Shattered

CHAPTER FIVE

Song For Chapter: Stay by Rihanna featuring Mikky Ekko

(Narrator's Pov)

Junior year had taken a tough toll on Lucas. Nothing but an immense amount of stress had been showered upon him. There were constant days when he'd return home from school with a burning headache, aching body and completely tired mind. On top of all the stress and fatigue school brought him, working a part time job at 'Old Riley's Mechanic' garage only added onto how drained out he felt. He was thankful that the day he was awaiting to arrive, had finally done so.

Summer - it was finally summer break.

No more restless nights, no more forcing himself out of bed early in the morning, no more days he'd force his mind to work - because it was finally summer, alas. Just the thought of finally going home and relaxing made his stomach feel giddy. 

This was what felt freedom felt like, he thought to himself.

Along with Lucas, who was more than excited to head home and get this summer break started, was his best friend - Nina. Matching the excitement and joy Lucas felt, she was imagining all the things she wouldn't do this summer and what she'd force herself to do - like getting a job. 

Freshmen year had finally come to an end and although seeing Lucas everyday and having the same lunch break as him weighed out her day - she was beyond thankful that the year was finally over. Mostly for the fact she'd no longer be at the bottom of the school. And maybe, just maybe, Lucas' 'friends' (if you could call them that) would stop looking at her as if she was so small.

But at least she knew Lucas didn't look at her that way. He treated her with respect, knowing she was a maturing teenager just like himself, regardless if she was two years younger than him. He understood her well and that was what she adored most about him.

"Come on, laces." Squeezing her hand in his, Lucas led her out of the school gates, mumbling 'See you' to any of his fellow basketball team members. Nina went along with him, smiling at a few people herself and waving to some that she classed as her friends. She squeezed his hand back when he ended up getting stuck in a conversation with one of his fellow teammates, knowing he was thinking of heading home to do absolutely nothing.

"See you, man." Greg, the center player said, exchanging a brief man hug with Lucas. "You too, little brown."

Nina smiled, playfully rolling her eyes. She didn't need to be reminded constantly of her age and height difference with Lucas and all of his friends, but she knew Greg meant no harm. He was one of the only few friends of Lucas' she actually liked.

"Later, man." Lucas called out and then didn't hesitate to lead Nina with him, a giggle of excitement leaving her lips absently. "What's funny, laces?"

"I'm just excited to go home and do... nothing!" She laughed again, causing Lucas to join in with her. Happiness and joy were the two intense feelings floating around inside of them. Nothing could ruin their day. In-fact, they could only make it better. Like by buying ice cream.

"But before we head home, quick stop at Toon Spoon?" Lucas offered with an arched brow.

"Don't mind if I do." Nina replied with a grin. The two held hands all the way to Toon Spoon, an ice cream/dessert shop that was known for selling the best cotton candy ice cream in the entire city of Seattle.

Together the pair entered the dessert shop, noticing a few people from their school who had also gone to celebrate their last day with a similar treat. Nina couldn't control the smile that played on her lips as they waited in line, the touch and tingle of Lucas' hand only sparking her joy.