Luci Forrester “I’m late, I’m late…” I mutter as I race through the corridors to get to class. Professor Elkins is not always forgiving, and if she makes me stand in front of the class to explain my tardiness, I won’t be able to stand it. I keep muttering to myself, and I hear the jingle start in my head. The white rabbit in the animated Alice in Wonderland. “I’m late, and I’m late for a very important date. No time to say hello goodbye, I’m late, I’m late, I’m…” I can see the entire movie playing before my eyes. “AHHH!” I let out an involuntary scream as I crash into a huge hard wall. I glance up and want to die. It’s not a wall I ran into, rather a concrete human body. My eyes are probably the size of saucers as I stare up into the face of one of the four kings of Kenton. The Reed “brothers” who rule the ice here at Kenton University and then the town along with their parents. I happened to run into the most ruthless one, Easton. He’s the hockey center and the most wanted bachelor probably among all the universities in this state. Which is code for entitled playboy in my book. The puck bunnies line up for him after every practice and game. He’s also the coldest and cruelest of the four. Great, just what I needed. My left pointer finger immediately begins scraping its nail along my thumb as I wait for him to explode. He’s not known for his pleasantness, and I pray he doesn’t remember me from the other two encounters we’ve had in the last two years. My thoughts roll around in my head as I shake it a little to focus. That Dam white rabbit analogy distracted me. “I’m…sorry. I was chasing a rabbit.” I say with agitation, and he narrows his eyes at me. They are the most interesting color, like a silver with a hint of the palest ice blue throughout. That nonsense slipped out and I wince realizing he’ll think I’m clumsy and nuts. I concentrate hard to focus and get my thoughts in line. Come on brain! “Luci!” I hear my best friend cry out from down the hall. I peer around the massive hockey player and see Syd waving madly at me. The giant in front of me shifts to block my view shifting my attention back to him. Like I could forget he was here. They call him the Icebreaker because he basically mows down anything in his path to get to the goal. An angry frown appears on Easton’s face as I chance a look back up. “Is that your ‘rabbit’ you were chasing?” Oh god, his voice. I forgot how it affects you. It’s like the deepest, most gravelly sound I’ve ever heard. Not even in those online videos about the books I read do they sound like that. I can almost hear my eardrum tingling as it rolls through my head. “Ummm, no. I…” “Easton!!! Jackson!!!” A loud happy wail followed by a trill of laughter peals from behind me. I dare not turn to look, but see Jackson Reed’s blue eyes move from my face to the hall behind me. They narrow more and I wonder if he minds the attention. I had a class with him last year. He ignored me and every other girl in there. He’s almost as tall as his twin brother which is probably like jolly green giant height. I mean seriously, I could get a n**k cramp staring up at these guys. Probably six-six or six-seven. They both have short ash blonde hair and while Easton’s is ruffled and messy, Jackson’s is styled smoother. Easton tilts his head slightly as his eyes don’t waver. “Shouldn’t you be running after your rabbit… Luci?” And now I know what an eargasm feels like when he says my name. What the hll is wrong with me today? This guy wants to kill me, I’m sure while I’m trying not to drool over his voice. And I shouldn’t, knowing he finds me as reprehensible as the rest of his team. I nod quickly and begin to step around him, but not before whispering. “Sorry.” Hopefully that doesn't revisit me later with some form of revenge. I walk fast, darting around the corner and peeking in the thin strip of glass to see Professor Elkins talking. Syd catches my attention and I see her hold up three fingers. I nod and wait to see her reach down before she throws something at the windows on the opposite wall. Professor Elkins turns to investigate the intrusion, and I slip in the door creeping to the first seat available. Syd gives me a thumbs up with a sneaky grin. Luckily, none of the football or hockey teams are in here or they would draw attention to our subterfuge to make me squirm. I pull out my notebook silently and begin taking notes of what she’s written on the board. This is one of my least favorite classes, but it’s mandatory for graduation. I do better with numbers than I do dry boring history. They just suit my scattered brain better. When I was ten, my teacher noticed I was always spaced out except during math class. She called my foster mom, Janet, and had a conference. After that, Janet took me to see a specialist. Mrs. Jenkins had suggested I was struggling with my focus so much and needed help. I was diagnosed with inattentive ADHD, a milder form of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Rather than have the hyperactive component, I was withdrawn and would daydream most of the day. Extremely unorganized and my brain rambles around with the weirdest pattern of thoughts. A lot like living in Wonderland with Alice sometimes. Janet was the nicest foster mom I had. I lived with her the longest too, for almost ten years. She took me to see a play therapist and other forms of interactive therapy where I learned some tricks to help me manage my situation. I met Sydney Olmos at an art therapy class when I was twelve. She was there waiting on her older brother, Banning, who has his own focus issues. She walked right over and introduced herself to me. Turns out we went to the same school and in the same grade, but I had never noticed her. She asked me three questions; my favorite color, favorite food and whether or not I thought Tommy Baldon in our class was cute. After she heard my answers, she declared we would be best friends from then on. And we were. I was surprised. She learned tricks to make sure I stayed focused around her and would defend me when I needed it. It helped that most didn’t pay that much attention to me when she was around. Still don’t to this day. It’s never bothered me. Syd always tells me I’m beautiful, but I’m not too concerned about my looks. One more thing I don't have time to worry about. I am what I am and if they only want to judge me on my looks, then so be it. Which is five seven with very little to brag about for my figure. My light brown hair and brown eyes are nothing special or unique. I have a small smattering of freckles across my nose and upper cheeks. No where else on my pale skin. Sydney's the typical American dream girl with blonde curly hair and dark blue eyes. Only an inch taller than me with a perfect figure and a year-round golden tan. All eyes are usually on her, which helps me a lot. Gives me time and space to organize my thoughts sometimes. Class ends and Syd comes to wait for me. “That was close.” She says with a big smile, and I laugh. “Thanks, Syd. I hit an icy impasse.” She tugs my arm and puts her finger to her l**s until we hit the hallway. “Did he do anything to