Camp Wiegman-Part 79
Lucy Bronze x Ona Batlle
Alternative Universe: Military School
Words: 5K
Masterlist
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Wednesday, April 13; 1:30 PM - Batlle House
The sun is shining. The weather has been wonderfully beautiful since we arrived here. It's pleasant. My only regret is that half of our time here has already passed. We've made the most of it, especially with hiking. I've never walked so much in just a few days. Lucy loves it, and I must admit, I’ve started to enjoy it too. From where we are, we have a lot of nature around, so I show her everything we can see.
“So, what do you want to do today?” Lucy asks me after putting the last plate in the dishwasher.
We just finished eating. I sent my grandfather to take his nap. He never wants to admit it, but he gives more than he should. He doesn't seem to understand that he's getting old. I'm glad we're here. We've been able to help him with a lot of things.
“Well, I was thinking you could take care of the car this afternoon.”
“Are you sure? You might get really bored.”
“Oh no. I'll play assistant, and I wouldn’t miss a chance to watch you,” I giggle.
She smiles, nodding her head. She kept her promise to my grandfather by checking under the hood on the first day. According to her, some sensors needed to be replaced if he wanted the car to last. Of course, my grandfather agreed and gave us money to get the parts that same day. However, the parts had to be ordered, and they arrived this morning, so we might as well take care of it right away.
“OK, let’s do that then.”
“And maybe after that, we can…”
She turns her head while washing her hands. I swallow hard.
“I think I’m ready.”
She smiles at my words. She turns fully after grabbing a towel to dry her hands.
“OK. We’ll go see him afterward. And if you want, we can spend the evening at the beach again tonight. The full moon will be at its peak, so we shouldn't miss that, right?”
I smile back and go to embrace her. Yes, it was time for me to go see him. Lucy kisses my forehead. She understood well that I wasn’t the most comfortable at first, but now that we’ve spent some days here, I feel more at ease. Her presence has been really reassuring.
“Well, I’m going to find some clothes before we head out,” she announces, kissing my forehead.
“Can I come with you?”
“Yes, of course.”
We head upstairs to my room. I sit on the bed while Lucy rummages through her things. I watch her intently as she changes in front of me. That tease has been toying with me for days. We kiss a lot before sleeping, or to put it another way, we heat things up, only for nothing to happen. I must admit, this little game is starting to get very frustrating. It’s been a long time since I’ve wanted someone this much.
“Everything alright, babe?” she teases gently.
“No. You’re such a tease.”
“Oh, really? A tease?” she giggles.
“Yes.”
“And you’re the one saying that?”
“What do you mean by that?”
She narrows her eyes playfully as she approaches me. I lean back on my elbows as she hovers over me.
“I mean it’s harder for me to hold back than you think.”
I give in to her lips when she kisses me. The moment is short-lived as she pulls away. I groan in frustration.
“Babe!”
“Stop complaining,” she laughs. “We’ve got things to do today. Plus, your grandfather is sleeping in the next room.”
“All the more reason to—”
“Do nothing,” she finishes my sentence. “I’m heading down. Do what you want until then.”
She leaves first, and of course, I follow with a sulky look. She’s opened the car hood in the driveway to start the repairs while I watch, sitting on the grass. Buzz is with us. He’s been following us everywhere. Lucy loved bringing him along on our hikes.
“Babe?”
“Hmm?”
“Were you serious about the idea of getting a dog?”
“Well yes, why? We both seem to love them.”
“I can’t believe you didn’t tell me sooner.”
“Oh, you’re not mad about that, are you? They say a dog is man’s best friend.”
“And do you believe that?”
“Well, yeah. I grew up with a dog, so obviously.”
“Really? What was his name?”
“Hercules.”
“Hercules?” I chuckle.
“Hey, don’t mock it. He was very loyal.”
“No, but Hercules, really?”
I burst out laughing, lying on the ground.
“Are you done?” Lucy scolds me.
Her serious demeanor can’t last when she sees me laughing. A smile stretches across her lips, and she drops the parts she was holding. She wipes her hands on a rag. My girlfriend is such a badass. Why do I feel like she doesn’t even realize it?
