we shine together (a luke patterson story)

chapter seven

Marlie finished her first week of school, and a long week it was. She made four incredible new friends that she already felt distanced from.

It was Saturday morning. She woke up around 10:00 am. She went downstairs to greet her parents as there was a knock on the door.

"Marlena, will you get the door please" Mrs. Loverich shouted from the kitchen.

Marlie opened the door to see Luke, Alex, Reggie and Bobby standing at the door. All with big grins on their faces.

Marlie stood there shocked. She was in her pajamas, eyes still red and puffy.

"Oh.. hi guys" Marlie said surprised. "What are you doing here?"

"Well, we want to take you out today... all of us. Do something fun" Alex said happily.

"Guys, I appreciate it bu-" Marlie said.

"No no, you're coming. Go get dressed" Reggie said shooing the girl away, he grabbed both her shoulders and turned her around.

"Uh okay, I guess you guys can sit on the couch. I'll be down in a few" Marlie said sighing. She dragged her feet as she made her way slowly upstairs

The last thing she wanted to do was go out, but it made her happy that the boys clearly cared.

"Goodmorning Mrs. Loverich" Luke said to Marlies mom.

"We wanted to take Marlie out for the day, if that's okay" Bobby added.

"Goodmorning boys, I hope you're hungry. and of course" Mrs. Loverich responded placing breakfast on the table.

"Please, eat" Mr. Loverich said inviting them to sit.

The four boys sat around the table, they left a seat for Marlies sister in between Alex and Reggie and a seat for Marlie next to Luke and Bobby. The boys devoured the delish breakfast.

Marlie on the other hand was upstairs forcing herself to get ready. She threw on jean shorts, a white crop top, and her beat up green converse.

She didn't bother putting makeup on, she brushed her hair and her teeth and put on her favorite jewelry.

Marlie walked downstairs, a smile growing across her face seeing the boys at the table.

Luke motioned for her to come sit by him.

"I hope this is okay" He whispered to her.

"It's great" She said smiling as she sat down next to him.

She noticed the second empty seat giving Alex and Reggie a confused look.

"For Katherine" Reggie beamed.

In that moment Marlie wanted to cry tears of joy. Although it was the last thing she wanted the boys to find out about, it made her heart happy that they were finding ways to remind Marlie of her sister.

She reached down rubbing her guitar pick necklace as memories of her sister ran through her head.

The boys faces lit up with smiles seeing their friend happy again.

As they all finished breakfast the boys got up from the table.

"Marlie grab your skateboard, we'll meet you outside" Bobby said closing the door behind them.

Marlie went back up to her room, quickly grabbed her skateboard, and walked out the front door.

The beat up van was no where to be found. She heard the four boys laughing as they walked back into her driveway, all with skateboards.