(Well, all good things come to an end... )
''Annie, I gotta get going..'' Luke spoke softly, tracing lines on my shoulder and arm gently and lightly with his long slim fingers.
''I know... Me too...''
We were lying on our sides, face to face, so close to each other, I could feel his soft breaths caressing me. (This was so perfect, I don't ever want to forget this. )
I pressed my lips against his once more. I could feel them forming into a smile under mine.
With that, I rolled to the end of the bed and got up. I picked up his shirt from the floor and gave it to him. I picked up my bra as well and tried to put it on as carefully as I could, without him seeing anything. But I could feel his gaze on me... With my cheeks growing warmer, I apologetically caught his eyes. He didn't say anything, he just smiled and winked at me. (well, he tried to wink, but I don't think he mastered the art of winking just yet, he kinda winked with both of his eyes, hahah). I didn't want to laugh at him so I just pressed my lips into a tight smile. (I'll make fun of his winking some other time, hopefully.)
''K, I'll go find my stuff and go home and you find your buddies. We'll talk soon, yeah?''
''Sure, I'll text you, babe'' he made a kissy face.
I smiled and waved at him and got out of the room, leaving him inside. I quickly found my jacket and purse and quietly got out of the apartment. Taking my phone out, I realized it was almost 7am... Damn. I quickly typed a text for Mark, apologizing for not helping him clean the place and offering to come back later, after finally getting some shut-eye.
Everyone was still sleeping when I got home and I was relieved. I just wanted to be alone to process everything that went down with Luke. I tried to be as fast as possible with my shower and everything since I could barely keep my eyes open. When I went to set the alarm on my phone, I saw a text from Luke and my whole body became overwhelmed with giddiness and warm happiness.
Sorry, I couldn't wait any longer... I wanted to text you as soon as you left the room, haha. Just so you know, I really think you're awesome and I like hanging out with you ^.^ Good night, Annie x
Haha, I just got into bed.. I'm so tired, I can barely type this... Sleep tight, Lukey, we'll talk soon, pretty boy :)
I felt so much happiness inside me, I could burst and shine like a million suns. When I finally started drifting into dream world, that little evil troll inside me quietly spoke to me - you know this is too good to be true but I tried my best to ignore it. I surrendered to my blissful dreams consisting of who other than my perfect Luke, wishing, as always, they become real some day...
***
It was 2pm when I finally woke up. I had no hangover and no mysterious bruises or aches on my body. I felt pretty good. Mom and dad were out, they left me a note and some money on the dining table. I didn't feel like being indoors, so I got dressed and decided to go out somewhere. I texted my best (girl) friend, Victoria, to see if she wanted to hang. She, surprisingly, said yes and to meet her at our usual bar in half an hour.
This bar was my favourite. It was just the right combination of dingy and cool, plus the music was always good and not too loud. There were a couple of tables occupied by some interesting-looking (more like creepy) people, but I quickly found a spot Vicky would approve of. Of course, she is late. She doesn't want to admit that a minute isn't an amount of time in which you can actually get stuff done. She believes she can do a whole lot in a minute. That's why she's always late, heh.
I took a seat at a table in the middle of the room, but still close enough to the window (Vicky doesn't like smoke). I ordered a Coke (I need a little break from all the alcohol) and started messing on my phone. I was well into reading something about celebrities and their luxurious vacations, when I looked up and saw Luke with (of course) Cal and Mike. They were joined by a couple of other boys I didn't recognize. They took a route that went around the bar so he didn't notice me. They sat behind me, at the back of the bar. I turned my whole upper body to look at them. Luke still hadn't seen me. Hm.
Vicky's arrival finally snapped me out of gawking at Luke (it felt a bit like spying, haha). She, as usual, looked amazing. Her beautiful flaming red locks were scooped up in a messy bun, leaving a few strands to casually fall on her gorgeous face. She didn't wear much make up, just a little bit of mascara on her insanely long lashes. Her green eyes were mesmerizing. (I told her red was the colour to go, I knew her eyes would pop). She had been my friend since 5th grade but we became best friends in senior year of high school. If I were to be completely honest, I always considered her to be the ''better'' version of me... She was just like me, only prettier, cuter, thinner and smaller than me... I have to say, sometimes, looking at her, I would feel a pang of bitter envy kicking me in the chest. But I have to ignore that, she's my best friend, she loves me and we are like sisters...(Right?)
