Wavering Mollisher

An Awkward Meeting

“Here,” Lucas throws a shirt at her. “Wear this; your friend should be here soon.”

“I would like to wear the clothes I came in,” Della stubbornly replies

“The ladies are washing your garments as a thank-you for saving Anny.” Lucas rubs his neck. “I should have told you.”

“Oh! I see. Well, I guess this will do.” Della musters fake enthusiasm. She could hardly be ungrateful that Lucas and the community women were offering clean clothes. She pulls the shirt over her shoulders, buttoning up the shirt to her collar.

She turns around and sees Lucas watching her. Feeling self-conscious, she covers her legs with the tail of the shirt. “What?”

Lucas bends over and sears her lips with his. “You look amazing. I like you in my clothes."

“Oh,” Della mutters. A host of new emotions battle in her head. Should she trust him? Why does she crave his kisses so badly?

A knock on the door interrupts her musings. Lucas slips into some pants before opening the door. After a couple of words are exchanged, Lucas swings the door open, revealing Caroline. The blond woman rushes over to Della.

“Della! I’m here!” Caroline pulls her into her arms. Della sighs, resting her head on her friend’s chest. “What are you wearing?” Caroline whispers. “Did you...?” Della nods at her question, knowing that Caroline was about to ask if she slept with Lucas.

Della feels Caroline tense underneath her. Della wraps her arms around Caroline, rubbing her back through the blue dress she is wearing. Della knew how upset Caroline might be at the thought of Lucas touching Della.

 Caroline kisses the top of her head in response, and Della feels the rush of emotions burst open. Her mother had died, and Della wasn't by her side.“He told me about mother.  Did you know?"

Caroline’s hands cup Della's cheeks, her thumbs gliding over Della's soft skin. “Yes, I found out earlier today.”

A cough breaks them out of their embrace. “Ladies, if I may...” Lucas interrupts. “Your father is staying nearby if you wish to see him.”

“That would be great. Thank you.” Della smiles at Lucas, grateful he is letting her see her father. Caroline grabs Della's arm.

“If I may, Lucas,” Caroline emphasizes the name. “I think Della should change into her clothes before we leave.”

“The ladies are tending to her clothes.” Lucas assertively replies. “She can wear mine. As soon as her clothes are washed, someone will bring them.”

Della watches as Caroline and Lucas stare at each other-each trying to assert dominance. Della can sense the unspoken tension between the two. 

Della tries to break the tension, “Caroline, I can wear Lucas’s clothes. It’s really no issue.” Della slides her hand in the blond woman's hand. Caroline ignores her gesture, choosing to argue with Lucas. “Why does she have marks along her neck and chest, Mr. Clarke? This is how you make love to a woman?”

Lucas sarcastically laughs. “I don’t know what you heard, Ms. O’Neill, but I don’t ‘make love to women; I ravish them. Your friend is one of many that have fallen in my bed.”

Della feels an arrow pierce her at his words. She suspected that she was just another conquest for the gorgeous man, yet she feels disappointed that he didn't want more from her.

“Wow. Such a gentleman. Take advantage of a vulnerable woman! She just lost her mother! I warned her about you, and yet she thought I was wrong! Della saw the good in you!” Caroline chides Lucas, the anger in her voice rising. 

Lucas realizes the mistake in his choice of words. He cared greatly for Della- more than any woman he has had. He couldn't stop thinking about the redhead since they met on the cobblestone road in front of her home. This friend of hers- Caroline, however, managed to get under his skin. Something was going on between Della and Caroline; he was sure of it. 

His guilt overwhelms him as he whirls to face Della. He internally cusses at himself as he sees the pain of his earlier words reflected at him. “Della, I didn’t mean it like that.” He begins, “How can I prove I’m not the bad person?”

“Release her father! Stop holding him prisoner.” Caroline jumps on the offer. 

“He is free to go as he wishes! But you might want to check with him before you drag him away. He is here willingly.” His eyes shift back to Della’s, but she won’t meet his gaze. “Ladies, I have a business to attend to. Della, I highly recommend you stay with me.” He holds his hand up to stop Caroline’s objections. “Or if not with me, in this community. I can offer you protection.” He walks past Caroline. “Ms. O’Neill.” He growls as he exits the room.