A Script for Seven Years: Chapter 2

Chapter 2: Alex

Before he can say anything else, a voice calls out. "Hey! Wait up!"

The spell breaks instantly. Cal steps back, the space between us feeling cold and distant. I turn to see Lucy jogging across the hallway, her blonde ponytail bouncing. In a sea of groggy, gray-clad teenagers, Lucy is a ray of sunshine. She's wearing a pristine white sweater and has a brilliant smile that usually makes my chest tighten in the best way possible.

Today though, my chest is already occupied by a messy tangle of adrenaline, and whatever just happened with Cal.

"Hey, Alex. Hey, Cal." Lucy says, coming to a stop in front of us. She smells like cinnamon and vanilla, completely overpowering the smell of Cal's black coffee. She notices the dark circles under my eyes and immediately reaches out to touch my arm. "Alex, you look exhausted. Are you okay? I texted you this morning but you didn't reply.

"Yeah, fine, just had a rough night," I say, offering a weak smile. I feel Cal stiffen beside me.

"Another nightmare?" She asks, her blue eyes clouding with genuine worry. She steps closer, her touch shifting on my arm to gently squeezing my hand. She knows about the dreams too, but while Cal offers a quiet comfort, Lucy tries to fix it. "You know you can always talk to me, right? Even at four in the morning. I'll be there."

"I know, Luce, thanks."

Cal clears his throat and looks down, studying his coffee cup. "First period starts in two minutes." He says, his voice flat. He turns away and starts walking down the hall, away from us.

"Wait, Cal" I say, reaching out to him.

Lucy keeps her hand on my arm, her eyes wide and soft as she watches Cal walk. "Is he okay?"

I don't know. I look at the empty space where he was standing just seconds ago. Without him, the space feels cold and distant. The air still smells like his bitter coffee, even with Lucy still standing here.

"Yeah, he's just tired," I lie.