This Life Of Ours

Chapter 13

Lucas was shocked out of his skin. His eyes were wide open.

Hayley let go from the kiss.

"Uhh..." Lucas was speechless. Hayley opened her eyes.

"Oh, shit! Sorry, I don't know what came over me!"

"It's fine! I'm really fine." Lucas said at the same time. They were a fumble of words and apologies.

"They're so cute together." Clary said.

"O...kay?" Chris said.

They eventually stopped and ran opposite ways.

"I'll get Hayley." Clary Said.

"I got Lucas." Chris said.

They followed their friends.

"Hey, Hayley?"

"Yeah?"

"What was that? I mean, I loved it, don't get me wrong, but didn't you say..." Clary's voice faltered.

"I lied, okay? I still like him." Hayley said, rubbing her arm nervously.

"It's fine. At least you're honest about it now."

"But, I mean..." she said. "I don't know!"

"Do you regret it though?"

Hayley was silent.

"Knew it." Clary Said.

She was silent.

"Jesus, I must have some hormonal shit or something." She finally said.

"Which means you're bound to be together. Don't lose hope." Clary Said.

Hayley's feeling of doubt and awkwardness seeped in through her stomach.

•••••

"I mean, what do I say to her?" Lucas asked.

"I really don't know." Said Julian. "You should just tell her how you feel."

"I mean, I thought I did." Lucas said.

"What does that mean?" Julian asked.

"They talked it over and he said no." Chris said.

"That's not what I said!" Lucas objected.

"So what did you say?" Said Julian.

"I..." Lucas was quiet.

"I mean, why wouldn't you be with her? You're clearly fit to be with her, you're not in a relationship, and-"

"I don't want one right now. I don't want to... disappoint her. Like Gene."

"Hey, she was with others, okay? You weren't the cause of her... change." Said Chris.

Lucas was again silent.

"Well, if you're not getting her, I will." Julian said.

"What?" Lucas and Chris both said.

"Yeah. Why not?"

"Well, I guess there's nothing wrong about it. Go for it." Lucas said.

"Hey, are you crazy?" Said Chris.

"I think I'm mostly sane. Why?"

"Julian, I mean, why you? Do you have a crush on her or something?"

"Maybe." Julian answered.

"You know what? I wanna bet on it." Lucas said.

"Sure." Julian said back.