you?” She whispers worriedly. “No, I think one of the puck bunnies showed up, so he was more concerned with that. Let me go with a little taunt, and that’s it.” I shrug, and we move cautiously around the corner. Thankfully, it's mostly empty. "So he didn't remember you from last year?" She asks as we head toward her car. "Didn't seem to." I say as I climb in. Last year, I'd been in the middle of heading to a table in the student center with my lunch. Naturally, I'd been lost in my head trying to organize my assignments for the day. Wasn't paying attention which was completely my fault. Jim, one of the football players had tripped me. I went flying as did my tray of food. While the fries and nuggets weren't a problem, the open yogurt cup was. Strawberry yogurt flew out and pelted none other than the quarterback of the football team, Julian. He'd snarled and gotten up shouting obscenities at me. In revenge, he grabbed his water bottle and dumped it on me. My shirt was completely soaked, and of course, it was mostly white, so it became transparent. I'd hunched into myself as they all laughed. It mostly cleared out after that. I sat there until the football team left. A pair of extremely large feet had come to stand right in front of me. When I dared to look up, I stared into those narrowed angry eyes I admired earlier today. That was the first time I heard his voice. He had blotches of strawberry yogurt on his jeans, and I gasped. "I... I didn't..." Before I could finish, he had growled. Full on growled like some kind of angry wolf. "You fking did! Here, it's already ruined by you anyway. You should cover yourself!" He said angrily as I stared at the floor both humiliated and furious. I glanced up to see him reach behind his n**k with one hand and pull the black hoodie he wore off in one swift, easy movement. He dumped it on my head and strode off. I'd tugged it on, grateful for it while wanting to burn it. All day long, I tried to ignore the scent of it. Sydney teased me about it, but stopped when I told her the whole story. "Burn it when you get home. But it's useful for now, babe." Syd's voice then echoes as she calls me softly. "Luci… Luci… tune back in, babe." I shake my head. "Sorry, Syd. Are we going to pick up Barrett? I can watch him while you go to the lab tonight." "I appreciate it. We're going to make it, Luci. Last year of school." I stem the hopeful joy and answer practically. “Only 155 school days left until graduation. Now to survive the final year of god.”

Luci I’ve always had horrible timing. Not just with my focus and disorganization issues, but like the universe arranging events in my life. I woke up late this morning after setting my alarm wrong. The coffee shop we stop at for breakfast some mornings was packed which set me back an extra ten minutes. I am a glutton for routine. Partly because it helps me stay on track and also because boring is comforting. Growing up in foster care, you had to worry about being moved around suddenly. Until I moved in with Janet when I was eight, I moved at least three or four times a year. So doing the same old thing every day works for me just fine. I'm letting the song lyrics roll through my head as I desperately try to remember the name of the actual song. I should just look it up, but I can only catch one word out of ten each time I hear it. It takes me a minute to realize the girl behind the counter is calling to me. "Oh, sorry. I'd like a Chai latte and a blueberry muffin." "Sorry, we just sold the last blueberry muffin to the guy in front of you. How about something else?" More proof my timing suks. Great! I hurry to look into the case. I was really craving a blueberry muffin. One with plump juicy berries and extra streusel topping… FOCUS LUCI! I shout at myself. "Umm, how about a cheese danish then." "And we're out of Chai to make the lattes." Double great. "Just a regular vanilla latte then." I say with disappointment. I walk back to my car n******g on the danish I didn't want and sip my coffee. It's more acceptable than the danish. That stubid song tune begins dancing in my head again. After my first class, I call my boss and see if anyone has inquired about me working for them. Mrs. Simpson sighs and tells me it's been very slow lately, but she’s hopeful something will turn up soon. I hang up with her. I can wait a few more weeks before I really need to be working. I have enough saved to survive easily for another two months. But I don't like to leave that up to chance or get too close to being broke. Unlike a lot of my peers here, I have no one to fall back on if that happens. I walk into my third class of the day and slither to a halt right inside the door. Usually I get to this class early enough I can get to the seats in the back. But somehow the two football players and the hockey team have shown up way early today. I take a quick breath and focus on moving to the steps on the side. With luck, I'll walk right past them. But as I pass the second row, I feel the tug on my backpack and barely manage to stay upright. "It's the curse. Did you guys know she was in here? Maybe we should tell the professor we won't sit in class with such bad luck." I glare at Deacon White, the wide receiver for the football team. He loves to verbally tease me. Julian, the quarterback is here too. He glares at me with hatred. He thinks he has reason. I stand still and stare at a spot on the wall before me. Class will start soon enough and they’ll release me. I used to pop off with snide rejoinders but it had no effect and seemed to put a bigger target on my back. My silence has honestly allowed them to mostly ignore me unless they are bored. "Hey Reed, you seen the curse in here before?" Deacon taunts. In my periphery I spot the four kings. "I don't look for mice usually." One of the other hockey team members, Maxton Porter calls out mockingly. "She could be fun to hunt though. You'd like that wouldn't you little mouse? If we hunted you. Not that the catch would be anything you enjoyed. We could exorcise the curse finally." I stepped on his foot a few weeks ago and made him spill his drink on himself. He was flirting with two girls who laughed at him and took off. Since then, he’s been especially hateful. I see even Deacon raise an eyebrow to that. That sounds dark and disgusting. Kind of like a walking sewer trap that guy. Before I can stop it, my brain is swirling around seeing some tall green goo covered guy that smells like rotting eggs chasing me like in the old Scooby Doo cartoons Barrett watches some afternoons. "Hey, don't ignore me, you filthy little Beach! You should be glad I even noticed you." A vice-like grip descends on my wrist and my n**k. I yelp in pain and fall, but the grip doesn't lessen. Deacon is on his feet. "I didn't mean for you to t***h her man!" Maxton is staring down at me, his eyes blazing. Suddenly, another hand clamps down on the one holding my wrist. It swallows his and even wraps around my hand a little. "Release her now! You took it too far, Maxton." Becker Reed's angry voice permeates my fear. "Coach will have your bottom if she presses charges." "Be