"Find the courage to live life." – Lailah Gifty Akita


Lucy's POV


It was like my whole world came crashing down and bursted into flames right before me when I saw Harry and Anya canoodling on the couch. My face contorted in confusion when I initially spotted them together, but once my brain got a chance to process the sight I became angry. So many questions were circulating throughout my mind, and I wanted--no needed--answers.

He wouldn't cheat on me with my best friend...

Would he?


"What the hell is going on here?" I demanded to know.

Anya and Harry immediately scurried away toward opposite ends of the coach upon hearing my question, but neither of them answered me. I cleared my throat and raised an eyebrow, waiting for one of them to speak. Harry looked like he wanted to say something but seemed unsure of where to start, so I made it easier for them both by asking another question.

"Please tell you weren't doing what I think you were doing. Tell me you'd never do that to me, Harry..." I pleaded after releasing a shaky breath.

I shut my eyes and tried to erase the images that were cluttering my mind, but it didn't work. When my eyelashes fluttered open, I stared back at Harry in desperation, hoping he could put an end to my paranoia.

"No, of course not baby. I've been waiting for you here since I got off from work. Even brought some takeout and a few movies," Harry told me calmly while pointing to the items scattered across our coffee table. "Anya came not too long ago."

"It's true Lucy. I was just with Louis and his mother. She's a real lovely woman, but I'll have to tell you about our encounter next time..." The blonde trailed off before glancing at the curly haired boy at the end of the coach. "Harry and I need to talk to you about something though."

"What is it?" I frowned as I shrugged off my sweater and placed it onto the coat rack.

Even though the two of them denied doing anything promiscuous, I still had a feeling I was being set up for disappointment. Harry awkwardly scratched the back of his neck before turning to face me again, his eyes replete with ambivalence. “Maybe you should sit down for this,” He suggested while patting the space in between him and Anya.

“Okay,” I agreed as I made my way over to the couch and sat between them. “What is it you have to tell me?”

“Listen, baby. There's no easy way for us to tell you this, but we think, uh...we think–” Before Harry was able to finish the rest of his sentence, Anya blurted out the words that almost stopped my fragile heart.

“We think you should see a therapist…” Anya explained, leaving the entire room in a deafening silence.

My eyes widened at her words, and I gripped the couch cushions for support before asking them why. I've always been fearful of hospitals and didn't plan on visiting one anytime soon. “Okay, listen. I know I haven't been acting like the carefree and eccentric young woman I once was, but that girl is gone. She's not coming back. I've grown up and moved on. Don't you think it's about time you do too?” I carped back at her.

“Lucy, that's not the point. Everyone deserves to find individual happiness in life, and you have yet to find yours,” She argued, looking at Harry for support.

“But I have found my happiness. Harry's my happiness. He's better than any drug I could use to get high, medication I could take, or conversation I could have with someone nosy trying to butt into my life. He makes me forget…” I muttered the last part while playing with my thumbs.


“Lucy, I know this all may seem sudden and may feel like we're both ganging up on you, but we just care about you and your well being. I don't want you to forget what happened if it means living your life in constant fear and anxiety. You need to forgive him so you can set yourself free, baby,” Harry told me while taking my hand and holding it in his. I felt a cold tear roll down my cheek at the mention of forgiveness and wiped it away in haste.

“How can you even ask me to do that?” I sobbed out as more tears began to stream down my cheeks. “He doesn't deserve it, Harry. He should pay for what he did to me!” I yelled back at him before wiping my eyes with my sleeve. “I never wanted to be that girl.

“Lucy, you're not–” Anya started to say, but I cut her off.

“Stop, just stop... I can't do this right now,” I told her before rising to my feet. “I need some space. I'm sorry that we couldn't spend time together, Harry, but I think it's best that you leave.”

“Don't apologize, baby,” He sighed as he grabbed the bag of takeout and movies into his hand. “I'll see you around.”

Once Harry left and I had gone to my room, I found myself on the verge of tears as I laid on the duvet with my legs curled into my chest. I never wanted to forgive Dylan for what he did but desperately wanted to move on with my life.

Whenever I was with Harry, I felt free and relieved from the burden I carried in my chest, but then other times when I was alone I'd remember the events of that night and go back into a state of self-loath in which I would contemplate the value of my existence. I know I had friends and family members who loved me, but the biggest question I had was whether or not I'd be able to find the courage to begin again and if this life of mine was still worth living.


Maybe I need to see a therapist after all...

Notes

I know how I want this story to end, but I'm just having a hard time getting to that point. So many things are supposed to happen. I want to complete this story before June 2014. It's been a wonderful year and a half so far. Thank you to all of those who have supported me and continued to read Picture Perfect. It means a lot :)

Love
-M