The Clumsy Designer

Chapter 3

"Are you sure you don't want to go with me?" Lucifer asks me, looking so hopeful.

I scratched the back of my head, "Lucifer, it's not that I want to be with you. But don't you think it's too early for this?" Reluctantly asking, I searched for his face for a reaction.

And he didn't look pleased.

"You know Blue, you can just tell me if you're not ready for anything," As he began to walk away, I bite my lip in frustration.

"Lucifer, give me a break! It's only been two weeks." I caught up with him, grasping his arm and forcing him to look at me.

"Okay, fine. If you don't want to go, I respect your decision," he flatly said before kissing my forehead.

Smiling, I hugged him. "Thanks for understanding, maybe next time I'll come along." Brushing his cheek with my thumb, he gave me a goofy smile.

"That's a deal."

Heading to the nearest diner, we took a seat and ordered our food.

Today is Friday. I don't have classes for today, whilst he only had half-day at university. So after meeting up, we decided to spend the rest of the day with each other as my friends are busy with other s**t that I don't want to bother them.

Munching down on my favorite Greek salad, I hummed in delight.

"I prefer this more when Mama makes it. She's good at making salad. Oh and especially with pasta!" I smiled, remembering the last time Mama made this salad before I left Athens.

"You don't speak much about your parents, only your siblings. Can I know the reason why?" He asks, interest lacing his tone.

"You can search on the internet, my Patri has made quite a few headlines in the last decades. It's awkward to tell people that your rich father was a man w***e back then."

Twisting my lips, I shuddered as I remember back in Greece when I was still taking up business administration.

My professor asked me about my parents. Of course, I left the complicated parts. But, of course, she had to be nosy, knowing that I was the child of a successful man. It's also awkward when people ask me how I feel about my father being called 'World's Sperm Donor'.

Like...

What the actual f**k?

Don't these people have better things to do rather than ask me those kinds of questions?

"If I searched for your parents, I would feel like a stalker. And you know me girl, I don't do stalking," he sassily said, trying to mimic my voice.

"You're such a loser."

Trying hard to copy Regina George's bitchy tone, I failed and just snorted at the end.

Then, trying to think of something to begin with, I thought about my biological mom. "Actually, the one you met last week at our fashion runway event in school isn't my biological mother. She's my stepmom, actually."

"What happened to your mom then-, if you're not comfortable, I understand, completely," he said with seriousness in his tone.

Smiling, I shook my head 'no'.

"It's fine, I never got to actually meet my mom. I was only one or two years old when she passed, but I have a photograph to show you if you want to see."

I offered. He nodded.

Taking it out from my wallet, I handed him the wallet-sized photo.

"You look so cute here, buttercup."

Lucifer smiles, looking at the picture.

"And your mom? She's very beautiful, now I know where you get your genes from." He looks directly at me and gives me back the only photo I have with my mom.

My father told me I was just eight-months old here when he first showed me the picture.

I kept the original picture back in Greece. I didn’t dare to take it with me because I was afraid I’d lose it or it’d get damaged.

I wouldn't be here without her.

And that fact alone, made me love her even though I haven't met her.

"Now I've told you about mine, what about yours?" I asked.

"Dad passed away when I was seven. My sister, mom, and I were devastated. He died due to a large piece of metal falling on his head. He works part-time jobs and one of those was a construction worker. When he was on the site, the metal that the crane was lifting suddenly fell. There's a few speculations that the other side of the fence was the one that caused the malfunctions in the crane," He took a long deep breath before continuing.

"Nonetheless, I was and still is angry that the company my dad was working for didn't pay for his funeral. Sure he was rushed to the hospital, but we still had to pay for that."

Looking at him talking, I saw how his eyes softened, probably thinking about his memories with his dad.

Smiling, I gave him a hug.

"I'm sure as hell, I mean heaven, that he's so proud of you right now." Caressing his back, I felt that he was truly perfect.

He truly is.

===

Laying down on my bed, I suddenly received a call from Ametrine.

Answering it, "Hey sis, it's nice to hear from you."

"I miss you too, Blue." I could imagine her rolling her eyes.

"So, what's up? What's with the sudden call?" I asked.

"Well, there's this guy I met-"

Sitting up abruptly, she suddenly had my one hundred percent interest.

"Who, who? It doesn't sound like Alejandro hmm..." I trailed off.

"His name is Paulo Vaughn, he's so handsome and kind Blue. But I've come here to look for Alejandro, not to meet a whole new guy," She spoke with uncertainty in her voice.

Ugh, Ametrine and her overthinking will get her nowhere.

“If you feel something for him, why not try it out? For all we know, Alejandro could be in a relationship right now. Hell, he could even be engaged or married to that Italian girl.”

I shrugged my shoulders, urging her not to think of everything too much.

Realizing that it was what I was also doing to Lucifer, I erased that thought.

I'm not overthinking, I was just setting my priorities straight.

"Really, Blue? Deflating my hope?" She nonchalantly asked.

Laughing, "Oh my dear sister, how I would love to flick that forehead of yours now. Good for you, you're far away from me."

