Crash Course

Chapter 2

As I sat inside my new living room, reflecting on my first day of school in my fresh yoga pant/oversized t-shirt combo, I couldn't help but think about Liam. I stared blankly at a rerun of CSI:Miami and scanned my brain for clues on my new obsession. I started with the things I knew to be fact.
1. He was a star lacrosse player - a quick Google search revealed that he started almost every varsity game last season, and that his jersey, #34, was retired after he left the team.
2. He was accused of selling drugs - I found his mug shot in the public police records, but there was no actual conviction.
3. He was a notorious playboy - his instagram comments were filled with heart eye and fire emojis, along with "where have you been"s and "I miss you"s.
So what was his dark secret? He seemed to be the traditional spiraling teen, but he was hiding something, I was sure of it. I bit down hard on a cracker, grinding my teeth in pain. My phone began to ring, pulling me from my thoughts. It was Aimee, my best friend from Manmonth. I had half a mind to press ignore, but something got the better of me. "Hello?" I asked.

"Arabella? It that you? I've been calling you for days! I had almost given up hope. What the hell is happening? Your entire house is abandoned, no one has seen you in weeks!" She squealed.

"I'm really sorry Aims, it's been crazy. My mom up and moved us so quickly I've barely had time to think." I replied.

"Moved you? Moved you where? Why?"

"A lot has happened Aimee. My mom's new job is really important, she had to get as far away from Dylan as possible, they can't know our past."

"Dylan is in prison." Aimee replied. "Why does it matter?"

"Because he still has connections, he is still looking for us. We had to leave quickly and quietly. Mom would be furious if she even knew I was talking to you right now." I muttered.

"I know. I understand. I'm glad you're okay. I won't tell anyone we talked. Just, please, check in with me every so often." She practically begged.

"I will, as soon as I'm settled in I'll fill you in on all the juicy details of my new life."

"You better. Bye for now love, stay out of trouble." She hung up before I could reply. I turned my phone off and flung it on the opposing couch. Back to my mission. I stood and began to pace. His family. The first place to start my digging should be with Liam's family. I needed to meet them somehow. I whipped my hair up into a messy bun piled high on my head. How do I get him to introduce me to his family? I pondered. Date him. I had to find a way to insert myself into his life, become important. I wandered into the kitchen to start dinner. A regular ritual since mom would be working until god knows what hour. As I prepared pasta my mind drifted to a new subject. Luke. Damn Andrew and his stupid yet necessary rules. Luke was like a weird parasite in my brain. I wanted him to leave but the more I pushed him out the more I thought about him. As if my brain conjured my thoughts into reality I heard him laughing his way up my front steps. I found myself cursing my brother yet again, this time for making friends with people so easily. The door opened and James, Luke, and Andrew barreled through.

"Hey! Hey! Don't break anything!" I shouted as I heard crashing. Andrew appeared around the corner first, rushing up to look over my shoulder into the pot cooking on the stove.

"Is there enough for the guys?" He asked with puppy dog eyes.

"Well I had intended to have leftovers, so lucky for you yes." I said. Luke and James appeared in the doorway.

"Hey Arabella." They said in unison. My face flushed as Luke looked me up and down and I realized I looked like a full slob.

"Hi guys, I hope you like pasta." I said, turning away.