Lifelines

Chapter 8

I found Luke in the library studying as usual and quickly walked over to him hoping the librarian wouldn't see me. She didn't like me too much. I mean, I did knock over her collection of ceramic cats once but I swear it was an accident.

"Hey." I sat down next to Luke and he looked up from his physics textbook. "Hi." He moved over a bit and scanned my face. "Why do you have crazy eyes?" He looked a bit worried and I gathered my composure. "Did Carson come by at all? He seemed upset at lunch and he wouldn't tell me what was wrong even though it was obvious he was not okay." I rushed out and Lucas closed his text book turning to fully face me.

"He didn't..." He continued, "What happened between you two?" He asked, "You both seem...off around one another." I looked around the library basically avoiding Lucas's eyes. "Well, yesterday we went to my house to get my things and I may have done something." I answered vaguely and Luke narrowed his eyes at me. "What do you mean?"

I felt my face heat up remembering what happened. It's not a big deal Cass. You're totally overreacting to a simple kiss. It lasted what? A second? "I kissed Carson." I mumbled out so Luke wouldn't hear me. "You're talking into your hand Cass. How am I supposed to-" "I said I kissed him!" I shouted and got many glares directed my way from students trying to do their homework.

Luke seemed at a loss for words. His jaw was hanging open and then his face broke out into a big smile. "I knew it!" He whispered in excitement. "I knew you had a thing for him!" He waved an accusing finger at me which I knocked away. "I do not have a crush on Carson! He's my best friend and you my other; why would I have a crush on one of my best friends?"

I gave Luke a look to show how crazy I was finding him right now. What was he on? I mean yes, Carson is a very attractive boy and his features aren't something that hurt to look at but he's Carson. Carson Dane Anderson. There's no way I'd ever think of him in that way. It's just impossible.

"Keep denying it Cassandra. I know you like the back of my hand and deep in your brain behind everything, you know you love him. You guys are eventually gonna get together. Whether it be a random hook up or marriage." I couldn't listen anymore to Lucas's pointless rant. Marriage? He's wrong. Yes, I do love Carson and Luke but I look at them like family. I heard the bell ring, signaling lunch was over. Luke collected all of his books. "I'll see ya later. Think about what I said." Then he left the library while I just looked at the seat he was previously in with confusion.
                                 *****
I was walking to my gym class when I was all of a sudden yanked by my arm and pulled into a janitor's closet. I moved my hands around looking for a light and turned it on. You could barely see anything in the dim lighting so when I first saw a person's silhouette, I was a bit freaked out. "Don't hit! It's just me." The voice called. I squinted a little harder and finally realized who stood in front of me.

"Kara? Why did you pull me into a closet?" I questioned her and she innocently shrugged her shoulders. "I just wanted to see how Luke was doing. I heard some kids saying some terrible things about him." I felt fury fill me. "Who was saying stuff? I need names." I wasn't gonna let anyone mess with Lucas. She gestured me with her arms to calm down.

"I don't know who. They're out of my social circle. Anyway, is he okay?" She asked again and looked at me worriedly. "He's as fine as he can be right now." I responded and reached for the doorknob. "Wait!" She cried out. I stopped and looked at her. She seemed genuinely upset and I'll admit I was a little concerned.

Kara was that girl in school that was nice to everyone. Literally everyone. She didn't have a bad bone in her body. She was gorgeous too. Kara was the picture perfect girl with long, flowy brown hair and an hour glass shaped body. Most of the female population envied her looks. I remember sophomore year when we wore the same dress to homecoming and crying to Carson how she was prettier than me. That's a story for another time though.

I noticed she looked very weak. Not in the whole she can't lift a five pound weight weak, I mean that she looks emotionally drained. "What's wrong Kara?" She sighed, "A couple things actually. Firstly, since this morning everyone has been referring to me as the girl who made Lucas Anderson turn gay. I don't care about the name calling and the whole absurdness to it all. It's just, I hate being in a place where people are so mean and hateful. I'm supposed to be friends with these people."

She looked seriously saddened by the realization that not everyone could be caring like her. Kara continued, "Also, I wanted to warn you Cassandra. I heard some of the girls talking and Mindy Sanders told us that Sandy Travers has it out for you. I'd watch my back if I were you. You don't know what she's capable of." I took a deep breath. Since when did Sandy Travers not want trouble with me? "Thanks for the warning Kara. I'll keep that in mind."

I went to walk out again when I turned back to her for the second time. "By the way, you can leave your so called friends anytime you want. I could use a girl friend." I saw her smile a little and I walked out continuing my way to gym.

It was probably about half way through sixth period by the time I arrived to the gym after getting changed into my sneakers and gym uniform. Yes, we got gym uniforms. I thankfully know how to forge Ms. Williams signature and wrote something about staying for a quiz. Mr. Gallo bought it and told me to join the team by home plate. Great, softball.

I lazily walked over and got in line. By the time it was my turn, I realized someone I didn't want to run into today was pitching. Sandy Travers. She wasn't in this gym class!?! What was she doing here?!? I looked out into right field and noticed Carson and Luke standing there speaking to each other. How could I forget they were in this class with me?

I picked up the smaller bat that was laid out and put myself in the correct batting stance. I now realized the whole class was watching me. Everyone knew of the feuds between me and Sandy. I looked back to her and she gave me a evil smirk. She pitched the ball and it flew past my ankles, making me stupidly take a step back. I heard a few kids giggle which infuriated me to no end. "Strike One!" Mr. Gallo yelled and I slightly glared at him.

Sandy pitched again and this time it was coming straight for my face and I dropped to the ground making another joke of myself. "Strike Two!"

"Come on! She was practically aiming for her!" Someone yelled and I noticed it was Carson who was arguing with our gym teacher. Mr. Gallo made him sit in the dugout because of his unsportsmanlike behavior. I have to admit his pouting face made me laugh a little.

Sandy seemed to notice this and sneered at me. Ah, Sandy Travers. Still making troll faces I see? Ha, I make myself laugh. While glowering at me, Sandy picked up a handful of sand and rubbed her hands together. She grabbed a new ball and threw it into her glove a couple times. She finally pitched and it was going so fast I closed my eyes and swung. That's how I ended up going to the principal's office.