ready, little mouse. Your time is coming. Press charges, and I'll make sure you really don't enjoy it." He snarls as he stomps away. Becker holds his hand out to help me up, but I shy away before using the wall to stand up. I'm going to have a set of bruises on my wrist and n**k. "Does your wrist feel broken?" He asks quietly. "Would it matter?" I stomp up the stairs to my seat away from them, refusing to cry. I hate this school and the athletic departments. The football and hockey coaches are brothers. Nothing would happen if I complained. They rule the school and then the Reed family rules the city. If I didn't have a full scholarship here, I'd leave in a heartbeat. Julian scoffs. "I think I'll bounce today. Will tell Coach Humphries she's in this class when I go hit the gym.” He raises his eyebrows at me as he smirks. I slump down in my seat and make it through class, hardly daydreaming because I'm so angry. My wrist is throbbing too. I need to ice it. I let them leave first, not even moving for almost five minutes after they walk. I do see Becker stare up at me for a few seconds. He's probably worried I'll call campus security and have his teammate benched. I walk into my next class and take a seat. Before it begins, I see one of the campus clinic nurses walk in. She looks around and then points to me. "Luci Forrester?" I nod. She hands me an ice pack that can be velcroed around my wrist. "I was told to deliver that by the hockey coach." I take it wishing I could throw it in Maxton's face instead. "Thank you." She smiles and walks away. I leave my last class and decide I will stop and get an iced coffee as a treat for this awful day. I'm almost to the coffee shop when I hear a car going way too fast for this curvy one-lane campus road. I see a young blonde boy stepping off the sidewalk to cross the street. The car isn’t slowing down and I spot why. The driver is holding his phone up at eye level. That boy will be crushed. "LOOK OUT!" I scream and my feet move of their own volition. I make it to him in time to grab him and throw us both to the ground. I managed to land with him mostly on top of me to avoid scraping him up. Ignoring the pain from sliding across the concrete, I hurry to wrap him up with as much of my body as I can. The car clips two others racing straight through the spot the little boy was frozen in. He hits a tree not far from us, and I hear other people screaming. One lady comes up and helps me to my feet. "I saw the whole thing. It's a good thing you were paying attention at that very minute." More like a miracle I wasn't chasing a heffalump or something similar with my scatterbrain I think. I don't express that. I crouch down, holding my hand out to him. "Hey. My name's Luci. Can you move your arms and legs, sweetie?" He nods with tears in his eyes. "Do you hurt anywhere?" "My knee." I glance at it to see the slight scrape. "We'll get that all taken care of once the ambulance arrives. What's your name?" A small crowd has formed, but I ignore them and focus on him. "Co...Cole." He stammers out. His teeth are chattering, and I realize he could be going into shock from the scare. I struggle to focus and remember he needs to stay warm. Quickly, I tug the hoodie over my head and slip it on him. "Here sweetie, we need to keep you warm. Talk to me ok. What were you doing out here by yourself?" "My nanny left me. She's mean and she wanted coffee. I didn't want to go. She was mad mad and went inside. I was sposed to wait over there. But the wind took my paper. I chased it.” My anger spikes at that. "Cole, how old are you?" The woman who helped me stands listening. I think she's recording it with her phone, but I don't really care. "Four." fking i***t is my first thought along with needing to take a pair of pliers and a blowtorch to her sorry bottom. She left a four year old by himself. "Do you know her name?" He nods slowly. "Madison." The woman next to me scoffs. "She'll show up and be all concerned in a minute. You mark my words." Before she could though, an ambulance's sirens make their presence known. "Cole, the ambulance is coming. We'll see about calling your parents. Can you..." "OH MY GOD! COLE? COLE?" A tall redhead comes running in, screaming her head off. The woman next to me mutters, "Well, she makes quite an entrance." She clears her throat. "Are you the infamous Madison who abandoned your ward?" "Shut up lady! COLE!" She runs toward the car. I glance down at Cole who is trying to hide his face in my hoodie. I smile at him. "It's ok sweetie. You can hide in there. I won't tell her where you are until we get you near the ambulance." Two of them park along with a fire truck and a few police cars. The lady with me is very helpful. She asks me for my name and number. I rattle it off watching Cole the entire time. She texts me something. "I am Mary. I sent you my name and the video." Mary begins waving the paramedics our way. "Was someone hurt here?" "This brave young woman pulled that little boy out of the path of the car. They landed hа'rd-on the sidewalk. Might need to be checked over." I appreciate her taking charge. "Miss, is he your son?" "No, this is Cole. We just met." I smile at him, and he pokes his head out of the hoodie. "Hi Cole, I'm Warner. Did you get hurt?" He crouches down beside me. "My knee burns. My shoulder hurts." He says in a small voice. "I tried to let him land on top of me. He may have bumped his shoulder." I say with regret. "You did more than enough getting him out of the road, Miss..." "Luci, Luci Forrester." "Miss Forrester. Cole, can we put you on the stretcher in the ambulance to take you to the hospital? We'll bandage your knee first." He shies away and stares at me. "Can Luci come with me?" Warner stares at me. "Sure I can. Come on sweetie. I'll carry you." I lift him up, and that horrid screaming starts again. "OH COLE! THANK GOD YOU'RE OK!" A blur of red hair moves in next to us and she yanks on Cole trying to take him from me. He grips my n**k tight, crying. "NO! NO! WANT LUCI! NO!" "COLE! Don't be silly. Come to Madison." She tugs on him again almost pulling us down. Warner touches her arm at that. "Miss, you'll need to let him go. He doesn't want to go with you. Who are you?" Two police officers have now come to our side. "I'm his nanny. He's being ridiculous." She scoffs. "Cole, I'm Officer Perkins. Is she your nanny?" His voice is gentle and calm. "Yes, but she left me!" He sobs into my n**k, and I sway him back and forth. "Could we put him in the ambulance so they can bandage his knee and then answer questions?" I ask softly. They all agree except Madison. Mary shows the officers the video while we get Cole bandaged up. Officer Perkins comes back over. "Ok, Cole. You don't have to go with Madison to the hospital. We'll get her to call your family so they can be there." He throws Madison a dirty look. "And Luci can come with me?" He asks in that small voice. "She can if she has time." I nod at the officer. "Great. I'll meet you there. Good thing you were here when it happened, Luci." I silently agree. Maybe my timing is looking better after all to some people.

