I chugged down an entire coca cola. It felt good being back, and by back I mean in maccas in the town. After Luke decided it was best to leave me here so he could take a leak, I looked around every so often for moments where I could make a run for it. I stood up with my tray, walking over to the bins before I emptied it, still in search for Luke. He wasn't anywhere to be seen so I began walking towards the door. I understood the fact that even if I was going to have my 'perfect escape it was only short term, Luke had a sixth sense for me and bystanders could rat us out... well him out. It's complicated.
The only thing on my mind right now was James, once again. It hurt to know that whatever I did, I could no longer see James again. It was unusual but it was a good feeling, like relief but still with the weight of the world on my shoulders. As I opened the doors, it was as if the cold harshly bit my warm skin as the wind blew, exhilarating, powerful..
Calm.
I kept walking, it was as if I didn't know where I was going, but then again, I did. I was home but with Luke was home too. The park was different, more kids as if the non existent presence of Luke left and made a huge impact on how the town was. I was so lost in thought that the only thing in my mind was the swing set. The kids seemed as if they were brainwashed, their laughs seemed so synchronised.I took a few deep breaths before I began to walk into the park. I stopped in my tracks when I saw Jai, his hands in his pockets as he walked towards the swings, placing himself upon them before he stared down at his phone. Jai was like my only saviour when Luke was having his mental breakdowns, they scared me and Jai would always be there to soothe me. I took all the courage to walk up to him but just as I took a step, it was as if I spilled out all the courage, completely nothing left, not even a little smidge. Standing, staring at him as if he was an unusual being. He slowly turned up, having to do a double take to see my face.
"Where's Luke?" Jai panicked as he grabbed my hand.
"What? I don't want to be near him..." I whispered before I pulled my hand away from his grip. "Please Jai."
He was emotionless, not even one word, I stepped away and sat down on the bench watching the sunset. My mind was like a jungle, it was confusing, long but it always has a safe, clear path.
"The boys and I used to film here." Jai smiled as he sat down beside me.
"Who are the boys?" I questioned, turning to face him.
"Luke, Daniel, Myself, Beau and James." He began to slow down, Making me slightlly curious on why he slowed down but I didn't ask, instead nodded.
"Luke loves you, you know that right?" Jai blurted out, his orbs glaring at me.
"I mean, he loves you , loves you. Not typical I love you that's thrown around.."
I stared at the ground, analysing the dirt my feet were placed on. Jai's hands caressed my cheek. I held it against my right cheek, slowly loosening my grip.
"Unwind Elle he's not here." Jai whispered in my ear, his hot breath travelling across my ear. I felt his weight slowly gain on me as I soon had my back on the bench and his lips on mine. It felt better this way, instead of with Luke. His hands controlling my every physical movement. It was right. I was home but Luke was home too.
