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

“The AR room on the second floor.” I offer.

  “What’s in there?” She questions.

  “It’s just like a classroom or something. I can eat there as long as I bring something to work on after.”

  “Sounds fun.” She says arching her eye brow. “Enjoy that.” But I know she’s being sarcastic. Britney’s more street smart where I’m more book smart. She puts my backpack on my walker and starts to walk away. “Thanks for getting me out early.” She calls with her back to me.

  “Yeah no problem.” But I could have used your help for real. Guess I’ll manage. I always do…I watch her walkaway.

  I get to the AR room and no one’s around. Finally, some peace and quiet. I limp into the room and take up a table. I’m unwrapping my sandwich when I spot Bobbie walk by. My heart begins to race and I can’t help but hope he’ll come in. I wait a second but he doesn’t return. Wishful thinking, I guess.

  A few more minutes go by when Bobbie walks back this way but instead of walking by he comes into the room. I practically choke on my sandwich the moment he looks at me.

  Bobbie nods in my direction as he walks over with his hands buried deep into his pockets. He pulls out a chair at the table across from me. I’m trying not to watch him but there’s no one else in the room. Not to mention I’m kind of I’m curious about him.

  Ten minutes go by before the silence is just too much for me to take. I can’t handle intense periods of silence. It gives me too much time to get caught up in my thoughts which never turns out good.

  “Would you mind if I joined you?” What am I doing? I don’t know how to interact with a guy I like.

  “Um. Sure.” He says turning red.

  I begin to pack my things struggling to get everything together when he interrupts. “How about I join you?” He says grabbing his bag off his table.

  “Thanks.” I say shyly. “This thing kind of makes things harder.” I add nervously.

  “I can see that.” He sits down across from me and I notice his face is completely red.

  I make him nervous. Interesting… I don’t think I’ve ever had that effect on someone before. I can’t help but smile to myself. Now that I’ve gotten him over here what now?

  Since Bobbie doesn’t seem like the type to openly share, and either was I, I start the conversation. After all I was the one who called him over. We know we both share five classes together, Geography, Data Processing, Art, English and Family Studies. Guess we’ll be spending a huge chunk of time together. My heart skips a little bit faster as I look over at him. Plenty of time for him to fall for me too.

  Since Bobbie and I have the next two classes together he offers to help me to class, as long as we can make a stop at his locker along the way. I don’t mind, this way I’ll know where to find him. We gather our things and even though I’m using the ugly walker Bobbie surprises me by picking up my backpack. I’m tempted to tell him I’ve got it but since he’s being nice enough to help me I won’t make a big deal. Might scare him off. That’s the last thing I want.

  We walk down the hall to his locker. Instead of putting my backpack on the floor like I assumed he would he removes his bag and puts on mine on instead. That’s when I see Mrs. Jang walk by smiling which makes me blush. She winks and walks on by. Was Mrs. Jang acting as a wing woman here?

  With his bag packed we walk to the elevator barely saying a word to one another. It’s funny how he’s so shy. Especially around me. He opens the heavy door and motions for me to go ahead. The two girls from homeroom happen to be walking by at the same time and giggle when they see us.

  Now I’m blushing but not because I’m embarrassed of him but because we’re about to be in the elevator together alone and everyone is looking.

  I slip past him and then he nervously gets in behind me. With the both of us inside I’m suddenly that much more aware of how small this elevator is.

  “It’s small eh?” I laugh trying to break the tension.

  “Very much so.” He returns nervously scratching the back of his head. Maybe this was a bad idea?

  I get the key in and we ride to the third floor. The door is now in front of me on this floor but it’s too heavy for me to push.

  “Um, can you slide this way and grab the door?” I ask nervously.

  “Is there enough room for me to get by?” He asks nervously scratching the back of his head again. Suddenly the temperature in this small elevator is stifling.

  “There is if I move this a little.” I grab onto the walker and folded it enough for him to slip by and he does so nervously. It’s awkward as he slips past me and I can see by the look on his face he’s uncomfortable being this close to me. “Sorry about this.” I barely whisper looking away.

