(I wrote this chapter months ago.. may aswell post it. I hope you enjoy.)
UNEDITED-
"I couldn't.." The lump in Phoebes throat urged Lucille to look at her. Tear filled and clearly scared for Lucille.
"Next time, please stay out of it.." Lucille sighed.. It makes no sense that Phoebe gets left alone and Lucille doesn't.. but at the same time she's glad of it, maybe that's the real reason for it. "I'm gonna go get cleaned up.." Lucille spoke as she wiped the blood from her mouth again and left the room..
As Lu walked through the entrance hall to go up the stairs she didn't notice someone standing outside the open front door talking to Jerry. Their eyes locked for a moment, Ellies mouth dropped open causing Jerry to look behind. He didn't know the full extent of what was going on in that room.. but now he could see. "Are you alright?" Ellie asked and stepped forward, Jerry closed the door a little..
Jerry knew straight away that no one should have seen Lucille like that, and if Christopher knew.. "Lucille's going to be well looked after don't worry." Jerry smiled wide and closed the door on Ellie.
"So I see you are also complicit.. I guess I expected as much.." And with that she turned and walked up the stairs.
As she walked past Shilohs bedroom she could hear the young girls sobs.. "But I don't get it" She wailed..
"Things are.. complicated darling" Julia had no idea how to rationalise what was happening, and even less of an idea when it came to explaining the situation to a six year old. A huge part of Lucille wanted to walk straight in and give her a tight squeeze.. but then she remembered she looks like Carrie and that will only scare Shiloh more.
After a shower and a change of clothes Lucille looked in the mirror. The cut on her head is a little deeper than before, it will probably scar but at least she won't need stitches.. Both of her eyes already started turning black. Lucilles phone rang drawing her attention elsewhere.. "Hey Jen.."
"What's wrong?"
"Why would something be wrong?"
"Well Ellie just called me and told me to call you.. she was definetly worried for a reason.."
"I had an argument with my father that's all.."
"She said you had, blood, smeared all over your face?"
"No one got hurt so everything is fine."
"For fuck sake Lucille, did he hit you again?"
"I said it's fine."
"Lu.."
"Jen, I'm telling you.."
"Alright.. if you say so.."
"Wait. Why does Ellie have your number?"
"We spoke, she seems nice, and now I'm glad she has it.. I doubt you would have told what happened off your own back.."
"You didn't tell her anything about me did you?"
"No not really.."
"Wha, what did you tell her?" Jen could tell straight away just how uncomfortable Lucille was with that answer.
"She just asked what we do for fun.."
"So what did you tell her?"
"That you are not fun.."
Lucille burst out laughing. "You really said that?"
"I did.. but I don't think she believed me.." Jen chuckled back. 'good' Lucille thought to herself.. then began to question.. why she feels that's a good thing.
"Ok well I need to go.."
"Make sure you call me if you need me.. and call me if you don't.."
"So I'll just call you later then?"
"Yeah that works.." Jen chirped.
"Alright, bye I love you.."
"I love you too bye.."
After hanging up the phone Lu made her way to Shilohs room.. Julia was just coming out and silently closed the door. "She's resting love.."
Lucille nodded. "Thank you for taking her out of the room.."
"Luce.." Her mother sighed, a feeling of hopelessness washed over her, she reached out her hand to caress her daughters bruised face.
"It's alright." Lucille gently batted her hand away, resisting the urge to bite into it.. "Just make sure she doesn't have to live it."
"I'll try.." Julias weak tone had started a bubbling anger inside Lucille.
"No.. you have to." And with that Lucille walked down the hall and opened the front door to leave.
"Where are you going?" Phoebe asked from the doorway that leads to the dining room..
"Away from this house.." She waited for a reply but didn't look back.
"Can I come?" Phoebe asked sounding a little hopeful.
Lucille let out a long sigh then turned to see her sisters expression "...Fine" She swung the door open wide.
"If you want I can hide your bruises with make-up so no one sees?"
"No point.." Lucille stepped out the door putting her shades on and began walking. Phoebe quickly ran out the door after her. Both of them didn't notice Alberto knealt down beside the car out front. Until he stood up and adressed them.
"Do you girls need a lift?"