“Really, it’s not cool. I loved him.”
“Sorry, I just didn’t expect that. Seriously, Hercules... But it’s cute in its own way.”
“Right,” she laughs. “Don’t make fun of me.”
I smile like an idiot. I feel so happy. It’s strange being away from school, but at the same time, I love this life—just being us. I calm down when I see she’s no longer paying attention to me. She leans back against the car just as a voice calls out.
“Ona...?”
I frown. I sit up before turning around. I hesitate for a moment before recognizing the person in front of me, who seems to have recognized me right away.
“Hey,” I greet awkwardly.
“Ona Batlle. I can’t believe it! I never thought I’d see you again.”
I awkwardly get up to greet Nick, my childhood friend. We must have been so small when we met. We literally grew up together before I moved away.
“Hey!”
I giggle as he lifts me up when I thought we were just going to exchange a hug. We look each other up and down. After all, the last time we saw each other, we must have been twelve. Our parents divorced at the same time, and he left to live with his mother, just like I did. He’s grown. He’s even taller than me now, and let’s just say he’s become very handsome. I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s an athlete now. He loved football back then. I recognize his short brown hair and his green eyes.
“Wow,” he laughs. “I can’t believe you’re here. And… seeing you like this… you’ve become a beautiful woman. It’s incredible.”
I laugh nervously at his admiration, playfully hitting his shoulder. It’s a bit awkward. We always had a strong bond between us. We went through some of the same struggles. I always loved being adventurous with him. A throat clearing brings me back to reality. We turn to my girlfriend, who’s watching us with a raised eyebrow.
“Sorry, uh. Nick, this is Lucy, my girlfriend. Lucy, this is Nick, a childhood friend.”
He seems taken aback, but his surprise quickly turns into a smile.
“Girlfriend, huh?” he repeats. “A lot has changed, I see... But honestly, I’m not even surprised.”
“Hey! What’s that supposed to mean? Why does everyone keep saying that?”
He laughs heartily, shrugging his shoulders.
“Oh come on, you were quite the tomboy back then. You hated hanging out with girls your age. You were always tagging along with me and my group of friends.”
“I wasn’t tagging along! You’re the one who always took me with you!” I reply quickly with a little laugh.
I calm down as I feel Lucy’s arms wrap around me. I lean into her, smiling at Nick.
“What are you doing here? I thought you moved away with your mom?”
“Yeah… That was before she passed away from cancer.”
“Nick...”
“No, don’t say anything,” he smiles sadly. “It must be just as hard as losing your father... your grandfather told me everything when I got back.”
I nod. Unlike me, Nick got to leave with the right parent. He was happy to be able to leave the family home.
- When did you come back?
- Two years ago. It was strange at first. I had to find my footing again, and you weren’t there…
We look at each other for a few seconds, and he seems uncomfortable. Maybe that wasn’t the best thing to say at the moment.
- But anyway, everything's fine now. I’m an athlete at university, I have a girlfriend, and I try to stay busy when I’m not doing anything. Did you know your grandfather can’t be stopped once you start helping him? I’d be careful if I were you, he warns my girlfriend, who giggles.
- Thanks for the warning.
- And you? Are you staying long?
- No, just this week, actually.
- That’s all? So, what about you? Here I am talking about myself, and I haven’t even let you speak. I already know you’ve managed to snag a beautiful woman, so that’s something. Do you live together?
I glance at Lucy, who looks much more relaxed than before. I smile and run my fingers across her cheek when I notice a black smudge.
- Sort of, yeah. In Manchester.
- Manchester? he laughs. Seriously? I thought you hated the cold?
- She still does.
- Stop, you’re exaggerating, I giggle. I’ve gotten used to it.
- And what about your mom?
- She still lives in Barcelona, with Marcus and Joan, my little brother. And she’s getting married next month.
- Wow, all that. I didn’t expect so much. A wedding? And a little brother, really?
- Yeah, well, half-brother technically. He’s going to turn seven.
- Wow. It’s been years. Almost as long as we haven’t spoken.
