Lacey

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When I got downstairs, everyone was sitting at the table. Luke was watching the food with extreme intensity while Dad and Nadia made conversation about something or other. As soon as they saw me, it went silent and everyone stared.

"Damn," I heard Luke mutter, and I sighed and sat down in my usual seat, which just so happens to be between Nadia and Luke. It was silent except for a few 'Could you pass the beans?' and 'The chicken, please.' as we made our plates. As soon as I had a bite in my mouth, Nadia decided to break the ice between us.

"So, um.. Lacey," She started. "How's your first day with a whole family?"

What was that supposed to mean? Dad and I had made a perfect family back before they started dating. We spent so much time doing projects with paint and eating Hungry Man meals, which I found disgusting but didn't have the heart to tell him.

"Um, good," I lied, pushing the beans around on my plate. "I like the chicken the most."

It was silent for a second as Nadia tried to decide whether that was a compliment or an insult. Finally she laughed awkwardly, quickly shoving a large bite of salad in her mouth. I groaned internally and continued eating my food, wishing I could just get up and leave.

"Well, I guess the world has finally shattered," Luke said, smirking at me. 

"Shut the fuck up, Luke. No one asked for your opinion," Nadia snarled at him, and she was shed in a new light. But then she covered her mouth, shrieking into her hand. It was nice that Nadia was acting like me, but the best thing of all was that Luke looked like a scolded puppy, with his wide eyes and frown. I fought the urge to laugh. But then his puppy look turned to more like defensive teenage Luke. Which is the norm for this boy, apparently.

"Are you shitting me right now?" He hissed, looking slightly embarrassed in front of Dad and I.

"Yes, Luke, I am shitting you right now," she retorted, her face turning red with anger and humiliation. "I don't want to have this argument."

There was silence, Nadia and Luke having an intense staring contest whilst Dad and I sat uncomfortably. For once, the attention wasn't on us. I'm always picking arguments with him, especially since him and Nadia started dating. Seems that lately every argument between me and Dad are caused by Nadia. She has been at fault for separating Dad and I. I felt rage burning in my veins, and before I knew it, I had spoken aloud.

"Nadia, could you give Luke some space? He's going through the same stress that you and Dad say I have all the time. So please, chill your ass and stop yelling at him!"

She went quiet, staring at me in wide-eyed horror. I glared at her, challenging her.

Talk back, I challenged her, I fucking dare you.

She finally cracked, sighing and turning back to her food, not eating, just staring. I finally stood, standing for a second, looking at each face at the table. Dad was glaring fiercely at me, Nadia was staring at her almost clean plate, and Luke was completely flabbergasted, his thin lips spread into a wide O shape. I smirked at him and turned. "Excuse me," I said triumphantly and left the kitchen.

I was up the stairs and standing in front of my door when I felt a hand on my shoulder. I started, expecting to see Dad or Nadia. But instead, it was Luke. His hands turned me to face him, his hands on my shoulders. His blue eyes studied me for a second, and before I knew what was happening, Luke Hemmings was kissing me. And before I knew what I was doing, I was kissing him back.

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Hey guys! Another slightly successful chapter, eh? Hope you enjoy! 

I really hope I can get to the point someday to where I can actually publish my books, but I'm afraid i'm not exactly skilled enough to do that yet.

Anyway, don't be a ghost reader! Vote and comment! :)

Bye Nuggets!

~Steph