Umbrella || l.h

Chapter 9

I realize there is someone else.
That someone else I love.
That someone else loves me.
That someone else is Luke.

I roll over and remember is Luke sleeping next to me. I feel like a lifesaver. He has probably had nowhere to sleep for ages, until now. I cannot just let him sleep in luxury for one night and then kick him out. He needs a home, and I am going to do my best to get him one - one here, one with me.

His eyes open slowly and look at me, gleaming and with a smirk on his face.

"Look who's up," I say.

Luke doesn't respond and looks at me with the same smirk.

"What?" I say laughing. "Why are y-"

He slowly puts his hand to my cheek and says, "You're cold."

"Okay, Thanks for reminding me I am always freezing to death."

"Maybe I can fire you up a little." His hands pull me into a kiss and then he raises his eyebrows as to say, "What about now?"

This is what I want to wake up to everyday - A messy haired, blonde, poor, sarcastic, funny guy who appreciates and loves me for who I am. If only everyone could be that way.... If I could be better.

"I'm a jerk," I say, taking Luke by surprise.

"Oh c'mon why would you say that?"

"I can't get over what I said to you."

"Stop."

"What?"

Taking my hand, Luke responds, "I know you didn't mean it. Didn't I forgive you?"

"I don't know, but hold on. I have something I need to do."

I go downstairs and search for my mom. "Mom?"

The time has come. I need to tell her the truth. I cannot sneak Luke around and hope for the best. Being around him, I have realized I hate the person I have become. I want a fresh start, a new beginning.

My mom comes down the hallway with laundry in her hands, "Yes?"

I breathe in and start out simple. "Do you have any soft spots for the poor?"

Laughing she responds, "What kind of ridiculous question is that? No." I should have known my heartless mother would say that. She doesn't love anyone but our family, If you call that love.

"I'm done with this. I have two words for you, thats all - BE NICE! Just for once, please. You never think of anyone but yourself, and you hate the poor for no reason at all. Do you know how much they suffer? I guess not. But, the reason for their suffering is other people. People who don't help or care or love. People who are selfish. PEOPLE LIKE YOU!"

Hearbroken, my mom says "You don't mean that."

"Yes I do, every last word of it. Oh, and maybe I forgot to mention something. I am in love. I am in love with someone who is poor and you cannot do anything about it. Even better, I invited him over. He is here right now, being cared for by me, feeling important for once in his life. He is more kind, caring, loving, and considerate than you ever will be."

"Ariella!" Tears stream down her pale face and I cannot tell if they are tears from hurt or anger. "How could you do that? I thought I raised you well. Tell that boy to leave this instant."

Furiously I say, "I LOVE HIM MOM! You can pull him away but I will find a way back. You can try to change my feelings, but love is something that cannot be affected by you. No matter what you do I will always love him... Always."

"Go. I have many things to discuss with your father. I am extremely disappointed in your behavior." I feel so relieved. So relieved I cannot explain. Yet, I am crying. My mother will plan something and hurt Luke. I can't bear to imagine what she has in store for him.

When I return to my bedroom, Luke is out of bed, sitting by my windowsill. He turns around when he hears the unavoidable sound of my sobbing. I stare out the window in his arms for nearly 10 minutes.

"Sorry for the tears on your shirt." I look up into his eyes and attempt to fake a smile.

"I can fix that." He pulls his shirt off and I cannot help myself from smiling.

"Jumping at any opportunity, I guess, to show me your surprisingly fit body."

"Hey, just because I am poor doesn't mean I am not fit. The only options I have are to sit or walk. I love nature, so usually I walk and run around town and watch life go on."

"Good to know, how do you feel about hiking?"

"I've done it once or twice, what about you?"

"I've never been hiking before, but there's always a first." Luke starts to catch on. "So, maybe tomorrow we can go?"

"Fine by me. Oh and by the way, I meant to ask you if you have any nicknames. Ari, El, Ella?"

"No, but there's always a first.

"Nice reference to about 20 seconds ago," Luke tells me.

"Thanks."

"Sooo.."

"Sooo.."

"Sooo Ari.. I'll make sure to be ready for our date tomorrow." Date, huh? This hiking trip sounds more interesting now. I'll make sure that my mom knows how happy I am without her anger and with Luke's love.

Now I no longer have to remind myself to be free. It seems like I already am.