  “Don’t mention it.” Does he mean don’t mention it to anyone or was it just pleasantries?

  We emerge from the elevator which happens to be at the top of the stairs. Once again everyone is looking at us. By now we’re both blushing and I kind of feel like people think we we’re just doing something.

  “Well this awkward.” I laugh. It really was. He just chuckles as we begin walking. I look over at him. He’s so quiet but I like it.

  “Hey can you make it the rest of the way?” He asks turning to me.

  “Um yeah.” I question.

  “K.” He picks up speed and gets only a few steps away when I notice he’s still got my backpack on his back, but he’s too far ahead to hear me call out to him.

  I continue to walk to class knowing he’ll be around soon. Leaning against the lockers outside of the class I can’t help but wonder if he’s noticed he still has my backpack? I smile to myself. Since no one’s in the class yet I decide to wait in the hall for him.

  I’m standing here feeling out of place as everyone buzzes around me, staring. Never seen a girl with a cast and walker before? I see the guy’s bathroom door open and Bobbie’s making his way over to me.

  “Did you maybe forget to give me something?” I question teasingly trying to lighten the mood a little as he gets closer.

  “What?” He questions.

  “My backpack.” I smile looking up at him. Bobbie’s only maybe a head taller than me.

  “Oh right, I totally forgot.” He says.

  “I figured. Should we go in?” I ask still looking over at him.

  “Guess so.” He shrugs.

  “You go ahead.” I say. I’m nervous about him watching me walk.

  Chapter Three

  In math class Tori and I had the chance to talk a little. She even offered to walk with me to Art class after Data Processing. It’s only the second day of school so everyone’s still getting use to their schedules and seating. Like the day before Tori and I sit at the first big table by the back door.

  I can’t help but wonder if Bobbie will join our table like yesterday or if he’ll choose to sit at the guys table at the back? He walks in practically on cue and we smile at each other. He diverts his eyes to look around the room then takes up the same seat from the day before.

  “Luuucccyyyy.” A voice says in a long extended way. I’m startled but smile. I know that voice, it can’t be can it?

  “Cccllliiifff.” I return in the same tone he called my name. Cliff is the brother of one of my older friends I met two summers ago.

  “What are the odds we’d be in the same class.” He laughs coming to my side.

  “I know right. How’s Tonya?” I ask turning in my seat.

  “Oh you know Tonya.” He returns.

  “Say no more.” I laugh. I can’t help but catch the looks on both Bobbie and Tori’s faces. Is that jealously I’m seeing?

  See Cliff is one of the popular kids and its clear I’m not, but Cliff has no problem acknowledging me in front of everyone. See Cliff acts like he "likes" me when it's only this little game we have going on. But it's kind of funny to see the reaction I’m getting from Bobbie right about now.

  “Students can we please take our seats.” Mr. Wright says yelling at the class.

 
“Check ya later Lucy.” Cliff says walking off.

  “Yeah see ya.” I say as Cliff makes his way back to his table.

  "You know that guy?" Tori whispers.

  "Yeah we hung out a few summer’s ago.” I happen to notice Bobbie's listening in.

  “You and him?” Tori questions looking back at his table.

  “Yeah.” I respond tucking my hair behind my ear. “Why’s that so hard to believe?” I question even though I know exactly what she’s thinking. I’m such a shy girl, how would someone so outgoing waste any time with me?

  “I don’t know.” She replies shyly.

  “I get it.” I reassure her. “He’s pretty cool when you get to know him though.” I smile toying with her.

  Bobbie doesn’t say anything he’s just sitting there watching us. I can’t help but wonder what he’s thinking right now? Does he think Cliff and I had a thing? I can’t help but smile a little on the inside. Maybe this will show him I’m not as innocent as I look.

