Knockemout, #3
Things We Left Behind
by Lucy Score
Contents
5
Overview
In a flashback, teen Sloane and Lucian share their first intimate connection when Lucian climbs into her bedroom, tutors her in trigonometry, and stays for dinner with her parents. Lucian’s strained home life and blunt ambition to become rich contrast with Sloane’s structured plans, establishing chemistry, trust, and the roots of their lifelong bond.
Summary
Sloane, nearly sixteen, procrastinates trigonometry with a romance novel when she sees neighbor Lucian’s father speed off and Lucian appear outside, tense and distant. After Sloane yells about a rock he kicks into their fence, Lucian climbs her cherry tree, enters her room, and quietly explores, teasing her music choices while gauging her space.
When Lucian notices Sloane’s frustrated homework, he offers help. Sitting on her floor, he patiently teaches her the steps until she solves problems on her own, impressing her with his competence and calm. Their dynamic shifts from awkward crush to tentative trust as Sloane shares her plan for a softball scholarship and sports medicine, while Lucian admits he doesn’t know his path beyond wanting to be rich.
Called to dinner by Sloane’s parents, Lucian initially declines but accepts their insistence and joins the family table. He makes a strong, polite impression on Karen and Simon Walton, who welcome him warmly. Sloane endures embarrassment yet senses Lucian relaxing in the stability of her household.
After dinner, on the porch, they talk about their homes; Sloane suggests appearances can help what’s inside, while Lucian doubts it. He promises a future apology for the rock, hinting at seeing her again, and leaves.
The next morning, Lucian’s father is still gone—but Lucian has mowed the lawn, a small outward change echoing Sloane’s hope and marking the start of their enduring connection.
Who Appears
- Sloane WaltonAlmost sixteen; bookish softball player struggling with trig. Hosts Lucian, bonds over tutoring, and introduces him to her welcoming parents.
- Lucian RollinsJunior quarterback from a troubled home; climbs into Sloane’s room, tutors her, dines with her family, and declares ambition to be rich.
- Karen WaltonSloane’s mother; warmly invites Lucian to dinner, gently supervises, and signals acceptance paired with boundaries.
- Simon WaltonSloane’s father; kind and welcoming, insists Lucian stay for dinner, offers small household tasks and support.
- Mr. RollinsLucian’s father; absent and volatile presence who speeds off, neglects the home, highlighting Lucian’s unstable environment.