The Moment Everything Changed (Lucy's Life #1)

by Michelle Heron

  “Lucy.” Octavia calls and runs over to me.

  “Hey.” I say sauntering over slowly.

  “How’s the head, let me look.” She says turning me around slowly. “Damn girl that looks rough.” She says parting my hair.

  “It was.” I offer.

  “So what happened for real?” She asks quietly.

  “It’s a long story.” I look down at my hands.

  “Did it have anything to do with Max?” She asks angrily.

  “A little.” I pull my sleeves down over my hands. “I told everyone I thought I might have slipped when I sat down but the truth is…I was thinking about things…and I forgot where I was. I guess I shook my head and bashed it off the concrete wall.”

  “Damn girl you must have hit it pretty hard to do that much damage.” She looks down at me. “You’re lucky your still here from the sounds of it Lucy.” Octavia says softly.

  “You have no idea how close.” I look up at Octavia.

  “Seriously?”

  “Yeah I really thought that was it for me.” I feel the tears welling up behind my eyes.

  “Well it wasn’t so let’s not dwell on all that.” Octavia wraps her arms around me pulling me in for a hug. “Don’t ever do anything like that again you hear me.” She says bringing her head close to mine.

  “Why would you miss me?” I half tease.

  “Hell ya I’d miss you. You’re my best friend Lucy.” She’s all serious.

  “I promise I won’t do it again.” I return.

  “You better not.” She smiles. “Now let’s find my boyfriend.” She laughs.

  “Cuz that sounds like fun.” I half tease again.

  “You’re so funny Lucy.” She fake laughs as we see Bobbie walk by. “So what’s going on there?” She questions eyeing me.

  “I’m not sure.” I look away trying to hide my disappointment.

  “Are you just like over him or something?” Octavia questions as we continue to walk into the school.

  “I wouldn’t say that no.” I pause. “I think it’s clear he’s just not interested in me like that.” I watch him walk off.

  Even if I’m still holding out hope. I think a part of me will always feel something for him. I don’t fall too easily. “Earth to Lucy.” Octavia teases.

  “What I heard you.”

  “MmmHmm.” She laughs.

  “I’m sorry, let’s go find your boy toy.”

  I’ll sort my feelings out in my own time. Right now, I just want to focus on school.

  The month slowly passes. The snow is long gone and the bump on my head no longer hurts on a daily base but I still can’t wear my hair up.

  As the days slowly pass Bobbie worms his way back to me and like a fool I let him. I just can’t seem to push him away.

  “What’s going on in that head of yours?” Octavia asks.

  “Nothing.”

  “I can’t believe we only have a month left of school.” Octavia beams.

  “Yeah I know.” I say without the same excitement.

  “Okay I know something’s wrong.” She persists.

  “It’s just summer’s going to come and…”

  “And what?” Octavia asks.

  “Nothing.” I continue. I don’t know how to say what I’m feeling.

  “Are you afraid of Max?” She questions looking around to make sure no one over hears.

  “Well yeah but I was talking about what’s going on with Bobbie.” I look up at her. “This back and forth is killing me.”

  “So just ask him out.” Octavia offers.

  “Oh what like how you asked out Sunny D, no thank you.” I tease.

  “Why not?”

  “Because I can’t just ask him, you seen the way he reacted when you brought up the idea the last time.”

  “Yeah…did you ever find out what happened to him when he left that whole time?” Octavia questions crossing the room to switch CD’s.

  “He never said but he came back smelling like fresh cigarette smoke. I only assume he took off for a smoke.”

  “Huh.” She’s walking back to her bed. “He’s kind of weird though eh?” She asks looking at me.

  “He’s not weird he’s just shy.” I smile. “You have to get to know him before he relaxes.”

  “You’ve got it so bad Lucy.” Octavia laughs.

  “I know...There’s no hiding it anymore.”

  “Bout time.” Octavia beams. “I like this new you Lucy.” She admits.

  “New me?”

