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

by Michelle Heron

“Are you defending her?” Megan snaps.

  “I’m just saying.” Audrey returns. “Why do you care anyway?” Audrey questions. That’s what I’d like to know.

  “Because it’s just trashy.” Megan returns. “Cliff deserves someone better than her.” Megan continues.

  I’ve honestly had enough of everyone making assumptions. Why was everyone so hung up on what I do especially when it comes to Cliff?

  “You know what’s trashy?” I say emerging from the stall. “Girls who talk about other girls behind their backs.” I approach the sink to wash my hands. “If you’re going to talk about me, at least say it to my face bitch.” I turn off the tap and reach for a paper towel.

  “Alright I think your trashy just like your sister.” Megan moves in front of me.

  “At least my sister’s not a crazy jealous bitch like you.” I move closer to Megan. I wasn’t one to call someone out but I’d had enough. “If you want Cliff so bad make a play. I’ve got no hold over him.” I look, into her green eyes and there’s that fear I seen the day my sister dragged her down the hall by her hair. Pussy. “But I think you know he’s not interested in you and that’s why you hate me so much.” I cross my arms over my chest.

  “How dare you.” Megan replies with a shaky voice.

  “I’m just stating the facts Megan.” I smile. The walls are beginning to harden again. I’m feeling painless. Megan’s at a loss for words but by the look on her face I can tell she wants to hit me.

  Go for it. Hit me, physical pain makes much more sense to me then the pain of this broke heart. “Come on Megan, just leave her alone.” Audrey says pulling her away from me.

  “You’re lucky Audrey’s here.” Megan snaps but let’s Audrey guide her away.

  My adrenaline has spiked. “Another time then.” I return.

  Both Audrey and Megan exit the bathroom as I take a deep breath. Inhale the good, exhale the bad.

  I exit the bathroom in time to see Kira, Octavia and Tori approaching. “Are okay?” Octavia asks approaching.

  “We just seen Megan and Audrey come out.” Kira continues.

  I smile at them knowingly. “Oh there’s no problem there.”

  “What happened?” Octavia presses.

  “I happened to over hear her talking shit about me so I just made it known I was in the room.” I smile again.

  “What did she say?” Kira asks.

  “She was going on about how I was trash because I’m with both Bobbie and Cliff and that Cliff deserved someone better.”

  “What happened then?” Octavia presses.

  “I told her that if she wanted Cliff she should just go after him.”

  “Okay?”

  “But I then told her I knew for a fact that Cliff wouldn’t be into her which made her angry.” I shrug.

  “Did she hit you?” Kira questions.

  “She wanted to that’s for sure but Audrey stopped her.”

  “What if she hit you Lucy?” Tori says softly.

  I would have loved that. “Then I guess she’d hit me.” I returned.

  “You’re not afraid of her?” Tori says.

  “Not anymore.”

  “I’d be afraid of her.” Tori simply says.

  “Nah. Lucy doesn’t worry because she knows Britney will beat the shit out of her if she does.” Kira says.

  “Honestly I wish she would have.” I say smiling. “I’d love to just strike her back. Shut her up for a little while. You know?” I say eyeing their response.

  “Damn girl where’d you come from all of the sudden?” Kira says moving beside me. “I like this fearless side.” Kira wraps her arm around me like I’m used to Octavia doing.

  “That’s me fearless Luc.” I smile as they walk me to class.

  Chapter Thirteen

  I’ve been trying to put distance between Bobbie again but no matter how much I try to push him away I just can’t seem to do it. The feelings I feel for him keep me tethered.

  We’re sitting outside on the planter this afternoon. No one’s really around so it feels like it’s just Bobbie and I. I look over at him and he smiles. The wind catches my hair so I turn slightly so the wind will blow it out of my face, when I look back Bobbie’s looking in the opposite direction. I look down in disappointment but notice how close our hands are.

  If I move my pinky finger just an inch we’d technically be holding hands. Suddenly my hearts racing and I can’t control the devilish smile that’s crossed my lips. I wonder if he’s noticed? I take the risk and move my pinky slowly.

