The Departed (Working Title)

Chapter Nine

When I opened my eyes I was surrounded by complete darkness apart from a small vertical sliver of light. I released myself from the fetal position I was locked in to peer through the small slat, which revealed a room. I quickly slid my fingers through the slat pushed and pulled at the sides. There was a wall that gave way and slid off to the right. As the light Hermes brightly into the small room I was in, I realized it had been a closet. There were suitcases and old boxes stacked up to way above my head. Just outside the closet was what looked to be an office.

On one wall was a rectangular wooden desk with black hairpin legs and a swivel chair to match it. To my right were several book cases stacked floor to ceiling, appearing to be running out of room. Then to my right were some gorgeous repurposed factory windows that revealed a luscious landscape of various flowers. I recognized it immediate as my old home.

Home.

I grinned stupidly as I traced my steps to the door leading to the rest of the house. "Luke!" I yelled at the top of my lungs before dashing out of the room.

I ran down the hallway, the pitter patter of my feet echoing all around me. I passed the living room, which was complete with a small sectional and big screen T.V. Luke loved his big screen television, I thought as I chuckled to myself. The kitchen was next - maple cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, and a small island in the middle. There was no one there.

I didn't stop myself until I met the end of another hallway where there was a door propped open. It was the master bedroom. Our old bedroom. I peaked through the crack in the door, but the lights were off. I could still see the same old bed with the same lumpy comforter. It looked like it hadn't been made recently. The delicate side tables with the matching lamps, where I used to read at night while Luke completed his crossword puzzles and sudoku.

I turned away from the bedroom, and noticed another room with the light on. It was strange because that was usually the guest bedroom, but we hardly ever had guests. My curiosity got the better of me and I nudged the door open ever so slightly. My breath caught in my throat. There he was. It was Luke, all six foot five inches of him. And he was towering over something.

But I was confused. Was I actually here in this room? Had that stunt at the camp all been just a dream? I couldn't contain myself. I had to find out.

"Luke?" I said, my voice was scratchy and a lump was developing in my throat.

He didn't answer me though. I stepped hesitantly into the room and reached out for him. "Luke, it's me."

Luke ran a hand through his hair. It was still shaved along the sides and longer at the top. Almost like he hadn't changed at all. Seeing him here in our home... I ached for him. I wanted to talk to him and touch him. I wanted him to be able to see me.

"Luke!" I yelled once more.

He turned around and a wide grin spread across his face. "Hey!" His voice warm, silky, and inviting.

Luke saw me. He recognized me. I reached up for him, to hug him. The anticipation of getting to embrace in his warm, muscular arms made my heart ache even more.

"Hey baby," he said, but he wasn't saying it to me.

Luke passed right through me once we finally closed the distance. I turned to see who he was smiling at, who he was talking to. I didn't know the girl but she was beautiful. Auburn curls were pulled up into a messy bun, light freckles grazed her face, and those blue eyes. They weren't quite as brilliant as Jax's, but they were still beautiful and they had a certain twinkle to them.

I couldn't breathe as I watched them close the gap and he embraced her in his arms. Not me. They kissed. It was just a light greeting, and yet my heart ached in my chest. It was shattering into millions of pieces. My breathing grew shaky as I watched them move further into the room again.