Alibi Needed (text message to Liz)

[Russell Cloy]

Russ sprawled out across his bed, idly drumming his fingers against his World History text book. He was supposed to be writing about the expansion of the Mongol empire, but his mind kept straying to Lucas' invitation. A whole weekend together. I can't not take him up on that. But how am I going to get my parents to agree? He sighed and dug his phone out of the pocket of his jeans, flipping it open and thumbing down his list of contacts until he found Liz Davies' number. If anyone would allow him to use her as an excuse, it would be Liz. Mom would probably disapprove simply because it was lying -- and he wouldn't think her wrong, either. It was lying, and he didn't want to do it, but Lucas didn't want anyone to know about him. If he claimed he was spending the weekend with Lucas even just for studying people would wonder; after all, Lucas was horrible to him, and anyway, they were neither the same grade nor the same school. Much better to claim a project with Liz and go over to Lucas' in secret.

I need an alibi for the whole weekend. Can I tell my parents I'm studying with you? He hit send, praying she wouldn't ask too many questions.

[Liz Davies]

Liz glanced down at her phone through a haze of smoke, her red eyes barely able to view the words. After taking a few moments to actually figure out what was going on, Liz typed a reply.

Whatever. Just don't get my ass in trouble. She hit send, momentarily curious about the reasons he needed an alibi. A much deeper voice than her own brought her from her thoughts, and she smiled a bit. She wasn't even sure what Grey had said, but she started to laugh anyway.