After I had finished laughing, I turned serious.

"But seriously, Via, don't hold back. What if Paulo is really the one for you? It won’t hurt to keep trying," Calling her by her second name, she would get the memo that I was serious.

But heh, I always use her second name.

"Alright fine, I have to go."

"WAIT!"

"What?" She asks.

"Did you call Patri?" I asked. I didn't want to be the one who would mend their relationship, since it needed to be done by her or him.

"I haven't yet, but I'll call mom later-"

"I said Patri, not Mama." I pressed on the word, indicating that it really should be Patri who she calls.

"Okay, okay. I have to hang up, I'm receiving a call from Carnelian."

Then there was pure silence, closing my eyes. I began to think of mine and Ametrine's short call.

Overthinking huh, who's overthinking now?

Someone knocked on my door, instantly breaking my train of thought.

Too lazy to put on a bra, I just covered them with my arms and opened the door.

"Hey buttercup, I'm leaving now." Lucifer appeared on my door.

I gulped as I accepted his hug. Though he would be back on Sunday evening, I would still miss him knowing he would be gone for two days.

For two weeks, I’ve been so used to his presence around me that I'm afraid once he leaves, it would really break me.

"H-have a safe trip." Grabbing his cheeks, I gave him a full kiss on the lips.

"Okay buttercup, I'll miss you." He caresses my cheek with his pointed finger then turning to leave.

As I watched him walk down the hallway, everything suddenly vanished from my mind.

Ah, f**k it.

"Wait! I want to come with you!" I shouted.

He then turned and gave me the biggest smile on his face, as if he had just won a Grammy Award.

Rushing back into my room, I grabbed the biggest backpack I could find and stuffed in all the clothes that could fit. I didn’t care about whatever I was putting, I just had to make sure we wouldn't be late for the train.

After slipping on my shoes and jacket, I faced him to see him leaning by the door waiting for me.

Making sure to lock my door, I placed my hand in his.

"I'm excited for you to meet my mom," Lucifer says, waiting for the elevator door to close before giving me a deep kiss.

===

Arriving in Albany at nine pm, the skies were clear, making it much colder here. Glad that I wore a jacket, Lucifer and I walked out of the station and then headed to the bus station to go to his mom's house.

I offered to pay for our bus fee, but of course men's pride wouldn't allow it.

He asked for an advance at his side job for this visit, so he told me not to worry about it.

We'll see about that.

Getting to the house, the street lights gave it an incredible but spooky look. It was a split-level house with a pathway to the door and a garage beside it.

It looks cozy, with warm lights surrounding the house.

"Come on." Lucifer drags me to the front door and knocks three times before the door is answered.

And a spitting image of him but a woman's version opened the door, his mom looked so beautiful. She looks like she's in her mid 30's.

"My son, oh I miss you so much!" With surprise, she was quick to give Lucifer a tight hug as I noticed a few tears escape her eyes.

"Don't cry mom, you know I have visited you. And I miss you too," he says, and then they broke out from their hug. Her eyes then noticed me.

"And who do we have here?"

"Mom, meet Blue Holmstrom. We're currently dating."

I blushed at his introduction, but reaching my hand out, I gave her a smile.

"Pleased to meet you, Mrs. Miller."

She slapped my hand away and instead gave me a warm bear hug.

"Oh dear, you can just call me Naomi."

She breaks away and scans me from head to toe. "You're so beautiful, it's such a surprise that my baby here has brought such a beautiful woman," She compliments me and gazes at my face for a long time.

I smiled, "You're looking young and beautiful yourself, Naomi. Now I know where he got his genes."

She then moved to the side and let Lucifer carry our bags.

"Once you see my late husband's picture, you'll know that they're the real twins but the other one looks slightly old."

I laughed, while Lucifer just told his mom to stop.

"Do you both want some hot chocolate? Coffee?" Naomi asks.

"Nothing mom, we're just gonna head upstairs and have an early night." Lucifer says and begins to walk upstairs while looking at me with the look 'follow me now before my mom gets crazy'.

"Ohh, I can sense it." Then she giggled.

"Have an early night then, children. We'll catch up in the morning." Her eyes looked teasingly at Lucifer's.

"Mom!"

"Okay, okay!"

===

Waking up in the middle of the night, I took Lucifer's arm off and switched the light on to look for the bathroom.

I insisted on sleeping on the floor, but he told me that we could fit in his single-sized bed. And we actually fit despite our legs tangling up with each other.

But I didn't mind, I was getting comfortable with him.

Seeing the bathroom from across the hallway, I hurriedly went inside and peed.

Almost immediately, when I left the bathroom...

"Lucifer!" I screamed in surprise, he was standing over there.

He almost gave me a heart attack!

"You almost gave me a heart attack, don't surprise me like that ever again." I frowned, not liking the way he suddenly appeared.

"Sorry, sorry... I'm just a light sleeper and when I felt you move I suddenly woke up and looked for you." He pulls me to his arms and kisses my forehead.

