The Moment Everything Changed (Lucy's Life #1) Page 7

  Before either one of us realizes the weekend is coming to an end. I’m packing my thing’s and feeling miserable. I’ve had the best time here this weekend and now I’ve got to go back home to all that.

  “What ya thinking about?” Octavia questions eyeing me.

  “Nothing.” I shrug it off.

  “Your worried about going back home aren’t you?” She asks.

  “A little.” I respond.

  “Is it that bad Lucy?”

  “Sometimes…”

  Octavia closes her bedroom door. “Lucy how am I supposed to let you go home?”

  “I have no choice…He won’t be there until the weekend again.” I lie. He’s been showing up whenever but I can’t tell her that. As much as I don’t want to go back I have too…

  “I still don’t like this.” She returns crossing her arms.

  “How come you don’t tell anyone about what your Dad does?” I question looking back at Octavia.

  “Good point.” She sits down on the bed in front of me. “You shouldn’t have to go through this Lucy. It’s not right.” She comforts.

  “I know…now that you know…” I look down at my hands. “I’ll call you I promise.”

  “Day or night Lucy…promise.” She leans closer.

  “I promise.” I smile.

  Arriving home later Octavia walks me to the door. I walk up the step then pull open the screen door. Looking inside I don’t see Max’s boots. I place my backpack just inside the door and then head back to Octavia.

  “He’s not here.” I say relieved.

  “Okay…I’ll see you at school tomorrow?” She says hugging me goodbye.

  “Of course.” I hesitate for a moment. “Thank you.” I whisper.

  “Of course.” She returns pulling away.

  I watch Octavia walk away and for some reason a tear rolls down my cheek.

  I can’t remember the last time I had someone looking out for me. Octavia’s like a sister to me now. I know I can trust her with my secrets. At least I hope I can. I only wish I could be this open with my own sister.

  “Happy birthday Lucy.” She calls out as she walks away around the corner. I only smile.

  Chapter Six

  It’s finally time for my cast to be removed. I’ll be missing a day of school and Max will be coming over, unfortunately because he’d be the one driving my mom and I to my appointment.

  Once we’re in Toronto I meet up with my doctors who inform me my foot’s still not strong enough to walk without support. I’m then fitted with a brace before we leave.

  During the return trip, my mom’s talking about something but my attention is elsewhere. I’m looking out the window watching everything speed past me but I’m not taking anything in. I’m too busy thinking about what this brace means for me. I thought I’d be back too normal by now. Now I’ve got this stupid brace for who knows how long?

  I guess it’s not as bad as the cast and at least I didn’t have to wear it twenty-four seven. I’d be able to shower like normal again...But would my “shit kicker’s” fit over this thing? I can only hope. Thankfully it fits comfortably under a pair of pants. This way I don’t think anyone will even notice it at school.

  The next day we’re in art class with Mr. Wright when he gives us our newest assignment. We’re to draw on our canvas art bags items or symbols that would describe us or thing’s that we like. The class practically fills with excited chatter.

  “Well this is going to be impossible, I don’t know how to draw.” I laugh.

  “Either do I.” Tori returns.

  “How about you Bobbie?” I question trying to include him.

  “Huh?” He looks dazed.

  “Can you draw?” I ask.

  “Yeah right, me draw.”

  I laugh. “I know right.” I smile and Tori’s looking at me.

  Cliff approaches then smiling. “Hey Luc, you gonna draw pink nerds and the Tasmanian Devil?” He says teasing me on his way by.

  “Maybe.” I smile “Are you going to draw let me see…blue nerds, a green bike and comic books?” I return looking over my shoulder at him.

  “Yeah maybe.” He smiles. “You still remember that?” He says softly walking backwards.

  “What the nerds, the bike or the comic books?” I question still smiling.

  “The bike.” He returns looking a little more serious.

  Suddenly it feels like everything is moving in slow motion. “Of course I do.” I return being sincere.

