The Choosing

Chapter Eight

This is the third time I've woken up during the night. I can't sleep in the same bed as Lucas right now. I grab my pillow and walk towards the chasm, and lie down on the tin floor. I fall asleep to the low sounds of the rushing river htting the rocks...

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Today is Visiting Day. I say to myself. It's fine! I walk down the hallway breathing heavily, my eyes focused on the training room ahead. Lucas jumps out in front of me. "Hey where were you last night?" He asks.

"I needed some space." I starts, "Listen Lucas, I've figured out that you want to, but I'm just not ready." I say, pushing past him. He spins me around and kisses me. "OK," he says, "I'll wait."

He picks me up and runs down the hallway, us both giggling, and then I see him.

"M- Micheal?" I stutter. "Veronica..." He stares at Lucas, and holds my hand. "Your new boyfriend?" He asks, looking at our hands connected, then at me. "I need to talk to you."

"No." I say, leaning closer to Lucas. "No you can't."

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After Micheal walks away, Natalie runs up and hugs me, tears in her eyes. "How could you?!" She yells.

"Natalie, this was my choice! I'm happy here!" she stares at Lucas. "Who's this?"

"Lucas." I say, "My boyfriend." I purse my lips. She shakes her head. Jasmine walks over. "Hey Jas!"

And then she slaps me. My face stings, and it brings tears to my eyes. The rest of my family doesn't come to see me. Lucas puts his hand on my back. "Veronica..." I turn hot on my heels, and walk straight to the chasm.

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I calapse on the ground, water spraying at my face, I can't hold the tears back, so I just cry as loud as I can, until it hurts. Jeramiah walks over. "You OK?" I stay silent. "Someone is here to see you." He says.