"I'm not going anywhere, Lucifer," I sighed.

Now, my sleepy self is gone.

We walked back to his bedroom, then he locked it before turning to me with a naughty grin.

Arching a brow at him, I shook my head 'no'.

"Pretty please." He pouted like a kid who really wanted candy.

"No, let's just sleep." To make a point, I laid down on the bed and got under the covers.

He then ripped the sheets away from me and got on top of me, making me squeal like a mouse.

"Lucifer, no. Your mom is here." I pinched his elbow and tried pushing him away to the side.

"Just some, you know." He trails off and makes kissing sounds.

I laughed and clicked my tongue.

"Fine."

With that, he grabbed both of my hands and placed them on my sides before leaning down and kissing the life out of me.

This is pure bliss.

===

"You can not do this to me, Dimitri! You fooled me!"

"I have not done anything, Avianna, it was you who let yourself be fooled!"

Gasping, I sat down on Lucifer's bed while struggling to breathe.

What the heck was that?

Snapping my eyes shut tight, I tried to remember all of it but I couldn't. All I could remember was hearing Patri's voice, saying my mom's name.

"Buttercup?"

I looked beside me to see Lucifer looking so sleepy as he rubbed his eyes tiredly.

"I'm sorry, I just had an unusual dream." I whispered. "Go back to sleep."

"You want to talk about it?"

I shook my head 'no.'

Then he laid back and closed his eyes, whilst I went to do my early morning routine. Taking my soap, moisturizer and toothbrush with me, I then headed to the bathroom across the hallway and did so.

Upon finishing, I decided to make myself known downstairs.

"Good morning Blue, how was your sleep?" Naomi asks, as she pours coffee over at the center table.

"It was lovely Naomi, you're awake early." I commented.

"Hmm, I have to drop by the grocery store so I can make you some good 'ole Albany's beef with mac n' cheese." She then took her bag from the couch and was about to step out when she looked back at me.

"You want to come along with me?"

I nodded.

"I'll just change clothes,” I hurriedly said.

"Go on then, dear."

Hurrying back upstairs, I didn't have a hard time remembering where his room was, since their house wasn't as large as a mansion.

Changing into some comfortable shorts and a sweater, I slipped my shoes on and sprayed some cologne before going back downstairs.

"To the grocery we go!"

Arriving there, it was surprisingly not too crowded considering today is Saturday and most people do their groceries on Saturday.

As I pushed the cart, Naomi was busy looking over her list and placing it inside the cart.

"You know, I love my son very much." She then turned back to weakly smile at me.

"And I know how much he loves you too." I spoke with sincerity in my voice.

Every time Lucifer would talk about her, I would see his eyes light up like a kid who was excited about opening his gifts on Christmas Eve.

"So I hope you have no intentions of hurting him." She sounded so serious, but I understand her. She would want only the best for her child.

"I have no intentions of harming him, only cherishing him," I said with reassurance.

She gave me a big smile, "That's what I was hoping to hear, dear."

As we have conversations, she asks a lot about where I am from and who my parents are. I didn't feel the need to tell her about my family's status as I was afraid it would change how she looked at me.

I feel like I'm heading in the right direction to having a good relationship with my possible boyfriend's mother.

As we reached the last row, she grabbed a lot of cheese.

I looked around, observing the peaceful and calmness of people minding their own business.

But, jokes on me.

"Oh my gosh, hi... you're Blue Sapphire, right?" A teenager approached me looking so dazzled that I was standing right in front of her.

"Uh, yes?" I smiled.

"I'm a fan of your artwork back in Greece, I am also from Athens," She spoke quickly, then she put her phone out asking if we could take a picture together.

I bit my lip as I remembered what artworks she was referring to. During my high school years, I actually felt lonely for some time and decided on developing my artistic skills.

Towards the end of high school, my father caught up with what I was doing behind my bedroom door and persuaded me to show it off at some art showcase.

At first it felt ridiculous to explain my artwork to a bunch of people whom I don't know, but at the end of the day, when I received a lot of praise, it made me feel happy and I was glad to know some people appreciated me.

Agreeing with the girl, I let her mom take a picture of us.

"Thank you! You're so beautiful in person," She complimented me before turning away.

"Care to share why people know you?" Naomi asks behind me, interest lacing her tone.

I nervously laugh.

"When I was still in high school, I had my artwork- you know, some showcasing talent events," I explained, over simplifying it.

"Ah, I get it. You were a star there, so why'd you leave?"

"I have to, I wanted to study at Parsons School of Design in order to achieve my dream of being a designer," I answered her as we began walking towards the counters to pay for everything we got.

"That's a wonderful dream you have, good luck then." She smiles at me and begins placing the items on the counter as the cashier begins beeping them out.

"You know, my Lucifer, when he was in high school he wasn't that typical playboy. Though he played football, he still had his priorities straight and never once dated, so I'm a bit surprised that he took someone home for me to meet. You are that special," She says and winks at me.

My cheeks flamed, and what she had said, I earned a point for Lucifer.

I think I've made my decision now.