I Know Lucy (A Fugitive #1)
Melissa Pearl
Chapter 1
ZACH
March 2014
I’m not usually a sap, I swear. My friends give me grief that I’m always attracted to girls with big issues. Like somehow, I think that I can solve all their problems. I don’t think that’s it. I think sometimes you just see a girl and something about her captures you.
She was walking towards me and Mr. Simmons, Dean of Students, was talking her ear off as they headed down the corridor. He was no doubt rabbiting on about everything the school could offer and how she would enjoy the rest of her year here at Monte Vista High. She was nodding, feigning interest.
Her blue eyes were perfect, not too big and round, just gorgeous ovals that gazed up at Mr. Simmons with slight tension. And yet, there was a quiet confidence in the way she held herself. Her shoulders were held back, her pointed chin up. She nodded and looked the dean straight in the eyes.
She wasn’t afraid to be here. She looked determined and focused.
That was appealing in itself, but there was something else about her too. I couldn’t even explain what it was and I don’t know how I knew it, but there was something mysterious about this girl.
I could taste it.
She glanced at me as she walked past, her eyes touching mine. I grinned and her lips twitched. Not exactly a smile, but her gaze warmed for a second as she hustled past.
I turned to watch her go; I couldn’t help myself.
Her paradox enticed me.
She was like an ethereal waif, if there was such a thing. Strength and fragility all blended into one. An intense need to figure the girl out embedded itself in my chest.
Rubbing my forehead with a slight frown, I turned towards homeroom.
When it came to girls I was a fool. I wouldn’t deny it. My track record sucked, but maybe this time it would be different. I wouldn’t label it love at first sight or anything, but intrigue. Yeah that’s it - intrigue at first sight. That girl, whoever she was, had captured me…and it had only taken a glimpse.
I was curious by nature. Mom called me the cat in the family…always looking into things that weren’t my business. I took after my reporter uncle I guess. I loved a good mystery. I loved unwrapping all the pieces and figuring out how the puzzle fit together.
That girl.
That waif.
That angel.
She was my new puzzle.
I slipped into my regular seat next to Elliot with a grin.
“What?”
“Nothing.” I shook my head, unable to wipe the smile from my face.
My last three months of high school had just taken a turn for the interesting.
*****
“You’re still smiling? Seriously, dude, what gives?”
I tapped my pen on my Sociology book, laughing at Elliot’s frustration. He hated being kept in the dark. I kind of liked seeing him frazzled.
Jaeda came up behind him, ruffling his hair. “Elly, get that frown off your face. It makes your forehead go all wrinkly and weird.”
He glared at her as he smoothed out his hair, flicking his bangs to the side. He detested being called Elly, but somehow Jaeda got away with it. Maybe it’s because they’d been friends since Kindergarten or maybe it’s because staying mad at the cute little redhead was near impossible. Jaeda was like a piece of artwork. Her red curls, sunshine smile and vibrant green eyes made her a picture. She always painted her face with outrageous shades of make-up. On this particular day, her eyeshadow was bright blue. She’d even flicked a little under her bottom lashes. You’d think it would look weird and tacky, but she pulled it off. I’m sure most saw her as this hippy, art-loving freak, but Elliot and I - we just loved her, because she was Jaeda.
“Why are you all up the fluster, anyways?” She adjusted her beanie, which somehow managed to stay on her head even though it was perched so far back.
“Zach won’t stop smiling.” Elliot yanked down the back of his checkered shirt before slumping into his seat.
Jaeda’s eyebrows rose so high they got lost in her long bangs.
“Zachary Schultz.” She looked at me with playful severity. “Who gave you permission to smile this morning?”
Elliot rolled his eyes with a groan. “I’m serious, Jae. He’s like goofy, grin boy. It’s painful. Look at his eyes. He’s hiding something.”
They both leaned towards me and pierced me with gazes that could strip the flesh from my bones. I cleared my throat and was about to go into a speech about how it’s nothing, toying with the idea of maybe dropping a hint about my mystery girl, when she walked in.
My voice scuttled into hiding as my lips parted of their own accord. I couldn’t take my eyes off her as she stepped into the room and approached Miss Berry with a slip of paper.
Elliot glanced over his shoulder. “Oh great,” he muttered. “Here we go again.”
I wanted to punch him in the arm and tell him it was different this time, but I couldn’t. I was too busy watching those blue eyes scan the room, taking us all in. I could see the calculated way she glimpsed each face as though she was compiling a quick database. She was an observer, like me.
Points for the waif girl.
I admired people who took the time to look.
“Class.” Miss Berry clapped her hands. “Your attention please.” The conversation simmered to a halt. “I’d like you to meet Danielle Harrison. This is her first day and I expect you to make her feel welcome.”