Nick carried Mel to her locker while me and Landon continued to mine. I got what I needed for my first few classes and closed it. Landon immediately grabbed my hand again and practically dragged me to first period. When we got in there weren’t many seats left. I started to go for one in the middle of the room when he tugged my arm and pulled me to the back row, right in the same two seats he and Delilah sat in for the desk incident. My stomach turned at the reminder. Geez that just happened and we’re walking around holding hands? There’s something wrong with me, I’m basking in all of this newness and I never stopped and really thought of his motive. What if they were plotting together to make an even bigger embarrassment out of me. I took the seat but continued to think about all of this.
There were a few people standing around chatting, the class hadn’t started yet when Delilah walked in. she looked around the room and I knew when she saw Landon. Her eyes zeroed in on him and a smug grin spread across her face. She stopped to chat to a few people and made her way slowly to the back. It wasn’t until she was practically in front of us, that she noticed me sitting next to him.
She stopped crossed her arms and sneered, “That’s my seat.” She said pointing to me.
I grabbed my bag not wanting the scene I knew was inevitable to happen now. I was too happy a few minutes ago. At least give me a little more time before it all went to hell. When I went to stand, Landon’s arm flew out and flattened against my chest pushing me into the seat. I dropped completely down and looked at him.
“There’s no assigned seats in here.” Was all he said to Delilah not letting his eyes leave mine. He arched his brow like he dared me to argue. I heard her huff, and looked up. The room was eerily silent and the teacher wasn’t in the room. Then I noticed everyone’s attention on us. Some people’s mouths were hanging wide open. If the floor can open up and swallow me to avoid all this attention now is the time. She had her arms crossed and continued to scowl.
She waited a beat as if waiting for him to change his mind. When she got the message he wasn’t, she stomped her foot then scanned the room. Realizing that the only seat now available was the one directly in front of us, my previous seat she let out a long breath and plopped down. The irony of this situation was not lost on me.
She spun in her chair and pointed a finger at me, “just because you have my seat doesn’t mean you can do what I do. Yea you’re sitting next to him… for now, but don’t try any funny shit.”
Landon turned straight in his seat and leaned forward across the desk towards her, “what did you just say to me?” his expression was completely blank, there was no reading it.
Delilah became weary, “I wasn’t talking to you, I was talking to her.” She hissed referring to me.
“Oh Delilah, didn’t I say that if you mess with her, you mess with me. Therefore, you were talking to me. I warned you once, this is going to be a second time since we’re in the middle of class. There won’t be a third.” When he finished he leaned back and threw his arm around my shoulders. When the teacher entered I shrugged his arm off of me. He cocked his eyebrow at me in question.
I whispered, “I don’t know what you usually do, but this is class and I’m doing my work. You can’t take notes with your hands and arms occupied now crack open that book and do what you’re supposed to.”
He grinned at me wide like I just gave him the ultimate challenge, “or what?”
“You can’t touch me, kiss me, or talk to me for the rest of the week.” I told him. He moved his head side to side like he was contemplating this. Ok, so he wants to play hard ball, “and I will cook every day this week and will not feed you or make extras, nor will I let you eat off anyone else’s plate.” His eyebrows flew to his forehead in genuine shock. Score for me, now to drill home the point. “I will also withhold food from Nick so he can kick your ass, and I will tell Max you were mean to me so he lectures you about the awesomeness of Lucy.” He threw his arms up in surrender.
He immediately took out a book and pen from his bag and started taking notes. He shot me a look when he started and then gave me a genuine smile. This guy is insane, he actually liked that. I shook my head and paid attention to class. When it was over, I packed up and headed for the door sans Landon. Our next class wasn’t together. Mel passed me by the open door, and stopped me. People continued to pour out of the room while she hissed, “did you guys seriously let Nick do that to me?! That was foul and I’m getting payback on your asses so watch out.”
I chuckled, “you liked it quit it. You too are a mess and I wanna know what’s going on?” I arched an eyebrow. She blushed a bit. Oh yea I’m on to you guys.
