Back to You (8 page)

“
Ms. Lewis, come here
please.” Ah damn, he’s messing up my time. I stop running and glide
over to Coach Stevens. Running in place I ask “what’s up?” He
smiles at me and I see a gleam in his eye.

“
Well, Abby you are pretty
quick. I was watching you run out there. You ever thought of being
in track or something?” Actually yes, but I doubt I would do it
now. There’s too much on my plate as is. I can’t concentrate on the
things I have now, adding something else would just tip the scale.
I look away for a minute then back at my coach and say “No thanks.
It’s my last year anyway and I don’t see it making any sense to
start now.”

He nods and directs me back to running
again. I keep a slow pace, scanning the gym for Brooke. “Hey, right
behind ya!” She calls to me then passes. Oh really, so she’s gonna
play like that. I will my legs to push as hard as possible until I
pass her, then look over my shoulder at her and grin wickedly.

“
So what did Coach want?”
Brooke asks me in the locker room while we’re changing back to our
clothes. “He asked me to join the track team or something.” She
gives me a confused look and says “Doesn’t he know you’re a senior?
And we’ve only got a couple months left?” I thought it was strange
too but I didn’t ask what his motives were. “I think so. But I just
told him ‘no thanks’.” I get a text from Brady as I put my gym
clothes in my locker.

“
Great.” I put my phone
back in my bag and get my shoes on.

“What’s wrong?” Brooke asks.

“Brady texted me saying he’s going be late
after school and to not wait up.” It ruins my plan of dodging
Lucas.

“Could I hang out at your house today?” I
will try anything to avoid being with Lucas, I can’t control myself
around him and I’ll make a fool of myself. No thanks.

“
Oh I can’t today. Mom’s
got plans after school. I have to go with her. Why can’t you go
home? Avoiding Sarah or something?” She’s partly right but I won’t
reveal the other half. I just nod and look away. “Okay, well I’m
off now. I’m skipping the last classes. See ya later.” I walk away,
debating where to go.

“
Hey Ab, I’ll call you
later if I get home early enough.” I nod and walk out the doors. I
walk out to my car and get in, sitting for awhile before turning it
on and driving. I finally get home to an empty house and decide to
take a shower before anyone comes home. I blast my music and
dancing while washing myself. Then I get an image of Lucas in here
with me, cleaning me with my loofa. It totally ruins the moment and
I finish up and scamper out and wrap my towel around my waist. I
walk into my bedroom and dress in sweats and a t-shirt, so I can
lounge around in. I’m totally screwed.

Chapter 9

I wake up to find I’ve fallen asleep. I had
no idea how that happened. I must be exhausted. I walk into the
kitchen to get a drink.

“
Hey honey, where have you
been?”

“
Uh, asleep apparently. I
took a shower then fell asleep.” She gives me a brief nod and taps
her finger on her lower lip.

“
Have you seen your
sister?” Oh crap, my sister! Here we go, I’m sure she’ll blame me
for her getting in trouble.

“
Nope. Haven’t seen her.
Did you ground her yet?” I ask.

“
Yes, she’s not going to
the party. But don’t worry if she blames you for it just take the
bait. We know who actually squealed on her.” Then she looks at me
and says, “You do know who actually told me don’t you?”

“
Yep, Chelsea. She told me
in class today. Or maybe it was yesterday. I’m feeling a little
confused at the moment.” I walk back to my room and plop on my
bed.

“
You bitch! How could you
tell on me? What the Hell did I do to you? Now I can’t go to this
awesome party this weekend! Dammit Abby! I hate you!” Well, I
didn’t expect that. Sarah comes storming in my room accusations
flying out of her mouth. But what the Hell, she already thinks I’m
a horrible person. I guess I won’t correct her.

“
Sorry, mom deserved to
know.”

“
Are you serious? You’re
not going to tell me how ridiculous I’m acting or tell me that you
didn’t do it? Shit, you really are a bitch!”

“
And you need to get a
grip! You’re the one causing problems, making mom worry. And doing
drugs to “fit in” and I have to be the grown up and then set you
straight! Besides, this party is not for kids your age. You’re
always acting older than you are. Start hanging out with your own
crowd.”

