I Know Lucy (A Fugitive #1)(3)

The corridor was starting to clear when I came to a pause outside her World History class.

“Thanks.” She gave me a smile that was friendly, making me grin back like a goofball. “I guess I’ll see you around.”

“Most definitely.” I tried to play it cool, giving her a little salute type wave and walked off without looking back. I desperately wanted to, and eventually couldn’t resist sneaking a final glance before turning the corner.

She was just turning into class, which meant she must have watched me leave.

It felt triumphant for some reason. Maybe Danielle Harrison found me intriguing too.





Chapter 2





LUCY


February 2009





“I can’t believe Patrick De Luca just talked to you.” Maria squealed as she grabbed Lucy’s arm.

Lucy grinned then bit her lip, feeling all gooey and excited as she watched Patrick walk away after congratulating her. He flicked his dark hair out of his eyes, his long strides looking confident and sexy.

Lucy blushed.

Everything about him was swoon worthy. His dark brown eyes, his mocha skin, the way his voice lilted with that slight Italian accent of his. It wasn’t strong, but his parents both spoke Italian so it was there.

Sigh. He spoke Italian!

Biting her lips together, Lucy grabbed Maria’s fingers, which were still gripping her forearm, and let out a little squeak.

“I know!” Maria started jumping. “And you’re gonna get to kiss him!”

The wind flew out of Lucy’s lungs, suddenly making her feel faint. The smile dropped from her lips and she scrambled for air, the euphoric feelings from her afternoon vanishing as reality kicked in.

“Breathe.” Maria rubbed her shoulder. “It’s okay.”

Lucy nodded, pulling shaking fingers through her blonde hair.

“Sweetie, you have nothing to be afraid of. It’s only a play.” Maria started dragging her towards the road. They checked both ways before crossing and making their way home from Palms Middle School. Maria lived about two blocks from Lucy. They always walked to her place first and then Lucy walked the rest of the way on her own. Today, she was actually glad for it. It would give her a chance to rein in all her zinging emotions. They were like a hoard of flies buzzing in her stomach, sending her from elation to pure terror.

“It’s the Spring Musical, Maria. Everyone’s going to be there.”

“Yes, to watch you, because you’re brilliant.”

“Really? You think so?” Lucy bit her lip.

“You just got the lead role, playing alongside Patrick De Luca. Hello? Practically every girl in the eighth grade wanted it.”

Lucy grinned; Maria was right. Seeing her name up on the board outside the drama room that afternoon had nearly made her faint. She got it. All her audition practice paid off and she would be starring in the spring musical. Not only did she get to sing her heart out and act, which was one of life’s greatest pleasures. She’d also get to give Patrick De Luca a quick peck on the lips. Unless Mrs. Blomfield took that part out, but Lucy had a pretty strong feeling she wouldn’t.

Nerves attacked once again, making her reach for Maria’s hand.

“Are you sure I can do this?”

Maria pulled them to a stop and adjusted the bag on her shoulder before looking Lucy right in the eye. “Lucy Tate. You are the most talented, amazing person I know. You deserve this role. Remember what Mrs. Blomfield said in your audition? You’re a natural. You could pretend to be anyone and people would believe you. You’re gonna be the star of the show and I’m so proud of you.”

Lucy blushed, her smile taking over her entire face.

“Your parents are going to go nuts. They’ll be so proud of you too.”

Warming at the thought of telling her two biggest supporters, Lucy threaded her arm through Maria’s and started them walking again.

“Will you practice lines with me?”

“Yes.” Maria nodded.

“Will you tell me not to spaz out and make sure my butt gets to rehearsal on time?”

“Yes.” She nodded again.

“Do you think Patrick will fall in love with me and kiss me for real once the musical’s over?”

Maria giggled. “Most definitely.”

Lucy chuckled at the sound of Maria’s sweet laughter. The girl was like the chocolate chips in a cookie. All sweet surprises encased in a golden soul. They had become best friends within a week of starting Palms Middle School together.

Now, at the age of thirteen, they both felt like the world was their oyster. They would be starting high school together soon and Lucy couldn’t wait.

At that moment, life was perfect.





Chapter 3





ZACH


March 2014





As usual the cafeteria was crowded. I took my tray and followed Elliot out to where AJ and Liesl were sitting. Now that we were finally seniors we more often than not scored the table on the edge of the quad. It was the best spot in our opinion. Near the grass and shaded by the edge of a big oak tree, it was far enough away from the chaos, but near enough to watch the student body trundle past. We’d seen some interesting things in our four years at Monte Vista High.