- Almost, yeah…
We exchange a small smile. I know it’s strange for both of us. Honestly, Nick is someone special to me. He holds my first kiss, which we shared when we each moved away. We were close, undeniably, and it feels a bit strange seeing him again now. Lucy takes the opportunity to slip her arm around my shoulders. I suppress a smile. I know she can’t help herself—it’s crazy. She’s really jealous of anyone.
- Are you still here this weekend? It’s just, I’m throwing a party on Friday night, you know, and I’d love for you to come.
- Uh... I would’ve loved to—
- Oh no, not that line again, he replies, rolling his eyes. Some things never change, it seems.
I laugh, nodding.
- Sorry. We won’t be able to make it.
- When are you leaving?
- Saturday afternoon. We’re heading to Porto to see Lucy’s parents.
- Oh, so you’re Portuguese too? And seeing your parents? Your relationship seems solid.
- It is, I say with a small smile.
- I’m happy for you.
- And you, with your girlfriend?
- It’s not as serious. I mean, it’s been a year now, but we’re not thinking about moving in together or anything like that. We’re taking our time.
- I see. Still commitment issues, huh?
- A bit, yeah. Looks like you’ve managed to get over that, he says, gesturing toward us.
- Let’s just say... you have to find the right person.
- Yeah, he chuckles. I’ll try to remember that. So... we won’t see each other this weekend?
- No, I’m sorry, I say with a small smile.
- A lot has changed, huh?
I nod softly. I can tell he’s changed too. He’s no longer the carefree kid I used to get into trouble with.
- Yeah. It was really great to see you again, though.
- Me too. Maybe we could... I don’t know, exchange numbers? I mean, if Lucy doesn’t mind. It’s just, I think it would be nice to talk to someone who understands me from time to time.
- I don’t mind, she says. It’s not like she can cheat on me between two country.
I smile and accept the kiss Lucy gives me before she lets go. She understands he’s not a threat. At least, I hope so. She goes back to what she was doing while I exchange numbers with Nick.
- Well... I hope it won’t be another eight years before we see each other again.
- We’ll try to avoid that, I say with a small smile. See you soon, and take care of yourself.
- Yeah... You too.
We share one last hug before I sit back down on the grass. Buzz immediately settles between my legs. He hovered around Nick a lot. He must be familiar to him. Still, my grandfather never mentioned him to me. It’s strange.
- So... Nick, huh? Lucy begins. How many more of those do you have up your sleeve?
- What? I giggle.
- I thought it was just Mapi and Feli before me.
I open my mouth to respond, but she cuts me off.
- Careful what you say, baby. You know you’re a terrible liar, and I’m no fool. Do you really want me to lose trust in you over this?
I close my mouth. I hate it when she catches me off guard like that. She turns away, arms crossed. OK, so she’s really serious. I was about to tell a little lie, but I didn’t think it would matter this much.
- Nick was like... I don’t know... my big brother...?
She raises an eyebrow. She doesn’t look convinced. OK... She knows there’s more. And honestly, who wouldn’t? I know there’s a kind of connection with him. We went through a lot together, like our parents’ fights. There was even one day when we ran away... Well, we hid out at my grandparents’ store and went home that night because we were hungry, but still, it was with him. We have memories together, like no one else.
- He was my first kiss...
- First kiss, huh...
My honesty earns a big sigh. I quickly try to recover.
- Don’t make a big deal out of it, please. It wasn’t that great, if you want to know the truth.
- Of course, she says dramatically. You expect me to believe that, given the man he’s become?
She turns back to her tasks, grumpy. I love her jealousy so much. I get up, forcing Buzz to move from his comfy spot between my legs. I apologize with a gentle pat on his head before moving toward my girlfriend. I wrap my arms around her body, which tenses at the contact.
- Come on, baby... Don’t sulk over this. I swear you kiss way better than he does, better than anyone, actually. At least you don’t have acne or braces.
My remark earns a small amused sigh. That’s already a good reaction. I kiss her exposed neck, which makes her straighten up.
- Sorry... she begins, turning around. It’s just that...