  And I did remember what he was referring to…It was the middle of July, I came over to the house where Tonya was babysitting after dropping Jayden at home. When I arrived, Tonya was busy inside with the kid so I walked to the back yard and found a spot under a tree. Sitting in the grass fully emerged in my music I sat waiting for her. I hadn’t noticed Cliff approach me. When he tapped me on the shoulder I literally jumped, the first person I thought of when he touched me was Max found me…

  “Anyone ever tell you not to sneak up on people?” I snap scared half to death. My nerves over reacted. That’s when I realized it was just some guy. A very cute blond boy. He was holding my dad’s drawing’s in his hands. “What are you doing with those?” I snap reaching out for them.

  “Did you draw these?” He questions looking at me and then looking back at the drawings.

  “No.” I snap. “I only wish I could draw that good.” My hearts beginning to return to it’s normal pace.

  “Well whoever drew them has real talent.” He says flipping through them.

  “You think so?” I question.

  “Yeah.” He returns smiling.

  “My dad drew them in prison.” I say matter-of-factly trying to scare him off.

  “Seriously?” He’s eyeing me now with a playful smile.

  “Yep. He just got out a couple of weeks ago.” I continue trying to act tough.

  “That’s badass.” He sits down in the grass beside me. “Tell me more.”

  “Seriously I don’t even know you?” I return looking at him over my shoulder. “Your just some kid who showed up here with a green bike.” I say looking back at the bike that lay beside him.

  “I’m Cliff, Tonya’s younger better looking brother and that green bike happens to be a gift from my dad before he walked out on us.” He offers his hand to me.

  Do I take it? “I’m Lucy.” I shake his hand confidently.

  “Cool. Nice to meet you Lucy.” He smiles. “How about Luc for short? You don’t seem like a “Lucy” you seem mysterious and dark.”

  “Is it because my Dad’s been to prison?” I ask smiling.

  “That might have a little to do with it.” He smiles.

  From that afternoon on I started visiting Tonya more in hopes of hanging out with Cliff. I had a major crush on him yes but with the crush aside we could talk to each other without there being any judgement. We we’re only twelve at the time.

  After class Bobbie walks with me to the AR room. We both have our spare next.

  “So what was all that about with that Cliff guy?” Bobbie asks while were walking the hallway.

  I look over at him. “What do you mean?”

  He looks in the opposite direction. “How did he know so much about you?”

  “Oh, I hung out with his sister a couple of summers ago so naturally I met Cliff too and we kind of hung out.” I brush a loose strand of hair behind my ear. “Why?” I look over at him.

  “No reason.” He shrugs.

  Why’s he being weird? “So what are you adding to your canvas?” I ask trying to change the subject.

  “I haven’t decided yet.” He returns sharply.

  Things have suddenly gotten weird. I can tell by the tone of his voice. If it’s one thing I’ve learned over the last couple of years is how to tell when someone’s mood changes. “Oh okay.” I shy away. Did I say something? I’m fighting back tears for some reason. Why does he make me so emotional?

  “I’m going to head out for a smoke, I’ll catch up with
you.” He says over his shoulder already walking away.

  “Yep.” I whisper more to myself.

  Why does he have so much control over my emotions? Just watching him walk away like this is breaking my heart.

  ****

  A few weeks later we’re finally cooking in our family studies class. Mrs. Murray has broken us up into groups. I’m thankful I’m partnered with Octavia, Kira and Tori.

  As Mrs. Murray is naming the groups I can’t help but wonder who she’ll pair Bobbie with? Knowing my luck, he’ll be paired with Megan and Audrey. Two of the classes biggest flirts. Thankfully he’s paired with just Sunny D and Cliff.

  “Oh my God Lucy, our guys are paired together.” Octavia beams beside me.

  I like how she refers to them as our guys, even though Bobbie and I aren’t anything. Not really anyway, we’re just hang out. But I smile anyway.

  “You seem so convinced that they’re our guys.” I whisper.

  “What are you whispering about?” Kira asks.

