Protecting Lucy

002. Luke

“Look, babe, I just don’t think it’s going to work, okay? It’s not you, it’s me. Sorry Luke.”

Out of all the breakup lines she could have used, she used that one? ‘It’s not you, it’s me’? Ouch. That hurt.

Honestly, I’d known Georgia was going to break up with me sooner or later. We’d only started dating because it was expected of us; Quarterback and Cheerleading Captain. It was completely cliche, but my friends had pressured me into it. And it helped that she was totally hot, too.

We’d actually lasted a lot longer than I thought we would, too. Four months of her parading round school with me at her side like a trophy was enough to make anyone crazy. But it just so happened I was a very patient person.

Not.

But we were over now. No more looking over my shoulder to see if she was there, no worrying that someone would spread rumors to her. I was a free man, able to do whatever the hell I wanted. And I wanted Lacey.

Lacey Winters transferred to our school less than two weeks ago but already every guy was after her. Georgia hated her, of course, and always kept a very tight grip on me whenever she passed. Lacey was gorgeous. And not in a stereotypical way like Georgia, either. In a different, interesting way. She was Latino, with long chestnut hair and full lips. Every guy was drooling after her, including me. And finally I was free to go after her.

Walking into school, Georgia-free was a great feeling. It felt like I was finally able to do what I wanted. I winked at cute girls passing by. I even slapped one’s ass. I was a free man, with no responsibilities at all. And I freakin loved it.

One of my closest friends and football vice captain Jake walked over and slapped me on the back. 

“So she finally broke up with you? Good for you, man!” He wolf-whistled. “Now you can go crazy at the party tonight.”

My ears perked up. “Who’s party?” I asked. There was a time when I knew every social event weeks before it happened. That was before Georgia turned me into her own personal lap dog.

It appears Jake was thinking the same thing.

“Woah man, if this was last year you’d know by now! Why do you think everyone’s so hyped up? Lacey’s o’course!”

My jaw dropped. I hadn’t heard about Lacey Winter’s party? I was more out of the loop than I thought!

“Alright man, I’ll be there. Georgia’s not coming is she?”

Jake shook his head.

“Nah. She wouldn’t risk it; especially after you guys broke up. You’ll be fine, man, don’t worry.”

He gave me one last smirk before walking off. I checked my timetable. I had advanced English next. I groaned.

It wasn’t as if I was horrible at it; I maintained a B average, but we had the most boring teacher ever. Plus she was super strict. Oh well. Only two more classes until lunch.

I sat down in a seat at the back, taking out my phone and checking my texts. Miss would probably be late anyway. I heard someone sit down in the seat behind me. I ignored them, continuing to go on my phone, until I heard a small cough, and looked up to see a familiar feminine face.

“Hi.” she said, sliding into a seat beside me. “I’m Lacey.”

I immediately straightened up. We hadn’t exactly spoken much, not with Georgia death staring her 24/7, but I imagined she’d heard about the break up.

“I’m Luke,” I said confidently, smiling at her.

She smiled back. “I know. I thought I’d just invite you to my party tonight, seeing as you’ve, uh, become recently single.”

She leaned forward, exposing her cleavage. Her smirk grew wider. She knew what she was doing.

“I, uh,” I struggled to keep my eyes on her face. “Yep. I’ll be there.”

She straightened up.

“Great. I’ll keep an eye out for you.” she winked, before returning back to her original seat at the front of the class, swaying her hips as she walked away.

I groaned, putting my head in my hands. I was such a freak. I couldn’t do the stammering thing tonight at the party or else I’d make a huge fool of myself. 

~

~

The party started at 7, but Jake and I didn’t arrive until 9. One of Georgia’s minions had cornered me after school, demanding to know if the rumors she’d hears about me and Lacey were true. Apparently word around school was that we’d already hooked up. I didn’t see how that was possible, seeing as Georgia only broke up with me the previous night, so unless I’d rushed around to Lacey’s house immediately after, we couldn’t have done anything. I didn’t understand why Georgia cared anyway, since she only dated me for the status that came with it.

Upon arriving at Lacey’s house, Jake went off to chat up some girls. I smirked at him. I didn’t need girls. I just wanted Lacey. I grabbed a drink off a guy walking past and sculled it. Once it was gone, I refilled my cup. I can’t really remember how many times I did that before I saw her.

She was right across the room from me. She was wearing a skin tight black dress and matching heels, and talking to a group of young boys who appeared as if they couldn’t believe their luck. When she spotted me, she brushed her lips to the tallest ones cheek, waving her hands at them over her shoulder as she walked away.

As she neared, I felt my palms get sweaty, and wiped them on the front of my jeans. She didn’t miss it.

“Nervous, Lucas?” she whispered, edging closer.

I cleared my throat. “Uh, no, o-of course not.” I smiled at her. I could do this. Just because I’d been out of the game while I was with Georgia didn’t mean I was an amateur.

I leaned closer. 

“Hey, wanna go upstairs?” I jerked my head upwards. She nodded slyly, taking my hand and pulling me behind her as we wound through the crowd.

I can’t remember all the details, as that night was a little hazy, but we were on her bed, and we were kissing, and she was taking her shirt off, and then -

And then the bed was on fire.

Lacey was screaming.

“Oh my god, Luke, what the hell? This isn’t funny!” she shrieked, backing away from me.

I frowned. What was she talking about? Following her eyes, I looked down at my hands.

Shit.

My hands were on fire, but I couldn’t feel any pain. If anything, it felt cold, calming. I knew I had to do something before someone else saw.

Grabbing a vase of her mantelpiece, I emptied the water onto the bed in an attempt to stop the fire. The flames went down considerably, but still remained.

Lacey was still screaming, but not at the fire. At me. I needed to get out of here before someone else came in and saw.

“I’m sorry Lacey. I’m - I’m so sorry.” I turned quickly and fled.

That was the first night I used my powers unintentionally. But it was certainly not the last.