Unexpected

Chapter 16

Big day today! Luke texted Julie first thing Friday morning.

She quickly sent back a screen full of green-faced emojis.

I think I'm coming down with something. 

You'll be fine without me! She added a moment later.

Luke rolled his eyes and sent back: I'll be there to get you in 20 minutes.

"Dude, I want a rematch on Blind Assassins tonight! And please don't put me on Reggie's team." Carlos said by way of greeting as he climbed into the backseat of Luke's jeep.

"Listen, kid. I don't think you're ready to be on my force yet." Luke said glancing at him in the rear view mirror. "What's wrong with Reggie's team?"

"He scares too easy and my ears hurt from all the screaming." Carlos replied looking irritated, rubbing his ear for show.

Luke smirked shaking his head, "Where's your sister? We're going to be late."

Carlos shrugged, "Probably trying to get all pretty for you." He said rolling his eyes.

"She's perfect already." Luke said with a smile.

Carlos pretended to gag and held up his hand, "I'm gonna stop you right there. That sounds like romantic stuff." He said shuddering and turned his attention to his cell phone.

Luke watched as Julie emerged from the house a moment later looking frazzled. She had piled her hair on top of her head in a messy bun with stray curls springing out here and there. One of her shoes was untied and it looked like she'd buttoned up her shirt wrong.

"Hey, Jules." Luke greeted her gently offering her a strained smile as she climbed into the passenger side.

"What's up with your hair?" Carlos teased before she'd even had a chance to put her seatbelt on.

Julie whipped around in her seat giving her brother a look that could kill. "I didn't get a whole lot of sleep last night." She hissed. "So I suggest you keep your comments to yourself if you want to live to see your next birthday, baby brother."

Carlos gave her a wide-eyed look and went back to his phone saying no more except to utter his thanks as Luke dropped him off at school.

"So, this is it. Senior showcase day!" Luke said, trying to ease the tension in the vehicle.

Julie turned from fixing her hair in the mirror of the visor to give him a heavy-lidded look as they started down the road again. 

"My mom made you some of her special calming tea." Luke offered holding up a travel mug.

"Tell her I said thank you." Julie replied taking the cup from his hand.

Their fingers grazed one another, sending a buzz of energy up Luke's arm. They exchanged a smile, and he reached to turn up the volume on the radio. Julie sipped on the drink and stared quietly out her window for the rest of the ride.

"Listen Jules, you know I'm a huge fan of your style, but I'm pretty sure that's not how that shirt is supposed to look." Flynn said approaching Luke and Julie on their way into school.

Julie stopped to look down at her outfit. She let out a frustrated growl and stomped off toward the bathroom.

"Rough morning?" Flynn wondered.

"Don't ask." Luke said shaking his head walking off toward class. 

Julie was noticeably absent from the cafeteria later that day, but Luke knew exactly where to find her.