Starcrossed (Starcrossed 1)

here long enough, but those popular people have something

against me, and some of them go out of their way to be mean to

me. I?ve never fit in with them.?

?And you never will,? he told her seriously. ?No matter where you

go you are going to be different, Helen. It?s about time you got used

to it.?

?I am used to it! I?ve had my whole life to get used to it!? she exclaimed

as they drove into the school parking lot.

?Good. Now stop freaking out and listen for a sec. Those guys

weren?t staring at us because they hate you. They were staring at us

because they couldn?t figure out how the hell I convinced a girl who

tried to strangle me the other week to get in my car and go out for

coffee.?

?Oh, yeah. I forgot about that,? Helen said to the ground, getting

out of the car. She tossed her bag over her shoulder.

?And I?d like to go back to forgetting about it. If we never talk

about trying to kill each other again, it would be fine with me,? Lucas

said quietly. He took her hand firmly in his and pulled her up

against him so that her shoulder was touching his arm as they

walked into school.

Everyone was staring. The halls were lined with blank faces and

slack jaws as conversations were momentarily halted and then continued

twice as loud when Helen and Lucas passed. Helen tried to

pull her hand out of Lucas?s, but he resisted at first. Finally, he let

go when he realized that Helen was not just being modest, she was

about to panic.

?Lennie?? Claire called out warily. Helen smiled briefly at Lucas

and veered in Claire?s direction.

?Where were you all weekend?? Claire asked, eyeing Lucas

suspiciously.