The Moment Everything Changed (Lucy's Life #1)

  The Moment Everything Changed

  Book # 1

  By Michelle Heron

  This book is dedicated to all those young adults dealing with issues that are out of your control. To all those who feel like they are alive just to exist. My advice is to relive all the happy memories in your life. “Every day might not be a good day, but there’s a little good in every day. How you find the good is up to you.

  Stay strong readers and thank you for reading.

  Chapter One

  I’m startled awake when Matt sneaks into my room this morning. Glancing at the clock I see it’s only six a.m. I’ve only just fallen asleep…Damn you Max. I can already see what type of day it’s going to be.

  “Lucy can I watch TV?” Matt asks shyly approaching my bed.

  “Of course, just keep the volume down a little so I can sleep a little longer.” I say turning to away from the TV. “Make sure you wake me when Rupert starts okay?” Which means I only have an hour left of sleep.

  “Okay.” He returns. A moment later I hear the TV turn on. “Is that okay?” He asks.

  “Perfect. See you in an hour.” I return.

  “K.”

  I close my eyes trying to focus on falling asleep but all I can think about is how today’s the first day of high school. As if starting high school isn’t going to be hard enough I’ve got to start it still wearing this bright pink cast.

  At least no one will know that the cast pairs well with the pink walls in my bedroom. Four months ago, just in time to miss grade eight grad I went in for major surgery on my back and my foot, when I returned home my room was completely different.

  My white boring walls were now painted pink. I liked pink like any other girl but seeing my entire room pink was just a little much, but how was I supposed to tell my mom I didn’t when she went through so much trouble…? I couldn’t, so I pretended to love it. Maybe a small part of me did love it just a little.

  My bunk beds were now gone and replaced with a single bed. My dresser was now angled along the wall by my bed. I now had my very own little TV since in the beginning I spent a lot of time in my room recovering. Beside my bed my mom had placed one of the comfy couch chairs from the living room, this way I’d have somewhere comfortable to relax when I got sore sitting in bed.

  Any other time I’d look at that spot as the perfect spot to curl up with a book but my pain was just too intense to focus on reading. Instead I turned my focused to music.

  There was nothing special about my room but at least it was my own now. I’d gotten used to sharing ever since I met and moved in with my mom just six or so years ago.

  I manage to close my eyes and fall back asleep for forty-five minutes before I hear the intro to Rupert and my alarm going off.

  “Lucy.” Matt calls.

  “Thanks Matt.” I roll over and pat him on the head as I walk past him.

  I leave him in my room while I head to the bathroom to shower. By the time I’m done and back in the hallway I see Matt run past me.

  “Is Rupert over already?” I call after him worrying I was longer then I thought.

  “No. Mom’s awake so I can go downstairs and watch the rest.” He informs me on his way by.

  “Okay.”

  Back in my room Matt has left the TV on. It wasn’t bothering me so I left it on. I wouldn’t admit it to anyone but a small part of me still enjoyed that show. Not sure what to wear for the first day of school I just grab a pair of plain black pants and a nice enough shirt.

  Our family couldn’t afford brand name clothing but that never bothered me. I liked just wearing simple dark colors anyway.

  Looking at my reflection in the mirror I’m satisfied enough with what I’m wearing. Brushing my hair. I can’t be bothered to do much other than tie it back in a loose pony.

  Collecting my back pack, I hobble to the stairs. Downstairs Matt and Jayden are giving mom a hard time like usual. There’s no sign of Ray so I can only assume that he’s not awake yet. He always did wait until the last minute to get up.

  Setting my back pack at the front door I hobble to the kitchen. Mom’s getting the boys cereal while I make some toast.

  “Ray it’s time to get up.” Our mom calls down to the basement where Ray sleeps.

  “Five more minutes.” He grumbles from his room. I can’t imagine how he’s going to be in two years when he starts high school.

  “Are you excited to start high school today?” Mom asks from her place on the couch now.

  “Not really no.” I was nervous mostly about the crowds of students.

  “I can’t believe I have two daughters starting high school today.” She goes on. Even though my sister Britney is exactly one year and three months older we’re both starting high school today. “Do you think you’ll have any of the same classes?” My mom continues.

  I’m somewhat shocked she’s actually talking to me. Usually she’s in a bad mood. “I don’t know, maybe.” Is all I offer. I can’t imagine what it will be like if we end up in the same classes. So far we have managed to avoid sharing the same classes but high school was bound to be different.

  I finish my toast and put on my shoes. I can’t wait to get this stupid cast off at the end of the month. Then I’d be able to go back to my boots or my “shit kickers, that’s what everyone around the complex calls them anyway.

  “I’m heading out.” I call out while throw on my hoodie but there’s no response.

  Whatever. I push open the front door making sure to slip on my headphones as I step out. Outside the air has that cool fresh smell to it. It’s one of the ways I tell when the seasons are changing. Ray and I got pretty use to spending all hours of the day outside, even in the winter.

  Settling on something a little heavy I begin to walk down our walkway to the spot where I’m to meet my bus. Throwing my hoodie up over my head I duck my head as I walk.