  “This whole new side of you.” She sits down again. “Ever since your accident your different.” She being careful with her words.

  “You mean my near-death experience?” I arch my eyebrow.

  “I was trying to down play it.” She continues. “But yeah.”

  “I’m just tired of being walked all over.” I brush a strand of hair out of my eyes. “I’m tired of always feeling like I’m walking on egg shells too.”

  “Good for you girl. You deserve to be happy.”

  “You think so?” I ask shyly.

  “Everyone deserves to be happy Lucy.”

  ****

  My bus was early this morning so I got to school before Octavia. Since we’ve got Geography first I decide to wait at the front of the school for her. I’m standing by the school’s trophy case waiting to catch sight of Octavia’s van as it pulls.

  Down the hall I can see Megan and Audrey. Megan’s going on and on about something but by the look on Audrey face she doesn’t seem too interested in the conversation.

  Why are they even friends? Audrey’s clearly nothing like Megan. Audrey seems pretty, cool. More like my sister but way nicer. At least that’s how I see it.

  “Hey Luc, what you doing up here?” Cliff asks.

  “Waiting for you.” I return. I watch the smile cross his face.

  “I knew you’d come to your senses eventually.” He chuckles moving towards me.

  “Ew gross.” I put my hand up to stop his advance. “I was kidding Cliff.”

  “I knew that.” He smiles. “So what ya really doing?” He leans against the wall beside me.

  “Waiting for Octavia.” I say looking over at him. “What are you up to?”

  “Looking for the guys.” He returns crossing his arms in front of his chest.

  “Oh yeah.” The doors open letting in the morning sun. “You ready for exams?” I question looking back at him.

  “Ready for what comes after exams more like it.” He laughs.

  “I hear that.” The doors open again momentarily distracting me again.

  “I’ll be linking up with Tonya this summer.” He says.

  “That’s awesome Cliff.” I focus all my attention on him. “What’s the plan there?”

  “I’m going to be staying with her for the month of July that’s all I know for sure.” He offers.

  “Where’s she living now?” I’m curious.

  “In Toronto.” He continues.

  “You guys should come visit me.” I lean my head back against the wall softly. I had a bit of sensitive scar tissue still. “I have no plans what’s so ever this summer.” I continue.

  “Yeah maybe we should.” He smiles. “It’d be fun to do something together like the good old days.” He chuckles.

  “Oh man the trouble we could get into now.” I turn to him smiling.

  “You know it.” He laughs.

  I was totally distracted with my conversation with Cliff that I hadn’t noticed Bobbie walk in. He walks right past us but doesn’t say a word even though he’s made eye contact with me.

  I can’t help but feel like I’ve done something wrong. “What’s that all about?” Cliff asks gesturing towards Bobbie.

  “I really have no clue some days.” I return.

  “Are you too…you know.”

  “No.” I snap glaring at him.

  “But you wanna be right?” He smiles.

  “Um not in the way your implying.” I shove him.

  “B
ut your still into him?” Cliff asks seriously.

  This was new for me. “Yeah…” I look back to see Bobbie stop at his locker.

  “So what’s the hold up?” He questions eyeing me.

  “I don’t know?” I look away for a second. “The timing’s always off.” I offer.

  “You’ve just gotta make the first move then.” He’s eyeing me. “Where’d the Lucy I knew. The girl who told me about her dad being in prison the moment I met you?” He questions smiling knowingly at me.

  “I was a lot braver back then…” Back then I blocked everyone out and dealt with things on my own.

  “And you’re not now?” He narrows his eyes at me.

  “I grew up Cliff. I see thing’s clearer now you know. Life is a little more complicated.” I glance back down the hall at Bobbie.

  “Yeah I get that…Don’t you wish you could go back to those days? When things were easier.” Cliff asks recalling the past.

  “Maybe in a way…I just can’t wait until I can move out.”

  “It’s not all that it’s cracked up to be Lucy.” Cliff offers knowingly.

  “When did you get so smart?” I question teasingly trying to lighten the mood.