Luci “Miss Forrester, we need to check you over also.” Amy, the nurse who finished looking at Cole, smiles at me. “I’m fine. Just going to be sore.” I wave my hand at her. “Well, that wrist doesn’t look like it. But that isn’t from saving Mr. Cole there.” She raises an eyebrow, and I glance at my wrist. I’d already forgotten about Maxton. That felt like days ago. You could see the faint purpling blooming under the skin already. I don't deny it. "No, but it isn't what you think it is either. Honestly, I'm fine. The EMTs looked over me before we left. I'll have scrapes and bruises, but that's it." They bandaged the worst one on my arm after they cleaned it. It was going to be a pain with my clothes for a few days. Which reminds me, I've lost my hoodie for good, I think. I see Cole snuggled into it fully after his examination. He looks pretty good in purple. I won't ask for it back. Especially with the orange popsicle he's dripping all over it. One less thing to try to wash today. Oh wait, did I leave the dryer on when I left? Not that it matters a whole seven hours later, but since I heard no sirens, I guess my apartment complex didn't turn into a raging inferno. I'm sure the headlines would be so forgiving. 'Scatterbrained student sets fire to half of campus apartment life by leaving her dryer running while not at home.' "Luci?" Cole is staring at me. "Hey. Sorry, I spaced out a minute. Did you need me?" I usually do better with kids. For some reason, I don't go on twisty brain paths when I am with them, maybe because they talk a lot and are playing ninety to nothing, giving me no time to wander off. "No. You made a face like you hurt." "I probably did. I remembered something I might have messed up, and I got worried." I smile at him. "Cole." A firm voice calls out, and I turn to see a woman with dirty blonde hair cut to chin length walking toward the bed. She wears a dark pink tea-length wrap dress and unclothed heels. Her makeup is understated, but her jewelry is not. She's dripping in diamonds. Not huge ones, but several pieces. I count a tennis bracelet, two other bracelets with some type of diamond and precious stone, three rings, earrings and a diamond necklace to match her bracelet. "Grandmother." Cole says quickly, and goes back to eating his popsicle like she'll take it away. "You aren't the nurse I see." She looks down her nose at me. "No, but I can call Amy." I press the call button on the bed but don't stand up. I'm tired and honestly sore already. Amy walks over a friendly smile on her face as she greets our visitor. "Hi, you must be Grandma." "I'm Imogen Walters, and that is my grandson, Cole. Is he injured? An Officer Perkins gave me the accident details but nothing about his injuries.” “A few scratches and maybe some shoulder bruising. Miss Forrester used her body to cushion his fall." Amy sounds proud, and I watch that woman's cold blue eyes turn toward me. I have a feeling they are never warm considering the way she looked over the precious little boy in front of me. Not a hug for him after the traumatic event he went through too. My heart hurts for him. I remember wishing for hugs not much older than him. Wondering what it would be like to be soothed with love rather than quick words to toughen up. I reach over and squeeze Cole's arm with a smile. I'll be sure to hug him before I leave if she lets me at least. Someone must give him affection because he seems very sweet. Vaguely, I hear an irritated voice filter through. I became accustomed to tuning out yelling and aggravated voices as a kid the way I grew up. Reminds me I need to call Janet and check in. I miss her. I turn back toward Mrs. Walters realizing that's her voice I'm tuning out. “Miss Forrester! Are you even listening to me?” I snap back to her. Her shocked outrage is obvious. “I’m sorry. It’s been a long day, and I think the shock of it all is finally creeping in on me.” It is. But I don’t like to explain my wandering mind to strangers unless necessary. “I asked if I could compensate you in any way besides your hospital bill.” She folds her arms and taps her foot. “Oh no! That’s more than enough.” I watch the relief in her eyes. “Very well.” And like that, I am dismissed. I turn to Cole. “I am happy I got to meet you, Mr. Cole. You were a big brave boy today.” “I’ll miss you, Luci.” He stares at me sadly. “Miss you too. Bye, Cole.” I give him a hug and leave reluctantly. I never had a grandmother but Imogen Walters seemed like she didn’t even come close to deserving that title. With a little finger wave, I start walking out of the triage area. I walk outside wondering if I can call an Uber back to campus. It's not the shortest walk from here. As I pull up the app on my phone, I hear a whistle. "Hey, Luci." I turn and see Warner, the EMT. "You need a ride back to campus? Our station is right next to it." I give him a grateful smile. "That would be awesome." He nods. "Come on. You can tell us about the prim and proper dragon grandmother that was meeting with the abandoning nanny." I laugh at his descriptions. They drop me off right where the accident occurred, which is fine. My car is only one block over. I glance at the tree where a tow truck is working to pull the car away from it. I shudder internally, glad a little boy is not pinned between the two. Or anyone else. Warner said the driver had some broken bones