The new girl in town.

Chapter 5 - The truth

As Lucy gazed at Leah and Jessie gracefully moving on the dance floor, she felt a tap on her shoulder. She turned around to find Beth beaming at her with a warm smile. "Hey Lucy, having a good time?" Beth asked with a hint of playfulness in her voice.

Lucy attempted to return her smile, but her thoughts were consumed with worry. "Yeah, it's a fantastic party," she answered, feeling a wave of unease wash over her.

Beth leaned in closer, her voice lowering to a whisper. "I was watching you earlier, and I couldn't help but think... Do you have a little crush on Leah?" she teased, giggling.

Lucy's emotions were a tumultuous mix of anger and embarrassment. She didn't know how to react, and the thought of everyone watching her made her even more uncomfortable. "What are you talking about, Beth?" she snapped, trying her best to conceal her discomfort.

Beth just shrugged, "Oh, I was just kidding. But I did hear that you're with Jake now. That's great, right?"

Lucy's heart sank. She felt as though her privacy was being invaded, and she was now starting to feel angry. "How do you know about Jake?" she asked, her voice raised.

Beth's smile faded a bit, "Oh, Leah told me. Don't worry, Lucy. It's okay to be bisexual, you know. It's nothing to be ashamed of, you can be with whoever you want to be with."

Lucy felt overwhelmed and frustrated. She felt like she was being ganged up on and she couldn't take it anymore. She didn't want to be the center of attention, so she made a quick escape. "I'm sorry, Beth. I think I need some air," she said, and without waiting for a response, she rushed out of the party.

Lucy stumbled out into the cool night air, feeling the effects of the alcohol she had consumed. She walked towards Katie McCabe and Ruesha Littlejohn, who were standing outside, chatting. They noticed Lucy's distress and offered to help her get home safely.

"Hey, are you okay?" Katie asked, her tone filled with genuine concern. "Let us help you get home safely, unless you fancy the after party?"

Lucy nodded, grateful for their kindness. She just wanted to get home and escape from all the drama.

"Thanks, guys, I'd like to get home," she mumbled, still feeling the effects of the alcohol.

Katie and Ruesha immediately hailed a taxi and helped Lucy into the back seat. They made sure she was comfortable before closing the door and giving the driver her address.

Lucy leaned back against the seat, closing her eyes. She was grateful for the night's distraction, but she was also relieved to be on her way home.

As the taxi pulled away from the curb, Lucy's heart jumped as she saw Leah Williamson, dressed as a cat, standing in front of the vehicle. Leah had a determined look on her face, and she gestured for Lucy to get out of the taxi.

"Lucy, we need to talk," Leah said in a firm voice.

Lucy's heart started racing as she stepped out of the taxi. She had no idea what Leah wanted to talk about, but she could sense the urgency in her tone.

"Is everything okay?" Lucy asked, her voice trembling.

"We'll talk when we get to my place," Leah replied, and she started walking down the street.

Lucy trailed behind Leah, her heart pounding against her ribcage. The sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach refused to abate, and she felt as if her nerves were frayed like a tattered rope. She had a sneaking suspicion that the conversation they were about to have was going to be tough, but she was determined to confront it head-on, no matter the consequences.

As they walked, Lucy's mind raced with questions and doubts. What could Leah possibly want to discuss with her? Why was she so nervous? Was she about to receive some terrible news? Lucy tried to shake off these thoughts, but they seemed to persist, nagging at her like a persistent fly.

Finally, they arrived at Leah's apartment, and Lucy took a deep, steadying breath as they stepped inside. The warm glow of the lamps that Leah had turned on, casting a soft, intimate light, filling the room with a sense of comfort. Leah, who seemed just as nervous as Lucy, poured them both a glass of wine, and they settled down on the couch next to each other, the silence between them almost palpable.

It was Leah who finally broke the silence, her voice shaking with a mixture of guilt and longing. "I'm sorry about being short with you," she said, taking a deep breath. "There's something I need to talk to you about."

Lucy looked at Leah, her eyes softening at the sight of her friend looking so vulnerable. She stayed silent, giving Leah the space she needed to talk.

"I can't stop thinking about you, Lucy," Leah said, her voice filled with a mix of passion and confusion. Lucy felt her heart leap into her throat as she listened to Leah's words. She couldn't believe what she was hearing, but at the same time, she felt a thrill of excitement that she couldn't quite explain.

Leah continued, "I know it's wrong because I love Jessie, but I can't help the way I feel. When I heard you were with Jake, I felt jealousy, and I know it's foolish, but here we are."

Lucy was struck speechless by Leah's confession. Their eyes locked in an intense gaze, and before either of them could process what was happening, they leaned forward, their lips meeting in a passionate kiss.

The moment was short-lived, however, as the doorbell rang, signaling the arrival of the rest of the team. In walked Jessie, shouting about an after-party, and Lucy and Leah quickly moved apart, their faces flushed with embarrassment. But everyone was too drunk to notice the tension between them, and the party continued with reckless abandon. 

Lucy found herself unable to shake the feeling that her life was about to become much more complicated, and she couldn't help but wonder what the future held for her and Leah.

Her thoughts were cut short by Beth announcing that they should play TRUTH or DARE. 

Lucy looked down and thought - this cannot be good.