Long Way Down [Unedited]

Catch a break

Dallas

"And one day when we step out in a wider horizon, I know it's going to be alright and we're gonna get through it with kindness, a little pinch of generosity and a whole lot of determination. And it's going to work out. Thank you!" I step down the stage as the whole auditorium erupts into cheers, clap and hollers. I spot my family in the front row, as I make my towards them with a huge smile plastered on my face. Dad is beaming with pride, while mom and Liam... Well you could say they could act more enthusiastically.

"I'm so proud of you honey!" Dad exclaims happily, embracing me in a hug as I bury myself into his arms. We tear apart and I turn around to face mom.

"You did great baby." She mumbles, patting my shoulder, her eyes gleaming with appreciation and pride. But my mom's the kind of person who's often found to be at loss of words. I love her anyways. "Darling congratulate your sister." Mom nudges Liam, who's basically busy gawking the future sophomore batch girls.

"It was a middle school graduation not a Grammy." He mumbles boringly. "You did good though." My lips curve into a little smile. And like mom, Liam isn't a big fan of expressing too. But he tries– and I try to find the best in people.

"Thanks mom. Thanks Liam. It means a lot that you guys are here." I tell them.

"We wouldn't miss it for the world honey." Dad pecks my forehead. "BTW we're going out for dinner tonight to celebrate yours, Liam's and Abby's graduation." Suddenly a pair of arms wrapped around my neck knocks out the words out of my head.

"The speech was great D!!!" Abby chimes excitedly. "You looked so beautiful and confident up there. I mean I can't believe we're going to highschool already!"

"Abby, dinner at 8 O'clock tonight. Be there." Dad tells Abby as she squeals in return. "And congratulations girls! We are leaving now. But be home soon Dalla." I nod towards him and watch my family exit the auditorium.

"Congratulations Abigail!" I embrace Abby into a hug before bursting into fits of laughter. Apparently calling Abby by her real name freaks her out for no reason. I mean its only ironic and coincidental that we both have country names.

"Isn't this school amazing!?" Abby exclaims. "Its a shame I can't go here and turn the place upside down with you."

"I wish–"

"That was a pretty great speech." A manly voice from behind, interrupts the conversation with Abby. I turn around to see, Luke Winters flashing a charming smile at me.

"Thanks." I mumble, cheeks flushing. I can't believe I'm blushing because of this guy.

"It was pretty inspiring I must say." He smirks. "Valedictorian of the batch ha! You surprise me every time Dallas Marshal." Oh god don't say my name like that!! Ugh! Can someone make this unnecessary fluttering inside my stomach go away? What is it anyway?

"And you are–?" Abby cuts in confidently and I'm so glad. Its the first time that I'm at loss of words in front of someone.

"I'm Luke Winters. The guy who helped taking care of a very drunk you at the party last week." Luke extends his hand while Abby shakes it hesitantly. "I'm sure your friend must've filled you in." And that right there. The stupid smirk is back. Stupid and breathtaking.

"I'm sure she didn't. Maybe you weren't important enough." Abby snarls, hiding it with a smile. Something tells me she doesn't like Luke very much.

"Maybe you're underestimating me." Luke mumbles, his tone serious and offensive, both of them locking their eyes daring each other. I've got to stop them. I tug on Abby's arm and pull her besides me,