Phoebe looked to Lucille for the answer, she had no clue of their destination. "No thanks.." Lucille brushed him off and carried on walking.
After five minutes of walking in silence .."I'm sorry Lucille.." Pheobe started..
Lucille squeezed her eyes closed for a moment.. "I'm so sick, of hearing that.."
"Sorry.." Phoebe said, then looked straight to Lucille who was side eyeing her. "My bad.."
Lucille smirked and shook her head. "You're so stupid.."
"I don't understand how you can just pretend like everything is normal.."
"Because this is our normal.. don't pretend he's left you alone all this time."
"I've been dragged around by my hair a few times but.. it never went like that.."
"I guess he never had to explain to his peers why he sent you away.."
Pheobe opened her mouth to apologise again.. but decided Lucille probably wouldn't appreciate that.. she furrowed her eyebrows thinking of what else she could say.. "Lucille.."
"Hmm?"
"What do you like?"
Lucille chuckled a little, but decided to entertain the subject.. "Coffee.." It was what she was thinking about.. with that thought she took her phone out of her pocket. Dialing the number for a cab.. She looked to Phoebe who opened her mouth to speak. "Hold that thought.." Putting the phone up to her ear she told the taxi service where she was and where she wanted to go. As Lucille hung up she noticed Phoebe typing a message. "Someone important?"
The girl laughed amusedly.. "Not in the way I think you mean.."
"Fair enough.."
"...So what else do you like besides coffee?"
"Not much else... What about you?"
"Uh.. I like being around my friends." She chirped up after thinking of something.
"Me too.."
"You have friends? What are they like?" Phoebe tried to keep her composure, thrilled inside that Lucille was actually speaking with her.
"Haha.. you sound surprised." Lucille glanced to Phoebe before continuing.. "-Stubborn, funny.. crazy" Lucille made a small chuckle thinking of Jen.
"If they got you to like them they must be pretty great.." Phoebe shook her head.
"She is.." Lucille smiled to herself.. The taxi pulled up and wound down his window gaining their attention.
After a silent taxi ride, other than Lucille asking for the radio, both the girls exited the car. As they rounded the corner to the coffee shop a surprise was waiting just outside the doors.
"Ellie?" Phoebe asked.. "I didn't tell you so that you could join.."
"I know.. I just.. wanted to check that you're both okay.." Her eyes flicked back and forth between the twins, making very short glances at Lucille.
"Everything is fine.." Lucille made a small smile though her face is covered in bruises..
"I can't believe you just showed up.." Phoebe shook her head in disbelief.. this was very out of character for Ellie.
"Can you blame me?" After Ellie spoke Lucille had an uneasy feeling settle in her stomach..
Lucille grabbed Phoebe by her arm and easily dragged her a few feet away so that Ellie couldn't hear.
"Phoebe.. what exactly did you say to her?"
"She basically, knows what happened..." Phoebe looked to the floor.
"You just love to complicate things.." Lucille made a long sigh and rolled her eyes, walking away from Phoebe, past Ellie and straight into the coffee shop. She ordered her coffee and as per usual left a huge tip. Phoebe and Elizabeth entered shortly after, Lucille offered to pay for their drinks but each one declined and paid for their own.
The table had been silent until Phoebe announced she was going to the bathroom..
"Lucille?..." Ellie asked softly, Lu looked up from her half empty coffee "I.. I think I get it now.."
This earned Ellie an inquisitive look. Soon enough though it faded as another thought crossed her mind.. "You need to keep whatever Phoebe told you to yourself-"
"You don't have to live like that-" Lucille suddenly grabbed Ellies hand and firmly held it to the spot.. Ellie instinctively tried to take her hand back, getting a little worried when she couldn't budge Lu's vice grip an inch.
"Swear on your life.." Lucille calmly ordered..
"What?" Ellie suddenly felt a little slither of fear creeping in as she moved her other hand on top of Lucilles to get her off. Lucilles demanding but calm demeanor put Ellie even more on edge.
"Swear on your life that you won't say anything.."
"Lucille, you're hurting me."
Lu looked down at the girls hand.. her fingers going purple.. She took her hand back and watched Ellie rubbing her own. "If you share what you know with anyone.. it will be the worst mistake you ever make.." Lucille spoke calmly and stood up to leave..
