Married at Eighteen [NaLu] Book 2! ✓

1. Their decision

LAYLA HEARTFILIA

I couldn't help but look over my daughter as soon as the car had began to move away from their house. My hand climbing up to the window, urging to pull it down and say the truth. But, I knew I had to resist--for Lucy.

Jude, as if on cue, held my hand and gently began caressing it as he tried comforting me. "Now, now, dear,"

I shook my head and grabbed his hand. "I feel so guilty, Jude. Of all the possible loan, it had to be this one? Just when our daughter had finally found her love."

"Dear, you know why we were ordered." I heard Jude gulped. Instead of worrying, I faked a smile and caressed his cheek.

"I don't think Lucy would ever forgive us for this."

LUCY DRAGNEEL

As I watched my parents' car disappear, I folded my arms against my chest. I shivered just when the wind blew by and suddenly got wrapped with warmth. Only to find out Natsu wrapped his scarf around my neck once again.

He grinned when I turned to face him. I smiled pitifully, remembering what mom said. I took his hand and walked beside him into the house.

~FLASHBACK~

"Y-You want me to break my marriage with Natsu and move to Europe, at the same time, leaving my friends?!" I almost shrieked at the thought of all that happening in a second.

Mom stood up, sat beside me, making me scoot far away from her in shock. She then began stuttering as she explained. "Lucy, listen, this isn't just about what we want. It's about what you want."

It made my eyebrows furrow after hearing Mom say that. "What do you mean by that?"

She took a deep breath, caressing her shoulder. "You can study in Europe. You can apply for your scholarship."

I gulped at the thought, remembering how desparately I wanted to study in abroad with a scholarship to make my parents proud but, not like this. I turned my gaze away from Mom. "No, I still want to stay here and my decision is final."

Mom shakes her head, turned to look at Dad, who seemed speechless at the moment. "A choice wasn't given to you, Lucy. I simply told you the benefits of going to Europe but, my decision is also final--you and Natsu are through on Christmas eve."

I angrily stomped my foot on the ground and glared at them. I stood up and tried looking down on them even though they were taller than me. "First, you forced us to get married then, you suddenly change your mind right after finding out we fell in love with each other?" I scoffed, shaking my head at her.

"Dear--"

Before she could touch me, I made sure to move backwards to avoid her hand. She pushed her hand away from me and nodded, sighing. "I suppose I have no choice--it will be a forced annulment."

*END OF FLASHBACK*

Natsu started rubbing my shoulders, resting his head on top of mine. "Hey, you okay?"

I shook my head. Silence. We went back inside the house and plopped ourself on top of the bed. He wrapped his arm around my shoulders and kept on playing with my hair. "Natsu... what if I went to another country without telling you?"

He furrowed his eyebrows and stared weirdly at me. "I'd be disappointed. I mean, we don't keep secrets, do we?"

I sighed, nodding in agreement. I buriee my face on his chest as he hugged me closer. "Why would you ask me a question like that? It's creeping me out." he chuckled nervously at the end of his sentence.

I shook my head, wiping the tears falling from my eyes, not letting him see me. "...n-no reason."

-the next day-

Levy dragged her feet as she went inside the classroom. Her face lightened up once she saw my face. Then, ran towards me with her usual petite aura. "How're you and Natsu?" she grinned widely.

I sighed in despair, hugging myself then burying my head in between my arms. "Levy, something bad happened last night..."

Levy's eyes furrowed, making her crouch beneath me and lend her ear.
"Huh? Sorry, Lu, I can't hear you."

I looked around and saw Natsu talking to Gray and the others. He seems happy so, I went and grabbed Levy's arm, dragging her out to the hallway. "What did Natsu do to you this time? I swear to God, if that guy doesn't man up, I'm gonna have to--"

"Mom is signing our annulment papers."

Levy suddenly choked at the idea when I suddenly interrupted her. She went tp the restroom, gurgling water. Once she had felt better, her eyes widened. "What?!!"

I leaned my back on one of the stalls in defeat, nodding. "Mom told me we're going to Europe on Christmas eve--when the annulment papers will be completed." I ran a hand through my hair and kept smacking my lips.

"Lu... Bu-But, Lucy--w-what about graduation?"

I shrugged, "My parents didn't seem to care about how I felt after their announcement. Even though, Natsu and I confessed our feelings for each other."

Levy shook her head, holding both of my arms up. "Christmas eve?! B-But, that's supposed to be our happiest moment! Lucy, you can't leave, please!"

I went and bursted out tears when I pulled Levy into a hug. "I-I'm sorry, Levy... But, I'm afraid I don't have any choice. Though, I will make a plan to make sure I don't get on that hell of a plane."

Levy raised her arm, "Yeah! I'm gonna tell Erza about this and ask her for help!" I pulled her by the collar and shook my head at the idea. "What, you don't wanna tell Erza?"

"You can't tell anyone about this, Levy. Promise me. Please, I'm begging you. Even Natsu musn't know this!" I went on my knees in front of her as I held both of her hands in front of me.

She looked hesitating, as if wanting to run to Erza and tell the whole thing but, she sighed in defeat, looking away from me. "Lu, stand up. I hate seeing you like that." when I stood up, she looked up at me and shook her head. "Fine, I promise but," she paused to stare at me. "Promise me you will try to stop your parents from transferring you to Europe."

I nodded and smiled, pulling her into a hug once again. "Thank you so much, Levy."

"Hey, what are best friends for, right?"

~Author's Note~

p.s. This wonderful cover was made by one of my friends on wp ; secretlyuchiha💝 -thank you so much for this again!-

xoxo,
Clare-chan