  “I’ve always been smart you just can’t get past my good looks long enough to take me seriously.” He teases pushing away from the wall.

  “Now who’s full of himself?” I tease.

  “Who me?” He plays.

  “Yes you.” I turn back to the school doors to see Octavia’s van pull in. “As much as I want to continue talking about your so called good looks.” I do air quotes. “But I see Octavia so I’m going to go catch up with her.”

  “Awh so soon.” He laughs. “Catch ya later Luc.” He turns to walk away.

  “Catch ya later.” I return making my way to the doors.

  The morning passes by in a haze. My thoughts are totally consumed with just random thoughts. Everyone I’ve talked to about Bobbie says I should just make the first move but my fear of rejection keeps holding me back.

  What if he says no? How would I react? I bite my nail just thinking about it. But what if he says yes? How would that work? I couldn’t date. There was no way I could bring a guy to my house. Mom and Max would ruin everything the moment he showed up. If he showed up…

  “Earth to Lucy.” Someone calls out.

  Shit I’ve been daydreaming. I snap out of my thoughts. “Sorry what?”

  “You okay?” Bobbie asks.

  “Yeah, just tired.” I run my hand through my hair. My fingers skim the bumpy scar and it’s like a constant reminder to do better this time around.

  “Stressing because of exams?” Bobbie questions.

  “Something like that.” I return. “Have you been out for a smoke yet?” I ask looking across the table at him.

  “Not yet why?” He asks turning slightly red.

  “I don’t know, thought I might join you.” I try to hide the smile.

  “You’ve been hanging with the cool kids too long.” He says.

  “Hardly.” I smile. Does he think I’m one of them now? “I wouldn’t say Kira and Octavia are the cool kids.” I do the air quotes around their names.

  “But Cliff is.” Bobbie returns sharply.

  “Cliff’s just Cliff. He’s only popular because he’s goofy with everyone and thinks he’s God’s gift to women.” I chuckle.

  “You seem to like him.” Bobbie slowly searches my face.

  “We’re friends that’s all.” I shrug.

  “You should try telling him that.” Bobbie looks down at his back pack.

  “I’ve told him many times. It’s all just a game with him.” I can see Bobbie wants to say something else but he’s shutting down. “I thought we were heading out for a smoke?” I stand up trying to get off the Cliff subject. For some reason Cliff was a sore subject with Bobbie.

  “Right.” He stands up but doesn’t make a move so I lead the way.

  We’re walking the hallway side by side but the silence between us feels overwhelming. I feel like I should say something to break the tension but I’m tongue tied.

  Bobbie’s pace is slow I move ahead of him and push the door open. The bright sun practically blinds me and I almost hit someone.

  “Sorry about that.” I call as the guy rushes past me.

  “It’s cool.” He returns looking at me.

  It’s the same damn guy who’s always running into me. But who is he, I still can’t make out his face.

  Bobbie pushes the adjoining door open instead of walking through the one I was holding as the mystery guy runs off. Why does he do that? I’m watching Bobbie. I can tell he’s tense about something. But what?

  “Is something bothering you?” I ask letting the door close behind us.

  “Just tired.” He feeds me the same line I fed him.

  “Okay?” I walk beside him but don’t look in his direction.

  Why do I keep putting myself through this all? This back and forth. I swear Bobbie’s broke my heart a thousand times this year but here I am following him like a lost little puppy. What is wrong with me?

  Bobbie and I walk to the road as he removes his pack of smokes from his pocket. Removing two butts he passes me one nervously.

  “Thanks.” I force a smile. This was a bad idea. All I want to do is get the hell away from him before he sees me cry.

  He lights his smoke then passes me the lighter. “Thanks.” I say again as I take the blue lighter from him. My fingers touch his hand as he turns a light shade of red. There’s a light breeze in the air that’s catching my hair so I use the excuse to turn away from Bobbie to light my smoke. Even though the back of my head has healed over, ponytail’s still bother it after a while so I’ve just been leaving it down.

