Kidnapped

Chapter 6: A Big Surprise

I finished my cereal then hurried to answer it. As it turns out, it was Luke, smiling sheepishly.

"Good morning," he greeted.

"Hey," I said. "What are you doing here?"

"I was just wondering if I can walk to school with you?"

"Even if I look like a Smurf?" I teased.

"Yeah," Luke laughed.

"Sure," I beamed. "Do you want to come in? I can make you breakfast."

"I'm fine," he said politely.

"Thank you."

Suddenly, Charlie appeared beside me, his ghastly pale face scowled at him.

"Hey Luke," Charlie said.

"Hello Charlie," he greeted.

"I'll make you pancakes," I offered.

"Charlie stop making Luke uncomfortable."

Charlie gave me an annoyed look.

And despite Luke's protests, I invited him inside.

He stepped into the house nervously then took a seat. I beamed as took out the ingredients for pancakes.

"Do you want chocolate chip or blueberry?" I asked.

"Blueberry," Luke sighed.

I spread the fresh berries into the batter and mixed the bowl. Mom hustled out of the bathroom and ran upstairs to change her clothes. Charlie left to go to the bathroom.

It is just Luke and me.

"You don't have to make me pancakes," Luke said.

I placed a chunk of butter into the burning frying pan and spread it around.

"Let me do something nice for you," I begged. "And besides, you need a friend."

Luke was silent after awhile then said, "How did you know that I didn't eat breakfast?"

"Easy," I answer. "Your stomach was rumbling."

Luke blushed then wiped the brown bangs away from his eyes.

"Are you sure your mom wouldn't-"

"Nope," I said.

"But I think she only says that because I don't walk around very often."

I poured the batter into the pan then wait patiently for the side to brown.

"What's going on with your parents?" I ask.

"Mom and Dad won't stop screaming at each other," Luke explained.

"That's what's going on."

After the side turns golden, I flipped the pancake and let it sit there for a few minutes.

"I know the feeling," I sighed.

Mom waddled downstairs, wearing her black business suit. She wore small makeup and jewelry.

Mom smiled at me then kissed me on the cheek.

"I'll see you later okay?" she asked.

"Hello Luke."

"Hello Ms. Porter," Luke said back.

Mom spritz some flowery perfume and rushed out the door.

I turned off the stove and filled a plate with sweet smelling blueberry pancakes.