  I’m making my way past my neighbor’s houses, I see parents wishing their kids well on their first day. I look away giving them their privacy. I can’t ever remember my mom being motherly like that…The Bernstein’s on the other hand, they we’re what I once believed to be the perfect parents. Even though I wasn’t their biological daughter they loved me all the same.

  Making it to my bus stop I glance down at my watch, I see I’m ten minutes early. I’m so damn tired but this is air is wonderful. The morning train blasts by which defiantly wakes me up.

  Arriving at the school, all the students are lingering around. I can’t help but feel a little overwhelmed by everyone. I manage to hobble off the bus but stop to take everything in. From this angle the school looks huge. I can only imagine how busy it’s going to be inside.

  Since it’s my first day I have no idea where to go or how to navigate theses halls, thankfully I’ve been assigned a helper.

  The lady approaches me with the biggest smile. She extends her hand to me and introduces herself as Mrs. Jang.

  Upon meeting Mrs. Jang, the first thing I note is that she kind of looks like a hippie.

  We exchange introductions even though she seems to know so much about me already. I lean over to get a better grip on my backpack but Mrs. Jang takes it from me. What is she doing?

  “I’ll carry this for ya.” She says smiling. “You could benefit from a bag with wheels.”

  “I’ve been given a walker but I wasn’t sure I’d need it.” I respond covering my eyes from the sun.

  “I’m thinking once you seen inside you’ll want to be using it. These halls go on for days.” She says kind of walking backwards but leading me into the school.

  Once we’re inside I can already see what she means. These ha
llways look exactly as she says. How was I supposed to hobble down these hallways all day?

  “So tell me a little bit about what happened.” She says gesturing towards my cast.

  “Um it’s kind of a long story.” I return feeling a little stupid.

  “I’ve got time.” She smiles back nodding at people as we pass.

  “Well it happened last year at a school dance. I’ll just say I’m the type to kind of hang back and observe everyone. So, I’m at the dance sitting on the sidelines watching everyone else around me having fun. Finally, I forced myself to get off the sidelines and live a little.”

  “So what happened?” She asks.

  “It would seem leaving my corner was a bad idea.” I smile at someone as we pass. “The moment I left my safe spot on the wall someone turned out the lights and I couldn’t see. I stopped dead in my tracks, not knowing what to do or where to go.” I’m recalling the events clearly. “I figured I'm wasn’t that far from my spot on the wall so I'm sure I can find my way back quickly before something happens. When I turn around and start back in the direction I came I hear the DJ yell that everyone was going to do the conga line. Suddenly there was this spotlight that came on and I was blinded, I lost my balance and fell but no one noticed. The conga line of my classmates came my way. I tried to get back up but I couldn’t and I got pulled into it so everyone continues to have fun and no one knew I was being trampled.”

  “Oh no.” Mrs. Jang says turning to me.

  “Yeah so they kept walking over me until there was no one left except the guy at the end. That’s when I was noticed. But by then the damage was already done.” I shrug.

  “Awh Lucy.”

  “My bad luck huh.” I return.

  “So why the cast? Is your foot broken?” Mrs. Jang asks as we begin to navigate the hall.

  “It’s not broken no…” I look down. “I had surgery to correct the tendons that got crushed but until the foot’s strong enough I’m stuck with this stupid cast.”

  “I love the color.” She beams.

  Why am I not surprised? “Thanks.” I smile.

  At least no one would know about the rest. The major corrective back surgery, I had at the same time. I didn’t want to call attention to all my other flaws. No one needed to know the pain I went through during my recovery. Sometimes even I wonder how I made it through. Most nights I lay there wondering why I made it through…? It couldn’t be to live life like this. What was the greater plan for my life?

  We walk down the hall to a classroom that reads Additional Resources or AR room for short Mrs. Jang says.

  “If you ever need anything this is where you can find me.” Mrs. Jang explains.

  “Okay.” We stop here while she goes in search of the elevator key.

  “Alright so we’re just going to round, this corner and walk through here to the elevator.” She says leading the way.

  There’s so many kids that Mrs. Jang has, to ask people to move out of the way so I can get through. She’s asking them to move and she’s very nice about it but it’s calling so much more attention to me. I see everyone’s eyes on me and suddenly I just want to hide. I wish I was invisible. My eyes are darting around and I’m trying my best to keep moving.

  We make it to what she calls the elevator but to me it looks so small, almost like one of those dumbwaiter thing’s you see on TV. Mrs. Jang calls the elevator to our floor then we get in.

  “It’s a little small because it’s not meant for more than two people. Okay?” Mrs. Jang explains.

  “Okay.” As the big metal door closes us inside I can see the other students staring at us...I already hate this extra attention.

  “I bet by the end of the day you’ll have so many people asking to ride this thing with you.” Mrs. Jang smiles.

  But I know she’s just trying to make me feel better. “Your probably right.” If anything, they’d only use me for the ride. But I smile anyway.

  The elevator ride is short for this first trip anyway. As we step out of the elevator Mrs. Jang starts telling me about all the hidden spots I’ll come out of when the elevator hits each floor.

