The Clifford Project

Chapter 3

Luke came back with our Hawaiian BBQ pizza and sat down next to Lucy, telling us he had gotten his lunch break early.

"So you two know each other?" I asked again, hoping not to be interrupted by Luke's finger again.

"Yeah we were pretty good friends back in middle school."

"Awe was it back in your YouTube days, Lucas?" I said, reaching across the table to pinch one of his cheeks.

"Yes Pais back in my YouTube days. Thank goodness that didn't work out."

"What are you talking about? Fourteen year old Luke had a pretty good voice. "

"He also had some pretty awful hair. " He replied in full seriousness. "Plus I'm pretty sure I've posted videos with Michael in them before."

"No.way."

"Yeah sure. I'm pretty sure it's still up too. Just one second." I squirmed in my seat a little and practically squealed with excitement.  If Michael's voice was as beautiful as his appearance I was in for a treat.  He passed his phone across the table to me.  "Just press play whenever." I grabbed it out of his hands and pressed play.

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"Hey guys it's Luke again, and I'm here with my good friend-"

"Michael! Hello!" He screeched, cutting Luke off. His hair was a sandy blondish brown color with a brighter blonde streak on the bangs that covered one of his eyes. For some unknown reason, he was wearing a pair of womens galaxy leggings.

"Yep this one is here and today we will be covering the highly requested song Check Yes Juliet, originally by the band We The Kings."

"Let's go!" Mike fiddled around with the strings of his guitar before he started strumming the song.

Check yes Juliet

Are you with me?

Rain is falling down on the sidewalk

I won't go until you come outside.

Check yes Juliet

Kill the limbo

I'll keep tossing rocks at your window

There's no turning back for us tonight.

Lace up your shoes

Ay Oh Ay Ohhh

Here's how we do:

Run, baby, run

Don't ever look back.

They'll tear us apart

If you give them the chance.

Don't sell your heart.

Don't say we're not meant to be.

Run, baby, run.

Forever will be

You and me.

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I sat there with my jaw dropped, completely and utterly starstruck.  I turned to Michael, his face red and embarrassed.  "Please tell me you still sing like that." I begged.

"If you're asking if I still sound like a gorilla in an orgy than yes." He sighed smiling, as he took another sip of his soda.

"No no no. Your voice is beautiful Mikey. Don't say that."

"What ever you think princess. Anyway I should get going. don't wanna be late for English do we?" He slipped out of the booth and set twenty five dollars on the table. "I couldn't leave letting you guys pay." He made his way to the door as Luke stood up.

"Wait, Mike! It was only sixteen!" He yelled after him.

"Keep the rest man! It was great seeing you again. Consider it a tip!" With that he turned around setting off the bell above the door as he left.With that he turned around setting off the bell above the door as he left. Lucy slid out of

"I better getting going too.  I forgot my bag in the math hall. See ya in class Pais. Bye Luke. " She left through that same door as Luke sat back down across from me.

"Pais can I talk to you?"

"Of course you can Luke. What is it? " I said concerned.

"Well Paisley,  it's about Michael. I don't think he's who you think he is."

"What are you saying Lucas?" He slightly cringed at the serious use of his real name.

"Michael's not all good Pais. He's actually a pretty bad guy. "

"But I thought you guys were friends. I don't understand."

"We were the best of friends in year ten. But after that he started to drift. He got into some pretty bad shit." He leaned in closer as if he wanted no one to hear. " You can be friends with him and hang out with him but don't get to close. I know you can take care of yourself Pais, but please promise you'll be careful."

"I will Luke. If it concerns you this much, I trust you." We both got up from the table and I was going to leave when Luke grabbed me by the hand and pulled me into a hug. He leaned his mouth down to my ear and whispered, "You're my best friend Paisley. I just want you safe." He pulled away still holding on to my shoulders and I nodded at him. I pushed the heavy glass door of the diner and ran all the way back home without looking back. What did he mean by bad shit?  Drugs? Murder maybe? He could be a porn star for all I know. I took the stairs up to the apartment and locked the door behind me.  I couldn't go to class. Not like this.  I would have a panic attack in front of the whole class. I fumbled through my bag until I found my phone.  I got it out right away and rang my English professor. She picked up on the second ring.

"Hello? " She answered in her usual happy voice.

"Hey Ms. Miller?  I'm sorry to call this close to class but I wanted to inform you that I won't be able to attend class today. I just haven't been feeling that well." I used my best sick voice to convince her.

"Oh dear you sound awful. I'll send your assignments with Lucille don't worry about it you rest."

"Thank you so much."

"No problem deary." I hung up and layed down on the couch rubbing my temples while staring at the ceiling. Maybe I just had a thing for danger. My life could be changed in a single move. But that might be just what I needed.

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A/N: Ok so I already posted this but it erased it and i cried for several minutes. So I rewrote it and here you go. Sorry if you were really confused about it!

-Sophie/ cashton baby