Luci's Lullaby Read online

  “Your point?” Amy places her fist on her hip.

  My eyes flicker from one to the other. “We’re older; besides, he has no idea who I am.”

  “Or that you’re madly in love with him.” Denise snickers when Amy snorts.

  “Or that you dream of humpin’ his brains out.”

  “Some best friends y’all are. I’m never telling you another thing. Ever!” I stomp away as my face begins to glow. “That’s the last time I trust anyone with my secrets.”

  I walk into class, slumping into a seat in the back of the room. I grab a folder and begin to fan my face; it’s as red as a beet. The seats around me are quickly filled as the final bell rings.

  Mrs. Ortiz stands as she scans the classroom, marking the attendance sheet as she does. There’s a knock on the door, drawing everyone’s attention. Our guidance counselor, Mrs. Schoer, whispers something to the teacher.

  Mrs. Ortiz glances at me. “Charlee, Mrs. Ortiz needs to speak with you.”

  I’m stunned as I hesitate to move. Sliding from my seat, I stand and grab my things, my hands shaking as I do. The class watches as I make my way to the front of the room and out the door with the counselor.

  “Charlee, your uncle’s here to pick you up. They’ve had to take your mother to the emergency room.” Mrs. Ortiz takes my hand as my body trembles. We turn the corner to find my Uncle Bill waiting at the office door.

  He smiles but there’s no light in his eyes. “Hey, sweetheart. She’s okay, but we think you should be there; we’ll get Theo after.” He wraps his arms around me in an effort to comfort me, but I know there’s more to come.

  “Let us know if we can do anything, Mr. Olson.” Mrs. Ortiz turns to me. “Charlee, I’m here for anything you might need.”

  Dude, you’re freaking me out. It’s all I can think, so I nod with a wary half smile.

  “C’mon, Charles.” Uncle Bill grins.

  “Are we going to get Theo?”

  He holds the door open for me. “Your mom wants to talk to you first, then we’ll meet Theo at home.”

  A sharp pang makes me catch my breath as we walk down the steps. An uneasy feeling creeps over me, for whatever reason, and I know my life’s about to change.

  “Uncle Bill?”

  He looks at me over the top of the car as he unlocks the door. “Yeah, Charlee?”

  “Please know, if Mom needs it, I’ll do it.”

  “We know, baby.” His face softens, but I know it’s just the beginning. “I’ll let her explain.”

  The car ride over to the hospital I reflect on the past ten months. My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer in November, and it’s been the biggest battle we’ve faced since my dad walked out on us.

  “Here we go. Let’s stop by the front desk and see if they’ve got her in a room yet,” Bill says as he pulls into a parking spot.

  “Have they said how long she’ll stay this time?”

  He looks over at me as we shut our doors. “No, but I suspect a few days.”

  “I’ll make sure Theo has everything he needs. I know you need to get back to Aunt Linda.”

  A small smile plays on his lips. “We’ll work it out.” He stops by the nurses’ desk. “Hello. Has Mae Wright been sent to her room yet?”

  A lady with long black hair runs her fingers over the keyboard. “She has, room 415.”

  “Thank you,” Uncle Bill replies. “Let’s go, kiddo.” He points toward the elevators, and we walk that direction.

  I adore my uncle. He and Aunt Linda live in North Carolina. They’ve always taken time for us since my dad left, traveling as much as possible when we’ve needed them. I think he feels responsible for us since Mom’s his baby sister.

  “She’s gonna be fine, and I really hope you’ll listen and consider what she has to say.” He hits the button and the doors open immediately.

  His words make me nervous, but I do my best not to show it; he has enough to worry about. “Oh, Uncle Bill. I’m logical if nothing else.”

  “I’ll give you that.” He chuckles as he raps his knuckles on my mom’s door. “You decent?” He pushes the door open.

  A nurse standing by my mom smiles. “We’re just finishing up, actually.”

  “C’mere, baby girl.” Mom holds her arms out for me, and I rush to them. Her favorite violet scarf covers her head, helping to hide her hair loss.

  I snuggle closely. “Are you alright? How are you feeling?”

