Ezra Lucas

Ezra -3- Lucas

I shake the new can and start spraying. Every few minutes I stop to listen for police. I'm starting on a new building tonight. The other one I spray painted is just a few feet behind me. I finish the word 'Jesus' and squat down in front of my backpack. I search through my bag, looking for a certain color to go around Jesus.

What color should it be?

"Hey! You!"

I glance to my left and see the same police officer from a few nights ago walking towards me. I quickly zip my bag and put it on while I take off.

"Stop! I just want to ask you a few questions!"

I don't stop; I turn the next corner. I go a completely different way back to Gram's house so, he doesn't suspect where I live and try to follow me or interrogate my grandmother. She doesn't need to worry about me.

The night air is cold against my face, but it keeps me awake and focused.

My adrenaline is still pumping through me as I'm trying to fall asleep. All night I toss and turn.

E×L

"Excuse me! Young man, you are going to have to seat up. No falling asleep in my class." Ms. Peters says and nudges my shoulder.

I sit up and rub my eyes. I yawn and run my hands through my hair.

"What's your name, young man?" Ms. Peters questions me.

"Ezra," I answer and try to hide my second yawn in the last minute.

"I think you -and the rest of the class- need to get more sleep at night." She states and walks to her desk.

"Or she needs to not be so boring," one student comments.

She stands behind her desk and stares at the student who makes the comment. "Stand up."

He stands up and hid eyes never leave hers.

"You have two options. Actually, I've changed my mind. Come up here." She says and turns around and grabs a book. He walks up to the front and she hands him the book. She sits down and turns her chair towards him.

"What am I supposed to do with this?" He questions.

"Read the first chapter out loud to the class and interpret what it means."

I catch a glimpse of the cover and see Shakespeare on it. Poor guy. After he finishes the chapter, Ms. Peters takes the book back. By the grace of God, I didn't fall asleep while he was reading. He had no idea how to interpret what he had read so, she let him sit back down at his desk.

"Class, we have to work together to make this year successful. I want all of you to write three paragraphs. Girls, you write three action and or adventure paragraphs. Guys, you write three paragraphs about love or a love story. It is due in two days. You may be dismissed a few minutes early, but be respectful out in the hallway."

Three paragraphs about love. I'm not excited about this.

I open my locker once I'm in front of it. I set my notebook inside and grab my phone.

"Hey. How did you get in my locker?" I turn to my left and am met by bright blue eyes.

"Um, this is uh my locker." I finally get the words out and turn my head back to the locker. Focus Ezra. Stop getting distracted.

"Well, it's my locker too. That pink binder is mine." The girl states.

I narrow my eyes at the binder and then it clicks. I turn to the girl again. "You're Rome?"

She smiles and nods. "It's actually my middle name, but yes."

The bell for lunch rings throughout the nearly empty hallway. "I guess I'll go see if I can get a new locker. You can keep this one."

"Oh. That's very kind of you." She smiles and I notice she has a small nose ring.

I smile back and head towards the office. Five minutes later, I exit the office and go back to my -our- locker. Rome is still standing at my -our- locker, but another girl is with her. The other girl sees me first and nudges Rome. Rome turns around and takes a few steps towards me.

"What did they say?" She questions with her hands locked together.

"That we have to share the locker," I state.

She blinks twice slowly and shrugs. "Alright. I'm good at sharing. Are you okay with this?"

I nod my head. "I don't keep much stuff anyway."

"So, what's your name?" She asks.

"That's Ezra!" The other girl exclaims and bounces off the lockers. The girl slings an arm around Rome and smiles from ear to ear.

"Skye, you know him?"

"Yeah! Well, sort of. He's the guy from my class that I told you about."

That's where I know her from!

"Yeah. I'll see you girls later."

"Bye, Ezra!" They say at the same time and wave.

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A/N

I hope you guys are enjoying the story so far. A picture of Rome is at the top. Love you guys! Let me know what you think!