Home Away From Home

Chapter Twenty One

DAY FIFTY ONE

I woke up to an empty house. Apparently Liz was feeling better, they all had a previous engagement. 
"Forgot to tell you that we have a party for a friend today. It was RSVP only, so you couldn't have come anyway. Good morning. :) help yourself to breakfast/lunch.
--Liz x"

They came home later that afternoon, and we all watched a movie downstairs.

DAY FIFTY TWO

Luke and I went over to Calum's and played FIFA with everyone. I moreso watched, really.

DAY FIFTY THREE

Andy took me out to breakfast, and attempted to talk to me about Luke. He shut himself down after the first syllable. "Just forget it. Liz was the one who wanted  me to say something anyway, so she can just do it herself." 
Liz took me out to lunch and speak to me she did. 

"So, you and Luke?" She smiled sweetly, eating a piece of lettuce from her salad.

I darted my eyes around, not knowing what to say, but I nodded without thinking. "Uh... mhm."

"I talked with Luke while you were out with Andy this morning, and I know you and I have talked before. The rules specifically state no romantic relationships are to be formed, but I want you to know that I think this surpasses romantic. And it's not like we're going to tattle. Just be safe, okay? Be safe with his feelings. And you know I love you, so you be safe with your feelings too." 

I was taken back considerably by her compassionate rambling. I nodded again and could only manage a thank you. 

Luke wasn't at dinner; Luke was out.

DAY FIFTY FOUR

I stayed in bed. Liz checked on me when I didn't go down for breakfast. She asked if I was okay, and I said I was fine, I just didn't feel the best. She offered me her services and left.

Andy checked on me when I didn't go down for lunch. He asked if I was feeling any better, and I told him a little bit. He offered me his services and left. Then he came back in and told me he'd actually be going into work soon so I'd have to tell Liz if I needed anything.

Liz sent Luke in to check on me somewhere between lunch and dinner. 

"Are you okay?" He cautiously sat on the bed, facing the wall opposite of the one I was facing. 

I didn't bother turning to look at him. "I don't feel like being a person much today." 

"Okay." I felt Luke get off the bed as the springs squeaked in protest as he left.

"Luke?" I mumbled as he stepped through the door.

"Yeah?" 

"I love you even when I don't want to be around much." I reminded him. I felt small and in danger, but there was no safer place to cash my words.

Luke said nothing, but I heard his steps across the carpet. He leaned down, moved the hair from my face, and kissed my cheek. "You could murder me, and I'd still know, or at least think, that you love me." 
He whispered, and his breath tickled my neck. 

I scrunched my shoulders up as my face formed a smile for the first time today. It was a half smile but a smile nonetheless. 

I went down to eat dinner, but I returned to my room immediately. I cried and fell asleep before the sun.

DAY FIFTY FIVE 

Luke was out with Ashton all day. Andy was at work. Liz and I watched home and cooking shows on TV all day while eating too much food that wasn't good for us.