  “I’m good, baby. My blood count is low. I got a little dizzy and fell, but nothing’s broken.” She squeezes me tightly.

  “Mom, you’ve got to slow down. I can do anything we need when I get home.”

  She slides down so she can look me in the eyes. “Charlee Rae, I love you more than anything, but I think it’s time you have a life.”

  “What do you mean?” My stomach begins to knot.

  “Uncle Bill and I have been talking… I think we should move closer to them.” She watches my face for a sign that I disagree.

  I lay my hand over hers. “How soon do I start packing?”

  “You’ll go? You’ll move to North Carolina your junior year of high school?” A frown grows on her face as she thinks of what she’s asking of me.

  “We’ll do what’s best for us, the rest will work out. Right?” I force a smile, doing my best to reassure her. “Will your doctor release you?”

  “He suggested it since we’d be closer to Duke.” She stares into my eyes. “Are you positive?”

  I hold up my hand, giving her our solemn swear. “Pinky promise.”

  “Mermaid kisses and starfish wishes.” She wraps her finger with mine as she leans in to kiss me on my cheek.

  “Now, I better get home and fix Theo some food.” I crawl from the bed, straightening my clothes. “I’ll have Uncle Bill drop me by the store for some boxes.”

  Mom reaches for my hand, holding it close to her. “Are you absolutely sure this is okay? You agreed pretty fast.”

  “I’d do anything to help you and make you feel better. You’ve given Theo and me so much; it’s the least we can do.” I shrug. “Besides, it’s for all of us.”

  “Alrighty, I’ll do my best to break outta this place as soon as I can.” She smiles.

  Uncle Bill leans in, kissing her on the head. “I’ll call Linda and we’ll get things moving down there.”

  “The kids barely started school, I hate to uproot them so soon.” Mom chews her bottom lip.

  “We’re fine, I can’t think of a thing I’m leaving behind.” Alden’s face flashes before me making my chest ache.

  Mom forces a smile. “Alright, sweetheart.”

  “I’ll call later, bye, Mom.” I wave as we leave the room. My breath hitches as I hold back a sob.

  My uncle slides his arm around my shoulder. “You’re such a good girl, Charlee.” Then he kisses the top of my head as we wait on the elevator.

  Once in the car, I make a mental checklist of everything I’ll need to get done. First, I’ll ask to have our records transferred to our new school. New school. It finally sinks in—I’ll never see Alden Beck again.

  “Don’t forget to let me run in for boxes. If we stop now, they’ll save them for me.”

  “Point me in the direction.” He cuts his eyes at me.

  “Family Dollar. Robin’s the manager, and she’ll be happy to help.” I pause. “Do you happen to know the school we’ll be attending?”

  “Well, we live on the border of North and South Carolina, so it’ll be North Myrtle Beach for you and Ocean Drive for Theo.” He comes to a stop at the light. I can feel him watching me, but I turn my attention out the window.

  “I’m gonna be a beach bunny, good deal.” I giggle.

  He laughs with me. “I guess that’s one way of looking at it.”

  After a quick stop, we get home just in time for Theo to come in. He watches as Uncle Bill carries the boxes in, turning to me with a puzzled look. “What’s the boxes for, Charlee?”

  “Mom’s think
ing we need a fresh start.” I pull out the chair across from me and open the cookies. I’m not sure if I’m trying to convince him or me. “So we’re gonna move to the beach. That way, every Saturday and Sunday we can build sandcastles and play in the ocean all day.”

  “We are?” His eyes are round. “When?”

  “As soon as Mom can travel.” I take the milk from the refrigerator and join him.

  “YES! I’m so excited to tell everyone.” He gobbles down two cookies without breathing. Boys.

  Uncle Bill sits beside him. “What about you, Charlee? Anyone in particular you’re gonna tell?”

  “Nope.” I can’t help the pang in my gut at the thought of not getting to see Alden. “But that reminds me, I need to run over to Amy’s and get my homework from today.”

  “Oh, okay. We’ll be here going through toys or something.” Uncle Bill smiles as I stand and walk toward the door.

  “Good luck with that. Mom’s always trying to get him to throw some away.”

  Theo frowns. “I’ve gotta get rid of my toys?”