“Nothing. He’s just so…” Mel trailed off and her eyes narrowed. I went to ask her what happened and she shushed me and pushed me against the wall. That’s when I heard what happened.
“I heard your little conversation. Is that why you’re being on her side? Because you hired her as a maid or something?” Delilah asked.
“no.” was all Landon said in reply.
“It’s ok, I won’t judge you. I know you have money, and if the girl was feeding me I’d be nice too… you know food poisoning and all. Is that how she got her new clothes?” she persisted, “and who’s Max. I know Nick.”
“Max is no one, she’s no one, and what does it matter if she cooks for me.” Landon sounded exasperated.
That must’ve been the encouragement she needed. They were exiting the room then and didn’t see us, “it doesn’t. I won’t question you anymore. Consider this whole situation dropped.” She stopped in front of him stood on her tiptoes and waited for him to turn his head towards her. When he did she grabbed his cheeks and placed a kiss on his lips and then skipped away. Landon shook his head and went the other way. She passed us and caught my eye. she gave me a wide smirk and a finger wave and continued.
All the blood had drained from my face, but I didn’t dare feel. I knew it was coming. I looked at Mel and shrugged, “at least there’s still Nick, and I want to know all about it.” she looked so worried and that hurt me. “Mel, we both knew all of this let’s not be surprised now. I’m fine about it. You’re doing all the lab work today though if you don’t fix your face.” She wrapped an arm around me as we made it to our next class.
We met back up as usual for lunch. I told her to keep her mouth shut and her face clear. She wasn’t happy about it but she will oblige and that’s all I ask for. We grabbed pizza and headed to our usual table. When we got there, there were already a few bodies. Nick, Landon, and a handful of the football team were already seated. I wanted to run, but I knew it would be obvious. There were two seats open between Nick and Dan and another seat between Landon and another guy that fortunately didn’t really bother me. I think that was done on purpose, then again Dan never bothered me either. Mel and I chose to take the two seats, me between Mel and Dan. Landon shot me a look that I immediately avoided and went for my pizza.
Mel and Nick started their banter and I laughed along. Dan leaned down and asked me, “is this how they always are?” I nodded taking another bite of pizza. “They’re hilarious! This is what I’ve been missing at this table?” we both laughed at that. A few minutes later, I saw Delilah saunter up to the table and stood behind the empty seat next to Landon. I gave Dan my full attention. He was really funny, and we were mainly getting a kick out of the two clowns next to us. A chair shifted and everyone grew silent.
I looked up to see Landon staring at me with the world trade hate in his eyes I’ve grown used to. Yes, this is the Landon I know. This is the one I’m familiar with, I can live with this. There are no secrets in this world. Delilah had taken the seat next to him and pulled her chair closer. He tensed.
“Hey there Lucy,” she met my eyes with a cocky grin. “Oh, and … Friend” she said referring to Mel.
Mel barred her teeth ready for a fight. I jumped in before anything could be said. “Hey,” I gave Delilah a nod then swung my head back to Dan as if I didn’t care, “sorry, but yea I t
hink Mel is the only person who can get away with slapping Nick in the back of the head so many times he may get a concussion.” We both cracked up laughing. After Nick stole my Pepsi and drank the whole thing Dan got up to get me another. I thanked him, and we continued talking.
When lunch was over, Mel and I grabbed our trays and headed out without the guys. I avoided looking in Landon’s direction the entire time. It wasn’t until I was leaving that I saw her draped over him and his arm around her waist. While I tried to catch Mel’s attention I caught Nick’s posture rigid and glaring at Landon. Whatever, fuck them.
I didn’t see any of them until the end of the day. Mel met me at my locker and I asked her for a ride. Plus, I remember Nick saying they had football practice today at lunch – which we hadn’t considered that morning… but I had an excuse to ask her for a ride. I caught Landon coming our way from the corner of my eye and slammed and locked my locker. I don’t think I have everything I need but he was worth avoiding. I never looked his way and grabbed Mel’s arm on the opposite side he was on. We walked towards the door when he crossed us.
