Home Away From Home

Chapter Four

It's almost time to meet up with Liz, and I'd know because I've practically been counting down the minutes. Luke and I have barely said a word to each other in the past few hours we've been alone. I had thought he was talking to me at one point, but it turned out that he was on his phone.

A surprising change of scenery took place, however, when Luke lead us to a secluded picnic area in the back of a park. It was stunning. Luke took a seat at a table, and I followed his actions, still unsure of what he was doing.

I looked around aimlessly as I waited for the explaition that would never come. "So..." My fingers tapped against the tabletop as I looked past Luke and into the skyline.

He sighed and looked up, his eyes resting on mine. "What?"

My lips formed a line across my face and I raised my eyebrows. I'd almost surrendered to his bitter actions, but I couldn't help myself. "Just wondering what we're doing. Not sure why I'd ask because it's not like you'd tell me anyway."

Luke rolled his eyes as his expression flattened. "Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't realize I was supposed to be your tour guide."

"I never said you had to be my tour guide, but a little common courtesy wouldn't have hurt." I defended myself. My voice was rising, and I felt my cheeks grow hot.

Luke's eyes widened as it looked like he was fighting back the urge to choke me. "What are you even talking about?!"

"We just walked around Sydney for like two hours, and the only words you spoke were into your phone!" My feelings mirrored his expression, and if I knew how to get back to the house, I would have left then and there.

"What was I supposed to say?! Welcome to Australia, I wish you weren't here?" His hands flew up into the space beside him as rage washed over his face.

My mouth dropped, and I couldn't take my eyes off of him. Where does he get off?! I collected myself and sat back on the bench a bit with my arms crossed. "I'm sorry if you feel like I'm invading your life or something, but regardless of what you think or want, I'm here for another two months." 
My voice was soft and even, and I watched as his face hardened.

"Good thing I'm used to people not caring about what I think or want." He slammed his hands on the table and walked away. 

I didn't know where to go, so I just stayed where I was. I watched him as his tall stature grew smaller and smaller the farther he walked. I had a sense he would come back, but I might be here alone for a while.

The program strongly prohibits romantic relationships, and the only way there'd be a problem would be if Luke's good looks bled into his personality, but I don't foresee that happening anytime soon. I sighed looked around at the park a little more. I took out my phone to capture a few pictures, but they didn't do it justice. 

My head felt heavy, and it practically collapsed into my hands. I felt my eyes close, and the only thing I can remember is thinking about how hot it is. 

"Greta." I heard my name being spoken softly but with harsh undertones. I wanted to open my eyes, but I couldn't will myself awake. "Frick, Greta, get up. We have to go meet my mom."

Each breath felt more labored than the last, and my entire body just felt so unnaturally heavy. I heard, whom I presumed to be Luke, huffing about with increasing anger. His footsteps shuffled around me before he stopped, rushing to the spot next to me. 

He shifted my head, and I was aware of his touch on my neck. I don't understand how is hands manage to be so cold when I'm so hot right now. Luke's hand moved up to my forehead, and it rested there as he pulled his phone out of the pocket of his shorts to call his mom.