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Chapter IX

.....

As soon she arrives, I rush into her car and place my head in my hands. I don't bother to look up as I feel her exit his driveway and onto the street, yet I can picture him watching the car driving away.  

"I'm sorry I left you last night. I knew I shouldn't have drunk. I woke up this morning and realized you weren't there. I thought we left you back at the party until Sarah had told me that Derek called last night and said you were staying at his house with the guys. Damn, I got so fucking worried and then with shit going on. I can't even remember why we left in a rush-" 

I quickly place a hand on her shoulder. "Brenda, it's okay. I'm fine." 

"I know but what if you had another dream or you-"

"I'm fine," I repeat louder this time to which she turns to look at me before glancing back at the road. 

"I didn't have a dream or anything. I'm okay, and it's not your fault. None of us knew this would happen."

She lets out a sigh. "What happened anyway?"

It's my turn to let out a breath. "Luke got angry or something when he saw me with Derek dancing, and things went downhill after that."

Her amber eyes go wide. "I guess that explains why we left. But why?" I shrug.

"Do you think....do you think he likes you?" 

For some reason, the thought of Luke liking me makes me anxious. "No, I don't think so. I hope not."

Brenda thinks for a moment. "Well, he is a bit protective of you it appears."

"I don't know, but that's not the only thing that happened."

"What else- other than Derek and Luke about to beat the shit out of each other- happened?"

"Luke called me by my name."

She looks confused and glances at me. "Wait, he called you Amanda? How is that bad?"

I shake my head. "He called me by my real name. He called me Linda."

****❣️****

Brenda has tried reassuring me that Luke was drunk. That he didn't know what he was doing or saying for the matter, yet when someones intoxicated, they mostly speak the truth, right? At least that's what I've been told. However, I can also tell she's on edge, wondering about what the next move will be. 

One thing I do know for sure; is that so far he's doesn't remember much, but I'm pretty sure he's beginning to wonder why I've been keeping my distance. It's not like I've seen him anyways due to the hungover he hasn't fully cured, which is causing him to miss school, but me constantly denying his invitations must click something for him. 

The group, however, has started questioning what happened that night, most likely noticing my unease whenever they mentioned that Luke was coming back Tuesday. So Sarah and I decided to fill them in, which left them glancing between Derek and me. Who was no doubt is glancing our way.

-----

"He's back, you know." I nod. 

"Yeah, I'm aware."

Brenda glances around and leans in, "Maybe you should hear him out?"

"I don't think he remembers. It's best that way. Besides, you told me that if anything close to this happened to keep quiet and not look into it more- meaning anything that could trigger more suspensions."

She sighs. "That's not what I meant, and this is different, this is our friend. Who by the way, has been noticing that something is off."

"He called last night, didn't he?"

She nods.

"I'll figure it out." She gives me a look. "I'll talk to him. It's not like I can hide from him forever."

--

When it's time for lunch, I make my way to the cafeteria, head down, and peck over at the table where sure enough, Luke is already seated. Laughing at whatever Alexander is saying. The girls aren't there yet, and all that Brenda has told me this morning leaves my head. 

I turn to leave before either of them notice me and head to my locker. Come on, Linda, your blowing this out of proportion. I slowly open the locker and look into the interior. I see homework I haven't turned in and a mess of notes I take but never study. Might as well clean it, but I make no move. 

I guess I'm just worried about what he's going to say how he's going to react. At least one thing hasn't changed about me. I still worry and overthink about the outcomes and the future.

Just as I'm about to close my locker and leave, I feel a presence behind me. Okay, you got this Linda.

I turn, expecting to come to face to face with Luke, yet only to find him staring down at me. "Derek?" I look at him confused "What are you doing here?"

"I came to check on you. You've been acting strange lately."

"You don't have to. Besides, I'm fine." He doesn't buy it.

"What's wrong? Is it about what happened Saturday?"

I don't respond, and he doesn't seem to mind as we stay silent, but he does something that to me specks and comforts me more than words. He hugs me, his arms wrapping and pulling me close to his chest. I tense at first, but instantly relax as I hear his heartbeat, which is beating a little to fast. The smell of his cologne also hits, and his warmth has me closing my eyes as he rests his chin on top of my head. All while one of his hand caresses my hair, running his fingers through it. 

"Thank you," I mutter "I guess I needed that,"  I slightly pull away and stare up at him. He smiles and nods, and only then do I notice the space between us and how it seems to shrink with each second that passes by. My heart begins to beat a little faster, and my hands unknowingly tighten on his shirt. Yet I know he won't do it, and I'm right because not a second later, his lips make contact with my forehead.

"I should get going. My friends are probably looking for me." I slowly drop my hands.

"Yeah, maybe you should." Before I can pull away, I notice a figure from the corner of my eyes. Causing me to step aside.

"What is it?" Derek asks, looking at me and to where I'm staring.

"I thought I saw someone watching us for some reason." 

I fully step away and walk to where I saw the figure but nothing just an empty hall.

"Anything?" 

I shake my head. "No, I guess it was nothing?" I let out a breath. 

"Let's head back then."

---
I finally make my way inside the cafeteria, Derek already inside, and go over to our table taking a seat- everyone already watching me. I see Luke staring at me, and I give him a small smile.

"Amanda, can I talk to you?" I can hear the urgency and insecurity in his voice, causing me to immediately feel bad.

I nod. "Yeah, I'll meet you after school," I say.

The group visible relaxes a little, but I don't. Brenda glances at me and nods, giving me an encouraging smile.

Can't hide from him forever.

Don't forget to comment and vote ;) 

A/N: By the way, the songs on some chapters will not always be based on that particular chapter. They are just like a playlist for this book. However, there will be some songs that go with a chapter, but I will let you know which ones. 

Once again, Thank you for reading and giving this book a try

- Booknerd