“Lucy – “Landon started.
“No worries, Mel is taking me home. You guys have practice, I’ll see you later.” With that I started walking and Mel followed my lead. Thankfully she gave nothing away. When we got into the car I checked my bag to see if I did need something I left. Of course I left my lab and history books in my locker from my morning classes, and I needed them to do assignments tonight.
I looked over at Mel in pity, “please tell me you love me as much as I think you do and you’ll stay for a long ass time so I can use your history book and we can do our lab stuff together?”
Mel laughed, “Not a problem, I just have to call my parents. But something tells me you’re going to need me more as a buffer than anything else.” Mel’s statement was more on point than she ever knew.
As soon as we got in the house I set about making something quick for dinner. Once that was done I spent some time with Max, and escaped to my room. Dean was home and not working which rarely happens, and asked Max if he wanted to play video games. This worked for me perfectly. I joined Mel in my room and went about getting our homework done. I heard Landon and Nick come in shortly after. It was about an hour later when he came up to my room, when he entered I gave him a strained smile and continued with my work.
“Are you guys coming down?” Landon asked quietly. I could feel his stare burning through me.
“Nah, a lot of work here. I’ll see you later.” I responded without looking up. He waited a beat then left the room. He closed the door with a slam.
“I’m just putting it out there… but I’m sure he knows something is up. He was livid.” Mel replied. I only shrugged, not my problem.
When Mel left that night I walked her to the door. I could hear the boys in the living room. I avoided them completely and went back to my room. I locked the bedroom door behind me. I hopped in the shower and threw on a t-shirt to sleep in, then jumped in bed. I was laying there for a while dozing off when I heard my door. I think Landon was trying to get in but I locked it. He could’ve unlocked it or knocked if he really wanted to, there was more than one key but thankfully he didn’t.
The next morning I got up and ready early. I made my way downstairs and thankfully there was coffee already made by Dean. My mom wasn’t there which is probably why three was some still in the pot. I quickly put it in my travel cup and grabbed a granola. I knew Landon and Nick would probably still be upstairs for another 30 minutes or so. Max had just made his way downstairs so I scooped him up gave him a kiss and headed to the door.
“It’s pretty early to be leaving?” Dean asked giving me a look.
“Yea, I have a school assignment due this morning and I have some last minute things to do. I need to get to the library.” I replied. He nodded and I took that as my cue to leave.
Ok so I was being a major punk. Running away and avoiding him. It sucks because in order to avoid him, I had to avoid Nick and he was an innocent in this… I hoped. When I got to school I stayed in my car and studied. I got out when students started to fill in to get to my locker and my first period class before Landon. That didn’t work well, as I was closing my locker I saw him walking my way heading towards our first class. I held my breath waiting for the confrontation, but it never came. He walked right past me and didn’t even look my way. Even though I didn’t want to have it out with him, it still hurt.
I took my time going to class now. When I entered I saw Landon in his usual seat in the back and next to him Delilah. Thankfully the room was only half full and I took a seat on the other side of the room towards the front, as far away as possible. I went through the rest of the morning on edge, waiting for someone to make fun of me or something. It never came. I was sure that whatever they were planning was up, and things would go back to normal.
I headed to my locker to meet Delilah to head to lunch. I was putting my bag away when I felt someone next to me. I tensed because this is what I’ve been waiting for. “Uh, Lucy?”
I turned towards the voice, Dan. I eased a little, he’s never been mean to me in the past and he was pretty nice to me recently.
“Hey Dan.” I responded waiting to see how this went.
He brought his hand up to the back of his neck and began to rub it. It appeared to be a nervous habit. This peaked my curiosity. No one was ever nervous when they spoke to me. After a beat he spoke up, “are you heading to lunch? We can go together.”
