Page 2 of Luci’s Lullaby

“He’s nothin’ but sour apples, while I’m always peaches and cream.”

Cid shakes his head as he pulls out onto the road. “Keep runnin’ that mouth and you’ll be walkin’.”

“You two need to stop fussin’, it’s unbecoming.” Shelley nudges us both.

“He’s just grumpy because he woke up alone this morning.”

“Yeah, I didn’t have a teddy bear to snuggle like you.” Cid chuckles.

I lean over as he cuts his eyes at me. “At least Teddy doesn’t keep everyone awake at night.” Shelley’s face flames. Cid hits the brakes, and I faceplant the dashboard. “Argh! ASSHOLE!”

“Shut that mouth.” Cid glares at me as he speeds up.

Shelley slaps his leg. “Stop!”

“I’m so ready to get my license. I’m over his bs.”

“Anytime you want to start walking, I can pull over,” Cid snaps.

Shelley squirms between us. “What is wrong with you two this morning?”

We sit in silence the rest of the way to school. I honestly don’t know what our problem is this morning. Cidney’s my best friend, and we usually get along. It’s like a premonition for how the rest of the day is going to go.

Cid pulls into the first spot at the front, reserved for the seniors but since he’s the starting quarterback, he gets everything he wants in life. Me, on the other hand, I’m third string defensive back and perfectly okay with it.

I’d rather write music, but that’s another story.

“Al, no runnin’ off to the riverbank when we get home. We have to clean the house before Mom and Dad get back tonight,” Cid warns me. Again.

I step from the truck, holding the door open for Shelley and give him a nod. “I know, Cid.” He leans across the hood of the truck, staring until I give him my full attention. “What?”

“I love you, have a good day.” Shelley pats my stomach as Cid holds his fist out for me.

I shake my head, closing the door. “I love you, Cid.” I reach out, bumping his fist with mine. There are days I want to run over him, but I love him every day.

Cid takes Shelley by the hand as we walk toward the school. I see my buddy, Gavin, standing by the entrance. His tall, lanky build is no match for Cid, whose built solid although no taller than me.

“Dude, can you believe that game last night?” He covers his mouth, snickering.

I shake my head knowing what’s coming. As Cid passes him, he gut checks Gavin. “The Steelers said hi,” Cid mumbles as he walks through the doors, leaving me to laugh my ass off at my buddy.

“The fuck, Cid?” Gavin groans.

“Will you ever learn to leave the Steelers alone?” Reese giggles as she joins us. My best friend from birth, the fiery redhead is curvy like a country road. One day, she’ll bring the right man to his knees.

Gavin’s face is red as he straightens his back. “Nope! It’s worth it to me.”

“Then you should’ve added ‘Go, Titans!’” I snort, making Reese laugh louder.

“Screw you both.” Gavin flips us off, to which we cackle.

I back into the door and straight into a person. I hear the books fall to the ground as I reach out, trying to balance myself. Little do I know, I’m not grabbing something I should.

“Shit!” I wince as my hand grabs the backpack, pulling the girl wearing it down with me. I land on top of her with a thud. “I’m so sorry,” I plead as she scurries out from under me.

“It’s okay,” she says, gathering her books. Her brunette hair hides her face so that I have to duck to get a good look at her. Her eyes cut to mine and then back to her things on the floor.

I scramble to my knees, grabbing for her things. “Here ya go.” My hand brushes hers, sending a jolt through us.