but should recover. Hopefully, their phone broke, too. I turn my head back right as I am about to bump into a tall human. I stop an inch short, thankfully, when I see the Four Kings. Naturally, it would have been Easton I hit again. I step back, hoping he didn't see me. No such luck today though. I start to move around as they fan out blocking my path. Nothing but a wall of blonde haired giants. Easton and Jackson are twins. But so are Becker and Kingston. They are close to the same age at least that's the rumor around campus. There are whispers all the time about them, from their dating lives to what their true family connections are. They've told others they are brothers, but that's not biologically possible. Probably adopted, but it's not really my business. I know better than anyone that a family is not always any sort of traditional. Becker and Kingston resemble Easton and Jackson enough that you know they have to be related. Their hair is more golden blonde than ash and they have sky blue eyes unlike Easton's silvery blue and Jackson's ice blue. Kingston's hair brushes his shoulders and he usually pulls it back in the popular man bun style. Becker's is more like Easton's, slightly shaggy and always windblown. I gaze up at them as I take two steps back, intending to skirt around the hockey team wall. "Luci, you were sent an ice wrap. Did you lose it?" Becker's voice asks calmly. He's the most friendly one of the four and I use that term loosely. More like he won't bite... Glancing down at my wrist, I think of Cole playing with it in the ambulance. He needed a distraction and I handed it over to him. He'd been so cute saying "no, that's for boo boos" until I insisted my boo boo was all better. Before I can answer, Easton's growling voice comes out. "Of course, she lost it. She's not even bright enough to be wearing a jacket outside, knowing she's going to shiver." He says mockingly, but there's a tinge of anger in there. His eyes are flashing. I roll my eyes and begin moving to get around them. He calls out louder. "Can't do any better than eye rolling? You do turn up in the most inopportune places, don't you?" I scowl as I keep walking. He has no idea the inopportune places I've suffered in. I hear Warner's voice from the ambulance. He's about to pull away from the curb. "Hey Luci, are you ok? He bothering you?" And sometimes my scatterbrain fires off things faster than I can blink or think better of. "He'd have to matter to bother me. I'm fine. Thanks, Warner." I wave to him. Keep walking Luci. That was probably not the smartest idea, though it was satisfying. I hear a hiss behind me and what sounds like a chuckle smothered by a cough. "Dam East, you might need some ice for that burn." That's Kingston's quiet voice. I turn the corner and let my eyes travel their way. Easton stands staring at me with his fists clenched. He quickly glances over his shoulder when Jackson whispers something. "Careful you don't get caught in the same trap as your rabbit Luci." He says coldly and I repress the shiver. But then I spot the football team walking toward the Reed brothers. That's enough of an impetus to get into my car quickly and leave. When I wake the next morning, I g***n. It feels like a truck ran over me. I'll grab some ibuprofen and a hot shower to hopefully fix this. I'm walking to my first class of the day, when my phone rings with an unknown number. I answer, wondering what this telemarketer is trying to sell me. I'm surprised when I hear that austere voice again. "Miss Forrester, this is Imogen Walters." "Hello, Mrs. Walters. Is Cole alright?" "Yes, he's fine. I have something to discuss with you after yesterday's unpleasant incident." Uh oh, this can't be good... “I’m contacting you about a job, Miss Forrester. With the holidays approaching, I have a very packed social calendar. Cole needs a nanny Monday through Friday after preschool and occasionally on Saturday mornings. There would also be some Saturday evenings when we have plans. During the week you would transport him from preschool to our home and watch him until 6. He’s done with school at 2:30. The preschool isn't far from campus. With Madison's actions yesterday, I can no longer employ her. Does what I've outlined interest you?” I quickly think over my schedule. My latest class gets out at 1:30 on Tuesdays and Thursdays. “Yes.” I answer simply. I got the impression she likes to talk plenty but not listen equally. “You could handle the hours set forth?” “Yes.” I should still be able to help Syd with her nephew, Barrett if she needs it. “Very well. I will draw up a contract. The pay is $1000 a week.” She lets that hang there and I wait wondering if I imagined that. “You may have to change hours at a moment’s notice, so I believe in compensating you for your time. Tentative time frame is until a few weeks after New Year's, though it could be extended." I do some quick math. With that, I would not have to work again until after I graduate. "That all sounds very fair." I answer, knowing I'd be stubid to refuse this job. "Very well. I can spare time to meet with you today at my home. I will text you the address. Be there at 3:30. I do not care for tardiness, Miss Forrester." She hangs up and I wonder if she cares for manners towards others. Still, even with her as my employer, this sounded too good to be true. Hopefully, it isn't.