''Hey, weirdo, who were you staring at so intensely?'' Vicky chirped, poking my shoulder.
''Oh, hey.. No one, I just thought I saw someone I knew...'' (why did I just lie to her?)
''Hmm..okay.. Well, I have some exciting news to share with you..'' And with that Vicky started telling me about all the boys she went out with this past week and how she can't decide which one she likes better... The listing of cons and pros for all the boys was quite an endeavor... I was getting ready to switch my Coke for something harder when she suddenly stopped talking about her admirers.
''Anne... There's a guy behind you, to your left who is totally looking at you. More like, at your back, but still, he's looking over. Like constantly. It's kinda creepy...''
I frowned and turned around. Luke shot me a shy smile. I waved at him and smiled big. He didn't wave back. He just bit his lip and turned his eyes to his friends. I felt silly not getting a wave back...
''Who is that? How do you know him? Are you keeping something from me? TELL MEEE!!!'' Vicky whined.
''Uhm...'' I awkwardly searched for words inside my head.
''He's that guy I told you about... That's Luke...'' I blushed and chewed on my lip.
''WHAT? THAT is Luke?! O-M-G, what is he, like, 15? HAHAHA!! Anne, you cougar! '' Vicky was chuckling along and staring at him.
''Well, you know me, I love young meat, haha. But he is 17, actually... Almost legal. '' I winked at her.
''You are sooo gross! How can you like a kid like that?! Hahah!''
''Oh come on, he doesn't look that young, he is very tall and broad for his age... And he is so beautiful...'' I couldn't help but turn around to at least glance at him for a second. He noticed me and smirked at me, without his friends noticing. (gosh, he's so damn cute) I felt a little better, but I'll still have to ask him why he didn't want to wave at me. That was rude.
''Okay, he doesn't look that illegal, but I could never be with someone younger than me... Guys are so immature as it is, haha. And he's blonde...You know I like 'em dark haired.''
Sure, she liked darker guys, but I'm a bit skeptical about her not finding him attractive... We usually have very similar taste in guys. (which usually ends with her getting the guy and me being sad about it, but, hey, that's life...)
''Wait... Did you tell him you like him?'' She leaned closer to me, as if he could hear us.
''Uhm.. yes..''
Her jaw dropped.
''AND?'' she whispered quite loudly.
I proceeded to tell her about what happened... I told her everything, from beginning till now, the unreturned wave.
''Hmm... I think he's stupid... He should be proud to have someone like you so into him... You are such an amazing person, you know that... Anne, you are so special, don't let some silly boy cloud your vision!'' She reached over the table and hugged me. This is why I love her. She's my person.
I smiled fondly and hugged her back.
''Thanks, Vic, I love you so much. And I'll talk to him soon enough and we'll sort everything'' I said pulling from the hug.
After chatting some more, I got up and went to the bathroom. I was waiting in the line, a couple of girls were in front of me.
''Hey!'' I heard from behind me.
I turned around, knowing immediately who it was. It was Luke.
To my amazement, he leaned over and gave me the quickest little peck on the lips. It was enough to catch me completely off guard. I looked at him, super happy and surprised.
He smiled smugly at me, clearly very pleased with himself and my reaction.
''Do you have any plans later tonight?'' He said before quickly glancing over his shoulder, in the direction his friends were sitting.
''Erm,no... I was going to watch a movie or something...'' I said, unsure.
''Well, we can go out for a walk or a drink or ice cream. Whatever. Just hang?'' He smiled in a way his both dimples were showing. I couldn't help but smile back and agree to whatever he suggested.
''Of course, hanging with you beats any movie'' I winked at him.
''You bet it does,'' He did his unsuccessful wink. (I'm gonna have to say something soon, haha) Then he pecked my lips again and left.
Wow. Now I won't be able to stop thinking about hanging out with him... I even forgot I wanted to pee. I just got back to Vicky to quickly tell her what happened. She was really happy for me.
As we were leaving, I felt my phone vibrate. A text from Luke.
How does 9 sound? I'm really feeling like some ice cream!
I turned to look at him. He smiled at me and wiggled his eyebrows a few times. His friends didn't notice anything as they were too busy drinking shots and chugging beers.
I giggled while looking back at my phone to reply to him.
Sounds great, let's meet in front of that place on Oak's, they have the best ice cream evah :D
Excitement made me feel like a little school girl. Is this a date with Luke? Oh my...