hotline // luke hemmings

one.

Skylar

It was almost midnight. I was just finishing tidying up my desk when my phone rang.

Just one more call I told myself.

"You've reached the suicide hotline. I'm Skylar. How can I help you?" I answered.

"I-i want to d-die," a voice on the other end sobbed.

"Can you tell me your name?" I asked kindly.

"L-luke. Luke Hemmings."

"Okay Luke, can you tell me what happened? Why do you want to die?"

"It was my fault, and now I don't have anyone. I'm all alone," he whispered.

"You're never alone. What about your parents?"

"They don't care. I don't matter."

"Don't think that. I'm here for you. You matter to me."

"You're just a voice on the phone," he said sadly.

"Could we meet sometime?" he asked after a moment.

"I um, I'm not really supposed to meet with the people I speak with," I admitted.

"Oh."

My heart shattered when I heard his voice crack.

"I just really need someone," he choked.

"Where are you right now?" I asked, glancing at the clock. Five after midnight.

"The park on Elm," he replied.

"I'll be there as soon as possible. Just hang in there okay? I'll be there before you know it."

I waited for him to give me an 'ok' before hanging up.

I gathered my things as quickly as possible, saying a quick goodbye to my boss Melissa before rushing out the door.

After hopping in the car, I sped to the park.

As soon as I arrived, I saw a boy leaning up against the tree in the back corner. His face was hidden in his hands, sobs racked his body.

Yep, that was Luke.

I slowly made my way over, careful not to startle him.

"Luke?" His head shot up.

Tears stained his cheeks and coated his beautiful blue eyes. He looked me over as I sat beside him.

"Skylar, right?" he croaked. I nodded.

"Are you okay?" I asked, mentally slapping myself in the face. Of course he's not okay.

He didn't seem to be bothered my my stupidity. "No," he sobbed.

I let him lean his head on my shoulder. He soaked my shirt, but I didn't mind.

"It's my fault," he whispered. I remembered him saying something like that on the phone.

"What was your fault?"

"My sister's death."