Locked Hearts

By Lexa Storm

Just shy of sixteen, little miss know-it-all Laurier already has the perfect life all planned out. Until the perfect stranger rescues her from a sticky, smelly subway floor doom.

Dylan is everything Selena never dreamed of, but Dylan isn't the girl Selena imagines. The closer they become, the more Selena's plans unravel. And the deeper Sel

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lexa Storm
• Release date: Apr 4, 2024
• ISBN: 9781738227112

Book preview

Locked Hearts

A coming of age love story

Lexa Storm

Copyright © 2024 Alexandra Storm

All rights reserved

The characters and events portrayed in this book are fictitious. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, is coincidental and not intended by the author.

No part of this book may be reproduced, or stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without express written permission of the publisher.

ISBN-13: 978-1-7382271-1-2

Cover design by: Clara Danon

The author recognizes her privilege to live, work, and create on the unceded territories of the Dakeł Keyoh, Lheidli T’enneh, and Dënéndeh Peoples.

For every ice queen afraid to melt,

For all the warm hearts afraid to try,

You are worthy.

Contents

Title Page

Copyright

Dedication

1 Selena

2 Hard Feelings

3 Run and Hide

4 Decisions

5 Searching

6 She’s a Ten, But…

7 Date Disaster

8 Chances

9 More Problems

10 Revelation

11 Mother Matters

12 Simon

13 Selena’s Strength

14 Birthday, Unwished

15 Destined Date

16 Another Disaster

17 …But She’s Taken

18 A Real Pain

19 No More Normal

20 Melanie

21 Fate

22 The Infection

23 Lost Girls

24 Petulance

25 Worth Fighting For

26 Dylan

27 When Locked Hearts Collide

28 They Shatter

29 Healing

30 Lessons

31 Frenemies

32 Nikki

33 Sonia

34 The Key

35 Futures Yet Written

EPILOGUE

1 Selena

Okay, let’s see who’s been paying attention. Who can tell me what a mole is?

Selena raised her hand first, always ready and eager to answer any question Miss Bakshi tested with at the end of every science class.

Aren’t moles those ugly, blind things that live underground? One student said out of turn. Half the class laughed, the other half groaned, and Selena waited patiently.

Okay, Miss Laurier. Please enlighten us, Miss Bakshi said, nearly as keen to get class over with as the students.

Selena stood, swiping her chestnut bangs away from her plastic-framed, cat-eye style glasses. A mole is a standard unit of measurement for the number of entities in a given mass, based on Avogadro’s number. The distinction between mass and moles is important for stoichiometric calculations in preparing and measuring experiments.

More detail than asked for, but in your own words. Well done, Selena.

Selena sat down as proudly as she had stood, letting the dismissal bell drown out the whispered teasing before she collected her things and followed her best friend out into the hall.

You know, you don’t have to prove to everyone you know everything all the time. Maybe then I wouldn’t be your only friend, said Sonia.

I could give you a laundry list of all the reasons I don’t have any other friends, Selena replied as she fixed the crooked pleats of her burgundy uniform skirt that never seemed to stay neat. But I don’t want to end up at some Nowheresville U. instead of UBC or McGill because I was too busy caring what high school kids thought of me.

"Well sorry for wanting my best friend to have a little fun before graduating. You do know it’s not normal to have your whole life planned out and do nothing but work all the time, right? Lena? Selena!"

Huh? What? Sonia’s barking pulled Selena out from inside her own head barely in time to prevent her walking into someone big enough to knock her to the ground as the girls exited the school.

"I was saying— Now what are you doing?"

Selena ignored Sonia’s persistent barking to yell at two of their careless peers. Stop! Don’t move! The two girls froze, more in confusion than fear, as Selena barreled towards them only to ignore them and kneel at their feet. Come here, little one, she cooed, picking up the juvenile garter snake slithering through the neatly trimmed grass.

She kept her attention on the snake as the girls called her a freak and a nerd, then she heard her best friend snap at them. "You’re the freaks!" Selena’s mouth curled into the faintest smile, otherwise maintaining all her attention on her new friend.

You’re okay, she told the snake, tracing a finger along its head as it coiled through her fingers.

They’re not wrong, though. Who just charges at a person to save a creepy snake? If it bites you and you die, I’m not saving you.

