Baskadia

Chapter One

Inside Lucy's head, the audience let out a collective sympathetic "aww."

Sasha, her best friend, had bailed on their plans. "I thought this week was ours, Sasha," Lucy said, disappointed. "We had so much fun stuff planned. And now you're ditching me for a guy."

Sasha winced. "I know, but it's Carter."

"Carter?" Lucy frowned. "Isn't that the guy who hit on your mom?"

"That was a misunderstanding."

Lucy stirred her drink, trying to cool off her frustration. Her plans were ruined by a guy who once got drunk and had an accident on their couch. To top it off, her brother, Brent, who was supposed to drive them, bailed out too.

Her brother's excuse? A family event. Lucy wasn't thrilled about going back to Queens to live with him, especially the talks about his personal life. Instead of Brent, his friend Matt Donovan was driving them. Not that Lucy knew much about Matt, except that he wasn't much of a talker.

Feeling abandoned by her brother and best friend, Lucy couldn't help but feel like she always came in second place. Sasha was off for a romantic getaway, leaving Lucy alone.

Trying to shake off the feeling, Lucy asked Sasha about her plans. Sasha excitedly talked about a trip to Cayuga Lake with Carter, mentioning watching some movies.

"What kind of movies?" Lucy asked.

"Movies like Cruel Intentions and Wild Things. The ones with girls making out," Sasha said, noticing Lucy's sudden interest in the topic.

"Keep it down," Lucy whispered.

Sasha playfully sang the word "pornography," attracting everyone's attention in the coffeehouse.

"I won't miss you at all," Lucy sighed.

Sasha teased, promising her sex toy collection if she met an untimely end. Lucy waved her off, hugging Sasha before she left.

Alone in the coffee shop, Lucy contemplated Sasha's advice to have fun in New York. She'd become more reserved after a rebellious college phase that landed her in jail. Since then, she'd focused on making her family proud by excelling in her studies.

Maybe Sasha had a point. A week in New York might be a good start for her post-grad life. Just then, the coffee shop's bell chimed, catching Lucy's attention.