It's been two weeks since the shopping and honestly my life has taken a drastic change. I now wear luxury brands from my clothes to my shoes, even my glasses and the products I use for my hair.
Yeah, I shared some with Vee because she'd do the same if it were her. We're both so happy with the way everything is, even though deep down I'm a bit scared of what might happen if the lies catch up with me.
Avelyn has gotten even closer to Matteo because she basically shows up at my workplace every day. I'm sure if it were anyone else bringing a friend to work, they would've been kicked out a long time ago. But no, not their poor dying Lilian.
Three weeks ago, I got home and the house was empty. I thought something happened until I found a note saying my dad and Donna had gone for a summer vacation. I mean, who cares. I was even happy they weren't around. Now Vee sleeps over whenever she wants and the house is finally peaceful.
Anyway, today felt like every other day. I got ready for work, tied my hair up the way Ms Wilder likes it, and headed out. Everyone at the restaurant has gotten so used to treating me like I'm made of glass. They offer to carry plates for me, open doors for me, even tell me to "sit and rest a bit" like I'm going to faint any moment. At first it was weird, now I just let them. Free kindness doesn't kill.
When I got in, Matteo flashed me one of his usual smiles. Vee almost tripped just from seeing him and rushed to sit at her usual corner table. I rolled my eyes because she's honestly not normal.
The shift was smooth until, around noon, the bell over the door rang and Ms Wilder walked in. She looked tired but calm, like she had something on her mind. She spotted me immediately.
"Lilian, when you're done with that, I'd like to speak with you," she said quietly.
My stomach did a little flip because what does she want to talk about again. I finished up quickly and walked over to her. She gave me a small smile and fingered the necklace she bought me last week like she was trying to choose her words.
"Is there anything you need?" she asked. "Anything at all? Don't be shy, you can talk to me."
For a moment I just stared at her, pretending to think, even though my head was empty. The guilt tried to crawl up my throat again but I pushed it back down. She looked genuinely worried, and I hated that I was the cause of it. But I also loved the attention. That's the problem.
"I'm fine, ma," I said with a small smile. "Everything's okay."
She didn't look convinced but she nodded anyway. "Alright. But if anything changes, you come straight to me."
"I was thinking if..you….you could help me get into versity private school, it's been my dream since like forever but I couldn't go cause I can't afford it" I said trying to hide my anxiety and getting ready for a turn down.
"Is that it Lilian?" She asked
" I'll be happy if I could go with my bestie Avelyn" I added and she nodded
"I'll see what I can do"
She squeezed my hand gently before walking out, leaving me standing there with too many thoughts for comfort.
And all I could think was…
What am I even doing?
I was still standing there, pretending to wipe an already clean table, when Vee came bouncing over like she didn't just spend the last ten minutes staring at Matteo like he created oxygen.
"Why's your face like that?" she asked, leaning on the counter.
"Nothing," I said, even though my head was filled with noise. "Just thinking."
She squinted at me like she didn't believe a word. "About what?"
I sighed. There was no point hiding it from her anyway. "So, remember that private school I've always wanted? Versity."
Her eyes widened immediately. "Don't tell me…"
"Yeah," I said, nodding slowly. "Ms Wilder asked me what I needed and… I don't know why but I actually said it. I told her I want to go to Versity. My dream school."
Vee's jaw dropped. "Lili, are you serious right now? Versity? As in the Versity? The school with the big uniform skirts and the rich kids who travel like every two months?"
"Yes, that one," I said, trying to act calm even though my heart was doing gymnastics.
She squealed and hugged me so tight I almost lost balance. "Oh my God, you're actually going to Versity. Girl, this is crazy."
I pulled away a little. "But… I also told her something else."
"What?"
"That I'd love it if you could go with me," I said, looking at her carefully. "Like, I want us to be together there. I don't want to go alone."
For a second she just blinked at me. Then she frowned, confused and a bit touched. "Lilian… you told her that?"
"Of course I did," I said. "Why wouldn't I? You're my person."
Vee covered her mouth and shook her head dramatically. "You're mad, you know. Sweet, but mad. You think I can pay Versity fees?"
"I know you can't," I said plainly. "But I'm hoping Ms Wilder can help. Like maybe a scholarship or something. She seems like the type to make things happen."
Vee stared at me quietly now, softer than before. "You really want me there with you?"
"Yes," I said, not even thinking twice. "What's the point of living my dream if you're not there to laugh at me when I mess up?"
She snorted and bumped my arm. "You're not normal at all."
"Neither are you," I said.
Then she smiled. "If this actually works… I don't even know what I'll do. Cry maybe."
I rolled my eyes. "Please don't cry. Your tears are always hot."
She laughed and shoved me lightly, and for a moment everything felt perfect again.
Like maybe the lies wouldn't ruin anything.
Like maybe I could keep all of this forever.