216 |𝐛.𝐚| (hiatus)

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❝♛❞

LUCY RATHAWAY was having a normal day. She was running the shoe shop while taking care of four kids and balancing their powers and her own. It was a typical day in the Rathaway household, but Lucy was especially excited. Because it was Friday. It was Friday and Lucy had a date. With Barry. Tonight, because it was Friday.

Most people Lucy's age (27 but it's rude to ask a lady that) wouldn't be as excited as she was, but they didn't understand. Lucy already had four kids, two being teenagers and no, she didn't get pregnant in high school. No matter how many people asked, the answer never changed. Funny how that happens, it's almost like people can't comprehend the truth or the miracle of adoption. Or both.

But the point is, Lucy didn't really go on dates. She never had time for them, especially in the past year or so where she and her only adopted teen developed powers, and then she decided to adopt three more kids. Any guy Lucy did meet was completely randomly whether it was out and about or at her Shoe Store, or through mutual friendships, relationships, and common places.

For example, the last date Lucy had was with a single bachelor at Aspen's school. Let's just say the guy was so conceited there was no doubt about why he was still single. And the other mothers didn't bother to warn Lucy about that tidbit before she wasted two hours and a medium paycheck, and yes, he did make her pay.

Then the date before that was a son of an old business partner of the Rathaways'. He was very smart and not as conceited as the other guy, but Lucy could tell from the start that the only reason the date was happening was so he could "woo" her over and then marry her and then run Rathaway Industries since Lucy "couldn't". Yep, same old values as her parents, and the guy was in desperate need of acting classes. Good thing Lucy had taken a few before so it actually scared the guy away when she said she was disowned too. The guy actually believed her and didn't even bother to check any sources to validate it, not that he would find anything because he would have just found that Lucy was indeed the sole inheritor of the fortune.

And that fortune is, of course, everything but Rathaway Industries. And Lucy got that business master's degree for nothing.

Those have been the last few, very unpromising dates that Lucy has dealt with and honestly it was a refresher to have a close friend like Barry, who already knew a great deal about her, to go on a date with.

Then, of course, those also came with other risks. What if Lucy ends up ruining their friendship? What if the kids get their hopes up? What if Penny becomes too attached? What if a relationship with Barry brings her far too deep into meta-human business? What if she gets hurt? What if any of her kids get hurt?

But this was just a first date. Just a first date is what Lucy kept repeating to herself throughout the day, sitting at the counter of Shoe Central. No harm could come on a first date, right? I mean, the worst thing that could happen is that this completely ruins their friendship and that they will never speak again, making it super awkward when Penny needs help with her science work because Barry will probably say yes and-

The bell above the door ringing snapped Lucy out of those less than ideal thoughts. And to Lucy's surprise, it was Barry who came in.

"Barry!" Lucy kinda shouted throughout her entire store, it caused some patrons to turn a glance. Thankfully, most of them were regulars and were semi-used to Lucy's craziness and tendency to sometimes speak without thinking. She still blushed when she caught everyone's attention. And it wasn't like she wasn't expecting him either. Lucy got in his order finally and had texted him so.

"Uh, hi?" She said quieter than her outburst. Lucy also gave a small wave that Barry returned as he sauntered to the counter.

Lucy ducked under the counter and brought back two boxes, "Here's your order. Two pairs of Hoka One One Carbon X's in red. And of course, in your custom shoe sizes too." Lucy recounted while she got the pay tablet ready.