  I pass Bobbie the lighter back and suddenly feel brave after my first pull. “So can I ask what your hang up with Cliff is all about?” I question.

  “I don’t have any hang ups.” He replies.

  I watch him pocket it while I take another drag. “Okay.” I say exhaling.

  “What brought that up?” He asks taking a drag from his smoke.

  “I’m just a little confused.” I take another drag.

  “Confused about what?” He asks turning to look at me.

  I’m not sure how to respond. I want to say “why are you so jealous of Cliff when you don’t seem interested in dating me?” But I just can’t voice my opinion. I take a moment to just look at him. His dark hair is tousled but still looks cute. Or at least I think it does. His dark brown eyes show no sign of emotion. Why is he so hard to read? Why won’t he let me in?

  “Never mind it’s not important.” I turn my head so the wind will blow my hair out of my face. Bobbie turns away from me. What am I doing? Why am I here? “You know I think I might just walk back from here.” I turn back to look at him.

  “Yeah okay.”

  “Thanks for the smoke.” I start to walk away. “I’ll bum a smoke from Octavia to pay you back.”

  “Sure.” He simply says.

  I was sort of hoping he’d say something to stop me from walking away but he didn’t. I slipped my headphones back over my ears as I walked along the outside border of the school grounds. Why do I keep pining away for him? I look back over my shoulder in the direction I came from. Bobbie’s standing there with his back to me. Why won’t he let me in? Why do I care so much?

  I make my way past the huge crowds of people smoking. The group of guys are goofing around while the girls are just laughing. I move past them to see Octavia and Sunny D.

  They’re both sitting. Sunny D’s sitting on the curb while Octavia sits atop of his lap. She’s just staring at him as she holds her lit smoke in her left hand.

  Octavia looks up as I approach. “What’s the matter?” She asks standing up.

  “Nothing.” I lie throwing on a fake smile.

  “Doesn’t look like nothing. Who’d you get the smoke from?” She questions taking a drag of her own smoke.

  �
��Bobbie.” Is all I’m willing to offer.

  “So why are you over here if you’re out smoking with him?” She questions softly. I just look at her. “What did he do now?” She asks putting her free hand on her hip.

  “Nothing really.” I brush the hair out of my eyes. “He’s just being weird about Cliff...He acts all jealous even though he says he’s not interested.” I take my last drag and toss the butt. “Am I crazy Octavia?”

  “You’re not crazy Lucy, you’re just crushing really bad.” She wraps her arm around my shoulders.

  “This feels like more than just a crush Octavia.” I admit.

  “I’m sorry hun.” She rests her head on my shoulder. It’s such a sisterly gesture. I love her.

  “If you ask me your better off without him.” Sunny D says approaching us.

  “David.” Octavia squeals.

  I wouldn’t mind getting his opinion. “Why do you say that?” I question.

  “Well he can’t be very smart if he doesn’t see how much you like him.” He shrugs.

  “Maybe he doesn’t see it.” I respond.

  “Then maybe he should open his eyes.” David makes his way to us. “It’s clear to everyone else how much you’re into him.” He continues.

  I can feel my face turning red. “Is it that noticeable?” I touch my face hoping I could cool my blushing cheeks.

  “It’s only obvious because you guys are always together.” David continues.

  “I’m so embarrassed.” I shrug out of Octavia’s grasp. “I’ve got to go. I’ll see you in family studies.” I move away from them.

  “Lucy wait.” Octavia calls out but I put my headphones up so I can’t hear her.

  I’m being such a fool and everyone around me knows it. I move past groups of people in the hallway. Suddenly feeling like everyone’s looking at me. What are they staring at? I move to washroom and duck into a stall. What am I doing? I’ve got to put my walls back up. All this emotion is killing me.

  “Did you see the way she flirts with Cliff while she’s with Bobbie.” I hear someone say.

  “I don’t think she’s with either one of them Megan.” The other girl says.

  It’s Megan and Audrey! Why does she care so much about what I do?