Alice shook her head, finally looking over at her partner. He was cute when asking for such a small favor, nibbling at that bottom lip of his. No, it only [i]seemed[/i] small. The repercussions of telling him could be painful, even if only on a social level, nevermind her grandmother’s warning of how it might hinder her after her school years. “No offense Lucas, but I know your type. You’re trying to pry information out of me with that damn look in your eyes so you can whisper about it in the halls with your buddies.”

Her breathing had quickened a bit, her heart pounding her chest. She’d stayed quiet for so long, but this time Alice immediately went on the defensive, exaggerating the situation in her mind as if he’d been pushing her this entire time. All because she was assuming his personality. “I’ve worked hard to keep this secret, and you know as well as I do how cruel people our age can be. Hell, how cruel [i]everyone[/i] can be! First it’s about the project, but then it becomes a game for you boys. Do you honestly think anyone would treat me the same if they know what I-“

Her heart stopped. As did her breathing, and her eyes widened as they stared at one another. No…no, no, no. A string of curses went through Alice’s mind as she realized what she’d said, yet again letting her emotions get the best of her. Alice rarely got angry, but it was probably a fear driving her frustration this time.

Did he catch it? Probably, but Alice wasn’t going to stick around and find out. Lucas brought something out of her, though she wanted to blame it on being mentally exhausted. After school was for being with a couple girls for ice cream or staying in the art room, going home to watch movies on the couch. Nothing more. Not two seconds after she’d stopped speaking Alice jumped up, glad she’d kept her shoes on when she came in. “I have to go. We’ll talk about the project over the phone or something. Tomorrow,” she told him quickly, rushing to the entrance of the kitchen to grab the bag she’d tossed to the corner. “Don’t worry about a ride, either. I’m happy to walk home, I like the exercise.”