Chapter 39

    Chapter 39: I'm Allergic to Fun

    LYRIC SPENCER POV

    Finally, it was New Year's Day. I didn't have a class with Gavin that day, and for some reason, it felt empty. Wren was spending the day with Grandma, while my aunt took her kids away for the day too. They went to New York for a job interview; Aunt Stephanie was trying to get a job away from Velmont.

    The police had not found Uncle, and she was worried Alessio would come for us next. I didn't blame her. Still, I couldn't leave Velmont, not yet. I had a year left in school and was only a sophomore. This house was the last thing my father left me; it had their memories engraved in the walls. I couldn't sell it, like Aunt was suggesting.

    I had to find a way to convince her, because the property would be in my name only when I turned nineteen. I couldn't lose that house, but losing my voice was worse.

    I stayed home, in my new pajamas, watching true crime documentaries in French. I was a sucker for subtitles. Wrapped in my duvet, eating popcorn with melted butter, I felt scared of being home alone for the first time. I had nowhere to go. What if Alessio attacked? I didn't want to die.

    Gavin texted me: "What are your plans for tonight?"

    I replied, "Nothing, just home."

    Gavin responded, "This is outrageous, Miss Spencer! I demand you have some fun at least before the year ends."

    I typed, "I'm allergic to fun."

    Gavin persisted, "C'mon, join me. You shouldn't be home alone; it's not safe. Your aunt can't protect you all the time."

    I asked, "Where to?"

    Gavin replied, "A party. Nothing illegal, I promise."

    I inquired, "What should I wear?"

    Gavin responded, "Anything you're comfortable with."

    My heart melted at his response.

    I clarified, "I meant the dress code."

    Gavin answered, "Um... it's a college party; a dress will be fine."

    I agreed, "Okay."

    Gavin said, "I'll come pick you up in five."

    In an instant, I jumped from the couch to the floor, then ran to my room and opened my closet. My eyes fell on a pink dress Wren had given me some time ago. It was an off-the-shoulder, thigh-length dress with a little heart-shaped cleavage. I had to be braless while wearing it, so my nipples were visible through the dress. I picked up three-inch heels and applied my favorite deep red lipstick from Lancôme and their blush, another gift from my sweet friend. Using my aunt's curling iron, I curled my hair and sprayed some perfume.

    I was left staggering back at my reflection in the mirror.

    Suddenly, I heard a knock at the door. A smile sprang to my lips as I rushed to the door. I took a sharp breath in before opening it.

    Outside, Gavin stood wearing a grey suit. His hair was disheveled, as always, and his lips were red from the cold. He looked handsome, as always. He stared at me unblinkingly, his lips apart. It was as if he was in a trance. I started to get nervous, so I snapped my fingers in his face.

    In an instant, he blinked several times, shifting his weight. "I finally know the difference between pretty and beautiful!" he murmured in a daze.

    I smiled at his "Descendants" reference, signing a thank you.

    "Wait a second!" He raised a hand and chased down the little steps in front of my house. I watched him move to our garden and crouch there. What was he looking for? He stood up and returned with a rose in his hand. "For you, milady." He gave me the rose.

    I laughed, throwing back my head at his exaggerated bow and British accent.

    "You look truly out of this world, Miss Spencer. I'm second-guessing taking you to this party; I want you all to myself only."

    My heart skipped a beat. I felt a warm feeling in my chest from his words. Why was he so sweet?

    Gavin offered me his arm, and I tangled mine into it. We walked down the stairs to his car. He opened the door for me like a gentleman, allowing me to get in.

    "Want some music?" Gavin asked, the second he entered.

    I nodded.

    "What genre?" he asked, smiling brightly.

    I typed on my phone, "*Anything by Tate McRae, Olivia Rodrigo, Taylor Swift, or Conan Gray*."

    "So you're a pop girlie, Miss Spencer?" he teased.

    I nodded proudly.

    Soon, "Greedy" was playing from the speakers. We bopped our heads to the sound, and it was peaceful.

    Once again, Gavin opened the door, offering his palm for me to get down. The house was covered with Christmas decorations and seemed familiar. When we arrived at the mailbox, I felt a chill run down my spine. It was Emilia Davidson's house – Emilia, my biggest bully. Emilia was the mayor's daughter, and they had the biggest house in Velmont. Those palace types with their fancy plants and remote control gates.

    "Are you okay?" Gavin inquired, the second he realized I was cemented to the ground. I tried breathing normally, but it was already erratic. I didn't want to be in the same house as Emilia Davidson. Not today, not ever.

    The memories of the last party I attended at Emilia's began playing in my head. I was drenched in mud. Everyone I knew in class laughed and pointed at me. Emilia held the bucket of mud.

    Breathing felt like a chore for the first time. "Lyric?" Gavin called out to me, touching my arm. I couldn't hear him because I was lost. His voice sounded vague.

    Unexpectedly, he pulled me in, his strong arms enveloping me. His head placed against my neck, he placed a soft peck. "You're fine, Lyric. I'm here with you," his fingers created a pattern on my bare back. It was so comforting.

    The firewall of tears began rolling down my cheek. I held onto him like my life depended on it. The next moment, I was bawling in his arms. But he didn't mind; he patted my head, whispering softly, "Let it all out, princess. Don't be scared; I'm here with you. I'm not going anywhere."

    For that moment, the whole world stood still. I could only smell Gavin, hear Gavin, feel Gavin. And I didn't want anything else in my life. Just him. Holding me. It felt nice. It felt magical. I never loved an embrace so much in my life.

    As I calmed down, Gavin gently pulled back and looked at me with concern. "Better?" he asked, his voice soft.

    I nodded, feeling a bit embarrassed about my breakdown. Gavin smiled and handed me a handkerchief from his pocket. "Here, wipe your tears."

    I took it and cleaned my face, feeling a bit more composed. Gavin offered me his arm again, and I took it, feeling grateful for his support.

    "Shall we go in?" he asked, nodding towards the house.

    I hesitated, still feeling anxious about facing Emilia. But with Gavin by my side, I felt a bit more courageous. I nodded, and we walked towards the house together.