salt air and serendipity [lrh]

twelve

Days seem to pass in this town like minutes. Sometimes they feel like an eternity. The week that followed Ricky's death felt like twelve years. Though life is so repulsively normal most of the time, routines never changing, the days all blend together. 

My new normal routine was very similar to the one I have had for almost all of my life. I wake up, Calum arrives through my window, we eat breakfast, and we would go to the beach, Michael's backyard, or now into town with my friends. I'd end my nights spending time with Luke alone and he would either leave or I would go home before the sun rose and I would start all over again. I guess one could say we were dating now, but it wasn't anything official. We hadn't made an announcement to our friends and no one was asking questions about why we were so cozy all of a sudden. I have seen a few side-eye glances from Ashton and eye-brow raises from Enya, but nothing of concern for now. 

Today was no different. Enya, Luke, Calum, Ashton, Michael, and I were sitting together under our usual shaded spot on the beach. Nother of importance was being discussed and none of us had the desire to play around closer to the water. It was peaceful but rather boring.

Somehow the conversation got to partying and 'normal teenage stuff' that us townies were barely experienced with. "Wait you guys seriously don't throw parties and stuff?" Luke asks from above me while I lay on his lap. 

"Luke, dude, this is a dry town. No alcohol is even permitted in the area." Calum explains. "We've snuck some in a couple of times, but I guess it isn't our main source of fun." He shrugs. 

"And in case you haven't noticed, there's not really enough of us to throw a party anyway," Michael adds on, gesturing around to the group. 

"Well..." Luke begins. "Do you guys want to go to one? A real one." He asks, almost sounding suspicious. 

All of our ears perk up at once and I lift my head off of his lap, looking up. "Where the hell would we even go?" I ask, furrowing my brows. 

"I used to live around New York City. An old friend found out I was back on the East coast and invited me. It is only about a 4-hour drive. I thought you guys might want to go; get out for a while." Luke explains. "I can teach you lot how to be city kids... for real." He chuckles.

"Are you sure we can come?" Ashton asks, his voice dripping with concern but of the condescending kind. 

"Scout and Enya will defiantly be able to get in for sure." He says, causing the looks of confusion to deepen on everyone's faces. "They're hot girls. They'll be let in." Luke speaks again as if he was stating the obvious. The circle filled with groans, laughter, more confusion as Luke tried defending himself and I slapped him on the leg. "Stop, stop, stop. Seriously though, I just asked my friend he said you all can come." He laughs, finally answering truthfully.

The energy in the group relaxes and I lay back down on Luke's lap. We all look around at each other but no one speaks on the plans until Enya shifts in her spot next to Calum. "I mean... it is only noon; we should be able to make it in time. I think it'll be fun." She shrugs lightly, bringing her knees to her chest. 

"Yeah okay, let's go then!" Calum agrees with her hastily. 

"Very enthusiastic today, are we, Cal?" Michael smirks at him, causing Calum to hit him and jokingly threaten him through his teeth. "Okay, okay! Well, I agree too, anyway." 

"You wanna go?" Luke looks down at me, speaking quieter than he has been. I look across to Ashton and he raises his eyebrows. I raise mine back and nod, causing him to roll his eyes and nod as well. We have many silent conversations like this all the time. I look back up to Luke and smile and nod my head. "Taking that as a yes from everybody?" Luke heard the affirmations from the group and moved me off of him before standing up by himself. "Great! Better get ready to go. It's not the longest drive, but we're gonna want to be there at least by 7:00 PM."