She avoids my gaze. I don’t like seeing her so... fragile. I run my hand through her hair.
- I don’t like it.
- You don’t like what? That there were people before you?
- No, she sighs, running her hand through her hair. I know there were others, that’s normal. I don’t know. I just feel vulnerable when you see people who meant something to you. It’s like I feel... like I’m nothing.
- Wow, I chuckle. Are you out of your mind?
I gently make her lift her head. She really does seem vulnerable right now.
- Don’t think that, baby. You’re my everything. How can you even think otherwise?
She sighs, shrugging.
- Will you... will you always love me, even after you really know who I am?
I raise an eyebrow. She seems so worried.
- What do you mean?
- I mean, the girl who left Portugal isn’t the one you see standing in front of you. Well... she is, but not entirely. I’m sure my parents are going to remind you of the clichés I used to be.
Oooh... So, she’s worried about going home. I smile at the realization. It’s really too cute. I thought I was the only one feeling this way, but she hides it well.
- What exactly are you hiding from me?
- We all have a past, Ona...
2
- Hey, are you done? I’m not the kind of person who’s going to push you away for some random reason, OK? You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me. Is this what you’re always scared of when you get in your moods?
She stays silent for a moment before relaxing.
- Yeah, a bit. I feel like I don’t deserve you. Like my old self doesn’t deserve you.
- Don’t talk down about yourself like that. You’re the most wonderful woman I’ve ever met, and I mean it. I don’t care who you used to be. The only one that matters is the person standing in front of me right now.
She takes a deep breath and nods. I gently stroke her cheek and kiss her tenderly, pressing a bit harder to show her all my passion. I can’t help but smile when she reacts with a soft moan. Naturally, she flips me over to take control.
- You really can’t stand it when I’m in charge, can you? I tease with a laugh.
- Not particularly, she whispers.
- Is that also because of your past? I tease her again.
Instead of answering, she kisses me roughly once more. For some reason, I have a feeling I hit the nail on the head. But I don’t say anything, letting her take the lead. It feels too good to interrupt.
- So, Nick...
I burst into laughter, wrapping my arms around her neck. She’s unbelievable, seriously.
- I was 10, Luce. He didn’t even matter, not even a little.
- Like a big brother, she murmurs.
- Yes, exactly. Like a big brother, I confirm with a small smile.
- Why did you turn down the party? We both know we could’ve gone.
- Why? Well, simply because I want to spend as much time as possible with my girlfriend, you see. That’s why we’re here, after all.
- OK, she whispers. Fine, I’m going to finish fixing up this old bike, and then we can go for a walk in town.
- Hallelujah!
Wednesday, April 13th; 6:00 PM - Cemetery
Here we are. I’m scared. The moment I’ve been dreading is finally happening. I even feel myself trembling in Lucy’s steady hand. I delayed this as much as possible, dragging us all over town this afternoon. But it’s time to go now.
- Do you want me to wait here? Lucy offers.
- No. I need you with me.
- Alright, she whispers.
I don’t move. I’m taking my time to gather the courage. I appreciate Lucy’s patience too. It takes a good ten minutes before I finally lead us inside. I’ve only been here once, but I could find his grave with my eyes closed. Row eleven, grave six. The path is short. We’re there before I’ve even had time to mentally prepare. We stand in silence, but Lucy’s presence reassures me. I’m surprised to see his grave so well-kept. There are even flowers on it. Maybe Grandpa... or Leila. I asked him about her, and he said she still visits town from time to time. I haven’t had the courage to reach out to her. Too many memories would resurface. Yet, I have so many questions for her. Lost in these thoughts, I bend down to place my white rose. Lucy waits a moment before doing the same. She insisted on getting one too, right after we did the shopping for tonight. She didn’t know him, but her gesture touches me deeply. I wait for her to stand back up before nestling into her arms. I take a deep breath as Lucy rubs my back. Her presence is vital to me. It’s hard being here, facing his photo, knowing he’s really six feet under. It’s different from mourning him in Miami. This feels real.
- He would’ve been proud of you, you know?
- I hope so, I murmur. He would’ve adored you.
- Really?