If I died, you wouldn’t be able to save me, anyway. Besides, it’s harmless, Selena pointed out as she brought the snake to a nearby bush and released it. Poor thing is probably just looking for somewhere warm. It’s still early in the year for babies to be out like that.

Well, the snake shouldn’t be here, anyway. This is people space, not snake space.

That isn’t true, Sonia, Selena said as she looked up and behind her friend at the pristine, red brick building of their private academy. Her gaze then lifted over it to the hills behind, covered in sprawling acreages and mansions. It wasn’t that long ago that all this used to be forests and fields. This whole area was home to snakes, and lots of other animals, too, before the city tore it down for urban development.

How do you even know all that?

I won’t make a very good environmental scientist if I don’t know what’s happening with the environment I live in.

Okay, but we’re literally in grade ten. Even our parents don’t know as much as you about what goes on around here.

Selena frowned incredulously.

"Okay, our parents do because they’re lawyers. I meant, like, parents in general."

Yeah, well, most of the families of the kids we go to school with got their money from the way this city tears down surrounding forest for expansion projects. Meanwhile, half the world is practically on fire, and city council acts like they’re going to solve the problem by planting seedlings along sidewalks. It’s ridiculous.

Yeah, about that. Were you planning on being a kid, like, ever?

Um…I’m going on a date with your brother?

Right. I try not to think about that, though I’m surprised you finally said yes. Not that it made sense for you to turn down one of the most popular guys in school in the first place. Why did you finally say yes?

It wasn’t time before, Selena said as if it was obvious. I didn’t plan on dating anyone until I turned sixteen.

Because that totally makes sense. What about that whole exchange thingy? Weren’t you supposed to be spending half of next year doing a term at some faraway college? How are you going to date Simon if you’re halfway across the world?

Well, it’s not like we’re going to be married. That comes after college. And no kids until we’ve secured a mortgage, of course.

"I don’t know what to do with any of that, but couldn’t you be like, a little flexible for my bro?"

But I am. My birthday isn’t for another month. I could have made him wait another month.

Wow.

What?

"Wow!"

Hey, Lena!

Selena forgot Sonia existed at the sound of his voice. Simon. Here for your assignment? She asked, dropping her school bag to pull out an essay stapled perfectly at a forty-five-degree angle. Here, all done! I annotated all my edits so you can see what I did for next time.

Simon pulled at the back of his neck with a nervous smile.

Selena’s heart flittered the way it did at every other one of his smiles.

You, uh…you really didn’t have to…

No, I wanted to! You are my…um…now that we’re…

Going out? He finished saying for her, standing up taller and no longer fidgeting at his neck. Well, you’re the best, babe. Selena’s cheek glowed where he kissed her. Anyway, I actually wanted to make sure we’re still on for tomorrow night.

Of course! Selena’s already high-pitched voice rose several octaves.

Cool. I got something really awesome planned. You’ll love it, I promise. Simon raised his essay up to wave goodbye. Thanks again. Later, Lena, then left to rejoin his softball teammates, Selena’s eyes fixed unblinking on him.

If you’re done ogling my brother, can we go please?

Sorry! She said still an octave too high from the way Simon’s kiss lingered.

Selena had to nearly jog to keep up with the much taller, Black girl as the pair made their way off school grounds. So, have you decided what you’re going to wear for your big date?

Oh, um, I…

You were going to go in your school uniform, weren’t you?

I wasn’t!

You totally were. Okay, if you’re going to get my bro’s attention for real, you’re going to need every advantage you can get, considering the girls he’s normally ogling when he’s not pining after you.

Selena looked down at herself, frowning. I’m…really not that kind of girl, am I?

Don’t sweat it. Even you must have something low cut enough. And maybe a shorter skirt?

That kind of thing would only work if I had something to show off.

I mean…push-up bra?

I don’t think they make push-up bras in my size.

You mean pocket sized?

I’m not pocket sized!

Okay, okay, Sonia said, only able to hold in some of her laughing. I’ll take you shopping early tomorrow and help you pick some things out. How’s that?

Okay, but no manicures this time. My nails are still scratched up from that last disaster.

Right. Cool. Well, here’s my bus.

Wait…we’re not leaving together? Selena never minded taking an extra half hour to get home if it meant an extra fifteen minutes with Sonia.

But Sonia rolled her eyes with half a smile before embracing her best friend. I’ll see you tomorrow, Lena.

