Chapter 104

The next day, Lucas decided we would take my car to school instead of his motorcycle, a considerate move on his part.

He seemed genuinely concerned that his motorcycle might trigger my dizziness or nausea. Honestly, I enjoyed our motorcycle rides and I didn't think they were any cause for my recent symptoms, but Lucas didn't want to take any chances.

It was a small but kind gesture of his thoughtfulness.

Yet, despite his efforts to make me feel better, I couldn't hide the heavy emotions that had clung to me since my discovery of the wolfless article I had read last night...

The words shortened lifespan had been circling around my mind.

I could hardly get myself out of bed this morning, even though I didn't sleep a wink last night.

I didn't even take one of Grandma Jo's breakfast blueberry muffins that I had eaten every single morning since staying there.

I wasn't in the mood.

Lucas noticed it. I could tell because he kept looking over at me as he was driving. I saw him out of the corner of my eye as I kept my gaze glued to the passenger window.

Are you feeling better today Lucas asked, trying to have a conversation.

Mhm, I hummed absently.

You didn't eat anything for breakfast, he commented. You usually always take a muffin to go.

I didn't want to get crumbs in my car.

Lucas didn't say anything to that. Do you wanna stop for something quickly I know you love coffee, even though it makes you—

Lucas! I couldn't help but shriek. I did not want him to finish that sentence. I let out a laugh, Please, don't bring up my bowel movements.

That earned a smile out of him. Well, it's true. Coffee makes you have to use the toilet and—

Please! I repeated. Don't. Thank you, but I'm okay. Really.

It'll make you feel refreshed, he teased with a mischievous glint in his eye.

I snorted and our laughter bubbled in the confines of the car, momentarily allowing me to forget why I was even upset in the first place.

Even though he trying to make me laugh by being gross... Moments like these with Lucas meant a lot to me.

I wanted to laugh at that thought itself.

His willingness to just try to get me to laugh meant a lot. It was reminiscent of simpler times in our childhood. Lucas and I, just laughing about the stupidest things.

However, as quickly as the laughter came, it left.

My newfound knowledge about what my symptoms could mean weighed on me like an anchor.

A conflicting thought crossed my mind—one I wasn't too sure of...

I wanted to share the news I had found with Lucas, but I was also afraid of what his reaction would be once I revealed it to him.

It wasn't exactly the best information to hear...

How could I burden him with the possibility that my life might be cut short

And what if it wasn't even true I didn't want to worry Lucas like that... he was already worried about me enough.

When we arrived at school, Lucas and I walked to our lockers.

I didn't miss the way some people watched us walk past, curious expressions on their faces. I had grown used to this kind of attention. It followed Lucas everywhere since he was the hottest boy in school, according to Shadow High's group chats.

But it seemed like the attention had grown even more over the past few weeks since the two of us have been closer. It seemed like it all became more when I started staying with Lucas at Grandma Jo's.

James joined us, pulling me out of my head.

Friends, he greeted, his infectious energy always bringing a sense of calm.

Sup, Lucas replied.

James looked at me then, raising an eyebrow. It was as if he could sense something in my eyes because unsurprisingly, he made his own attempt to lift my spirits.

What's this here he asked, pointing to my shoulder.

Nice try, I said, swatting his hand away. I'm not going to fall for that.

Oh c'mon! James laughed. Lucas falls for that every single time.

Once again, laughter filled the air as the three of us shared the joke.

I found myself smiling at the two of them. I guess my best friends were pretty great. How did I get so lucky

Checking the time, I noticed it was time for me to get to class. I said my goodbyes, telling the boys I'd see them at lunch, and got started with a long, routine day.

---

It was finally the end of the day, and I was making my way toward the hockey stadium to watch Lucas's practice. Ever since the Dragons won their last game, they've been working harder to win the championship game.

Lucas has been working with every player as much as he possibly could, and I didn't know much about hockey, but I could see the difference in their skill.

Just as I was about to turn down the hallway, a girl came to stand in front of me, stopping me in my tracks.

Excuse me, I said, trying to move past her.

But she moved with me.

You're Shana, right she asked. I mean, I know you are.

Um... yeah, I replied. I'm Shana.

She looked me up and down with an unreasonable expression on her face. I felt as if she was putting me under some kind of microscope.

Are you finally dating Lucas Busch Everyone at Shadow High thinks you are. Everyone said so, she declared, a smug smirk dancing on her lips.

Her rude assumptions struck a nerve within me. What the hell

Staring at her in disbelief, I denied the accusations with more gusto than I'd intended. No, Lucas and I aren't dating. We're just friends.

Not that it's any of your business, I wanted to add.

But she wasn't ready to back down.

I don't believe you, she said casually while looking down at her painted fingernails. Maybe it's you who's more interested in Lucas, and he just doesn't like you back. He doesn't want a relationship, but you're hoping he'll change his mind. I'm right, aren't I

My face fell as I was caught off guard by her audacity.

Who did she think she was

And why was she so interested in Lucas and me In fact, why was everyone suddenly so interested in what our relationship status was

Did Lucas and I genuinely appear to be a couple now that we were spending more time together And were people aware of my stay at Grandma Jo's house

Ignoring the girl, I moved past her with a scowl on my face.

I shouldn't worry myself with her words. I needed to reach hockey practice, but... unfortunately, her words gnawed at me.

Deep down, I wondered if my feelings for Lucas had become glaringly obvious.

She had said that everyone in the school had been talking about us. They've been saying that I'm the one who's more interested in Lucas... Did they really know how I felt

The more I thought about it, the more uncertain I became. Should I continue to keep my feelings hidden from Lucas, even if my time might be running out