This was my first time skipping class to run away from school. As an outcast, I couldn’t afford to be that rebellious kid.But it seemed like Lucas was quite experienced in doing so, thanks to the secret passageway in the school's basement.I couldn't believe my eyes as Lucas led me outside of the school, away from the prying eyes of teachers and fellow students."Where does your grandma live now?" I asked, trying to keep up with his brisk pace as we headed toward a parking lot adjacent to the school campus."The same old neighborhood," Lucas replied casually, glancing back at me. "It's just a short ride away."I scanned the parking lot, wondering which car belonged to Lucas.However, my question was soon answered when I nearly collided with him as he abruptly stopped in front of me.My eyes widened in disbelief as I peered over his shoulder."Please tell me that's not yours," I blurted out, stunned.With a confident grin, Lucas swung his leg over a sleek, black motorcycle, his hands
Lucas playfully jiggled the finger dolls, eliciting a smile from me.A flood of childhood memories with Lucas rushed into my mind.Lucas took charge of crafting the boy finger dolls, while I took care of the girls.He used to tease mine for their oversized eyes, almost comically disproportionate to their heads.I, on the other hand, would poke fun at his mischievous-looking boys, forever sporting half-smiles."I apologize, Shana," Lucas said in a high-pitched voice, raising his index finger and wiggling one of the girl dolls.Then he lifted another finger, showcasing one of his boys. "We're sorry we disrupted the reunion.""Apologize to Grandma Jo," I addressed the finger doll, without turning to face Lucas.I rose from my seat and headed to the sink to tidy up the dishes.A few moments later, Grandma Jo followed me into the kitchen while I was washing the dishes."What are you doing, dear?" She gently swatted me away from the sink, taking the plate from my hands. "You're my guest her
Sam went silent. He wouldn’t dare to challenge an Alpha.Lucas scolded him, his voice laced with frustration. "Sam, you can't keep blaming others for your own problems. Take responsibility for your actions!"Sam tried to argue, his voice defensive. "But Lucas, it wasn't entirely my fault. There were factors beyond my control."Lucas crossed his arms, his expression stern. "I don't want to hear excuses, Sam. We're a team, and we need to work together. I'm making the decision to switch you out for a player from the substitute lineup."A few teammates exchanged worried glances, realizing the impact this change would have on their upcoming match in just two days.One of them spoke up, concern evident in his voice. "But captain, Sam has been training as our first team member for a long time. Are you sure this is the right move? It’ll affect our playing.”Lucas's voice held firm conviction. "I've made up my mind. Sam's performance hasn't been up to par recently, and it's affecting our overa
"Give it back, Dad!" I exclaimed, my voice filled with frustration, as I tried to reclaim the jewelry from my father's grip.The room turned into a chaotic scene of pushing and shoving, both of us desperately vying for control.In a forceful act, my father pushed me to the ground, swiftly closed the door, and left, leaving only a pearl necklace in my hand.I clutched it tightly, a mix of anger and sadness surging through me.I can’t believe he escaped so easily!With my mother’s necklace I had taken back from Jessica earlier, I only had these two pieces of jewelry that were the sole reminders of my mother's presence.As I held onto the necklaces, a wave of relief washed over me for keeping the password of the bank account my mother had left for me a secret.My father had no idea and would’ve probably taken every last cent if he knew it existed.At the same time, sadness took over me as I realized how different my father and I were.I wanted us to have a normal, loving relationship, bu
“Yesterday, Jessica broke into Shana’s locker and stole her personal belongings,” Lucas explained, gesturing to me. “Specifically, she stole her diary and began to pick on Shana in front of the whole school.”The dean’s eyes narrowed as he listened to Lucas with rapt attention. “Did she now?”“That’s not true!” Jessica shouted with a stomp to her foot.Lucas’s eyes flashed at Jessica. “Shana tried to defend herself, but some students pushed her to the ground and her head began to bleed. That’s why she’s wearing a bandage.” Lucas pointed at my forehead. “She also has bruises all over her ribs because Jessica kicked her.”“That’s ridiculous!” Jessica quipped, still trying to defend herself even though it wasn’t looking good for her. “I didn’t lay a finger on her!”“She’s lying!”“I’m not!”“Enough arguing!” the dean looked back and forth between Lucas and Jessica. “Do you have any proof of what you’re claiming, Lucas?”“I had to take Shana to the hospital yesterday after Nurse Rebecca t
Lucas seemed surprised by my question as if he wasn’t expecting me to ask him something so personal.“We only slept together once,” Lucas said with a shrug as if it was no big deal.“Jessica said it was more than once,” I countered, crossing my arms over my chest.“Okay… fine. We slept together twice.” Lucas rolled his eyes. “What does it matter? It wasn’t serious.”I shook my head. “That’s not the point, Lucas. Jessica’s a horrible human being, you can’t argue with me on that. Are you just willing to sleep around with anyone?”“Shana.” Lucas put his hands on my shoulders, grounding me. “Girls that I’ve slept with in the past don’t matter. All that matters is you and me. Us. Our friendship is something that’ll last a lifetime, and nothing means more to me than you.”I wanted to find doubt in his words, but his blue eyes held my gaze. I couldn’t help but feel his raw sincerity.“I’m sorry, Shana,” Lucas continued, his fingers pressing into the skin of my shoulders. “Yesterday, I said t
When I woke up in my bed the next morning, I was greeted by an unusual silence.My father must not have come home last night...Instead of feeling concerned for him, however, a sense of relief washed over me. I knew deep down that his absence meant I wouldn't have to deal with the chaos and uncertainty that came with his presence.Today was the highly anticipated hockey game between the Shadow High Dragons and the Moon Crest High Jaguars.Lucas had given me a quick rundown on their team yesterday, emphasizing that the Jaguars were formidable opponents. They held a strong position in the rankings among high school hockey teams."But they're not as good as us," Lucas had said confidently, his grin revealing his competitive spirit.As the hockey season had just begun, the Dragons had been on a winning streak, triumphing in every game so far.However, the possibility of the Jaguars breaking their winning streak made me nervous. The anticipation for today's game was palpable, evident from
“What?” I asked, looking at Lucas’s blue eyes then down at his tanned skin.He didn’t even have to flex his abs in order for me to see them.I felt uncomfortably hot suddenly.“You can feel them,” Lucas encouraged me, “if you want.”“I—uh.” Lucas stepped closer to me. I looked into his eyes tentatively. “Isn’t that a little—”“Shana, we’ve been friends since we were kids,” Lucas said. “Don’t make it something bigger than what it is. Plus, I know you haven’t forgotten all our weekly sleepovers.”He was right. We used to have sleepovers almost every single weekend at either his grandma’s house or my mom’s house.“But you didn’t have abs then,” I clarified.“I have them now,” he said, wiggling his brows humorously.“Put those things away,” I said poking him in the chest, hiding my nerves with humor. “They’re like weapons.”Lucas chuckled, lowering his shirt. “I guess I’ll take that as a compliment.”“Mind if I use your fancy bathroom?” I asked Lucas.“Be my guest,” he said, going back to