  “Nothing.” Octavia smiles and nudging me.

  “No seriously guys I want to know.” Kira persists.

  “Yeah come on Lucy just tell her.” Octavia teases.

  “Octavia seems to think Bobbie and I will be together. But I think she’s just dreaming.” I offer.

  I secretly wish we’d be something one day but I just don’t know. Bobbie’s all cool around me but when people are around he gets all nervous and shy’s away.

  “You like Bobbie?” Kira asks.

  “Kind of.” I shrug.

  “Oh come on, he’s all you ever talk about when you’re at my place.” Octavia teases.

  “You guys actually hang out, outside of school?” Kira asks gesturing between Octavia and I.

  “Yeah. We hangout almost every weekend now, don’t we?” Octavia offers smiling.

  “I had no idea you guys were such good friends.” Kira continues.

  “We weren’t at first.” Octavia says wrapping an arm around me.

  It was nice to be acknowledged. “Yep, thick as thieves.” I laugh.

  “Right?” Octavia turns to me laughing.

  ****

  The next couple of weeks the four of us become closer. We’ve even started passing notes to each other in class. Now that we’re getting into the cooking portions of class Kira and Octavia have this plan to pretend that our group is best just so they can impress the guys. Kira and Octavia pretend to know their way around the kitchen even though they have no clue. They claim everything we make turns out perfect, but all we’re doing is following the recipe properly. I’m not saying it’s because I’ve spent sometime in the kitchen with my Foster mom but I’ve learned a few things along the way...

  October turns into November and the weather is getting colder. There’s no snow but the air has that change of seasons smell in the air. It’s crisp and refreshing at the same time. Before we know it Christmas break will be here.

  “What do you want to do this weekend?” Octavia asks breaking my concentration.

  “Sorry, what?” I question.

  “What’s going on Lucy?” Octavia asks turning her attention to me.

  “I’m just tired.” I respond.

  “Do you want to talk about it?” Octavia questions and she follows my eye line. “What is it with you two?” She asks looking over at Bobbie.

  “Nothing.” I sigh.

  Picking up my backpack I begin to walk away. In doing so I have to pass Bobbie. I’m curious to see if he watches me as I pass him. I catch Octavia pack up a second later as she rushes to catch up with me.

  “What was that about?” She asks grabbing onto my arm.

  “Why doesn’t he notice me Octavia?” I burst. “What do I got to do to get his attention?” I plea.

  “I don’t know?” Octavia looks me over. “I think it’s time for a makeover.” She smiles.

  “I can’t afford that.” I look at her disappointed.

  “Who says you have to afford anything? I’ll give you a makeover.” Octavia’s excited now.

  “I don’t know Octavia?” I glance back at the AR room.

  “You want Bobbie to notice you, right?” She returns.

  “Yeah but I don’t want to change completely.” I look away. “I still want to be me.”

  “It’ll still be you just a little done up.” Octavia’s still smiling at me. “How about you come over this weekend and I’ll teach you how to do your makeup and hair.” She’s super excited now.

  “I don’t know.” I’d gone this long without calling attention to myself. What if my new look attracts Max’s attention even more? “I can’t Octavia.” I snap.

  “How about you just let me do a makeover this weekend and if you like it I’ll bring stuff to school so your mom won’t know and Max won’t see you.”

  “You’d do that?” I ask.

  “Of course. So, you’ll let me?” Octavia’s practically on her toes waiting for the answer.

  “Fine.” I smile.

  “You won’t be disappointed.” Octavia offers leading the way.

  Octavia and I spend the weekend trying on outfits from her closet. I’m surprised to find some of her clothes fit even though she is a lot tinier than I am.

  “How do you fit into half of these thing’s?” I question holding up some questionable items of clothing.

  “I don’t.” She laughs taking the item from me and tosses it back into the closet. She takes a moment to look at me. “What do you think?” She says closing the closet door so I can see myself in the long mirror.