Luci When I arrive at the address Mrs. Walters sent me, I didn't expect to need to be buzzed into a massive white iron gate. The house behind it doesn't come into view until I round a curve. I gasp out loud as I stare at it. This is what a mansion looks like is all I could think. I lived in many different sized houses and even a few apartments as a kid. Janet's house was the biggest I'd ever been in and it was only like eighteen hundred square feet with four bedrooms. We had bunk beds, two sets in each room. I doubt anyone shares a room in this place. It's all gray and white stone with white bricks. The front double doors are mostly glass with an understated blue color on the sides. White ornate flower arrangements hang on each door. I park and slowly walk toward the door, stuffing my hands into my jacket. I dressed a little nicer wearing black pants and a blue sweater. Hopefully there isn't a dress code. I ring the bell, blowing out a slow breath. Calm down butterflies, I tell my stomach. A man wearing a white shirt and black pants answers the door. "Yes, may I help you?" "Hi, I'm Luci Forrester. I am supposed to meet Mrs. Walters here at 3:30." He blinks twice before stepping back. "Of course, Miss Forrester. Please follow me to the mistress's tea room. I'm Baker the butler." At that I bite my l*p not to laugh. That would be so inappropriate right now. Who has a butler these days?! And really he's Baker the Butler? Is the cook named Butler, because my mind will just explode at that point. Stop it, Luci, I fuss at myself; otherwise, I am going to giggle. I leave that train of thought to board the next one, which is WOW. The floors are white and black marble, so shiny someone must mop and polish them daily. Huge chandeliers adorn the wide foyer with a fancy wrought iron table and matching mirror above it to my right. Set off slightly to my right is one of those massive wide staircases you see in the movies. It's all very fancy and ostentatious but impressive nonetheless. Baker leads me up the stairs and knocks on a door next to a set of glass doors housing what appears to be a small city library. To the left is one closed door on a long wall. "Come in, Baker." There she is. He opens the door, gesturing for me to walk in with one arm extended to keep the door back. I take that to mean I enter without him. Again, I need to keep my mouth shut forcibly. The room has white wainscoting with pink and blue floral toile wallpaper. The furniture is all white with frilly pillows on the white couch. A huge chandelier resides in here also. I see Mrs. Walters sitting at a small bistro table. It has a huge vase of pink roses on top. "Miss Forrester, you found the address." She sounds surprised, and I wonder how low her bar is set for me. I simply nod and wait. "If you will sit here, I have a contract for your employment. I kept it simple, so it's only one page long. Also, this is a non-disclosure agreement. You will be prohibited from revealing any information about my family and friends. You can say you keep a young boy named Cole, but nothing else, even his last name, can be revealed. If so, you will be in violation, Miss Forrester, and it is a steep penalty. I trust this isn't a problem." "I have one question, Mrs. Walters. Once a week, I have to pick up my best friend's nephew from after-school care. He's five. Would that be a problem? I could have Cole at my place or could take him with me and they could perhaps play together. I wouldn't tell him anything other than Cole's first name." I wait nervously. If not, Syd said she would make other arrangements. "I think that would be fine. Cole would like to have someone he could play with. Pick him up when you collect Cole and bring them here. If it becomes a problem, I will not hesitate to end the arrangement." I'm sure she won't. "Thank you, Mrs. Walters." She hands over the papers, and I read them, trying to pay attention to all the legal jargon. The contract is easy, set up in lay terms, but the NDA is a disaster. All I get from it is that I will owe her a million dollars if I violate the agreement. That's enough for me to know I'll never do that. She subtly pushes a pen in my direction, and I sign them both. I receive a tight smile in response. "Are you ready to begin today? Cole is most anxious to see you again. Baker will be able to go over all the things you should need to know also." "Yes, I am." I had prepared for this. "Follow me." She leads me out of the room and down the stairway. I hear Cole laughing at something, and it makes me smile. At least he's not sitting somewhere having to write lines about proper decorum or behavior. We round a corner into a massive gray and white marble kitchen. The cabinets are painted a light blue with silver appliances. Cole sits at the island eating cookies with a glass of milk. "Madam." Baker says formally, and Cole turns to wave, but then his eyes light up and he leaps off the stool causing it to crash to the ground. Mrs. Walters immediately barks out his name, "Cole Matthew!" He stops looking afraid. "Sorry Grandmother, I pick it up." He turns immediately to do that as she sighs. "Baker, Luci will begin watching Cole today. Can you please go over his routine and show her around the house?" "Yes, I will." He nods at me, and I wonder if he's friendly. Cole was laughing in here moments ago. "Perfect. I will be going over to Lorraine's then. Be back in time for dinner. We have no guests scheduled. No need for Cole to change tonight. He can have his bath and be in pajamas for dinner." She walks away, and Cole comes to launch himself at me. "You came to watch me. I said only Luci." He's bouncing in my arms and I set him down. "I'm here. And now I feel really special that you wanted me. Are you done with your cookies?" He nods at me happily. "Ok, we'll go play, but I think Mr. Baker needs to show me the ropes first." Cole giggles. "We don't have ropes." "You do. You just don't know it." I tickle his side and turn to face the butler. He's smiling at us. "Just Baker, Miss Luci. Cole has his snack when he gets home, and it's not cookies, but he helped me tidy the playroom before you got here, and that was his reward. After that he plays in the playroom or outside, weather permitting. Dinner is at five unless there is a big family dinner planned that he is to attend. Bath is at six and bed is at six thirty or seven though you will usually be gone by then. Tonight will be bath at five thirty and dinner at six though. I will inform you each day when you arrive if madam does not." I try to commit that to memory. Maybe I can put it in my phone in a minute so I don't scr'w it up. "If you are only Baker, then I'm only Luci." "Sorry, Miss Luci. It wouldn't do for me to forget in front of the boss. But I will try to do it when we are alone. Cole has his snack here in the kitchen. Come, and I'll show you the living room, outside, playroom, and his bedroom." The living room is massive with a huge projection tv and large leather couches. I try not to gawk as we walk through the french doors to a fenced-in outside area. There's a playground, zipline, table and other things. "There's a