Bad Habit

c h a p t e r 6: Endless Night

Luke, pulling me with him, walked out of the school, displaying a great smile across his lips. "Luke? What if we get caught?" I said buckling into the passenger seat of his car. "What if penguins could fly?" He teased. I knew the answer now; we wouldn't.

We got to the gateway and Luke waved at the guy in the booth. He opened the gates and let us out.
"Good connections, huh?" I giggle.
"Ah yes, that was actually my Uncle Charlie."
"No way!"
"No I'm serious!" He laughs as I roll my eyes.

I watched the trees outside the window as we drove. Still looking out, I asked, "Where are you taking me?" I could feel him staring at me. I smiled and looked at my shoes. "Oh no Ell. If you're going to go and do that, you might as well get out of this car." I could tell he was smiling as well. "Do what?" I looked back up, and he quickly turned to look back at the road.
"Doing that whole cute act." A smile peaked from the corners of his lips.
I laughed, "It's not an act Hemmings, I'm naturally adorable."
"I know." He said so quietly, it sounded like he didn't mean to expose the thought.
He was being so sweet. I don't know why, but he was.
"You never answered my question."
"You'll see soon, calm yourself."

We drove for what seemed hours. I dozed off for awhile.
Soon I felt a warm hand gently shake me.
"Go away mom."

I heard some giggles after what I said.

"No if you don't get up by the count of three, you're not eating dinner tonight!"

"I'm up gosh." I jumped. I figured out that Luke was messing with me.

"We're here kid," he smiled.

"That was so unnecessary." I laughed.
He opened my door and took me by my hand. "Nando's." He grinned proudly. "What the hell is a 'Nando'?"
"I really don't know. The best best bestest restaurant ever though." He smiles and begins running towards the entrance.

***

We walked out after eating. "Where to now, m' lady?" He asked.
"Park?"
"Sure, let's go."
We drove to the park and played on the playground.
We swung on the swing set, as little kids gave looks at us for not giving them turns. We didn't care, because we were having plenty of fun. Luke jumped off the swing and landed on his butt. I couldn't help but laugh. "Hey, stop, it's not funny Elli." Luke groaned, embarrassed. He stood up from the grout and dusted himself off. He stared at me for a moment of the swing and charged towards me. Me scared and confused, hopped off and ran. He finally caught me after ten minutes of chasing me around and grabbed me by the waist.

"Luke!" I laughed.

He started tickling me and I kicked his leg, causing him to fall. I pinned his arms down and sat on him.

"Wow bitch."

My mouth gaped open as I stared at him.

And it was going so well.

"Oh my gosh Ellicity, take a joke." He laughed.

I frowned and looked around to find parents looking at us.

"Hello there!" I smile and wave to the fat lady glaring at me, who was taking her kids and leaving because we were bothering her.

"Ell, shut up!" Luke laughed, pulling my arm down, causing me to fall on him completely.

Pushing myself up, I say, "Wow Luke,  you can't wait I guess." I joke, standing up.

He looks at me shyly and stands up, saying nothing

Okay?

We walked back to the car. "This was fun." I smile, trying to squeeze words out of him.

"I had fun too, Ell." He scratched the back of his neck.