Unexpected

Chapter 11

Julie stood humming the melody to the ballad Luke had sung at Saturday's show as she filed her books back in her locker between classes Monday morning. Their late night texting from the weekend was still fresh in her mind. The thought of it left her feeling dizzy with excitement.

"Hey, Julie." Nick greeted her as she closed her locker door.

"Hi, Nick." Julie replied feeling a quick pang of disappointment at the sight of him.

Nick rubbed the back of his neck before he asked, "Can I talk to you for a sec?"

"Sure, what's up?"

"I wanted to apologize for what happened Friday night at the party."

The mention of it sent thoughts of his and Carrie's impromptu make out session through Julie's mind, coupled with a strong feeling of discomfort.

She waved off his apology, "It's no big deal. I know you and Carrie have history."

"Yeah, well we broke up and I was there because I wanted to spend time with you."

"Oh." She blinked at his admission remembering how quickly she'd been brushed aside and seemingly forgotten.

"Can I make it up to you? Can we please try again? I'm really sorry." He gave her a pleading look.

Julie's head was saying yes, but her heart was having second thoughts. She had had a crush on Nick from the time they were in middle school, and his asking her out should've been life-altering great news. Except, she couldn't fight the fact that lately she'd started having serious feelings for Luke. Not to mention Nick's already questionable behavior toward her.

"Sure, I guess we could try again." Julie said going against her better judgement. She gave him a small reassuring smile.

"Really?" He asked. His eyes lighting up. "Are you free on Saturday?"

"Saturday?" She mentally scanned her social calendar which was very often empty except for a standing hang out with Flynn. "Saturday sounds great."

Nick smiled, "Great! Can I walk you to class?" He offered.

Julie gave him a nod as the two headed off. She was quickly relieved to find it easier to talk with him today than it had been at the party. Although, it wasn't like being with Luke who she could effortlessly talk to for hours.

As they walked, Julie's mind began to wander while Nick was telling her something about his Spanish test. She mentally shook herself trying to stay focused on their conversation, even though her brain immediately went back to thoughts of Luke. She couldn't help but wonder what he would think of this new development she'd had with Nick. Except that she had to reminder herself that Luke was just a friend, so she wasn't really sure why it mattered what he thought anyway. Maybe it was better if she didn't say anything at all? Though guilt swept through her at the notion.

She and Luke had been spending a lot of time with one another lately. They said it was in preparation for the senior showcase, even though less and less of their time had actually been spent working on it. Instead, they talked about everything else together. Recently, Julie had even started opening up to him about her mom. Luke was a really good listener, and even better at making her laugh. Although, he was often very serious and thoughtful too-nothing like the person he pretended to be at school. Julie couldn't help but feel like that meant something for him to show her his true self. Like a secret meant just for her.

"You ok?" Nick asked breaking Julie from her thoughts.

"Yeah, sorry. I was thinking about some stuff I have to take care of after school." She covered.