Lucas Carter is struggling to find his place after moving to Seacrest and enrolling in Seacrest High.
As he settles in with a new group of friends, Lucas becomes caught in a complicated love triangle with Tyler, a closeted jock, and Alec, a my...
I sat on the couch, staring at the box in front me, but my thoughts were far away. This box was supposed to be filled with the things I wanted to take with me, things that would be part of my new life far from Seacrest. But I hadn't packed much. I couldn't.
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Something-no, he-was holding me back. Lucas.
No matter how hard I tried to focus, his face kept creeping into my mind. He was always there, even when I didn't want him to be. Leaving was supposed to be the best thing for me, a fresh start. But now, the thought of leaving him behind made my stomach twist in knots.
My mom's voice broke through my thoughts. "Alec, are you not done packing that box yet? It's been nearly an hour."
I looked up as she walked into the living room, a bottle of Fiji water in her hand. She glanced at the nearly empty box and then back at me, her brow furrowed.
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"What's going on? You seem... distracted," she said, taking a seat beside me.
"It's nothing, Mum," I mumbled, avoiding her gaze. But she wasn't buying it.
She put the bottle down and turned to face me, her eyes soft with concern. "Sweetie, what's wrong?"
I hesitated, my mind racing. Finally, I sighed and leaned back, letting the words slip out. "What if we didn't?"
"Didn't what?" she asked, her confusion evident.
"Move," I said, glancing at her. "What if we didn't move?"
She blinked, surprised. "I thought that's what you wanted?"
"Yeah, I did. But... let's say I didn't anymore. What if we just stayed?"
She studied me for a moment, her expression thoughtful. "Well, I'd have to talk to your father, but I don't see why we couldn't stay. But it's up to you. If December comes and you still want to stay, we'll stay. If not, we'll go as planned."
I felt a small smile tug at my lips. "Thanks, Mom."
She smiled back, brushing a hand over my cheek. "You're welcome, honey."
As she got up and walked away, I let out a long breath, my eyes drifting back to the ceiling. Lucas was still on my mind, just as he had been before. No matter how much I told myself it was a bad idea, I couldn't stay away from him.
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Maybe staying wasn't such a terrible idea after all. Maybe staying was the right choice, not just for me, but for him too.
And if I did stay, I knew it would only be for Lucas.
