Teen Crush

s were friendly enough, and Nate had proven to be a great guide, introducing him to people and filling hi

acophony of lockers slamming shut and conversations echoing in the corridors. He caught glimpses of her on the sports field during recess, her ponyt

that Lucas got his ch

-

with her signature no-nonsense attitude, strode to the

a group project analyzing themes in Australian lit

red with someone he didn't know was intimidating enough, but he also dreaded

ough the low murmur of the class. "Lucas Walker..." she said,

ze. *Lily

king at him with a warm, friendly smile. "Guess it's you and me," sh

stare.* "Uh, yeah. Looks like it," he stammer

realized. Her brown eyes were warm and expressive, and when she smiled, a small dimple appeared in

g to a blank page. "We're supposed to pick a book

mbled for an answer. "Uh, I guess I liked *Tomorrow, When the

's so much to talk about-leadership, su

elieved. "Yeah,

ous. She asked thoughtful questions, jotting down ideas as they discussed key moments in the book. What surpr

as she tapped her pen against he

dad got a job here, so we m

said, nodding. "Do

ght words. "It's... different. Quiete

ng reassuring about it. "Willow Sp

ed by how quickly the period had flown by. As students began pa

t at the library after school on Mon

quickly. "Y

moment before she turned and walked toward the door. Lucas watch

-

ugh, the way she leaned in slightly when she listened-all of it seemed impossibly vivid. For the fir

n arm over his shoulder. "So, how's the group proj

but couldn't help la

're working with Lily Summers. That's prac

st a project," he muttered, though he

t is," Nate sa

ntil Monday. He wasn't sure what it was about Lily that made him feel

s, things were starting to look up. And maybe, just ma