  ****

  The next day in English Mrs. Williamson’s hands out an assignment. “Since its the end of the first week I want you guys to pick where you’re going to sit and stay in those spots for the remainder of the year okay.” Mrs. Williamson says to us.

  I look to see some students suddenly changing spots. I happen to see Octavia walk towards me.

  “I figured I’d come sit over here.” She smiles down at me as she sits down at the desk beside me.

  “Can I sit with you guys?” Tori asks shyly approaching me on the other side.

  “Sure.” I say looking over my left shoulder.

  Looking around the room I see so many people have changed their spots. Where’s Bobbie now? I search to find him still in his original spot. I take it he doesn’t make friends easily.

  “Hey can I sit with you guys too?” Another girl asks.

  I look up to see this short but curvy girl standing in front of us. Her face is hidden somewhat by her long back length black hair but she brushes it aside to smile at us.

  “Sure.” Octavia responds.

  “I’m Kira.” She says extending her hand to Octavia.

  Clearly these two are either going to hit it off and become close friends or be at each other’s throats in no time. They’re just too similar to get along in large doses but who am I to say, the more the merrier.

  ****

  It’s a couple weeks into the school year. Octavia, Kira, Tori and I have slowly gotten to know each other each. When we’re not in the same classes we’ve taken to writing notes to each other and dropping them in our lockers. I have to admit it was nice to have some friends. It made high school less stressful.

  Even though Britney had warned me about Octavia I didn’t see any reason why I shouldn’t give her a chance. I wasn’t one to judge someone by the things someone else told me. If Octavia was bad news I’d like to learn that on my own.

  We’re sitting in English class, Tori, Kira, Octavia and I, when Bobbie walks in and nods at me on his way by. He seems to keep his distance when he see’s me sitting with the girls but when I’m alone he’ll approach me like it’s no big deal.

  “You’re totally blushing Lucy.” Octavia teases shoving me.

  It was hard for me not to blush when I see Bobbie. “Stop that.” I say smiling.

  “You know Tori dated Bobbie right Lucy?” Kira says. My heart begins to race. Wait, what?

  “You have?” I ask Tori turning to look beside me.

  “Yeah but it didn’t work out.” She says softly looking down.

  “How come?” I question carefully. What happened?

  “I don’t know.” She still looking down at her hands. “It just didn’t.” She returns.

  “Was it because you were both so quiet?” Octavia asks.

  “Maybe… I don’t know, do we have to talk about this?” She’s flustered.

  “No it’s okay.” I return. But now I’m curious. I look over my shoulder to glance at Bobbie. He looks harmless enough. Doesn’t he?

  “What is it with him anyway?” Kira asks. “Why not go for someone like David.” She says eying David.

  “Hey he’s mine.” Octavia teases but I know she’s a little serious, she’s only liked him since the first day of school and Kira knew it.

  “I’m just saying.” Kira points out.

  “I don’t know. I think he’s cute.” Not to mention he’s totally different with me.

  Once English is over we part ways and I head off to my Sewing/Fashion class. I’m making my way through the hall when I spot Megan and Audrey standing outside the class. For some reason, they don’t like me too much so I do my best to avoid them.

  “Hey Luccyy.” Megan says her long red hair flinging over her shoulder.

  I know from the tone in her voice it’s not a friendly invitation. “Hi.” I manage and try walking past them.

  “You’re not going to stop and hang out with us?” Megan continues.

  But I know for a fact she’s being sarcastic. “We both know you don’t want me to so…” I try to move past them but she gets in my way again.

  “What you don’t like us Lucy?” She teases again.

  I look towards Audrey who can tell Megan’s going too far. “Just leave her alone Megan.” Audrey says trying to reign her back in.

  “What, I’m not doing anything.” Megan laughs her off.

  I manage then to get around them and into the classroom. I loved this class but I hated the girls. They we’re all too snotty for my liking. I’d rather just take my work down to the AR room away from everyone.

  The bell rings and Megan and Audrey come in giggling and pointing at me. What did I ever do to her? Our teacher Mrs. Kitchen walks in behind them.

