As Lucas and I drove to the cabin, the atmosphere inside the car was filled with a peculiar tension.Usually, the air between us was fun and relaxed. Nothing ever felt uncomfortable with Lucas, but right now. Uncertain was the perfect word for what I was feeling.After our dinner, it felt as if we weren't used to this new shift in our relationship dynamics. It had left both of us feeling a bit nervous in each other's presence.I would find myself stealing glances at him from the corner of my eye, wondering if he was thinking the same thing.It almost felt ridiculous. It felt as if we were middle schoolers, afraid of holding hands or making any moves.I don't know why we were making everything so tense and serious.Eventually, the awkwardness became too much, and we both burst into laughter at the same time. The tension evaporated immediately, and Lucas turned to me."God, why are we being so awkward?""I don't know!" I laughed, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. "This is so...""
Lucas's lips were soft and warm as they melded against mine.But the kiss was over before I even had time to understand what was happening—Before I had a second to properly enjoy it.Lucas pulled himself back a few inches, keeping his head dipped and looking down at me through his lashes.I didn't let myself hesitate or question myself before pulling his face back to mine. My fingers gripped the collar of his shirt as I let our lips touch again. This time, I had a bit more control of the kiss.For a second, I think Lucas was stunned by my response to his kiss. But soon enough, he wrapped his arms around my waist and held me close to him.It was cold outside, but Lucas's body was keeping me warm. Mixed with the feel of hips lips on mine, I almost melted in his arms.His first kiss was sweet and gentle, but this second kiss was more curious and excited. One of Lucas's hands came to cradle the back of my head, and I tilted my neck to allow him more access.With every press and pull of hi
Suddenly, Lucas took full control, flipping me onto my back. I gasped, surprised by his quick movements.He was above me now and his elbows rested on either side of my head.He pressed his body weight against mine and it felt amazing.The two of us were breathing much heavier now."Is this what you want?" Lucas asked, his warm breath ghosting over my lips.I felt my throat dry as I looked up at him. From this angle and position, his eyes appeared brighter than usual.My eyes trailed over his features, relishing in this moment and forcing myself to remember every single little detail."Shana?" Lucas nudged his nose against mine gently. "I'm going to need you to use your words.""I want you to kiss me," I managed to get the words out, feeling bold.Lucas didn't hesitate. He dipped his head down and allowed his lips to meet mine.This time, I was more hungry for his kiss. Our mouths moved feverishly as we explored each other's mouths.I moved my hands up to run my fingers through his hai
Lucas and I woke up early the next morning because we had to leave the cabin to head to school.It was difficult to peel myself away from the bed. I wanted to rest in bed all day. I wanted to cocoon myself in the warmth and comfort of Lucas's arms.After what the two of us shared last night, I feared I'd never be able to sleep as peacefully ever again.I was surprised to find out that Lucas hadn't let me go all night. We had slept next to each other soundly.But as much as I wanted to live in the memories of yesterday, Monday was calling for us to start our week.Lucas drove us back to Grandma Jo's house. For the entire car ride, Lucas held my hand in his and used his other hand to steer.Even this felt nice. Just us being close to one another and soaking in each other's company.I felt so much closer to him now. He had suddenly started to feel like an extension of myself, as absurd as that sounds.But... there was still something that Lucas and I hadn't fully discussed. We had both a
The car ride to school after Grandma Jo's incredible breakfast was tense, to say the least.During breakfast, Grandma Jo had wasted no time in grilling the two of us on every little detail.I knew she was only looking out for us, and wanted to make sure we were really in this relationship for each other.“Is this a temporary thing?” she asked. “Or are the two of you serious about each other?”“Grandma, don’t worry,” Lucas had said. “I’m not just with Shana for a short time. I’m taking this very seriously.”“Good, you better be.” Grandma Jo nodded. “Shana is a great girl. She’s always been there for you, and life isn’t fair towards her. Just like it isn’t fair to you sometimes.”“I’m here for Lucas, too.” I glanced at Lucas with a smile. “I know it seems sudden, but we really like each other. We want to make this work.”Grandma Jo studied the two of us for a second before smiling. “Well then, I’m happy for the two of you. Now eat up! Or your food will get cold. Chop chop!”Grandma Jo’s
My head snapped to look up at Lucas. He shot me a quick wink and gave my hand a reassuring squeeze.A rush of butterflies swarmed in my stomach, and I blushed furiously. Walking hand in hand with Lucas in public felt like a huge step, one that was bound to stir things up at Shadow High.Entering school, hand in hand, was like setting off a bomb.Everyone's eyes fell on us as if he had a spotlight over our heads. Whispers and muted conversations quickly filled the air, and I could practically feel the weight of countless eyes on us, something I'd experienced before, but never like this.Every eye in the building was on us as if we were celebrities. Everyone wanted to get a closer look at what was going on. Even a few teachers seemed to be giving us curious looks."Ignore them," Lucas said with his head held high."Easy for you to say," I mumbled under my breath, trying to stand closer to him. "I hate this so much."My palms grew damp, and my discomfort escalated. Lucas noticed and gave
"What's wrong with her?" James asked, his voice sounding alarmingly loud, as though he were shouting the words directly into my ears. I instinctively clapped my hands over my ears."Too loud," I muttered, squeezing my eyes shut. "Don't scream.""I'm not screaming," James replied, attempting to lower his tone. "I'm talking normally, Shana."My heart pounded as if it were trying to escape my chest. My trembling hands were a stark reminder that something was terribly amiss. I couldn't fathom what was happening to me. Was this some kind of panic attack? Anxiety?"What's going on, Shana?" Lucas asked, his arm wrapped around me, pulling me close to him for support.My heart seemed to double its pace, and I forced my eyes open. The world was no longer a blurry chaos, but my trembling hands refused to stop shaking.I held my quivering hands out in front of me, bewildered and frightened. What was happening to me?"Look over there! Shana's acting weird again," a voice exclaimed from somewhere n
"I didn't want to tell you this to worry you," Lucas began, his voice laced with concern. "But there's more to the story."James leaned forward, his curiosity intensifying as he absorbed the new information. "Tell us, Lucas. What happened to the boy when he turned into a... monster? And what does that even mean? What kind of monster are we talking about here?"Lucas sighed, grappling with how to articulate the bizarre tale. "I'm not too sure, guys. But from the way Professor Black was explaining it, it sounded as if the boy transformed into something otherworldly—something completely beyond our comprehension."James sought further details, his eyebrows furrowed in concentration. "How long ago did this happen?"Lucas scratched his head, struggling to recall the specifics of the story. "I'm not sure. I didn't have much time to speak with Professor Black. He gave me the basics details, and then I had to rush to make it to hockey practice."With a hint of trepidation, I ventured, "The wol