over again | lrh

8

Lily

It's been about a month since I've last saw Luke. He left for tour about 4 days after he told me about proposing to Sierra. He tried seeing me and checking in to make sure I'm doing okay but I just avoided the conversation completely by keeping busy or taking Rosie out. We've texted back and forth every once and a while to catch up and he does his weekly check ups on me.

The divorce for my parents has officially started and I've been trying to think of better ways to cope. Recently I went out with a girl I met through Toby, I found her at a cafe when we were waiting for a drink when she recognized me and we began conversation. Her names Emma and she lives about 20 minutes away from me. We went out to the beach and she's even gone with me to one of Rosie's school events. I've finally grown to trusting another person. We've been inseparable lately which felt like a weight taken off my chest being so free and open with another person who isn't my ex boyfriend or one of his friends.

Today Luke planned for me to take a flight to New Zealand in order to see the band live. So now Liz and I are on our way over, about 2 hours away from landing. When we arrive we need to head straight to the venue in order to make it on time for their performance. Liz and I spoke about how much fun this is going to be. She informs me about Sierra meeting us at the venue and I just smile as she gushes about her.

Liz was mindful as she spoke and made sure to reassure my feelings towards the subject. I told her I was happy as long as Luke was, which wasn't a total lie. As we descend onto the runway in the New Zealand airport I brace myself on spending the next two weeks away from my family and instead with my best friend.

Once we arrive at the venue Luke goes out with security to greet and escort us inside with the others. We walk down the long white hallway and arrive where the dressing rooms are and go inside what I assume is Lukes. I see a chest of clothes open on the ground and a couch in the middle of the room with a small fridge right next to it. The room was a glorified walk in closet.

Liz left the room to go setup some of her equipment back stage leaving me here with Luke. "How was the flight?" He asks as he plopped down on the couch

"It was long. I've never liked flying if I wasn't sleeping" I told him and sat down at his small vanity

"You get used to it" Luke shrugs "It's weird having you here again. Adapting to everything between us is a little weird."

"Your telling me. I'm flying out here to see you at concert once again." I laugh

"I think you've seen us live more now then you did when we dated" Luke laughs at the irony and I do too

"Had to" I pause "I haven't heard the new songs live"

"Well you can listen to them as often as you want." Luke gets up to grab a drink from the fridge and gets one for me as well

"How's the um" I didn't finish my sentence before Luke cut in sensing my uncomfortableness

"Proposal?" He finishes my sentence "I'm planning to pull the trigger next week when we go to Japan"

Luke scratches the back of his neck as he watches my reaction to his words.

"I'm really proud of you. Who knew when I met you 12 years ago I'd watch you propose to your girlfriend." I smile at him

"Hey I just watch to apologize. I know it must be hard watching me marry someone else, if I'm being honest I never imagined myself not being with you so I understand why you needed the distance." He rubs my arm for comfort and I fight the urge to slip away from his grasp

"No offense Luke, that was the last thing I wanted to hear from you." I sigh and step out of the room.

My emotions have been heightened recently and that definitely didn't help sooth me down whatsoever. He knows what I feel and continues to point it out. I can't avoid the subject forever, but I wish it wasn't getting shoved down my throat by him every time I've seen him.