in excitement and hurried over to sit in front of me. “When did that happen? You know what, forget it! What did you tell him? Are you guys a couple now?”

“Ivy!” I snapped, startling her. “I can’t be his girlfriend! I told him no.”

“What? Why?” Ivy looked genuinely confused as she furrowed her eyebrows at me.

“Look at me, Ivy!” I told her, pointing at my face. “I’m a stone faced bitch who can’t laugh or cry or show any emotions whatsoever! Why would he want to date a pathetic girl like me?”

“Lydia!” Ivy scolded me immediately. “Stop saying such horrible things about yourself! You are perfect just the way you are.”

I took several deep breaths to get rid of my anger, especially after hearing Ivy repeat what Lyric had told me earlier. After my accident, I had gone through vigorous rehabilitation at the hospitals at the hands of several world-famous doctors. I had also taken up cognitive behavioral therapy to manage my emotions and expressions. I didn’t get emotional very often. Then why was I suddenly losing my composure because of Lyric, a guy I had hardly known for three weeks? And why was I taking it out on Ivy of all people? I would’ve gone crazy by now if it weren’t for her.

“Ivy…” I spoke once I had calmed down a bit. “I’m sorry for taking it out on you, but I don’t think you’ll be able to understand. I’m not a normal person, Ivy. I know Lyric would never pity me, but he’s confused about his feelings for me. He thinks he likes me but he probably just likes the idea of liking a girl who is this different.”

“What if you’re mistaken?” Ivy asked me instead. “What if you’re the only one who sees yourself as flawed and Lyric truly does like you. It’s not impossible, Lydia. You are a beautiful person inside and out. Anyone who takes the time to see past the exterior will love you wholeheartedly. I think you two are perfect for each other.”

“We can never be perfect together…not everyone can be as perfect as you and Stephen.” I told her ruefully.

“Lydia... Stephen and I are far from a perfect couple.” Ivy gave me a small smile. “In fact, we are the epitome of an imperfect couple.”

“How can you say that? You and Stephen are perfect!” I told her surprised. “I’ve always considered you guys my idols whenever it came to relationships.”

“Lydia…” Ivy took my hands in hers. “What you see is a fairytale ending. Our story started from literally being forced together. We had our fair share of conflicts, we had ugly fights and heartbreaks and so much more. I’m not going to tell you everything that happened between us because I don’t want you to worry and I also don’t want to bring up the past anymore. What’s done has been done and forgotten.”

“No relationship starts out perfect. It’s our efforts that make us perfect.” Ivy smiled at me as she caressed my hair. “Your efforts will make it perfect. Lyric seems like a nice guy and I’m not saying that you have to choose him. You have your freedom in that respect. So only you can decide what you want out of this relationship. But if you ask me, I think you should think it over.”

*

Two hours later, having said goodbye to my family for a few of months at least, Lyric and I started towards Rosewater via my dad’s car.

It had been another teary farewell and even my dad had gotten a bit emotional, but we managed to leave on time so we could get back by nightfall. Lyric had tried his best to act normal but I was pretty sure everyone could tell he was in a sour mood. But even if my family had caught on to the tension between us, they hadn’t interfered or asked questions and had instead left the matter alone so we could deal with it later.

Dad had asked me if I needed a raise in my salary, but I had denied outright. He already paid me too much for the paperwork I did for him on the weekends. I refused to take pocket money from him so he had given me a job in name only. But even though the documents he gave me to check and proofread were already checked by a professional, at least I didn’t feel as guilty relying on my dad’s money. Because of my condition, working normal part-time jobs weren’t possible for me.

After about twenty minutes of silence inside the car, I have had enough.

“Lyric…I don’t want things to be awkward between us.” I told him honestly. “You’re the only person I’ve been able to connect with after three years of shutting myself away in the safety of my mind so no one could hurt me anymore. And, I’m sorry that I tried to hurt you the same way.”

I turned to face him and look into his gorgeous green eyes. “I don’t think I’m ready for a relationship, Lyric…I don’t think I’ll ever be ready. All I have to offer you is my friendship. Please? I need to know that I haven’t lost you.”

I really didn’t want to lose Lyric. He had become special to me since I had gotten to know him better and I felt like losing this would be a great loss for me. And I didn’t have enough strength to stand it. I didn’t know what I would do if I lost this bond with him.

Lyric must have seen the dilemma in my eyes because he wrapped an arm around my shoulder and pulled me to his side. “I can’t let you go either, Lydia. These past three weeks had been short but I had enjoyed every single moment of it with you. Even fighting with you was like a breath of fresh air.”

He sighed and scratched his head with his free hand. “I can’t promise you that my feelings for you will disappear overnight, but I’m willing to stay friends. I don’t want things to get awkward between us either and there’s no way I’m letting you go.”

I breathed a sigh of relief, feeling a huge weight being lifted off my shoulders. I placed my head on his broad shoulders, feeling comfort in that simple touch. “Thank you.”

Lyric didn’t say anything, but he didn’t have to. The silence between us wasn’t awkward anymore and I knew that we had both resolved this issue for now. But that didn’t mean this was the end of it. Lyric and my story was far from being over.