  When my finger touches his he turns his head to look at me as my hair catches in my face again. I turn to let the wind catch it again. “What?” I ask turning back.

  “Nothing.” He says pulling his hand away.

  “I’m sorry did my hair get in your face?” I ask nervously trying to cover what happened.

  “It’s nothing…What’s with your hair these days?” He asks rather grumpily.

  “I kind of banged my head up pretty bad over the March break so wearing it up right bothers me.” I’m starting to feel self-conscious. Touching him was a bad idea. Why’d I risk it?

  “What happened?” He questions slipping his hands into his pockets.

  “Um I slipped and banged my head off a concrete wall.” I wasn’t about to tell him the rest. I didn’t want him thinking I was some fragile weak thing. I wanted him to see me as tough.

  “Shit how bad was it?” He’s interested.

  “Knocked me out pretty good. Had to get twelve stitches.” I see the shock in his brown eyes.

  “Damn. Was there a lot of blood?” He presses.

  “I remember seeing some but I can’t recall how much.” I offer.

  “Damn.” He shakes.

  “Does blood wig you out?” I chuckle.

  “Um yeah.” He shakes again.

  “Pussy.” I laugh.

  “Okay tough guy.” He plays along.

  “Damn right.” I chuckle.

  I love moments like these. Moments where it’s just Bobbie and I. It’s moments like these that give me hope for the two of us. It’s moments like these that make life worth living.

  ****

  The school year's almost over and I'm still wondering what I should do about Bobbie. It’s still unclear what his feelings are. I can't go the entire summer without knowing where I stand with him. I can’t go the whole summer wondering if there’s another girl out there getting close to him. I can’t continue to keep falling for him without knowing how he feels about me.

  But I still can’t shake that feeling that Bobbie doesn’t reciprocate the same feelings.

  I walk straight to my locker this morning to switch out my books when I catch sight of Bobbie at the other end of the hall. My heart begins to race. Okay so he's here today. I’ve got to get some answers today.

  Bobbie spots me and walks towards me. Leaning his back against the locker beside mine I pretend to be packing my backpack just so I can take a moment to look at him.

  I can’t help but swoon whenever we are this close. I wish I could just reach out and touch him. He turns his head and catches me admiring him.

  “What?” He asks smiling.

  “Nothing I was just thinking about what books I needed.” I slam my locker closed.

  Suddenly I'm remembering the first day of school. Bobbie helping me with the doors, how red his face was around me or anyone really…but today he seems more confident, less nervous and maybe a little less guarded around me.

  "Do you have the key?" Bobbie questions.

  The last couple of weeks I’ve been letting Bobbie control the elevator. I was glad not too. "Right here." I say lightly tossing him the keychain.

  He catches it. "Thanks."

  "I wonder if they'll let me use the elevator next year?" I’m making conversation.

  "Do you even need it now?" He asks chuckling over his shoulder.

  "Sort of." I shrug.

  "Really, looks like your walking pretty good to me." I
catch a little smile in his voice. He’s turning red and I can’t help but smile. He’s just too cute when he blushes.

  "Well thank you...” I tuck a strand of hair behind my ear. “I'm doing good but there's days when it's still bad.” I admit. “The doctors say it might be like this the rest of my life." I continue. Why am I rambling?

  "Well that sucks.” He says holding a door for me.

  “Yeah.” I shrug it off.

  We walk to geography class not saying much more. Bobbie walks me into the class but instead of rushing off to his desk he hangs around as Britney and Octavia walk in a moment later. Britney walks by smirking at us as she makes her way to seat.

  I see Bobbie’s discomfort but surprisingly he hasn’t bolted yet. Octavia sits down beside me smiling knowingly.

  “What’s going on here?” Octavia whispers when Bobbie turns away for a second.

  “Nothing’s going on.” I smile at her knowingly.

  I spent an hour on the phone with her last night talking about today would be the day I finally got up the nerve to ask Bobbie out. Octavia kept saying she didn’t believe me because I was too afraid. But I wanted to more than anything to prove her wrong. I wanted to prove to myself that I could do it too.