I smile softly. I’m glad I brought her here. She’s trying to take my mind off things, and it’s working.
- Yeah... He accepted everyone in my life as long as they made me happy.
She nods in understanding.
- Did he know about...
- My sexuality? Yeah. For some reason, he figured it out right away. Well... I did talk a lot about Mapi with a dreamy smile on my face.
- And... how did it go?
- I didn’t even have to tell him. We were at the dinner table one night when I came back here. After I rambled on about the things Mapi and I had done, he looked me straight in the eye and said, “Sweetie, is she your girlfriend? Because, you know, I wouldn’t mind if she is.”
I mimic his line, making Lucy laugh. I smile too. I really have nothing to complain about in that area. He accepted me, completely. All he cared about was that I was happy. The only thing that truly mattered to him was that I remembered the importance of family and loved ones. I get that now. That’s why he left me so many promises to keep—like with Mom and Joan...
- He was the only man I knew with such a big heart. So yes... he would’ve adored you, especially knowing how you saved me.
- I think it would’ve been mutual, she whispers.
We stay like that for a while. Normally, I would’ve poured out my heart, but with Lucy here, I don’t. We just enjoy the quiet. Eventually, the night starts to fall, signaling we’ve been here for at least an hour. Lucy really has extraordinary patience.
- Let’s go, I murmur.
- Are you sure? We can stay longer.
- No, it’s alright, I assure you. Thank you for coming with me.
- OK... she breathes. Let’s go then.
I’ll probably come back on my own another time. Lucy loves her morning walks on the beach, so I’ll take advantage of that. Hand in hand, we head back home. We set up a little camp on the beach earlier. We wanted to prepare for tonight with a campfire. We bought barbecue supplies and even marshmallows. It’s shaping up to be a great evening. As we arrive, Buzz runs up to greet us. Lucy says she’ll handle the fire while I gather some blankets. It’s getting chilly, and the last thing we need is to catch a cold...
5
- "Oh no. I'll leave you two alone tonight," my grandfather declines. "The neighbor invited me to dinner anyway."
- "Really? Nick's dad?" I asked. "I saw him this afternoon, by the way. Why didn’t you tell me he was back?"
- "Oh, I didn’t want to worry you with that. Did he tell you about his mother?"
- "Yes," I sighed. "How are things between him and his father?"
In fact, I had thought a lot about it this afternoon. His father was an alcoholic, which was the main reason his mother filed for divorce. Since he kept the house, I knew he’d gotten sober and even remarried, but I doubt his forced return brought any joy, knowing Nick.
- "Nick is a good boy," he replied. "He’s struggling with the situation, but he channels his anger in a positive way. He’s rarely home. Actually, he often comes here to help me fix a few things. Or he takes Buzz for a walk."
- "Yeah, he told me."
I chuckled, remembering what he had added. Honestly, I think he’s happy to spend time here. It’s like a kind of refuge. I also understand why Buzz loves him so much too.
- "Will he be with you tonight?" I asked.
- "No. I think he’s going to his girlfriend’s."
- "Okay..." I murmured. "Too bad."
I would have invited him with us if I had known. I think Lucy wouldn’t have minded.
- "Well, I’m heading out then. Are you sure you don’t want to change your mind?"
- "Oh, no no. I really meant it when I said you two should enjoy yourselves together."
- "You’re not a bother if that’s what worries you."
- "Ona, sweetheart. It’s fine, I promise. Look, I’ve already got the wine to bring to the neighbor’s."
- "Okay, I won’t insist anymore. You know where to find us if you need anything."
- "Yes, yes," he laughed.
I left to join my girlfriend and... Buzz. That dog has completely forgotten about me in favor of my girlfriend. He adores her. Well, she does take him running every morning. He must feel alive again in just a week. Though, not as much after what I just learned.
- "He didn’t want to come?" my girlfriend asked when she saw me alone.
- "No. Mister got himself invited by the neighbor," I joked.
- "Oh. Well, that’s good. At least now you know he still has a social life."
- "True... when you put it like that," I giggled.
