She began with a fast walk that gradually became a slow run. "I should start doing some exercises. It's so hard to breathe. I must stop unless I want to faint." Thought Lily and sat on the closest bench.
'You look even more dead than usual, kiddo.' Mentioned Lucas.
'Lucas! Long time no see. How is it going?' Asked Lily. She was breathing heavily and every word sounded like the last one in the sentence.
'Luv, I found a new job. After "Lips" closed I thought about changing my life completely. I even tried to go to a yoga class. It was such a weird experience. Now, I am a comedian. I perform in different bars and even write jokes for popular shows.'
'It was such a complicated year for you. I am sorry...' Said Lily when she looked on the people wandering around. Their wings were too bright not to notice.'... I wasn't with you all the way long.' She continued after quite a long pause.
'How do you know?'
'I feel it ...' Stopped Lily to found the right words. '... in your eyes. They look happy and at the same time exhausted. But you've done a great job. I wish I could fix my life as you did.'
'How is the divorce thing going?'
'Oh, it happened so fast. Alice tried to come...' Lily was interrupted by a girl going nearby, and she almost touched her wings when she understood how weird it would look.'...back and do something like apologize, but Mr Gilbert learnt that none of us will be happy with her in the house.'
'Is everything okay? You look unfocused. Like I am talking to someone else.'
'Just so many bad things happen in my life. I don't know what to do.'
'Kid, I know I have easier life than you, but you have so many people ready to help you. Tom, me, your siblings, Racy. We are all here, ready to help you, and you try to deal with such complicated problems on your own. I wish it wouldn't end like...'
'Like what?'
'Like Vincent did.'
'Luce, I promise. Nothing like this would happen to me.'
'Here. It's my new phone number. Call if you need anything.' Said Lucas and gave Lily his card.
'Thanks. I should carry on running. Otherwise, my family would think I am dead. Bye, Luce.'
'Goodbye, kiddo.'
How can something be so awful and attractive at the same time? Wings with splashes of blood and injuries on them are still somehow beautiful. No matter what happened to their owner.
"My powers are making me mad. I wish I didn't see them. They are so disturbing. Is it a gift or a curse? Cause it looks like the second one." Thought Lily while trying to continue her run.
'I'm home!' Shouted Lily and tried to find anyone. 'Is anybody here? Mr Gilbert? Tony?'
'We are here!' Answered Tony. Her voice was coming from the kitchen.
'Are you cooking?' Asked Lily and glanced at the boys.
'It wasn't our idea. We were made to do it.' Answered angry John.
'Can we go now?' Naughtily begged Jace.
'Sure...' Agreed sad Tony.
After boys left Lily stayed to help Tony with finishing cooking biscuits.
'I try to do my best. But they still count me as a... I don't know.' Cried Tony.
'A villain. Everything will change.'
'How can you know? They have loved you from the very beginning.'
'Tony, they are just children. They are changing daily.'
'Just. Piss off, please.' Tony asked Lily.
'Tell Mr Gilbert I'm at Kate's place, he knows who she is.'
'Okay.'
Lily went upstairs to change her outfit. She decided to wear this splendidly sexy sleeveless red dress with fabulous ruching all over her smooth shoulders.
"That matches so perfectly with wings. Unfortunately, I cannot see them. I think it would be much easier to accept this gift if I could cure myself." Thought Lily on her way to psychologist.
'Lily, I was quite surprised when I got your message.' Said surprised Kate Asleen.
'Good morning, Mrs Asleen. I had many problems to solve.' Answered Lily.
'Tom has already told me. Even about Grace. I am sorry.'
'She is alive, and it's the main reason why I am happy. I want to ask something about wings.'
'Sure.'
'When will I get used to it?'
'The time you leave first stage and will be able to control your powers.'
'In the book I've read that there is no certain way how to do it.'
'That's right. Everyone had their way. Most people noticed that it's about controlling emotions and dealing with your devils.'
'How should I do it?'
'Not alone, obviously. I'll help. But I have to say that it requires regular practice and much time.'
'When do we start?'
'Right now.'
Lily looked scared when Kate stood up and went closer to her. She was looking very weird and shocking.
'Your parents are dead.' Stated Mrs Asleen.
'What? What are you doing!?' Shouted fearful Lily.
'They have left you.' Added Kate. ' They are not coming back. They knew something bad is going to happen to them, and they have done nothing to prevent it.'
'Stop! Please stop!' Begged appalled Lily.
'You can be even guilty in their death.'
'That's no true! You know that!' Yelled Lily. She started having doubts in why Kate is telling that. It seemed like she wants Lily to cry, but that wasn't enough.
'John and Jace have broken wings, and you do nothing to fix them. You can cure these pour children, but you are too egoistic to do it.'
'That's not my fault. And parents told me that no wing can be fully cured.'
'What about Mr Gilbert? Have you seen an inch of his wings without injures? You could save his wings from dying but all that you've done was to find your friend.'
'I am not guilty in everyone's life problems!' Bellowed Lily.
'That was exactly what I wanted to hear.' Remarked Kate. 'I'm sorry for my behaviour. I just needed you to trust that I blame you.'
'What for?'
'You to understand the truth and pain of every Wingy. You cannot help everyone. The only person you must save in each accident is you. You also mustn't be Wingy if you don't want to. Your powers will disappear the moment you stop using them fully.'
'So I can have an ordinary life.'
'Only if you want it.'
'What if I don't know?'
'Lily you were not asked to help all the people you have helped. Would you help the boy from the cemetery if you didn't have your powers? I think, you would. You see mostly you notice wings after you help. Because you are a good person. Brave and kind.'
'Thank you. I believe I have some more things to do with my powers.'
'Good luck.'
Lily ran straight to the car. Mr Gilbert has been waiting for her all that time.
'Have you been crying? And now look so happy. Is it some kind of therapy?' Wondered Tom.
'I suppose so. Why have you been waiting for me? I could use a bus.' Asked Lily.
'That wasn't actually my idea. Tony tries to get on well with the boys, but they don't want it.'
'They need some time. After all that have happened to them. I feel like we must help them.'
'What are you talking about? They look better than ever.'
"Their wings are the same as they were before, but I don't think it hasn't affected them. Maybe it hasn't affected on the outside, but it could have made something just like deep injury that can grow many years later." Thought Lily with a huge wish of changing boy's life to better.