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𝗧he clock read 11:42 p.m., but neither of them had made a move toward sleep.
the house was dark and quiet. abby had gone upstairs hours ago, and frankie's mom had checked in once more before heading to bed. even the dog next door had finally stopped barking. the only sound was the low hum of the fridge and lucas's quiet breathing beside her.
frankie was curled into the corner of the couch, knees to her chest. lucas sat close, his arm resting behind her, hand grazing her shoulder.
she could feel it his hesitation. like he wanted to say something, but didn't know how to start.
"do you have to go?" she asked quietly, already knowing the answer.
lucas sighed. "yeah. first period's at eight."
frankie nodded slowly. "right."
he shifted toward her, his voice soft. "i hate the idea of leaving you. even for a few hours." she looked up at him. his eyes were full of everything she'd been trying not to feel.
"i'll be okay," she said, and for the first time in days, she almost believed it. lucas searched her face, like he was looking for any sign that she was lying. "are you sure?"
"no," she admitted. "but i think i need to be alone. just for a little. i've had so many people around me this week... i think i need to sit with the quiet for a while."
he nodded, slowly, but didn't move.
"you still have your mom and abby," he said. "and your dad, when he's not pretending to be busy." frankie smiled faintly at that. "exactly."
they sat in silence for a few moments.
then lucas leaned in, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "you're the strongest person i know, frankie."
her throat tightened. "you always say that."
"because it's always been true."
she didn't answer. she just leaned into him and closed her eyes as he pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead. she breathed him in; his warmth, his steadiness and it made her want to cry.
"text me if you need anything," he murmured. "i mean it. anything."