“
Is this about Lucas?”
What? Don’t go there. I just want to strangle her. It has nothing
to do with him. Well, maybe a little. But even though I didn’t tell
on her, I’m glad my mom knows. It’s time she faces the consequences
of her actions. God, I sound like I’m wise beyond my years. She
huffs and storms out of my room slamming the door. Good, get out.
Ugh.

“
You’re such a shitty
sister!” I hear her yell from outside the door.

“Right back at ya babe!” I taunt.

My mom opens the door, looking afright.

“
I guess she found you
huh?” I laugh and nod my head stretching out on my bed.

“
I’m sorry Abby. She’ll
get over it.”

“
I’m not worried about it
mom. She needs to learn to act her age and quit being a little
shit.” She sits down on my bed and bites her bottom lip.

“
Yeah, I hate to say
you’re right.”

“
So how’s Lucas?” She
steers the conversation in the wrong direction.

“
How should I know? Why
don’t you ask Sarah?” Thinking about Lucas’s lips on my sisters’ is
a disturbing thought. I shudder and my mom notices.

“
Are you avoiding him
since that dream you had?” She raises a brow. Ha ha. I should not
have confided in her, she’ll never forget it.

“
Not exactly, but
yeah.”

“
That makes no sense but I
will take that as a yes.” She gets up to leave then sits back down
patting my arm in a tenderly gesture.

“
Maybe it’s better this
way.” I wish it were that simple. God do I wish. She leaves and I
tuck myself in my blankets.

Walking the halls, I check each corner to
make sure Lucas is no where in sight.

“
Looking for someone?” I
jump at the sound of Brooke’s voice from behind me.

“
God, don’t do that! And
NO.”

“
Oh yeah, you don’t look
like you’re looking for anyone. Nope, silly me.”

“
Ha ha. Cut the
sarcasm.”

“
Still hiding from Lucas?”
I stare straight ahead, and then to the left and right. Then I
glance back at Brooke.

“
I’m not hiding. Just
keeping my distance. Oh by the way, my sister hates me. Yay.” I say
it sarcastically but a part of me feels guilty for being so
nonchalant about it. I didn’t want her to hate me per se. I just
want her to quit being such a trouble maker. Maybe she’ll forgive
me one day.

“
Why? What happened?” She
asks as we stand by Brooke’s locker.

“
She got in trouble for
the drug thing and thinks I told my mom. She is grounded and can’t
go to the party so she blames me.”

“
Huh. And why didn’t you
bother telling her it wasn’t you who snitched?”

“
She wouldn’t believe me
even if I did. She thinks I’m out to get her or something.” I start
looking toward the end of the hall and spot Lucas coming toward us.
I stiffen and Brooke notices what I’m looking at.

“
I gotta go. See you at
lunch.” She nods and I walk in the opposite direction but not
before I get a glance at Lucas looking at me. Our eyes lock for a
split second but I hurry off to class.

“
Okay, so this party is
like the talk of the town.” Brady sits next to me with his tray of
food. I start eating then glance at the lunch line and see Sarah,
Haley..Lucas. Shit. I look down at my food, inspecting something
that’s not there and refuse to look anywhere else. Brooke nudges my
shoulder, and I nudge her back.

“
Not now Brooke.” I
whisper loud enough for her to hear but low so Brady doesn’t notice
and think we are sharing secrets. He’d pry.

“
So, what do you think?” I
glance up at Brady with a “deer caught in headlights” expression on
my face. Brooke lets out a chuckle and I elbow her.

“
What did you
say?”

“
I was asking if I should
go shopping for some new clothes for the party.” What is he a girl?
Seriously, what guy goes out and buys new clothes for a party,
unless…

“
What’s her name?” Now he
has the “deer caught in headlights” look.

“
Who?”

“
This girl you’re trying
to impress. Who is she?” I couldn’t believe I was spouting out
these questions. But I couldn’t stop myself.