  "Have you asked him yet?" Octavia asks barely whispering.

  "Asked me what yet?" Bobbie looks back at me.

  "We just got here." I say trying silence Octavia.

  "That's a no." She smirks.

  "Asked me what?" Bobbie asks again. This time he’s narrowing his eyes at me.

  His look is making me nervous. I can’t focus. "Nothing, I’ll tell you later." I chuckle almost shooing him away but he doesn’t budge from our table.

  Mr. Davidson has called attention to the class so Bobbie heads back to his seat. I discreetly watch as he walks back to his seat. At least I hope it was discreetly but by the smirk on Octavia’s face I fear it wasn’t.

  Mr. Davidson is lecturing us but really, I'm only half paying attention. All I can think about is Bobbie and the way he was looking at me.

  Am I ready to take this next step? What if he doesn't feel the same way? How would I see him every day knowing he didn't feel the same way about me? After ever thing we’ve been through would he turn me down? I can’t help but envision all those lunches we’ve spent together, all the elevator rides we’ve taken together, not to mention all the free time we spent together during our spares...what if it was all for nothing...? How would I deal with a no?

  But how will I enjoy my summer without knowing how he feels? I must do this before it's too late...I’m looking back at Bobbie who turns to look at me. Can he sense I'm thinking about him? I smile and focus my attention back to the front of class. Glancing over at the clock I see there’s only five minutes left of class.

  "Hey Octavia I totally just spaced this entire period can I borrow your notes?" I ask leaning in close so no one hears.

  "Too busy thinking about Bobbie?" She smiles.

  "That obvious?" I frown.

  "Here." She says opening her binder to remove what had to be at least three pages of notes.

  "This is all from today?" I ask as she hands me the small stack of papers.

  "Um yeah. Exam prep. You really did space out didn't you." She questions.

  "You have no idea. I’m stressing out about this.” I admit.

  “Just do it already.” She chuckles packing up her things.

  Math class goes by a little easier because Bobbie's not there to distract me. Thankfully we're basically just doing exam prep in this class too. I think most of my classes will be exam prep this week since final exams are approaching.

  The bell rings for lunch as I'm making my way through the hallway with Tori as we meet up with Octavia and Kira. "Have you asked him yet?" Kira asks excitedly.

  "She hasn't." Octavia returns.

  "What's taking so long?" Kira asks.

  "I don't think I can guys." I admit feel self-conscious again.

  "Oh come on Lucy we've talked about this countless times, you need to know. It's not fair to yourself." Kira says.

  "I really don't think he feels the same way." I grip the handles on my backpack tighter and look at my feet.

  "You guys spend a lot of time together though. I don't think he really hangs out with anyone but you...does he?" Kira asks.

  "I don't know. I think he talks to a few guys." I lie.

  I seem to be his only friend that I’ve noticed anyway but I don’t want them thinking bad about him. They already think he’s a little weird.

  "But he spends most of his time with you and only you." Octavia nudges my arm smiling trying to get me to smile back.

  I can't help but smile at the thought. "Yeah he kind of does doesn't he." All the signs point to yes but why do I still have so much doubt? It's not like he's ever said he's liked anyone else.

  "Totally." Kira returns.

  "I'm working on it okay."

  "Yeah yeah." Kira says leading the way.

  "What are you guys doing for lunch?" I ask.

  "Smoking section." Octavia and Kira call out.

  “I'll probably join you guys in a bit." I say breaking off to use the elevator.

  "Going to see Bobbie?" Octavia teases.

  "We'll see." I return and walk away.

  I get downstairs and walk past the AR room. I see Bobbie's sitting inside. Maybe I should just ask him now and get it out of the way...? I walk to my locker to grab our lunch. Here I go.

  I slam my locker closed then approach the AR room. Bobbie looks up from a magazine he's reading. Nervously I smile and tuck my hair back behind my ear.

  "Hey." I say joining him.

  "Hey. Seen you upstairs with the girls thought you might be hanging out with them right now." He admits.