I nodded to him. “Yea, but I’m waiting for Melanie.” His shoulders slumped in defeat. “Oh no, you can come with us too… it’s just we always go together and she meets me here.” He gave me a smile and nodded. We chatted about meaningless things while Mel stored her things in my locker and we headed to the café. Today we grabbed cheese burgers and fries and Dan insisted on holding my food on his tray for me.
We got to our table and the same crowd was there sitting in the same seats. I guess these guys really do assigned seats everywhere. The same spots we sat at the previous day were open as well as the one next to Landon. We took the same seats as before, and I avoided even looking in Landon’s direction. Dan stood back up and went to the vending machine and came back with 3 sodas. One for all of us, which was nice.
I heard Delilah’s arrival rather than saw her and I turned my body to angle more towards Dan. We were in the midst of meaningless chatter when he let out a long breath. I lifted my eyebrow in confusion, and he brought his hand up to rub the back of his neck again.
“Look Lucy, do you want to go to dinner with me?” he breathed out in a rush. I’m finally getting it, he wanted to ask me out and he was nervous. I looked at Dan, like really looked at him. He was good looking in the boy next door kind of way. He had pretty clear blue eyes, and long thick eyelashes. Dark hair, it looked black similar to mine but cut short. His smile was lazy but adorable that framed straight white teeth. He wasn’t as built as Nick or Landon but his body was still in great shape, but most of all I didn’t sense any malice in him. I guess I was taking too long to respond because I was too busy checking him out so he continued, “I mean I had thought that you and Landon were together…” he shot a look his way no doubt seeing him with Delilah. “But it seems like you know, you guys are just cool like you are with Nick.” He looked around then shot me a questioning look that made me wonder what he saw around us. I refused to try to find out. “Or are you guys dating?”
I scoffed, “You’d actually have to at least go on a date to be dating. I’m not dating anyone.” That was the hurt talking but I don’t care, it was true.
“Oh ok,” he seemed satisfied, “so you know, what about dinner… tonight?” Dan asked again, this time he looked hopeful.
“Alright, sure, yea. I’d love to.” My smile was as genuine as my answer. Even though Landon is a piece of shit I did realize on all that I was missing out on and refused to go back there.
“If you give me your address, I can pick you up?” Dan
asked.
“Uh…” I froze. Only Mel knows where I live now. I didn’t want anyone to know.
“She lives with us, just come by our place. You know where it is.” Nick piped in. Why was he listening to our conversation?
“You live with them?” he seemed to think about it for a second before nodding, “that makes sense why you guys are all close. But why do you live there?” Dan asked.
“Her mom is banging Landon’s dad so well that they’re getting hitched.” Nick said as casually as if he was asking to borrow a pen. He’s always just so … ridiculous.
“Shut up Nick.” I heard Landon say, I still refused to look at him.
When lunch was over Dan grabbed my garbage and loaded it to his tray and walked with me to my locker. Mel was kidnapped by Nick. Before he went off to his own, he said “do you want to give me your number?” I put my number into his phone when he handed it to me. I’ll see you tonight at 7?” I nodded and he gave me smile and left. I smiled to myself and went to class.
After school I drove home and went up to my room. I got my homework done as fast as possible thinking about Dan. I rummaged through my closet looking for something to wear and couldn’t make up my mind. I have never been on a date and had no idea where we were going or what I should wear. I was a lost cause. I needed help, and there was only one person to help me. I walked over to Erica’s room and knocked on the door. When she acknowledged me to come in I opened her door. She was lounging on her bed lying on her stomach watching TV.
“Erica I need your help. I have a date tonight, and I have no idea what to wear.” I admitted.
Erica looked at me then jumped up on the bed. She started jumping and clapping, “Yes! Makeover! Where are you and Landon going?” she asked.
I looked away, “Uh, yea about that. There is no me and Landon, he was playing with me and he’s back with Delilah. I’m going out with Dan.”
Losing Her (The Lexington Series Book 1) Page 15