  I slip out the back door, making my getaway, so they can argue that out. Walking a few houses down, I check my surroundings before ducking down the little known path behind my neighbor’s house.

  It’s overgrown, but I don’t mind; it’s the fastest way to Alden. I need to see him one more time, the way only he and I share before I tell anyone we’re leaving. My stomach knots at the thought of never seeing him again.

  I begin to fight the tears building, knowing it won’t help. It never does. I’ve cried many nights after my dad left, hoping he would come back. I want what’s best for Mom, and I know that means sacrifices we may not think is best.

  I fight the weeds and bugs as I sneak down to the river’s edge. I stay just behind the overgrown bushes and trees, so I can listen to him play. He comes down here to practice and he has no clue I’m here.

  Sure enough, I soon hear an acoustic medley echoing over the water. He’s been working on this piece for a while. It’s soothing, yet haunting as it speaks to my forlorn soul.

  I peek around the bush I’m sitting behind. The sun beats down on him, making his blond mop of hair sparkle. I can barely make out the fact that he’s singing, pausing to write something down now and then.

  “I wish we lived in a different place, in a different time. I would tell you how much I love you. I wouldn’t be afraid to speak to you, to open my heart to you,” I whisper as tears fill my eyes, fearful I’ll be overheard.

  “I love your music, it’s like nothing I’ve ever heard.” A knot forms in my throat. “I have to leave soon. I haven’t told many people but, my mom, she’s sick. Most of the time, I think if I don’t say it out loud, it’ll go away.

  “But you, Alden, you know everything so I’m gonna say my goodbye’s here. She’s finished her first round of treatments, but I know things aren’t going well. By next week, I’ll be gone.”

  I want you to know, I love you. No high school crush love or even puppy love. What I feel for you, I feel deeply to my core. I’ll never forget you. I love…”

  “Alden? Alden!” a male voice rings out, sending chills down my spine. “ALDEN!”

  “Yeah!” Alden twists on the rock to the path behind him.

  Gavin, one of his best friends, walks into the clearing. “Man, you need to get home. Now.”

  “What is it?” He stands, putting his guitar in its case.

  Gavin fists his hair as a cool breeze washes over me. “Your parents, dude. Go, Cid needs you.”

  Not another word is exchanged and from here, I can’t see Gavin’s face, but the tremble in his words has chilled me to the bone. I watch as they run up the river bank and out of sight. My chest is heavy with dread.

  My eyes flutter to the ground by the rock. “He forgot his guitar.” I take the shortest route to the other side and find his case where he left it. I’m surprised he hasn’t thought of it.

  Slipping and sliding as I claw my way up the embankment, I get to the top and can see his house from there. Covered in mud and leaves, I sneak to the backdoor, placing the guitar by it.

  A faint sob rips at my heart. I can feel the sorrow with every muffled whimper. I follow the sound to the side of the house. Alden sits against his open window, fighting every tear that falls.

  “Are you okay?” I jump as a woman’s voice trickles down to me.

  He snubs, wiping his face before answering. “I’m fine.”

  I can’t get a good look at his face, so I take a wary step trying to get a better look. A twig breaks beneath me, and I wilt into the side of the house, fear crippling me.

  “Are you sure?” the female voice replies.

  I hear rustling and then a thump. “I forgot my guitar at the river, I’m going to get it.”

  I scramble, running as fast as I can to get away. I hit the edge of the woods just in time to duck behind some dense brush. Alden steps out the door to find his case on the back porch.

  His eyes flicker around the area but I’m hidden, there’s no way he can see me. He’ll never know I brought it back to him. He picks it up, turning back to the house. He’s gone.

  And so am I.

  I stroke the neck of the guitar, tuning it for my next set. The crowd stirs as the sound reverberates off the walls. The drummer taps the symbol, drawing the attention of a table of ladies across from us.

  “Do you give private lessons?” a tall blonde from the corner shouts.

  Mike, the house drummer, smirks. “Sure do, darlin’.” Following with a lower reply, “Until the room next door hears you screamin’ my name.”

  “Keep dreamin’, Alice.” I shake my head as I adjust the mic.

