1,000 Words

Chapter 9

All I did was stare ahead as Luke drove from the highway, to small city streets, to back roads. We had been driving for hours before he finally pulled into a small but nice looking hotel. He hopped out and walked around the car to open my door, offering me his hand to hop down. I took his hand and jumped down to the ground. He kept hold of my hand as we walked into the hotel. He had me sit in a chair while he exchanged a few quiet words with the man at the front desk. He came back a moment later, holding the key to a room and a plastic bag. I silently followed him to the elevator and we rode it to the top floor. Luke led me to a door at the end of the hall, which he opened with the key. We stepped into the room, which was nice for such a small hotel. Large windows, 2 big beds, a big bathroom. There was even a fully stocked fridge, which was good because I was starving. And exausted. And worried. Luke set the plastic bag on the floor and took out 2 pairs of pajama pants and 2 oversized t-shirts.

"Thought you might want to change out of those jeans" he said, tossing one of each to me. I went into the bathroom and quickly changed into the comfy pj's. I walked out of the room to find Luke stretched out on one of the beds, already changed. I sat next to him and he looked over at me.

"You probably have a million questions" he said, smiling slightly.

"Yea I do" I typed. "But I'm mostly worried about all those people. And Nate. What if they got hurt? What if they got stuck in the fire? What if they got shot? I'm just so worried about them" I sobbed. I hadn't even realized I was crying, but now it seemed like I couldn't stop. Luke saw me crying and quickly sat up. He wrapped his arms around me and I didn't hesitate to put my head on his shoulder and sob.

"Shhh Jessie. Shhh it's gonna be ok" he whispered as he stroked my hair soothingly. "I'm sure everyone is just fine. The shots we heard were probably just warning shots fired into the air. And they probably burned the place once everyone ran away. I'm sure they're all fine." I sniffled a bit, a few tears still leaking out of my eyes. Luke took the oppourtunity to get up and shut the lights off before hopping back onto the bed with me. We layed down and he held me tight as I snuggled into his chest and for the first time in years, I felt completely safe. I fell asleep listening to his heartbeat, and that's how I woke up the next morning.

I awoke to the sun peeking through the blinds and to two strong arms wrapped tightly around my waist. I tried to wiggle out of Luke's grasp without waking him up, but that boy had an iron grip. I was just about to wake him when I heard him mumble something.

"What was that Luke? I couldn't hear you."

"Don't leave. You're so warm" he whispered.

"Luke, please let go" I said, giggling at what he was saying in his sleep.

"You sound so cute when you giggle" he muttered. "And you have a pretty smile." I blushed, for I wasn't used to hearing such compliments from my friends. He hugged me closer, pressing my face into his chest.

"You're so amazing, you don't even know how special you are." I stiffened. This was way too wierd. Thank god he was sleeping. He was probably dreaming about some girl and was acting out on me. Upon thinking that, I unconciously frowned.. What the... Suddenly, he started to stir. He opened his eyes and looked down at me still tight in his grip, before letting go and quickly appologizing.

"Jessie, I'm sorry! Are you ok? I had such a tight grip on you, are you hurt?"

"Relax Luke, I'm fine. You didn't hurt me, though you did amuse me" I typed, giggling.

"I what? What did I do?" he asked.

"Well, first you said I was warm, then you said I sound cute when I giggle and that I have a pretty smile, then you said...