"I won't tell anyone.. I'll swear on whatever you want. Just sit, finish your drink.. please.." As Ellie finished her sentence Lucille heard Phoebe coming out of the bathroom and decided to sit back down, keeping eyecontact with Ellie as she did.
Phoebe sat down not noticing the increased tension.. "Hey Ellie are you still going to Tyler's party?" Ellies thoughts had a mind of their own, her eyes slowly traveled down Lucilles face as Lu was typing out something on her phone. "Earth to Ellie?" When Phoebe spoke this time Lucille looked up to see Ellies eyes fixed on her..
"Huh? what did you say?" Ellie did her best to play it cool, glancing between the two sisters on the round table.
"Tyler's party? You're going right?"
"No, I don't think so.." Ellie cringed at the thought of all the randy teenage boys that will be there.
"Lucille do you want to come?" Phoebe looked to Lucille who was clearly surprised, eyebrows raised.
"You, want me too?" Lu asked and Phoebe nodded happily.
"I don't think that's-" Ellie started..
"What's the worst that could happen?" Lucille grinned amusedly, pretending not to have heard Ellie.
"Woah really?" Phoebe replied excitedly.
"Yeah of course.." As Lucille replied she heard Ellie exaggerate a sigh. "So uh.. when is this party?"
"Friday.." Phoebe smiled..
"Cool, I'm gonna to get a coffee to go.." Lu tipped her coffee cup up to get the last drops into her mouth before walking back up to the counter. As she made her order she couldn't help but listen in to what the girls were saying without her.
"Phoebes this is not going to end well.."
"You're the one who said we need to spend more time together.. to get to know eachother.. what better place than a party? And that way she can make some new friends before school starts.."
Ellie rolled her eyes.. She knows Phoebe enough to predict her actions in advance. There's no way Phoebe will even think to look after Lucille. "You will introduce her to one person and leave to do your own thing.."
"She'll be surrounded by people I know, it will be fine.. stop pissing on my bonfire ok?"
"Fine.. I'm done being the voice of reason." Ellie reluctantly held her hands up in submission.
Lucille walked back over the the girls.. "I don't feel like going back yet, so I'm going to explore a little.."
"Lets go then.." Phoebe smiled wide as she stood up..
"I thought you might want to spend some time with your friend.. seeing as though she's here now.."
Ellie almost looked offended at Lucilles words. Phoebe replied.. "We can do something together if you don't mind Ellie being here?"
"Alright.. let's go." Lucille walked out of the shop, quickly followed by the two girls. Ellie was still putting her puffy grey winter coat on as she stepped outside.
It was clear even to passers by that the girls were not all good friends. Both Ellie and Pheobe walked close to each other and felt as though they were walking on egg shells.. Lucille however acted like she didn't give a shit as usual. "So where are we going?" Ellie asked.
"Phoebe?" Lucille added.
"Uh.." Phoebe started.. "We could look for something to wear on Friday?.. if you don't mind tagging along Ellie?"
"I don't mind.." Ellie answered casually.
"That works.." Lucille shrugged.. "Is there somewhere specific you'd like to look?"
"Hmm.. there are a few places.."
After they spent thirty minutes walking around the first shop, twenty walking around the second, they were now five minutes into the third. Lucille had already found her outfit in the second shop after she left Phoebe and Ellie to search by themselves. Phoebe wasn't having as much luck. Fifty short dresses later "Ugh.. nothing looks right.. hopefully there's better stuff in the next one" Phoebe let out a long sigh.
Lucille rolled her eyes and walked further into the clothing store, throwing together some things and walked back over the the girls. Ellie was trying to be enthusiastic but Phoebe was too sad. "Here try this." Lucille calmly plonked the clothes down into Phoebes hands..
"Where did you get this?" Phoebe asked, picking her jaw back up.
In her hands, a flowy cream crop top, the fabric of the neck went almost in a straight line to the straps on her biceps, a pair of light blue high-waisted skinny jeans and a pair of tan boots that reached just above her ankle.
"Can you just try them on?.. I think you'd look nice.."