  He twirls the drumsticks. “It’s the sticks, man. Chicks dig’em.”

  “Women like long necks, not little sticks.” Mark chuckles as he slides his hand up the strings of his guitar.

  “They all love the finger work, gentleman,” David replies as he runs his across the keys of the piano.

  I cock my brow. “If y’all are finished measuring each other, can we play now?”

  “You’re just jealous because we get more action,” Mike raps.

  I stand, staring at them with my best sly grin. “Now, boys, we all know lead singers make the panties drop with every growl.” I turn to the microphone as the rhythm of the music fills the air. “How y’all doing tonight?”

  The room fills with catcalls and hoorahs as we start the first set. The night passes swiftly; playing music has always gone by too fast for my liking. I exit the stage and push my way through the crowd and over to my friends.

  “Dude, fuckin’ amazing!” Chord holds his fist out.

  I bump it and quickly wrap his girl in my arms. “Hey, Sarah. How you doin’ love?”

  She giggles as she winks at Chord. “I’m good. Ready to pop in case you haven’t noticed.” She rubs her growing belly.

  “One of these days you’re gonna draw back a nub. You know that, right?” Chord punches my arm.

  “Right.” I nod with a sly grin. “Girls dig scars.”

  “Seriously?” Chord’s the easiest to tick off, but I guess I can understand why. He and Sarah have been through hell and back, I wouldn’t let that go either.

  “Chill, babe.” Sarah rubs his back. “He loves gettin’ you riled because you rise to the occasion.”

  Chord shakes his head. “All these women in here and you come after mine every time.”

  “Cream of the crop.” I waggle my brows at her. “I gotta have the best.”

  “Screw you.” Chord takes a sip of sweet tea. “Sounding good out there, the new songs are badass.”

  “I appreciate that, been workin’ real hard lately.”

  Chord leans in. “Have you heard from anyone?”

  “Same ole crew but there’s hope. I sent in a demo for the Carolina Country Festival.”

  He nods. “I think One knows the guy running it, let me see if we can help.”

  “That would be amazing, thank
you.”

  “It’s all good, I know you’re perfect for that lineup.” He takes a sip of his drink. “Did you know Aksel is working for the same guy?”

  My mouth drops. “You’ve been here this entire time and just now decide to tell me this? This is amazing!”

  “Yeah, he’s mentoring Aksel. I don’t think it’ll be long before he’s signing people.” Chord grins as Sarah returns a smile.

  “Alright, enough shop talk.” Sarah narrows her eyes. “What happened to you and Wendy?”

  I roll my eyes. “Geez, I thought I’d never get rid of her.”

  “What? Oh my god.” She slaps at me. “She’s a good girl.”

  “She was a stage one clinger.”

  Chord does his best not to laugh as Sarah’s mouth pops open. “She is not!”

  “What? I’m telling you, it took me nearly half a day to get her to leave.”

  “Because you only want to ‘hump and dump’,” Chord bellows.

  Sarah quirks her brow. “Mark my word, Alden Beck. One of these days you’ll be singin’ the blues over the one who got away.”

  “If I ever find a girl who can wreck me that way, I’ll not only sing them, I’ll turn blue!”

  Chord shakes his head. “Keep talkin’ shit.”

  “Without a doubt.” We laugh as a redhead across the room catches my eye. “But for now,” I wink at her, “I’ll keep playin’”

  Chord follows my line of sight, cutting his eyes back to me. “So I see. Well, we’re gonna head home and get these two in bed.”

  “Yes, please.” Sarah stands and glances at her feet. “My feet look like beach balls.”

  “At least you have feet, Reese not only couldn’t see hers, neither could we.” I snicker at the memory of my best friend.

  “Walker’s gonna beat your ass.” Chord smirks.

  I shake my head. “Naw, Reese loves me too much.”

  “Alright, man. I’ll hit you up in a few days and give you some details.” Chord holds his fist out toward me.

  “Sounds good.” I bump it. “Y’all go out and populate the earth.”

  “You should try it, everyone’s doing it.” Sarah pulls me into a hug.

  Chord purses his lips. “Get your paws off my woman.”