Recover

Chapter 1 Lucie

12 years later...

Rubbing my eyes tiredly, I feel dead to the world-maybe it's a good thing - maybe not- I probably have some dumb test I was supposed to have studied for- who actually studies for tests in this school? Not me that's for sure.
Looking in the mirror, I see what I always see these days- a worn out, sleep deprived, seventeen year old, who looks like the shadows that live in her head are barely held in- as if they're threatening to show the world her battle scars.
Maybe that last part's just me being paranoid.
I look basically the same as my Mum did when she was my age- the same misty grey eyes, the same long black eyelashes, the same too-wide eyes, the same button nose, the same elegant lips that, as my Dad used to say were 'kiss me' lips, the same clear, creamy, soft skin: sometimes looking in a mirror feels more like looking at a old photograph than my face. But then there are the differences between us that bring back in stark contrast just how desperate I am not to remember that life. The Before that I was supposed to let go of a long time ago. I have a nose piercing - a small silver stud that's in the shape of a rose- and my ears are pierced too, more than she'd ever have approved of if she could see me now- both my ears done in standard lobe, and both having an upper lobe too and  two Helix's on both- though I rarely have all my earrings in at once. Today I have the matching earrings to my nose piercing on my lobes, and my left ear I've got a silver hoop with an arrow entwined into it for my Helix piercing. 
Covering up my dark circles under my eyes, and applying my usual make-up: smoky eyes, eyeliner, mascara and I put on dark satin red lipstick on so it matches my nails.
I throw on some clothes from my wardrobe that aren't creased- I should probably invest in an iron- a slate grey T-shirt, black jeans, with my favourite black boots, and a black leather jacket to top it off- grabbing my bag I leave the house, yelling a goodbye to everyone, already wishing today was over as it barely begins.

"Hey Luce! C'mere, I saved you a seat." Jax tells from across the room, not at all embarrassed to show his eagerness for my company... it's one of my favourite things about him to be honest. He's tall (compared to my meagre five"four and a half that is) at five"eleven and muscular from all the sport he plays with his guy mates after school in the park and the gym has also had a helping hand in his growth in hotness over the last few summers (as I've been told). His honey blonde hair, ordinary blue eyes, his charming smile that he pulls out effortlessly - he's easily the hottest guy in this shit hole- so obviously I wanted him. I wanted his attention, I wanted him to like me- it made me like every other girl in this school, therefore it made me normal- and I want as much normal in my life as humanly possible.
So I saunter over to him and sit next to him in our first class together today and I smile easily at him, already anticipating his charming smile to be directed at me when I turn to talk to him. This. This is normal.
"Hiya." He grins, scooting his chair so his back was against the wall and he was completely facing me, relaxed- not thinking anything more of me than the basic facts that everyone in this school knew about me;
1. My name is Lucie with an "ie" not "y"  Gravely.
2. My birthday is early in the year (March in case you were wondering).
3. I moved here,to Boston, from L.A. after having to leave my previous school because of a "disagreement" through my guardians and Headteacher (the Head was an absolute asshole who always stank of the shitty cigarettes no one bought).
4. I love animals.
5. I don't talk much.
6. I can take care of myself.

Other than that no one knew much about me- just the way I like it.
" Hey. " I smile at him, getting myself settled, as he watches me- I have him wrapped round my little finger- I love it.
"Did you study for today?" He asks, and I just give him this look that makes him laugh sheepishly, "Yeah, dumb question. What you up to tomorrow night?" He leans closer as I lean back in my chair.
"It's Friday- it depends..." I smirk at him. "Anything interesting?"
"There's a party going on at the local Beach- wanna come? I'll drive you there of course...please? It's be great with you there..."
Conscious of everyone's attention, I lean closer to him, which makes his eyes light up.
"I'll see if I'm free, text me later to remind me?" I speak softly so no one else can hear me bait him - knowing I'm coming to the party, but wanting him to sweat it.
That's when the teacher walks in and I lean away, ready for today's torture: but incredibly aware of Jax's attention on me the whole time.