lot more yard, Luci, but this is where he usually plays." Baker informs me. "Could he have his snack out here sometimes too?" I ask and see Cole's big grin. "Yes, he loves to be outside. Madison did not care to be outdoors much." His face is impassive, but I catch the ripple of disapproval. "She was no fun. Only wanted to play on her phone. No hugs too." Cole tells me watching Baker's face. "Luci saved me, Baker. And she let me have a popsicle before dinner." I eye him, trying not to laugh. "I like to be outside. If it's nice weather, we'll have your snack out here and then decide where to play. And you got a popsicle because that was a rough day. I think they should have given me one too." An adult one with rum in it, I add in my head. At least that would work if I drank.... Baker leads us back indoors. I notice how he is gentle with Cole. Maybe he's the one who has kept his disposition so sweet. I follow him down a hallway at the base of the stairs, and he shows me the playroom. It's as big as my apartment. Baker leads me to another door farther down, and I mumble a few words about a map. He turns to say quickly, "I am always here, Miss Luci. I will give you my phone number, and you can call me should you need anything. Or yell my name like Cole does. He has run of the house too, so he will show you around." "Thank you." I reply sincerely. He opens the door to Cole's bedroom and I step in laughing. "You don't like Star Wars, do you, Cole?" I look over the spaceship shaped bed complete with lightsabers and guns. On every wall is every possible decoration from the movies imaginable. "I'm a Jedi Luci. Sometimes I dark side and sometimes I light side." He holds one of his lightsabers pointed at me. "I'm going to be Dark Vader for trick or treat." "Well, I can't wait to see that. How about you show me where all your pajamas are and your bathroom before we go play?" Baker nods approvingly at me and leaves. Cole is more than eager to show me all of his things before he takes me to the playroom. After his bath, Baker comes and tells me I can leave to go home. Cole's face falls. "She can eat dinner with me." "Your grandmother are here to eat with you." He says softly and Cole looks no happier. "Tomorrow night Luci can, she will be out late." Which means I'll be here late. I leave realizing it will be a fairly easy job, especially when Imogen Walters isn't around. Three nights later, I'm laughing at Cole as he takes the bubbles I put in his bath and blows them at the wall. I put a pile on top of his head and showed him how he looked in my phone. He'd laughed, thinking it was hilarious. I sit back as he plays with his toys not needing me for a minute. His little laughs soothe me and today I need them. My usual tormentors had seemed to be in foul moods and they decided to take it out on me when they saw me in class today. Julian had set the entire thing off with Deacon joining him. Julian had snarled that I could at least try to make myself scarce when he was around. To make matters worse, I was only barely paying attention to him because I was going through my schedule today and trying to mentally review my notes for a test in a later class. It infuriated him and he'd gotten right in my face talking about how I'm not even smart enough to fight back. I'd given him a perplexed look at that. "You want me to insult your pea brain" had slipped out easily and the veins in his n**k had visibly swelled. "Mouthy little mouse." That voice behind me had me on edge. I get the worst vibes off that Maxton guy. "I smell you little mouse, your fear." "Hope it's not as bad as your breath. Back off you creep." I had quickly spun away to put some distance between us, worried Maxton might t***h me again. Before anything else could happen, I'd heard him before I saw him. Easton called out, "Someone causing trouble again? Haven't learned from the last encounter...." He'd moved in front of me blocking their view of me with his arms folded over his chest before smirking. His brothers naturally flanked him. I'd pushed past him, making sure I hit him with my shoulder, which was petty, but I was done. "Luci, bubble beard!" I return to the present to smile at him and his silliness. "I like it, Coco." I called him yesterday while we were playing and he thought it was hilarious. "Let's get out so you can eat dinner." He races ahead of me once we are down the stairs. "Race Luci!" I follow behind slowly, intending to let him win. Before I turn the corner, I hear him squeal. "Daddy!" Cole is launching himself at a tall guy crouched down. I gasp audibly as I hear that voice that no one will ever forget. "Cole." Then his eyes meet mine and I shrink back at the swirling storm of emotions in them. “Luci, this is my daddy. His name is Easton.”

Luci   Easton Reed is Cole's father...that would not have ever been a thought in my mind. Though looking at him grinning next to the crouching Icebreaker hockey captain, I can see it. Cole's eyes are mostly light blue, but there is a hint of that silver color there. His hair is a little more golden, but there's a lot of ash blonde mixed in. I step back as my mind swirls with that new information. My finger begins swiping across my thumb nail. It's my coping mechanism for calming myself as I try to process new information or deal with stress. I have questions. Not that I would get answers. Since I can’t ask, I let my brain take off on its own. I suppose I can go back to job hunting. There is no way the four kings will allow me anywhere near their son and nephew. I assumed Cole's surname was Walters since he seems to live with his grandparents. I should have asked. Mrs. Walters must be his maternal grandmother because these are the Reed brothers. Is Cole’s mother going to waltz into her parents' house next? Is she someone I know too? I try to think of Easton's rumored dating history. I don't see Imogen Walters allowing any daughter of hers to be a puck bunny. Next time, you need more details, Luci. It was too good to be true... "Miss Luci?" I realize Baker has called my name a few times. I blink rapidly, seeing the four hockey gods in front of me watching me like I'm some kind of oddity on display. Which I am to them. "Sorry, Mr. Baker. I was lost in thought." I focus on him, ignoring the worry clawing at my stomach and the way my heart is pounding. "I asked if you were still joining Cole for dinner with the others being here." He is watching me with concern. I got lost way too long, I realize a little panicked. Please don't make me explain this to them. I'm sure they'd be delighted to share my issues with everyone. I open my mouth to ask a few questions when I'm cut off. "No, of course she isn't Baker, as the boys are here to spend time with Cole, and I’m home. I see you've now met Cole's father, Luci." I whirl to find Imogen Walters standing behind me. She is almost glaring at me like I went poking around the house and found her collection of dead bodies. "I will remind you that under the NDA you signed, you cannot reveal Cole's last name is Reed, nor their identities." "I haven't forgotten." I tell her quietly, forcing myself to pay attention. "Good. Then