I sat at a round table in the courtyard. The ability to eat lunch outside was one of the many perks that being an upperclassmen has to offer. I closed my eyes and listened to the rustling colorful leaves of the New Hampshire autumn.
Owen shortly found me. "How's your day going, babe?"
I sighed. "Fine, I guess. How's about yours?"
"Pretty great, actually." Owen bit his lip and nodded, checking out Cassidy James as she walked by in her pleated skirt that is one size too small. This would make most girlfriends jealous. After two years of this kind of competition, I'm used to it.
Chloe sat on the other side of me. "Hey Kennedy! Hi Owen. You'll never believe what happened in Mr. Saddler's class today! Wesley Adams..." Her eyes shifted to the lunch line. "Who is that?"
I looked toward the check-out counter. "Lucah Bentley," I hissed.
"He's gorgeous! Why do you have a problem with him?"
"He's an asshole, Chloe. If I were you, I wouldn't get involved with him."
Owen turned to me. "Is he giving you problems, Ken?" He asked, concerned.
"No, Owen. It's fine, really. Sit down and eat your lunch." I rolled my eyes. Owen loves finding an excuse to start a fight.
"I think he's coming over here!" Chloe squealed.
Lucah and I made eye contact. He bobbed his head and sat down next to Chloe.
"I'm Lucah and you're beautiful," he said in his sly voice to Chloe.
Chloe blushed. "I'm Chloe. Tell me a little bit about yourself, Lucah." She began to twirl her long brown hair.
"Well, I transferred here from Kilton Academy in Connecticut. I'm going to play lacrosse here."
Owen smiled at Lucah. "No kidding! You're that All-American recruit Coach was talking about?"
Lucah nodded. "That would be me." He stuck his hand out to Owen.
"Nice to meet you Lucah," Owen said to him. "I'll let you know when open gym starts up." He turned to me. "I have to go catch up with someone. Let's grab something to eat after school today. Meet me at my car." He kissed my forehead and ran off.
I looked over at Chloe, who was still twirling her hair. "So, Lucah, what's your dorm number?"
"Actually, I'm just a day student."
I interrupted, "so you can't afford to board?" Chloe scowled at me.
Lucah looked at me sternly. "I have a home in Brentwood. My sister is sick, so I chose to stay close to her. There's some great hospitals around here, which influenced my decision to come to school here."
"Oh my God, Lucah. You are such a good brother." Chloe fawned over him. I could actually see her falling in love with him, right here, at this lunch table.
He smiled faintly. "You could come over after school to meet her if you want." Lucah could probably sense me glaring at him, so he added, "Kennedy, you could join us if you want."
Chloe said sweetly, "she doesn't."
"Actually, Chlo, I think I will join you two. I'll cancel my plans with Owen."
Chloe's smile faded while Lucah's widened. Chloe hissed at me, "why?"
I whispered back at her, "I'm not leaving you alone with this freak." That was only part of my reason.