  “You’ll want to make sure you have someone ride with you each time, these doors can be tricky, especially with the cast.” She explains. I just nod taking everything in. “I’ve written a notice to your teachers informing them you’ll need at least a ten-minute head start between classes. I’ve also noted that you should be accompanied by another student at all times, this way you’ll be able to cut out of your classes early enough to get around.” But I don’t know anyone yet so how could I possibly ask someone for help? “By the look on your face I can tell that frightens you.” I just nod. “I’ll be outside your classes or by the elevator for now until you make some friends or feel comfortable asking for help.” Mrs. Jang offers.

  That makes me feel a little bit better. “Thank you.”

  “That’s what I’m here for Lucy.” She smiles and we walk to my first class.

  I’m hobbling down the hall, once again everyone is watching us which makes it just that much more difficult for me to navigate around. Some people are pointing, while others move aside but all this unwanted attention just makes me feel even more self-conscious. There’s nothing to see here. I wish I can say. Haven’t you seen someone with a cast before? I practically question.

  “Enjoy your class, I’ll be back here in forty-five minutes to pick you up.” Mrs. Jang pats me on the shoulder then hands me back my backpack before she walks away, leaving me to stand alone of outside the classroom. At least she didn’t walk in with me. That could have made things worse.

  I hobble into the class while the other students brush past me. I look over to see them staring and eyeing me. I can’t help but wonder... Are they staring at me or the cast? Either way it doesn’t matter I’m beyond uncomfortable. I’d rather slip away where no one can see me.

  I figure since I’ll be coming and going before everyone else I should choose a desk close to the font, even though I’d rather be somewhere in the back. I’m watching as students start piling in. I can already imagine certain people forming groups. I can’t help but notice how some people are so comfortable with each other already. Must be friends from a previous school. All my friends are at another school, one that doesn’t have an elevator.

  As some of the students walk by I continue to notice them pointing out my bright pink cast. I’m uncomfortable but instead of letting it bother me I throw on a smile and try to look elsewhere. I can’t wait for class to start so I won’t have to keep seeing people point. Guess I should get use to this. I’ll have it for at least the entire month of September.

  A bunch more kids come in, that’s when I notice a shy quiet girl following close behind. She’s about my height with long dirty blonde hair. She barely looks up from the floor as she ducks past my desk. I notice she’s not all decked out with the finer things like everyone else. She seems just like me. I watch as she sits a couple of seats behind me. Turning back, I notice a group of loud guys walking in next. I can immediately tell their part of the popular crowd, probably jocks. Following them are two girls eyeing them and giggling. I roll my eyes. Obvious much? Clearly the mean girls.

  That’s when I spot someone behind them. Upon first glance, I can tell he's different from the previous crowd of guys. He's got dark hair and a thicker frame which he’s hiding under bagging jeans and a dark black hoodie. He walks by me and that’s when I notice he's slouching and seems taller up close. I can’t help but look up at him as he passes. His face is beat red. First day jitters for sure. I watch him walk by the quiet girl and sit at the very back of my row.

  Sometime later the teacher finally approaches the class. She’s introducing herself as she writes her name which is Mrs. Jackson on the board. She continues to talk by welcoming us to the first day of high school. Everyone around me kind of make an excited noise while I just want to run.

  She jumps right into attendance next. She’s calling our names one by one and I
’m desperately trying to watch as each student’s responses to their names but she’s just going too fast for me to keep up. I’m so consumed with learning everyone else’s names and identities I practically miss my own name being called.

  “Lucy.” She calls out again.

  Shit that’s me. “Oh that’s me.” I respond and the two girls from before begin to giggle.

  “Lucy Park it’s nice to meet you.” I smile and shuffle me feet. "I think the bright pink cast will help me remember you." She smiles so I nod and smile back. The moment she turns away I duck down in my seat as she calls out the next name on her list.

  After home room, I move on to Geography and then Math. Two classes I now have with my sister. Ever since I had my back surgery, Britney moved in with our bio-dad. Who I have only met a handful of times. After math, I move onto Data Processing where I see the shy quiet guy and girl from my home room. Looks like I might have a few classes with them.

  From Data Processing, I walk down the hall to Art class. Upon entering the room, I note there’s no desks just big tables like in Geography. Great this means I’ll have to pretend to like whoever sits here with me. That is if anyone even joins me at all.

  The rooms filling up. The two giggly girls from this morning walk in. Please don’t sit at my table. They walk by and the one just glares at me. Whatever. I eye her back. I hated it when girls thought they were better than me without even knowing me.

  The quiet girl walks in and I smile at her. Now she’s someone I could relate to. She returns the smile and sits down.

  “Hi I’m Lucy.” I say over the table.

  “I’m Tori.” She says shyly.

  “Hi Tori.”

  Then I see the quiet guy step into the room. I swear his eyes narrow in on mine before we both awkwardly look away. I see his face has turned a beat red. I too felt my cheeks heating up.

  “Um do you mind if I join you guys?” He asks nervously. I notice he’s barely looking up. His hands are buried deep in his pockets.

  “Sure.” I offer trying to make him feel a little less awkward.