go home. I'll see you tomorrow." She dismisses me quickly. "Bye, Cole. Enjoy your dinner." I crouch down to hug him before whispering in his ear. "Dream about Jedi puppies." "I thought Luci was eating with me too." He walks over to Easton after I release him. Mrs. Walters answers him quickly. "Not tonight, Cole. Follow Baker into the dining room." His shoulders slump a little, but he waves to me before taking Baker's hand. I return the wave until he's out of sight. My eyes dart quickly towards the brothers and what I see has me scurrying off to the living room to grab my bag and purse as Mrs. Walters greets them formally. Absolute annoyance radiates from Easton at the very least. "That's his new nanny?" I hear him ask coldly and wince. Guess someone didn't share my name, though he probably doesn't even know it. Or maybe he's not an involved parent. I manage to get out the front door within minutes not wanting to hear more. On the drive home, I tick off possible new jobs I could look for since the nanny and pet sitting agency hasn't had anything lately. I'm sure the Ice Kings will have me dismissed before I show up tomorrow. I'm on edge all morning waiting to be fired. This is the day I don't have classes with the athletes thankfully, because I might lose my lunch I'm so nervous. Walking out of my last class, I'm surprised I have no messages. There's enough time to grab lunch and get ready to pick up Cole. I have to type up some of my homework too, but that should be feasible with two hours until I need to leave. Strangely, I feel so organized and on top of things today. Maybe being on edge is good for my brain. I smile until I turn the corner outside to head to my car and almost collide with half the football team. Coach Frank Humphries is with them and as soon as he sees me, his mouth sets into a firm line. He begins marching my way and I consider turning tail and running. I'm pretty fast even with a backpack on. I stand my ground instead. "Forrester...make sure you graduate this year so you can get the fk away from my campus." He says menacingly as he brushes past me. Talk about misplaced anger, and I'd like to yell at him. I wait until they pass and head down the sidewalk to the parking lot. I remind myself to look up and not at my feet. Luckily, I glance up when I do. There stand the Reed brothers at the end of the path I'm on. Do they always travel together like that? I backtrack to avoid them. I leave for Cole's preschool after doubly checking my phone for any texts and messages from Mrs. Walters. Nothing. Perhaps she prefers to end your tenure in person. Cole is excited to see me at least. "Did you like my daddy, Luci?" "I didn't get to talk to him, Cole. I think it's more important that I like you." Do you explain to a four-year-old that his father despises you? "He's a hockey player. He's very fast." I hear the pride in his voice. He seems to love his father. "Do you get to go watch him play?" I ask curiously. I don’t want to ask much and Cole go running back to say I was digging for information on his father. Kids are way too honest. "Not anymore. Madison made a..." He scrunches his face up in the backseat as I glance at him in the mirror. "Grandmother called it an ene.” "A scene?" I ask him and he nods smiling. "That's it. And we couldn't go no more. What does that mean, Luci? I want cheese and crackers for snack today." I smile at the random thoughts thrown together. This is why I get along with kids better. "It means something you don't want other people to see. I bet Baker will give you cheese and crackers." I drive the rest of the way listening to him talk about his friends at school. As I listen, I note again how articulately Cole speaks for his age. I wonder if dragon grandmother has something to do with that. I don't see her enjoying cute little kid mispronunciations much. When we walk in laughing, his grandmother steps out watching us. I take Cole's jacket and bag from him. "Go ahead and see Baker. I think your grandmother needs to talk to me." He scampers off quickly and I wish I could do the same. "This Saturday, you will take Cole to the Ice Kings hockey game. He will sit in a special section. He hasn't been in a while." I stare at her in shock. Me at a hockey game? Coach Humphries will have a s****e or a heart attack if he sees me. His hatred of me extends off his brother's. Why a school employs two brothers to coach football and hockey is my bad luck. "You will wear this." She holds out an oversize hoodie and ballcap with their logo on it. Yeah, he'll definitely kill me if he catches sight of me in their gear. Her voice cuts through my brain. "And I have already dealt with the issues surrounding you with Nick Humphries. He knows you will be there and will say nothing." She watches me shrewdly, and I cough awkwardly. "I make it my business to know everything about the people who work for me. I am well aware of your reputation at school. The Humphries brothers have a strong aversion to you, justifiably so it seems from what I learned. You seem to be a curse to them and the football team. I am not one to lecture you on your past choices. I sincerely hope you learned something from what you did. However, I will not let their issue with you affect Easton having Cole in the audience when he requests that of me. Let it be known that you are here because Cole insisted on you as his nanny, and I was tired of his dramatics, not because I have any liking for you in particular. You seem to have a sensible head on your shoulders and you did rescue him. I also am pleased you weren't trying to attract the attention of the Reed brothers yesterday. Therefore, you can remain employed with my husband and me.” I am speechless for two seconds before I realize she is impatiently waiting for an answer. "Th...thank you." I say almost wanting to phrase it like a question. I guess I'm in her debt somehow. At least from her side. She nods and I suppose I gave the answer she wanted. "Tomorrow, I will need you to stay until around 7. My husband and I have a dinner engagement. Easton will release you once he arrives to take over his care after their practice, as Baker also has an engagement at 6. You should have him ready for bed by then.” "I need to pick up my friend's nephew, Barrett tomorrow. Is that arrangement still acceptable?" I feel the need to double check. "Yes, it is." She states with a prim purse of her l**s. "Thank you. I'll be here tomorrow." I leave to watch Cole until his bedtime. He's asleep when I wander back to the kitchen to drop off his milk glass. Baker is there. "Madam went out Luci. You are free to go home." "Thanks, Baker." No sign of the Reed brothers or even Cole's mother. He hasn't mentioned her at all yet. At some point, I will have to ask someone about that. Baker might be willing to share who I am allowed to leave Cole with and who Cole is allowed to leave with. If not, I will ask Mrs. Walters the next time I see her for safety reasons. Wonder if it’s shared custody versus visitation between Easton and the Walters. Maybe I can figure out that schedule to avoid them. With my luck, they'll all show up tomorrow night.