  I’m wearing one of Octavia’s black skirts and gray PINK brand sweat shirts only it’s not a heavy baggy sweater like I’m used to wearing.

  “You look so pretty.” Octavia says. “I’d like to see Bobbie’s expression when you walk into class wearing this.” Octavia says walking around me.

  “You don’t think the skirt’s too short?” I ask trying to tug it down a little.

  I’m not use to skirts anymore. I haven’t worn one since I was eight and never something this short and dare I say sexy.

  “No it’s perfect.” She says. “Now let’s do something with your hair and makeup.” Trusting her I let her do whatever, by the time she’s finished I look completely different but not in a bad way like I feared. I still feel like me.

  “I think this will work for me.” I say admiring myself in the mirror.

  “It’s settled then. Meet me in the bathroom Monday morning and you can change.” She beams.

  “You’ll do my hair and makeup too?” I question.

  “Of course.”

  I take another look at myself in the mirror and smile. If this doesn’t get his attention, then I don’t know what will. The rest of the weekend Octavia has me trying outfit after outfit but not everything works for my body frame.

  "You know if you showed a little more cleavage he’d noticed you even more."

  "I'm not showing any cleavage. I won't attract a guy like that.” I wore baggy clothes because I was afraid of unwanted advances or any looks my way really. I hated being the center of attention. It was just too much work hiding my secrets when someone was watching me.

  “I get it I was only suggesting.” She apologizes.

  “I’m sorry. It’s just not me.”

  Monday morning, I meet up with Octavia in the bathroom like we planned. She’s brought the skirt outfit from the weekend and her makeup. I quickly change and emerge from the bathroom stall.

  “There’s one problem I over looked Octavia.” I say standing in front of her.

  “The brace.” Octavia says.

  “The brace.” I say turning red.

  “Knee socks.” She beams.

  “Will that work?” I question.

  “It’ll work enough.”

  I go back into the stall and add the knee high, socks. “How’s it going?” She calls from outside the door.

  “Good enough I guess.” I emerge. “You can still see the outline of the brace.” I worry. �
�I don’t know about this after all?” I say feeling overwhelmed. “It looks like I’m trying too hard, doesn’t it?” I ask looking at Octavia for reassurance.

  “You look nice Lucy.” She smiles. “Just stick with me and you’ll be fine.”

  “We barely have any classes together today.” I return.

  “You’ll be fine I promise. You look great.” Octavia adds styling my hair. We add a little makeup next but nothing too flashy. Looking in the mirror I’m satisfied with the way she’s done me up.

  “I guess this is it.” I say feeling nervous.

  “Let’s go so we’re not late for English.” Octavia holds the door for me as we exit the bathroom.

  At first I’m nervous about the outfit but so far no one’s laughed or said anything which makes me feel a little more confident. Octavia rides the elevator up with me and we walk into our English class. Bobbie’s already there and I briefly catch him look at me. Blushing I smile. Mission accomplished. Octavia nudges my shoulder as we sit down.

  I’m totally distracted during the entire English period. I’ve missed all the day’s notes so I ask to borrow Octavia’s. We part ways and I walk towards my fashion/sewing class. I happen to walk into Cliff who stops to say hello.

  “Hey Luc loving the new look.” He teases winking at me.

  “Do you?” I narrow my eyes at him. “You don’t think it’s a little much?” I ask him. I know he’ll give me an honest answer.

  “Not at all.” He smiles eyeing me.

  “Stop that.” I laugh.

  “Sorry, it’s just different. Who you trying to impress?” He questions.

  “What makes you say I’m trying to impress someone?” I ask.

  “In the entire time I’ve known you I’ve never seen you dress like this.” He continues.

  “I don’t know I’m just trying something new…I probably won’t keep the look though.” I look away.

  “Hey I hope it wasn’t something I said?” He backs away.

  “No…I don’t know if this is really me.” I offer.

  “Suit yourself but you look hot.” He backs away. “Check ya later Luc.” He says walking off to class.