THE DEADLY SEVEN

Meet Pride

Lucy;

The hot sun beats down on my bronze skin, little beads of sweat form on my forehead but I don't move. I am the Pastors daughter. I have to be a role model for my peers. I smile as our congregation exits through the heavy oak doors. My father shakes their hands and wishes them well.

The middle aged men linger, it always takes so long! Anything they can think to bother my father with they do. Duitifly, I stand by my parents. I would rather be with Claudia, my best friend, what 17 year old wants to listen to old men talk?

I spot her waving frantically, I lift an eyebrow and smile in acknowledgement. Mr. Frank finally leaves the church steps and I turn to my mother, her soft face lights up " just go child" she lays a soft hand on my shoulder " be home by supper please and for goodness sake stay clean Lucy!"

I reach across planting a quick kiss on her cheek.

" About time!" Claudia enthused, catching my hands and swinging me around. " Come, let's go to the lake, I have news". My ears pricked up, at 17 everything was becoming new and exciting. School was drawing to a close, life was beginning, huge decisions were being made.

She let go of my hand and flopped herself down on the ground resting her hands behind her head, a soft sigh left her mouth, she stared off into the leaves of the trees, " Joshua had asked my parents for my hand Lucy!" I gasped, Claudia's blue eyes were shining, I had never seen her so happy. I had known Josh liked her. I however had not known how much. she moved her body and laid on her side, " We are getting married next weekend, then we leave for the city" her eyes dropped, so as to not meet mine. Fat tears threatened to spill. There is no doubt Claudia was beautiful, gorgeous blue eyes, wavy waist length brown hair, stunning bronzed skin and curvy features. Josh had not been the only one, many had wanted her, he was just first to ask. I gazed across the lake, Claudia looking at me with concern plastered across her gentle features " Lu, it's not forever. Josh has uni, I have nothing here, I barely survive class, I don't get school like you do, this is my shot. Josh is smart, he is studying to be a Doctor Lu". Her soft voice rang through my head. Why didn't someone ask my father for me? I wasn't that plain, was I?

I turned to face Claudia, meeting with her pleading blue eyes, " I am so happy for you C, I am sure Josh will be an amazing husband." My voice cracked, betraying me. Claudia lunged foward, embracing me, my child hood friend is leaving. I returned the embrace, clinging for life " Let's go, we have so much to plan, Lu."

" Woah, we?"

"Duh silly! I couldn't do this without you! get up let's go, its getting late we have a week come on lazy!"

Dusting off my pretty not so yellow anymore dress I ran behind Claudia to her house. I loved the Johnston's house. White picket fence, gardens bursting with every colour flower, it always felt so homely, this was my second home.

Claudia's soft bed moulded with my body as I fell backwards, laughing manically with my favourite person in the world. We had one week, one week to spend as much time as possible. I was going to make sure to do as much as possible during my last days with my friend. I would miss her so much!