Starcrossed (Starcrossed 1)

137/395

?Did you try to call me?? Helen asked, grateful for an excuse to

pry herself away from Lucas and hopefully away from all the

stares.

?Like, five times. What happened to you??

?My phone broke,? Helen said apologetically. Then she turned to

Lucas. ?I have to stop at my locker before homeroom. Thanks for

the ride,? she told him bluntly.

?Okay. I?ll see you later then,? he said, accepting his dismissal as

gracefully as he could. When he was no more than three steps

away, Claire grabbed Helen?s arm and dragged her toward her

locker.

?What the holy hand grenade was that?? Claire practically

shouted. Helen shushed her as she wrestled with her locker

combination.

?We had a long talk,? Helen said quickly. ?We don?t hate each

other anymore.?

?A talk? Yeah, right. I?m sure tongues were involved but for some

reason I don?t think much language was used.? Claire looked angry,

but Helen was suddenly angrier.

?Stop it, Claire! I mean it! I had a really rough weekend. I?m sorry

I didn?t think to call you last night but my father was pissed at me

for leaving him stranded at the airport.?

?Well, tell me about it now then!? Claire replied defensively. ?Not

like you have to say anything. Everyone can see that you and Lucas

are suddenly a couple.?

?I don?t know what we are, but it?s not something I can sum up

with an easy label like ?couple,? okay?? Stressed, Helen shuffled

through her books and realized that she hadn?t done any of her

homework.