  "I'll meet up with them in a little bit. They’re smoking and I want to eat first.”

  "Awh." He responds taking the sandwich I’ve made him.

  I’m doing this…"So what are you summer plans?" I ask. Hoping to break the ice.

  "Nothing really, how about you?" He asks looking up from his sandwich.

  "Nothing...” I’m eyeing him. “We should hang out sometime." Now I've thrown it out there.

  "Yeah maybe." He nods. Damn he didn’t bite.

  "Yeah maybe." I whisper back. How do I do this? I've never asked someone out before. Octavia’s right I can’t do this. "You know what I'm actually not all that hungry after all, I think I'm just going to go catch up with my friends." I say packing up my sandwich nervously. "Do you want to come hangout?" Please say no. The girls won’t be able to keep quiet if he joins us.

  "Not really…I'll see you at your locker before Data Processing though." He says over at me.

  "Sure." I stand up tossing my backpack over my shoulder. "Catch you after." I say turn to walk away.

  I can't do this. I’m just too afraid of ruining things…I'm going to go the entire summer making myself crazy over him. The not knowing will literally tear me apart. I walk out of the room and sneak one last peek back over my shoulder. Bobbie's gone back to his magazine and now I feel bad for walking away.

  Making my way down the hall I make my way to the front doors. That’s when I catch sight of Britney walking with her group of friends.

  "Octavia and Kira are up in the smoking section." She says.

  "Yeah I know I'm headed there now."

  We pass each other as I head towards Octavia and Kira. The smoking section is always so packed. I look around. I don't know half of these people out here. Once I'm close I hear my name being called.

  "Lucyyyy." Cliff yells and runs over wrapping his arm around my shoulders.

  "Cliff." I laugh and let him lead me to the gang.

  "Did you ask him yet?" Octavia and Kira ask in unison.

  "Yeah, I'm not doing that for sure now." I say holding up my hands.

  "Awh, I knew you'd chicken out." Kira says.

  "What's going on?" Cliff asks.

  "She was supposed to ask Bob
bie out finally." Octavia explains. Lighting her cigarette.

  "So what's the problem?" He questions.

  "I just don't know."

  "I thought you already dealt with that?” He questions.

  “No.” I hide my eyes in embarrassment.

  “Really?” Cliff turns to look at me.

  "She's too shy." Kira says.

  "Who Lucy?" Cliff questions.

  "Um yeah." Kira returns.

  "What happened to being fearless?” He teases as he pulls his arm away to light his cigarette. "You know what?” He stops to inhale. “If he turns you down it's his lose, maybe then you'll finally give me a shot." He teases pulling me close.

  "How many times have we been through this?” I laugh.

  But maybe if things didn’t work out with Bobbie maybe I should give Cliff a shot.

  "Wait what's this?" Kira asks smiling.

  "It's nothing." I know where Kira’s thoughts are going.

  "What's he talking about?" Kira asks.

  "Oh you guys don't know.” Cliff continues trying to get a rise from me. “Me and Lucy were kind of a thing a couple of summers ago.” He’s actually, acting serious.

  “Um, you only wish Cliff. Your sister warned me about you remember?" I’m teasing him.

  "Oh yes, that I'm a player." He teases smiling at me.

  "That your trouble and we all know it." I’m playing along because I know it’s fun for him. He loves the attention.

  "Hold on let me catch up here." Kira breaks the conversation. "You guys know each other outside of school?"

  "Kind of yeah." Is all I plan to offer.

  "How did we not know this before?" Kira says.

  "Because it was none of anyone's business." I tease.

  "So what happened between you too." Kira's clearly interested in this.

  "Well..." Cliff begins.

  "Nothing." I cut him off and pull away from him laughing.

  "Awh come on, don’t give me the cold shoulder babe.” He’s trying to be serious but he can’t help but laugh at his own joke.

  “Babe??? What's going on? You still haven't answered my question." Kira says even more frustrated.

  "Lucy's friends with Cliff's sister." Tori shares.

  "How do you know this?" Kira asks turning to Tori.