Selena got the implication, so she just gave a weak smile and half-hearted wave to see her friend off, then waited for her own bus to take her to the subway station.

She was the only student at the academy to commute so far, but she insisted on it after her father had to move them to a more affordable neighbourhood across town after her parents’ divorced.

On the bus, and again on the subway, Selena put all her focus into her favourite mobile puzzle game featuring kittens; anything to keep away intrusive thoughts about dating and the world burning. With her phone in one hand and her right free to swipe the critters on her screen, Selena used neither to hold onto the railing.

The train screeched to a halt.

Selena inhaled deep as the world spun out from under her. Her lungs froze, her vision blurred, and she left her insides behind, falling in slow motion to a sticky, smelly, subway floor doom.

But against the many things Selena knew about physics, gravity failed. Her head wasn’t cracked open, the world stopped, and Selena still had her insides. She gasped when her lungs started working again as she was brought to her feet.

You alright? Asked a voice like cold steel.

Selena turned and looked up to find herself trapped in electric blue eyes peering from under jagged, gunmetal black bangs. I… Selena’s voice barely rose above the clambering of the train speeding back up and chattering of the faceless people around her.

She couldn’t stop herself quivering at the feet of the modern-day warrior goddess in ripped denim and a shirt depicting carrion birds gripping swords. I…

You…? That voice again and Selena’s insides did something she couldn’t describe as the stranger smirked in her confidence that Selena seemed to be okay.

But Selena was definitely not okay.

The storm behind the stranger’s eyes called to Selena with a need trapped within permafrost. It struck Selena’s heart into a rhythm that demanded she know everything about the girl, just so she could name the feeling overwhelming her. I…I…

Right… The girl gave up on Selena taking any conversation anywhere, so she moved it herself. So, what’s your name, cutie?

And then Selena’s brain melted. "I—"

The new rhythm of Selena’s heart refused to keep beating until she said something; give the girl a name, tell her it was okay, that Selena was glad, that there was nothing wrong anymore; that something she had never felt suddenly felt very, very right.

Then the train came to a proper stop, rescuing Selena from her entrapment, but the only thing to come out of her mouth was fear. I, um, I have to go! Then she jumped through the closing subway doors and onto the platform.

Even through the grime of the scratched plexiglass windows, her savior was heart-stoppingly, breath-takingly, brain-meltingly stunning. The storm could reach Selena even as the train sped away, pulling her into a futile chase, her feet moving on their own, one slow, little step at a time until she ran out of platform, and she found herself against a wall.

When the train finally disappeared out of sight, the storm gone long before, Selena forced herself to turn back around. This… She said softly to herself as she realized her mistake, then wailed, This isn’t my stop!

2 Hard Feelings

I don’t think that one will fit, Selena said to veto the third outfit Sonia showed her.

Geeze, Lena. If you’re this picky about what you wear, how are you going to find anything to talk about with him? You two are literally, like, the complete opposite.

We are not!

Please. Little Miss Know-it-all Laurier and the biggest softball jock ever? You totally make the weirdest couple. And also, it’s weird that you’re a couple.

What? Why?

Because we’ve all known each other practically since we were born?

Yeah, so? He’s still very attractive. And super sweet. And because we’ve known each other so long, I’m comfortable around him.

Maybe a bit too comfortable. I just hope you didn’t agree to go out when he asked just because he fits neatly into one of your plans.

I only have the one plan, Sonia, and it’s a good one. What’s so bad about knowing what I want and having my life figured out? It makes me comfortable. Is that so bad?

There’s that word again, Sonia muttered, then spoke up at Selena’s raising an eyebrow. "Alright come on. I’m taking you shopping somewhere you definitely won’t be comfortable."

W—wait, Sonia…

Selena’s pleas and flailing went unnoticed as Sonia dragged her into one of the darker corners of the mall. Strobing lights flashed behind window displays. Elaborate fonts made names of stores difficult to read. The sound of chattering shoppers started fading into angry-sounding synth-wave music.

But Selena knew that when her best friend was on a mission, there was nothing to do but survive it. So, she forced her eyes and her ears open.

Her slackening resistance allowed Sonia to relinquish her grip as they approached a store with bars for doors. Sonia gave the command for Selena to hurry and follow, but something stronger pulled on Selena to remain.

