stuck :: hemmings

nineteen.

"The gang and I are heading to the quarry if you wanted to join."

Luke and I made our way back to his car as the sun had set and darkness swallowed the abandoned parking garage. The lights flickered as shadows played tricks with my mind in corners. I shivered and found myself grateful for Luke's reassuring presence beside me.

"Wouldn't that be trespassing?" The quarry outside of town was once used to harvest limestone for the campus many years ago. It had since been shut down and filled with water, making it an ideal party spot for the locals and adventurous college students. The story of a drunk sophomore drowning five years ago had discouraged me from ever going. It had always been illegal to be there, but this was the incident that put the nail in the coffin. A large gate was put up and the cops began to crack down on everyone who found themselves on the premise. This, however, did nothing to discourage the general population from sneaking there at ungodly hours. In fact, it seemed to have the opposite effect as more people sought out the thrill of being somewhere so dangerous.

"It's only illegal if you get caught," Luke said slyly as he unlocked his car.

"Isn't it a little cold to be swimming?" As if answering my question, a gust of wind sliced my bare cheeks.

"It sounds like someone is making up excuses because they're too scared." He teased. "Don't worry, Michael is going to be there and he'll make sure no pond monsters drag you under."

I wondered if Luke had heard about the drowning incident or if he simply didn't care. Looking into his blue eyes made the doubts lessen and I found myself slowly becoming enamoured with the idea of spending the night with Luke wet and bathed in moonlight.

"Alright, I'll give Sophie a call and see if she wants to join." I held up a finger and removed my phone, quickly dialling her number. I hadn't seen my roommate in what felt like ages and I couldn't help but wonder if something was going on. Our major wasn't something that required late nights holed up in the library and I wondered if it was Dr. Harris keeping her so often.

Her phone went to voicemail and my heart sunk. I needed Sophie there to keep me grounded, to keep my focus on Michael and not the taken boy I found myself sinking deeper and deeper into.

"What did she say?" Luke asked as I put my hand on the passenger door handle.

"Oh, she's busy," I replied, slinking into the leather seats.

"Did you want to invite Ashton?" He followed suit and buckled his seatbelt.

"I don't think so." I knew once Ashton returned from his date he'd expect me to be at his apartment; ready to hear about all of her shortcomings as we watched shitty reality tv. I didn't want to speed up his disappointment or have him rag on me the whole night.

The relief on Luke's face was visible and I couldn't help but wonder why he and Ashton didn't seem to enjoy each others company. I decided not to ask, simply fiddling with the string of my hoodie as Luke peeled out of the parking garage.

"Isn't the quarry in the other direction?" I asked once he made a sharp turn to the right.

"I need to pick up Leah first," Luke answered with his eyes focused dead ahead. My stomach plummeted as I realized this wasn't going to be the night I'd expected it to be. I felt ashamed of myself for not thinking that his girlfriend would be attendance; why wouldn't she be? Nights like this were for couples, not friends who were practically strangers.

"Here, I'll get in the back." I made a move to unbuckle my seatbelt, but Luke put a hand on mine to stop me.

"Don't worry about it. L won't mind sitting in the back." He reassured me with a smile. I shook my head and pushed his hand away. I knew that sitting in the passenger seat was asking for trouble and I didn't want to cause any issues with the girl I was technically spying for. After untangling myself from the strap, I climbed into the back seat. Luke didn't say anything, probably knowing his own words were a lie; Leah definitely would mind sitting in the back.

It didn't take us long to arrive at her place and I swallowed a gasp when I looked out at the home we'd parked in front of. It was expensive as all hell to live so close to campus; much less in a beautiful Victorian house complete with its own iron fence. Leah matched the scenery so well once she stepped out and made her way towards the car. A princess and her palace, getting in her carriage to meet her Prince Charming.

She slipped into the seat and slammed the door behind her. "If Calum brings that bitch Kelsey, I may-" 

Luke quickly interrupted her with a laugh. "Before you say anything else, I want you to know we have a guest."

I felt like a child as both parties turned to look at me sitting in the back.

"Oh, it's Brooklyn, right?" No emotion could be detected behind her curt words; it was as if we hadn't seen each other since that one night at Calums.

"Yeah, it's nice to see you again." And that was it. Leah and Luke slipped into the comfortable conversation of two people who laid next to each other every night and knew the inner workings of each other more than anyone else. I wish I had just told them to drop me off, knowing this was a mistake as a sat with my hands in my lap; silent and ignored.

I was surprised that Luke opened my door once we'd finally arrived at the quarry. He gave me a lopsided grin as I stepped out. His lips parted to say something, but Leah appeared like a ghost at his side to whisk him away. He shot an apologetic look over his shoulder before the two of them disappeared into the forest.

I shivered and found myself longing for the warm comfort of Luke's car. My eyes fell on the large body of water in front of me and I felt a chill run down my spine at the thought of being dragged under by the dark waves. My gaze finally landed on Michael who was sitting in the trunk of his bright blue pickup truck. I folded my arms across my chest and made my way over to him.

"Hey," I said awkwardly, not knowing whether we were at the level where I could jump up next to him with ease.

"Brookly, holy shit, hey." His smile caused a bit of warmth to spread through my skin. "I didn't know you were coming, hop on up here."

I followed his instructions, loosely clasping my knees. We both sat like that for a while, a brilliant array of stars overhead surrounding the full moon. A females laugh rang out through the night, followed by Luke's familiar one. Jealousy bubbled up beneath my skin. 

"Where's Calum?" I asked, not really caring and just trying to distract myself from the envy the continued to squeeze my insides. Why did I care so much about Luke and his girlfriend? I was here with Michael. 

"He decided not to come. Calum's not the most outdoorsy person if you can believe it," Michael replied with an easy smile. Silence once again fell over us and I couldn't stop the images of Luke and Leah together. Why did she want me to spy on him in the first place? She could probably get more out of him than I could. I was just his friend, an escape from reality. 

"So, how are you tonight?" Michael turned over to look at me. Without a second thought, I leaned forward and pressed my lips against his. It wasn't long before he pulled away, a look of confusion etched in his features. My heart was pounding and shame burned my cheeks.

"Brooklyn I... I don't know what to say..." It was the most serious I'd ever heard him and I couldn't stand being there a moment longer. I hopped out of the truck and raced in the direction of town. He didn't call my name or make any sort of move to follow me. My chest was still tight and what had just transpired refused to feel like reality.

"Where are you off to in such a hurry?" Luke's voice stopped me in my tracks. I was surprised to see he was alone, there was no sign of Leah.

"Uh, I just realized I have to... go." I found myself too tired to come up with an excuse, just wanting to curl up into bed and forget this entire night had ever happened.

"Well, that's-" He was interrupted by flashing red and blue lights illuminating the forest. Luke's eyes widened, mirroring my own.

"Fuck."

**