Lucas’s lips curved into a small grin when Alice suggested they go up to his room and “do this.” But in all honestly, he was completely thrilled about all of this. This was the first other psychic he’s ever met personally, no excluding those who kept their powers a secret. He couldn’t wait to tell her everything about his powers and learn more about hers. It was weird, but he was a little glad that things had gone the way they dad… Maybe missing the football tryouts weren’t so bad after all.

“Of course it’s for real,” Lucas replied, raising an eyebrow at her suspicion. “And who would I tell? Who would even care?” He shrugged but kept a small smile still plastered on his face.

He reached out and shook her hand, which consummated their unspoken alliance and mutual respect. He wouldn’t say anything if she didn’t.

“Deal,” Lucas agreed as he pulled his hand back. “Follow me upstairs.”

He turned and beckoned her toward the flight upstairs that lead up to the second-floor hallway. Lucas opened his door and immediately felt a little self conscious about the extreme chaos that his bedroom was. Socks, shirts, shorts, and various sports equipment littered the floor, the bed was unmade, and the desk was cluttered with papers from God-knows-when. Trophies of different shapes and sizes were arranged in no particular order atop his dresser along with more miscellaneous pieces of junk, including batteries, cards, a keychain, empty water bottles and energy drink cans, and a book.

“Whoa,” he said, now realizing all the disorganization. “Sorry about the mess.” With a timid chuckle, he leaned down and picked up a few pairs of boxers and tried to nonchalantly throw them into the corner. He walked over to his bed and turned on the remote-controlled fan to hopefully get some fresh air circulating.

“Hope it doesn’t smell like stinky boys,” he laughed. He messily pulled up the covers on his bed and sat down, patting the spot next to him.

“Pop a squat.”