I spread a blanket on the ground. Lucy set up some kind of tent, or something you could call one. It’s more like a tarp, really, but it’s pretty cool. It shields us from the wind later at night. I smiled as she was already turning sausages over the fire. It’s simply perfect. Plus, the sun was finally setting, giving us a stunning sunset. I really feel like I’m on vacation.
- "I brought you a sweater if you want," I told her, showing the clothing in my hand.
- "Thanks."
She quickly slipped it on over her t-shirt. I didn’t want to grab anything more, even though she was in shorts and flip-flops. She admitted to me that she loved feeling the sand under her feet. As for me, I stole one of her sweatshirts and a pair of bermuda shorts. They’re a bit big, but I feel so comfortable in her clothes. They smell so much like her, it’s delightful.
- "Come sit," I said, patting the spot next to me after sitting down myself.
- "Two minutes. Let me finish here first. Hey, check the cooler and get us something to drink."
I smiled and nodded. To be honest, we bought a bottle of champagne. Who knows why. In any case, I happily popped the cork and poured us two glasses. Meanwhile, Lucy had prepared two plates for us. The evening went on. We talked, we laughed, never losing sight of the waves and the setting sun in front of us. Our legs constantly touched. We rubbed, we caressed each other, until the blanket ended up over our shoulders after we got rid of the plates and empty glasses. If time could stop, I would let it.
- "Do you... do you think you know everything Feli did to me?"
My question broke the peaceful silence. I was completely slumped on Lucy, who was supporting both our weights. She didn’t answer right away. The truth is, I need to know. Mapi was right in a way. I can’t hide it from her forever.
- "I think so, yes," she murmured.
I turned around at her words to straddle her. I needed to look into her eyes if I was going to tell her. Her hands instinctively rested on my thighs. It’s been a long time since I’ve pulled away from her touch, and it feels good. I feel like I’m coming back to life, able to accept any kind of contact.
- "You don’t have to tell me, Ona... I’ve understood. You wouldn’t have been so broken otherwise."
I nodded as a few tears welled up in my eyes. I had never dared to say it out loud. Saying it would mean acknowledging it. Yet here, with her, I just feel at peace.
- "I-I want her to pay. F-for her violence, her acts, and those r-rapes too. Y-you’re absolutely right. S-she doesn’t deserve to get away with it."
Lucy nodded, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. With her other hand, she stroked my back, sending shivers down my spine. But my decision was made. I want to take her to court. I’m ready to do it now. I know it’s the last thing I need to do to close this chapter of my life.
- "It’s going to be hard, you know that, right?"
I nodded. I felt shaky because I knew many wounds would reopen, but I knew it was the right thing to do. He doesn’t deserve to get away unscathed.
- "I-I can do it, with you."
I looked at her pleadingly, but her small smile said it all. She had been waiting for this, for me to free myself from my past. It had been a long time since she wanted to reopen the case my mother had prepared for me back then.
- "We’ll do it together, I promise you, my love."
Gently, she laid me down on my back, coming to rest over me. She kissed me tenderly before whispering:
- "You are the strongest woman I know. I’m so proud of you."
I let myself be carried away by her soft lips. Everything had changed so much in just a few seconds. Everything became sensual. I clung desperately to her neck as her hand roamed freely over my body. I caught my breath when she started playing with the hem of my bermuda shorts.
- "Are you kidding?" I whispered, amused.
I was dying to, after such an emotional moment, but we were out in nature. It wasn’t reasonable.
- "What? Don’t you like adventure?" she teased between kisses on my neck. "You know I wouldn’t do it in the house."
- "Someone could see us," I replied, without actually stopping her hand from sliding down.
The temptation was just too strong.
- "There’s the tarp," she murmured, still kissing my neck.
I gasped when she reached my... soaked heart. Yes, that’s the right word.
- "Dare tell me you don’t want this," she whispered. "Just be discreet this time."
- "Oh, you’re talking about me?" I managed to say, shivering at her first caresses. "Let’s see who can control themselves better."
I followed my words by unbuttoning her shorts. I don’t know why, but I have a feeling this night is going to be long... A long night filled with love under a starry sky
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