A Little Bit Stronger

Chapter Eight

     I grabbed my books from my locker and waited for Parker. I had my hands full with my books and was struggling to carry them all. Parker finally finished getting all of his things from his locker and stood up.  We began to walk to class, acting silly and making quiet conversation.

     "So whats your story?" he asked trying to make conversation.

     "I don't really have one," I said trying not to look at it hoping he couldn't see that I was lying.

     "Come on, everyone has a story," he said, not buying my lie.

     "Well I'm an only child. My dad left when I was a baby. My mom has a boyfriend. Not really much of interest," I said nonchalantly. "What about you?"

     "Well, I'm the oldest of four kids, three sisters. My mom also has a boyfriend," he said. Not really giving much emotion. We walked into the class and took our seats, continuing to make small talk about interests and hobbies. The bell rang for the start of class and Mr. Lind began another one of his infamous lectures. I let my thoughts wander away from history into the future. 

     My mind drifted into pleasant day dreams about how I intended to change my life. I thought about leaving for college, what time would show about Parker and I, about Martin and my mom and what would happen when I left home. I knew I was only a Sophomore, but I was on the road to graduate early and get away from this town and my "family" as soon as possible. I had dreams of going to Harvard or Stanford. I wanted to make something of myself and prove that I can rise above my past and become a leader. My thoughts were interrupted by someone shaking my shoulder.

     "Lacey? Earth to Lacey. Hellooooo?" Parker was trying to talk to me. I shook my head and looked at him, trying to focus.

     Oh, sorry. How long have you been trying to talk to me?" I asked felling a little bit bad that I had been ignoring him.

     "Since the bell rang and the rest of the class left. Like two minutes ago," he told me getting up and walking to the door. "What were you thinking about so hard that you didn't even notice?" he questioned with a raise of his eyebrows.

     "The future." I told him. 

     "Well that's odd since we were in history class," he said with a small chuckle, obviously thinking he was clever. 

     "Not the future of the world. My future. How I'm going to get to college. What college is going to be like. How my mom is gonna be when I finally leave." I told him with a roll of my eyes.

     "You're a Sophomore. You still have plenty of time" Parker reminded me.

     "I'm graduating early. I don't want to stay in this hell anymore than I have to," I replied, instantly regretting saying I was in hell. "High school I mean," I said with a laugh.

     "Yah, high school does suck doesn't it," he said with a relieved smile.

     He walked me to my math class and took off down the hall so he wouldn't be late. I smiled after him. He was adorable. I went through the rest of the day and didn't see him again until he got to our lockers at the end of the day. I smiled at him when he came.

     "Want to walk home with me?" He asked.

     "I have to get straight home so I could walk with you to the park," I replied. I didn't want to get in trouble with Martin for being late.

     "I'll just walk you home then. Don't want anything to happen to you." Parker said, punching me lightly in the arm.

     "I'm not helpless, I'll be fine," I countered, punching him back.

     "You hit like a girl. And yes, I'm gonna walk you home," he told me, not ready to give up his position.

     "I am a girl, whats your excuse," I started walking to the door of the school and Parker jogged to catch up with me. Everything will be fine, I told myself. As long as he doesn't ask to come in no one will even know he came with me. Everything will be fine, Lacey.