“
You can’t tell me you’re
not trying to impress some chick. What guy goes out and buys new
clothes for a friggin’ party, which will eventually get puked all
over, or beer spilled on by the end of the night?” His eyes were
wide with shock.

“
Wow, Abby!” Brooke was
stunned and I probably should have shut up long before I got to
this point. I glance over at Sarah who is sitting at a table on the
other side of the cafeteria.

“
Wow, Abby thanks for
making me look like a prick. You know cheating is not my thing. And
FYI, I’m not Lucas. I actually care about my appearance.” Whoa,
where did that come from? And has he not seen Lucas? That boy can
dress.

“
So, how did Lucas get
into this equation? And he..nevermind.” I finally shut my mouth
before I say the wrong thing and kick myself for it
later.

I glance at the table and see Lucas staring
straight at me. Shit. My cheeks flush.

“
Sorry, I didn’t mean
anything. It was stupid to ask that. Just forget it please. Go
ahead and buy something nice or whatever.” I go back to eating my
salad but it suddenly tastes bland.

“
Look I didn’t mean what I
said either. I just thought it would be nice to look good for you.
Even if I got beer spilled all over it, and I wouldn’t be puking on
it so no worries there. Besides I don’t ever puke from drinking too
much.” Ha, there’s a first time for everything.

“
There’s a first time for
everything.” Did I just say that? No it was Brooke. It’s like she
can read my mind. I can’t help but crack a smile.

‘Well, I’m out. See you later.” He kisses me
on the forehead. I let out a sigh of relief.

“
Okay so what the Hell was
that? Seriously, Abby are you trying to draw too much suspicion?” I
shake my head and look at her.

“
I’m not sure what came
over me. I’m as stunned as you were. I guess it was just weird that
he would want to go all out for this party. He’s never been all
crazy about the other parties. And then he brings Lucas into
this.”

“
Yeah, I laughed at that.
I mean he obviously hasn’t seen Lucas. Damn that boy can dress.” I
laugh.

“
Yeah I agree. Well let’s
talk about something else now.”

“
You mean how he’s staring
at you right now?” I look back at the table, at Lucas and sure
enough we lock gazes. This time we keep our eyes locked,
transfixed. I see a slight smile tug at the corner of his mouth and
I blush.

“
Uh, Abby you might want
to tone down on the lovesick puppy look before people notice. You
know, just a little advice you might want to take.” I barely hear
her and keep my eyes fixated on his stare. It’s like we’re sharing
our own private secret. I get elbowed in the ribcage which brings
my attention away from Lucas.

“
Do you mind?” She fixes
me an annoyed look and I lean into her.

“
Sorry, God I need to get
a grip. Okay I think I’m done here.” I get up and pick up my tray.
I grab Brooke’s tray as well and dump them in the trash. I walk
back to the table and sit down.

“
I’m about ready to leave.
I need to get out of here, feeling a little stuffy in
here.”

“
Oh it’s stuffy in here
alright.”

“
Ha ha. I’m so glad you’re
enjoying this.” I get up to leave and she follows suit.

“
Oh but I am. It’s quite
entertaining from my standpoint.” We walk out of the cafeteria back
to our lockers. I grab books for my next class.

“
I’m going to the bathroom
and freshen up before the bell rings.” I say as I shut my
locker.

“
Okay. Well then
tootles.”

“
Abby.” I freeze at his
voice, sexy and low. God, this is not happening. I keep walking
like I didn’t hear him. I hear his footsteps trudging behind me and
my heart speeds up.

“
Abby wait.”

“
Not now Lucas, gotta go.”
I say over my shoulder, while not slowing my pace. Then I run to
the bathroom before he catches me.

Over the next couple of days, it is the same
routine. I walk the halls, wary of any Lucas sightings. Brooke
still gives me Hell enjoying my displeasure and cracking jokes.
Then we sit at lunch, eat and I sit in a daze and once in awhile
glance in Lucas’ direction. We don’t run into each other but I can
sense that he probably won’t give up too easily. Brady and I go
shopping, for him. He buys new clothes and I pretend I’m enjoying
the trip to the mall. But really, I hate the mall. I hate the
crowds and spending money. I hate it all.