  “Megan please find your seat in a timely manner.” Mrs. Kitchen calls after them.

  I’m smiling for real on the inside. Don’t like it when the shoes on the other foot too much do you? I see them find their seats still giggling.

  “Alright girls some of your projects are really coming along nicely and well some of yours are not going so well.” She looks towards Megan and Audrey. “I’m pairing you in teams. The stronger sewers will be paired with the weaker sewers.” Mrs. Kitchen is walking the rows of machine’s. “Please listen for your names so I don’t have to repeat myself.”

  Please don’t pair me with Megan, Audrey I can handle. Audrey actually seems like she’s pretty nice. She’s beautiful and clearly a Tom Boy like me but clearly has some money. Her attire so far consists of black baggy jeans, a tank topped with a leather jacket. Name brands from head to toe. She clearly dresses to impress the cooler type guys so why’s she wasting her time hanging out with Megan? Megan’s too much of a bitch for anyone’s liking.

  “Audrey I want you paired with Dawn.” Mrs. Kitchen says pointing to a girl across the room. “Lucy I want you to partner with Megan.” Damn it why?

  “Mrs. Kitchen can I pair with Audrey?” Megan asks raising her hand.

  “Nope I want the two of you separated for the time being, you never get any work done and this project is worth a huge chunk of your final semester mark girls.” Mrs. Kitchen returns.

  “Fine.” Megan argues. “Lucy you can come over to me.” Megan snaps. Of course, make me move because your embarrassed.

  “Megan you can come to Lucy.” Mrs. Kitchen says before I have the chance to reply. Thank you, Mrs. Kitchen. I’m starting to like her, pairing me with Megan aside.

  “Whatever.” Megan snaps collecting her things.

  I’m watching her make a big scene, while the other girls are looking at her funny. This is only going to make things worse between us. Especially if I have to teach her how to sew.

  “Now I’ve placed you ladies in these groups for assistance. So take advantage of your partners.”

  Yeah I’m sure Megan will have me do everything. How is this going to work? Megan finally makes her way over. She’s looking down at me with such an attitude.

  “Look if we’re going to have to w
ork together let’s just be civil.” I say shyly looking away.

  “Who’s not being civil Lucy?” She snaps.

  What have I done to you? “What is your problem Megan?” Where did that come from?

  “My problem?” Megan returns shocked.

  “Yeah your problem? I’ve done nothing to you.” I return.

  “You don’t know who I am do you Lucy?”

  Why does she keep saying my name like that? “Does it look like I know who you are?” I say defensively. Like who is this chick?

  “Let’s just say I know your sister.” She returns with her snobby attitude.

  “And that concerns me why?” I say looking at her.

  “Because your sisters and I hate your sister.” She explains.

  “I’m clearly nothing like my sister if you haven’t noticed.” I return.

  I was nothing like my sister. My sister’s tough and fights with her fists, while I fight my battles on the inside. My sister’s never afraid to tell people what she thinks about them, while I struggled to express my feelings at all.

  “Ladies less talking and more sewing okay.” Mrs. Kitchen says walking past us smiling.

  So, that’s it then, either one of us says a thing to the other the entire period. By the end of class, I’m more than thankful for lunch. Packing up my thing’s I sneak out the door great full to be away from Megan. I want to be nowhere near her when the lunch bell rings, that’s for sure.

  I make it to the AR room just before the bell for lunch sounds. I’m just pulling out my sandwich when Bobbie comes in smiling.

  “Hey, how’s it going?” He asks approaching me.

  “It’s going.” I return looking up at him.

  “What’s up?” He pulls out the chair across from me and sits down.

  “Nothing, just Megan’s at it again.” I shrug not wanting to tell him about it.

  “What do you mean?” He asks pulling a drink from his bag.

  “She hates me for some reason.” I shrug trying to make it less of a big deal.

  “Really?” Bobbie looks shocked.

  “Yeah and when I confronted her she said she knows my sister.” I add.