Set Me Free (A Fugitive #2)(62)

Clearing my throat, I focussed on picking the couch thread. "I guess it's made me independent. I mean I spent five years of my life looking after myself and then when Zach came along I just wanted to bury myself in his arms. So to have him leave was hard...really hard, but it forced me to keep busy and focus on school and knowing he was coming home each break made me want to stick around...so I could see him again. And Tom and Loretta paid for me to go to Arizona for my birthday, so that was good."

Joanne stole a glance at the notes on her desk. "You graduated with a 4.0 GPA. I say that was pretty good studying."

I grinned. "I like school and it's been really nice being there without having to worry about playing a role or trying to con anybody."

"Do you know what you want to study at college yet?"

With a scoffing laugh, I shook my head. "I'm still trying to get my head around the fact that I actually got in."

I bit my lip, excitement skittering through me. Alex had been instrumental in pulling strings and was able to collate all of my previous high school grades. After one full year at Monte Vista, I had everything I needed to go to college, something I never dreamed I could. My parents had left me our house in L.A. and the judge allowed me to take ownership of it on the condition that it was sold immediately so that debts could be repaid and I could get myself a tertiary education.

"I've chosen a variety of classes to start with and I'll see what sparks my interest. I keep coming back to the performing arts classes, but I'm not sure I should."

"Why?"

"Well, I've spent most of my teenage years pretending to be people I'm not and maybe it's just time to be me for a while."

"Doors are beginning to open up for you, Lucy." She leaned forward. "Maybe this is a path you'll take in your future. You obviously have a gift."

I smiled, my cheeks heating with color.

"You don't need to be afraid of what's ahead. Just remember to take one event at a time and if the past starts to weigh you down, go for a run, clear your head. You do not belong to your past."

I nodded.

"You are the new and improved Lucy Tate and you need to own that." She winked.

With a cheerful snicker, I pressed the thread back into the couch and glanced at my watch. My time was almost up. "Hey, I just want to thank you for talking me through all this stuff. I don't think I would have survived this year without you."

She grinned, leaning her elbow onto her crossed legs. "You know what, you're a lot tougher than you think you are. I'm confident after everything you've been through that you could survive anything." She reached out her hand and I leaned forward and grasped it. "I'm here for you anytime, no matter what part of the country you're in."

"Thank you."

She squeezed my hand. "The future is yours, Lucy. Go and claim it."





*****





I couldn't stop smiling as I drove back home. Stopping cautiously at the intersection, I checked each road before easing my way through. Tom Schultz had been teaching me how to drive and in spite of his assurances that I was really good, I still felt cautious.

The song on the radio forced a hum to reverberate inside my mouth. The future was mine. Damn, that felt good. I had a summer to look forward to and then the prospect of heading off to college...with my boyfriend.

My skin turned warm just thinking about it. He'd be home in two days time. We had a lot of catching up to do. I tittered. The very idea of his hands on my skin sent thrills buzzing through each nerve ending. As good as it was to be independent, it was such a huge relief to know that I never had to live away from him for this length of time again.

In two days time, my future really began and I couldn't wait to claim it.

My smile grew wider, if that was even possible, as I pulled into my driveway.

Pushing the door open, I grabbed my bag and threw it over my shoulder as I walked up the path. The house seemed eerily quiet as I opened the door. I thought Tom and Loretta said they'd be home.

That familiar fear spiked through me as I clicked the door shut. I glanced up the stairs, memories taunting me. Closing my eyes, I leaned against the door, drawing in a deep breath and wondering if I should hit the road for a run.

"Hey, Lulu."

My eyes flew open, joy flooding my system as I let out a squeal and flew into Zach's arms. He caught me, chuckling as he took a step back to counter my attack.

"What are you doing here?" I squeezed his neck, pulling back so I could kiss him senseless.

He could barely speak past my kisses and ended up having to hold my face and pull me away from him. His brown eyes were dancing as he laughed. "I've missed you too."

"I thought you weren't coming home until Sunday."

"Well." He cocked his head, a look of mischief dancing across his face. "I didn't want to miss the party."

"What party?"

And on cue the living room erupted. "SURPRISE!"

I flinched as people jumped from behind couches and the lights went on. Words were stripped from my system as I drank in all their lovely faces. Everyone was here. Zach's family, including his San Fran cousins and Alex, Jaeda, Elliot, AJ and Liesl...even a couple of people from my senior class that I'd made friends with this year.