Grease • muke • part of the reality series•

Chapter One : Luke

"Tired." I mumbled, buckling my seatbelt.

"You worked a four hour shift!" she laughed, still dressed for work, at the Calendar store in the mall, her purple vest decorated with an enormous button reading, "Have A Question? I MAY Be Able To Help You."

Shrugging, I turned to the backseat where Ani's actual significant other, Maxine, was sitting cross legged eating a fast food nacho.

"Sup Bud." She greeted.

That was Maxine's shtick, acting old and treating me young. At twenty, she was three years older than me, however her reaction to toy stores and Disney Films was rivaled only by preschoolers so I took her jabs with a grain of salt.

"Mom," I joked in way of greeting.

"How was your first day of work?" Ani fussed.

"Gross." I grumbled, "I greasy and dirty, and stupid."

"The stupid bit will fade with time, give it a few days." Maxine offered, "But as for the greasiness, that only gets worse, just wait until zits start popping up on your face like strip malls in suburbia."

Grimacing, I turned and looked out the window.

"That carnival looks awesome doesn't it?" Ani questioned.

"It looks dirty."

"That's part of the experience Bud." Maxine laughed, "Nothing like eating an elephant ear, going on rides until you barf it back up and being able to see the germs on your hands."

"That sounds horrific."

"You sound like your mother."

I made a face.

"How is your Mom?" Ani pressed.

"Insane," I muttered, "She's throwing me a party."

"That's cute!"

"I don't like parties."

"You're such a little pessimistic misanthrope!" Ani laughed, "You should be excited! You're healthy! Your hair will grow back, and you can go to school!"

"You won't have needle bruises all over anymore." Maxine added, "I think people assumed you had a habit."

"You can grow up." Ani finished, "Get married, have kids..."

"Write a book about your struggles, or better yet write a touching Oscar nominated film." Maxine suggested.

Their words going in one ear and out the other I watched as we pulled into the driveway of my house.

Climbing out of the backseat, Maxine opened my door and motioned for me to get out, "Hurry up Bud, we're going to see a movie."

Sliding out of the car and onto the driveway, I shoved my hands in my pockets.

"What are you guys going to see?"

"Something scary, you'll hate it." Maxine sighed impatiently, "Now move before we run over your toes."

"Max," Ani warned before turning to me, "Did you want to go Luke?"

"No I'm good." I lied, forcing a smile, "You guys have fun."

"Thanks we will."

"Maxine!"

"What?"

Shaking her head, Ani sighed, "You can come if you want Luke."

"It's okay." I assured her, "Some other time."

"How about tomorrow." Maxine suggested, "Ani and I are going to the carnival. Come with us."