"Yes yes fine.." Phoebe briskly walked off to the changing room..
Lucille slowly looked around to see the surprise on Ellies face.. "How did you do that?"
"What did I do?" Lu asked confused.
"You just handed her clothes.. and straight away she tried them on.."
"She liked what I chose?"
"But she never likes anything.. usually we have to go to at least 5 different stores before she finds one item.."
"She just gets stuck in a pattern and, sometimes it's hard to break.."
"So you broke it for her?"
"That's one way to put it.." Lu shrugged.
The conversation died, only the sound of a few customers shuffling around was heard until Phoebe appeared in the new outfit.. "Is it me?" She did a spin for them.
"I think you look great.. how do you think you look?" Lucille asked.
Phoebe twisted her body side to side and fluffed her mousey brown hair out down her shoulders.. "It's not exactly 'fun' party girl but, I love it.." Phoebe turned and gave her twin a huge thankful grin..
"Good.." Lucille smiled back..
"What do you think Ellie?" Phoebe smiled..
"You look amazing.. it actually really suits you.." Ellie was pleasantly surprised.
You wouldn't exactly say either of their outfit choices screamed 'party'.. but admittedly they both looked stunning in what they'd chosen. After shopping the girls decided to go their separate ways. "I'll call you later.." Phoebe waved as she got into the taxi..
"Make sure you do!.. uh, see you later Lucille.." All of a sudden Ellie became shy.. the heat in her cheeks made her question herself. 'What is this unusual feeling in my stomach?'..
Lucille waited a few extra seconds as she opened the door.."Goodbye Ellie.." Her smile turned to a satisfied smirk as she noticed the girl blushing.. And with that she climbed into the taxi..
"So what's going to happen when we get home?" Phoebe asked in an uneasy tone.
Lucille kept her gaze on the scenery passing by. The the busy streets reflected off her black shades as they traveled out of the town centre. "Worry about that when we get there.."
"That is not helpful.." .. "Lucille.." Phoebe reached across and put her hand on Lu's forearm to get her attention. After Lucille turned her head Phoebe took her hand back.. "Just promise we won't go back to the way things were.."
"We're making progress aren't we?.." Lucille made a small smile.. a somehow sad smile. "Can you do me a favour?"
"What is it?"
"Could you be a little nicer to Shiloh?.. you know she's a good kid.."
Phoebe sighed before replying.. "I'll try.."
"I really didn't see myself having a nice time with you.. it wasn't bad.."
"Well that's good."
"Just make sure you don't air our dirty laundry infront of anyone else.. ok?"
"I won't.. I just couldn't come up with a good enough lie.."
"I'm shocked.. that must have been a first for you.."
"I think it was actually.." Phoebe answered casually.
"You're an idiot.." Lucille shook her head amusedly with a roll of the eyes.
"I swear all you do is insult me.. 'You're weird, you're so stupid, and the latest one-"
"You are all of those things.." Lucille chuckled earning her an unamused side eye. "Don't worry, I know you're more than just that.."
"That's something I guess."
The conversation dissipated and before long they were stepping out of the taxi, quietly walking the rest of the way to the big lonely house.. Phoebe punched in the code for the gate on the keypad. They finally stepped through the front doors and were greeted by Alberto.. "Did you get up to anything fun?" He asked with a smile, looking to the shopping bags in their hands.
"Just some shopping.." Lucille lifted her bags..
"I thought I heard the door.. Oh I'm so thrilled that you're spending time together.." Julia beamed.
"Mm. Well I'm going to put this stuff away.." Lucille nodded, feeling uneasy she made her exit.
As she walked through the door to her bedroom a sudden curiosity came over her.. She grabbed Phoebes letters and dropped them on her bed. She read the first one that her hand landed on.
'Dear Lucille.
I don't know how to exist without you.. We had to move to a new part of town and I have to live as though you were never by my side. I've met a few nice people though, I think you would get on well with them. I'd love to know what it's like for you.. if you feel as lost as I do.
I wish I had been a better sister to you, a better friend. Instead I'm selfish, stubborn, I hurt you, my actions forced you out and I'm sorry. I'm so sorry Lucille.
Your coward sister Phoebe.'
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NOTES-