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  “Abby, Abby.” And a new sister.

  “What do you want Sarah?” She sits down where Brooke was sitting and I glare at her as if she’s the scum of the earth.

  Lucas’s words come to mind. She just needs guidance

  I push the thoughts aside and cross my arms over my chest, still glaring at her.

  “Well I was going to ask if you’ve heard about some awesome party that’s happening Friday night.”

  “Yeah, I’ve heard something. So what about it?”

  “Are you going? It’s supposed to be bad ass.” Inside I laugh to myself because she actually thinks she’s invited to go. First off Eric is throwing the party and secondly Chelsea, who is Eric’s girlfriend, hates my sister. No chance in Hell would she be invited. But I don’t say any of that. Instead I just keep walking and ignoring her.

  “Seriously, this party will be bumpin. Just wait, Eric throws the best parties! I’ve never been but I hear from everyone else that it’s pretty awesome!” Brooke says as we enter our gym class. I don’t feel like doing stretches or running laps. But it keeps my mind off of Sarah. I keep thinking about Lucas asking me to hang out after school today. It’s not a good idea and I know this. “Yeah, well anything to keep my mind afar. I’d like to forget life for a night and maybe do something stupid or fun.” She smiles at me and we start running our laps. Both of us outrunning most of the other students in our class. I don’t even feel tired.

  “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.

  “Babe, what do you think?” I glance at him and smile at his choices and mostly say stuff like “Oh gorgeous. Beautiful. Really sexy.” But I’m actually picturing Lucas in them. I’m so going to Hell. Then we eat at the food court and he asks what’s new. Seriously? He doesn’t want to know. I just tell him how excited I am about the party and hanging out with him, oh and the whole drug issue with Sarah.

  “Why didn’t you tell her the truth?” He asks as he’s chowing down on Chinese food. I’m not a big fan.

  “Well, because no matter what I say she’s convinced I’m this horrible shitty sister and I guess I will continue to let her think that. It’s not worth it, she’s always right.”

  “That’s bull shit! But I guess one thing’s true, once she has her mind set there’s no changing it.” So true. We leave the mall, finally after he’s got a few outfits. It’s almost time for the party and I go home to change.

  “Ugh, I really hate you right now.” Sarah announces at the doorway of the bathroom as I’m applying my makeup.

  “I’m sorry to hear that.”

  “Whatever. Have fun at your party.” She storms off and slams her bedroom door. She is so dramatic.

  “Come on, it’s time to go. We’ve got to pick up Brooke.” I put the last touches on my makeup and smooth down my hands over my silky skirt. Satisfied, I grab my purse and give a quick peck on my mother’s cheek.

  “Have fun sweetheart. Oh you look lovely. You kids be careful.” I wave to her and head out the door.

  Chapter 10

  We pull up in front of a house that sits atop a hill. It only takes 30 minutes to get here but we go through the country side and mountains. I marvel at the scenery. It’s so breathtaking. We get out of the car and
I stare at the view before me. The house is of Victorian style, gated with a beautiful yard and a wrap around porch. Jesus, these people must be loaded. But what catches my eye is the view overlooking the mountains. I almost stop breathing.

  “OH. MY GOD.” Brady stops next to me, also speechless.

  “Wow, this is gorgeous! How I wish I’d lived here.” Brooke is the only one with words. We walk to the porch through the gate. I have the feeling the security system is shut off for this occasion, it let us right in. Brady knocks on the door. We stand there and wait for someone to open it. I’m feeling giddy, ready for a few drinks. Finally, the door swings open and a very drunk Eric is standing on the other side of it.

  “Hey guysssss!” He drags out the word slurring.

  “Hey Eric.” I say. He gives me a once over. “Damn man, Abby you’re hot!” I push past him into the house. “And you’re drunk Eric!” I hear him tell Brady “Dude, you’re a lucky bastard.” They laugh and Brady comes up, grabbing my hand as we weave through a bunch of people. The place is immaculate and there are too many stories to count. The music is blaring and I can hardly hear myself think. I’m just ready for that alcohol. We reach the kitchen where people are hanging out dancing on the tables like they’re at a strip club. Not that I know what that’s like but according to movies it looks pretty degrading. I hope I’m not into that when I’m older.

  “Hey I’m gonna go off and look for some people I might recognize. I’ll catch you guys later.” Brooke turns to walk into the living room. I nod and take a beer out of the fridge. I pop the top off and take a swig, enjoying the taste as it goes down my very dry throat. Brady grabs one as well and chugs it like a pro. I never understood how people could chug it down so fast. It would probably burn my throat. I only like beer for the buzz but I don’t drink often. Not lately, at least.