The shadow floated into Selena’s periphery in a flurry of ripped denim and black. Everything around the shadow blurred and every sound numbed. Taking her into a softer, calmer world, the shadow beckoned Selena to float with her. Until something angry snapped her back to reality.

Selena! What the hell?

The reality Selena returned to was a balcony railing overlooking the central chasm of the mall. And Selena was halfway over it. Selena tensed under the eyes of dozens of staring strangers. She searched frantically for a shadow to hide in, but there was only burning fluorescent lights.

Sonia shot angry glares at every shopper one by one until the crowd dissipated as she coaxed Selena away off the railing. You scared the crap out of me, Lena. What were you thinking?

I—I didn’t…I’m sorry, I don’t know what I was thinking. I thought I saw someone I knew, but… Selena’s voice trailed off with her gaze, still searching out the shadow.

Um, okay? I see people I know at the mall all the time. I don’t suddenly think I can fly to go chasing after them. Even Sonia’s barking tone wasn’t enough to pull Selena’s attention back again. Lena…? Selena!

Ah! But Selena did nearly jump out of her skirt at Sonia’s shouting. Huh? What?

"Lena, we came here for you. Are you taking this seriously? Are even that serious about my brother? If you’re just leading him on…"

I would never!

You totally— Sonia was stopped by Selena’s glowering. Er, no, you’re right. You wouldn’t, at least not with a guy like Simon who has half the girls in our grade practically drooling over him. Gross. Anyway, let’s get this done. We’re running out of time.

Her anguished shopping trip and apprehension of having little time to spare was quelled as Selena was greeted by a familiar jingling when she got home. She picked up the white ball of fluff, cooing, Mochi! Is somebody hungry? The cat meowed in agreement before flopping out of Selena’s arms, then followed into the kitchen with plans for a snack.

Hey, Lena.

Ah! Selena yelped at her sister’s unexpected greeting. Wow, why didn’t you say something when I came in?

Because I’m busy? Nikki said without sparing a second to look up from her laptop at the kitchen table. And shouldn’t you be? The rustling of Selena’s bag did get her big sister’s attention. Not messing around with your friends at the mall?

Shouldn’t you stop dying your hair every month? Selena said about the fuchsia. You’re going to fry your hair like that, and it doesn’t look very professional.

Hey, I got into the college and program I wanted, and you should see some of the looks other art students have. Besides, you have to admit, this looks way better than the neon green.

Selena took a serious look at her sister fiddling with her bangs. The shoulder length looks better, too. No more pixie cuts. Please?

Says the girl who has had the same elbow length since…what? Since you were nine? Thanks, but one of the best parts of being an artist is I’m expected to be at least a little weird. You can keep your stuffy, government job.

"Government scientist, Selena corrected. It’s where I can make the biggest difference, and I’ll wear my hair however is appropriate for the position."

And that tight, little skirt… Nikki peered over her laptop to get a glimpse through the translucent shopping bag. Is that appropriate for a government scientist, too?

Selena whipped the bag behind her out of view. I, um…well, it’s…

Nikki leaned back into the wooden kitchen chair, crossing her arms in deciding that her sister’s deviant behaviour was more important than her essay on Renaissance sculptures. Okay, now I know something’s going on. What aren’t you telling me?

Selena turned away silently chewing on her bottom lip, trying and failing to come up with an excuse on the spot.

Come on, Selena. I need to know what’s going on, at least when Dad’s not around. I need to know you’re safe.

I’m not going to some stupid party, if that’s what you think.

Okay, so what is it?

Selena gave up with a sigh. Well…I kind of…might have…a date tonight.

A date!? Since when are you dating?

Come on, Nikki. Sonia’s had, like, three boyfriends already, and everyone I know is dating now.

You’re not everyone you know. You’re my baby sister. Do you even know this person? Do you trust them?

Actually…yeah. You even know him. It’s…Simon.

"Simon LaChance? Sonia’s twin brother!?"

Yeah. See? So, it’s okay, right?

I don’t know, Lena…

Hey, I’m not the one who used to come and go all hours of the night, sneaking out past curfew.

Fine, Nikki sighed, deciding that giving some leeway was infinitely better than bringing up when she was in high school. But you need to be home by midnight, got it?

But that’s not fair, Nick!

Nikki tensed every muscle so her body wouldn’t fold in