all the what could've been

CHAPTER III

Lucas left when he saw our professor approaching.

"I'll see you later!" he shouted and waved goodbye so I waved back and went inside.

As soon as I took a sit, I saw Miss Gonzales followed by a female student whom I've never seen before.

"Okay class, sit down. Starting today, you'll be joined by a new student. Please treat her well. Miss Castillo, please take the vacant sit beside Miss Martinez," she said while pointing the chair beside me.

Fuck! I don't know how to deal with new people. I remember when Lucas and I first met, we were only 14. He moved from San Francisco to Los Angeles because of his parents' jobs. We didn't click right away because I was to annoyed by his appearance, in my defense, he used to tease me about being the shortest girl in our class. We were completely the definition of opposite. His loud; I'm not, he has a lot of energy; I don't, I'm shy; he's not; we have a lot of differences. The tables turned when I accidentally got my period earlier than expected and stained my pants, I was too embarrassed to the point that I couldn't stand and was willing to sit there till everyone is gone, but he noticed that I was extra quiet that day and asked me what's happening.

"I stained my pants," I whispered in a manner that only the two of us can hear,

"What?" He asked, confusion written all over his face. I sighed in disbelief.

"Nothing, I knew you wouldn't understand," I said, and I can feel my cramps getting worse.

"Are you on your--" he paused and when I looked at him I saw the concern in his eyes so I nodded.

He stood up and what he did next, shook me. He took of his jacket and made me stand up then he carefully tied his jacket around my waist.

"Let me take you to the clinic, they might have something that you need," he said and he gently guided me on our way there.

While waiting for the school doctor, Lucas told me that he'll just get something and be back right away. After a few minutes of waiting, he came back with a paper bag and a pants,

"Take this," he said, handing me those,

"What'll I do with these?" I asked in confusion

"Well. I thought you might need it," he shrugged his shoulders and smiled. "I asked the sales lady about the things girls might need when they're on, you know, and I saw my mom used those before," he explained, but in a bit more awkward way.

I peeked at the bag and when I saw what's inside, my eyes widened.

"Where'd you get all these?" I asked, my voice slightly raising.

"In the convenient store upfront," he smiled scratching his neck.

Inside the bag you'll find a bunch of sweets and junk foods, tampons and pads, wipes, and a freaking disposable underwear!

"Thank you so much, Lucas. You're such a life saver. Tell me how can I repay you?" I said showing how sincere I am.

"How about being friends with me, Calista?" He asked with a wide smile. I rolled my eyes before answering.

"Sure," I answered and he jumped off of joy and was scolded by the school doctor for screaming, but we just laughed it off.

I can't help but smile with that thought in my mind. Who would've thought that the Lucas I once despised would become my best friend and even more, be my first love?

"How I wish, I could tell you how much you mean to me, Lucas."

"Miss Martinez, I've been calling you three times!" Miss Gonzales shouted

"Forgive her Miss, she's just thinking about how gorgeous of a man Lucas is," Sofia shouted and laughed. I looked at her intently and she just winked at me. You're a hopeless case, Sof.

"Sorry Miss, was just zoning out," I said bowing my head.

"Hey?" The new girl greeted. "I'm Jenny," the girl smiles at me sweetly offering her hand.

"Cali, Calista Martinez," I smiled back and shook her hand.

The class went on, and I tried my best to pay attention despite my mind drifting back to memories of Lucas and me. Jenny, the new girl, seemed nice and quickly blended into the class. We exchanged a few whispers and smiles, and I could tell she was going to fit in just fine.

After class, I found Lucas waiting for me outside, leaning casually against the wall. His usual bright smile greeted me, making my heart skip a beat.

"How was your class, Cali?" he asked, standing up straight.

"Same old, same old. But guess what? We have a new classmate, her name's Jenny," I replied, trying to sound enthusiastic.

"Oh really? That's cool. Maybe we should invite her to hang out with us sometime," he suggested, always the social butterfly.

"Yeah, maybe. Anyway, where are we headed now?" I asked, eager to change the subject.

"I was thinking we could go grab some lunch. I'm starving!" he said, rubbing his stomach dramatically.

"Sure, let's go," I laughed, falling into step beside him.

We walked to our favorite café just off campus, a cozy little place with the best sandwiches and smoothies. As we settled into a booth, I couldn't help but admire Lucas's easygoing nature. It was one of the things I loved most about him.

"What are you thinking about?" Lucas asked, breaking into my thoughts.

"Just how much of a dork you are," I teased, sticking my tongue out at him.

"Oh really? Is that so? I seem to recall someone getting all misty-eyed just a minute ago," he retorted, raising an eyebrow.

"Shut up, Lucas," I laughed, throwing a napkin at him.

We spent the rest of lunch chatting and joking around, enjoying each other's company. As we were leaving, Lucas's phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen and his expression changed.

"Hey, I need to take this call. It's my mom," he said, stepping aside. I nodded and waited, watching him as he spoke. I could tell something was off from the way his shoulders tensed and his voice lowered. After a few minutes, he hung up and walked back to me, looking a bit troubled.

"Everything okay?" I asked, concern evident in my voice.

"Yeah, it's just... my mom needs me to help out with something at home. I have to go. Rain check on the rest of the day?" He said, giving me an apologetic smile.

"Of course, don't worry about it. Family comes first," I assured him. He pulled me into a quick hug before heading off. I watched him go, a feeling of unease settling in my stomach. I hoped everything was truly okay.

As I walked back to campus, I decided to text Jenny and see if she wanted to hang out. It would be nice to get to know her better, and maybe it would help take my mind off Lucas.