Not that bad // Rhea Ripley

40- Tangled In The Great Escape

"I never meant to hurt you. I only meant to do this to myself"

Pierce The Veil

Christmas had come so quick compared to when I had to wait for the concert. I was preparing the house for the little get together I'd have with my friends. Phil also agreed to come. My mother was having dinner with her boyfriend tonight, and then staying at his place, so when agreed I could have some friends over. I was hanging out decorations, and had just finished putting up the tree. I decided I wouldn't cook, and we agreed on pizza. I expected them at around 7p.m. I was getting dressed when I heard someone knock on the door. I opened to reveal Ashton and Calum. I hugged them both, and they went to put their presents under the tree. We chatted for a little while, until Luke arrived, then Phil, and last Michael, as always. We starting eating chips and drinking. The guys were on beer, except for Phil and I of course. During the time I went to the kitchen to get the pizza, they all had spread on the couch, with no more place to seat.

" Well thank you guys, I appreciate that a lot." I fake groaned.

I only had time to put the pizzas down on the small table before I was pulled on someone's knees by the waist. I looked and Phil's eyes met mine. I blushed slightly, and looked away. I saw Michael groaning a little bit, but brushing it off, and taking a slice of pizza. He was soon copied by everyone else. Finally, the time to open the presents arrived, and I think we all were turning into children again. I offered my presents first, videogames and a pair of slippers for Michael, customized penguin picks for Luke, a box of bandanas and signed drumsticks from a band he really likes and that I managed to buy on the internet, and tickets to a football match for Calum. I offered Phil's present last, a new leather bracelet, since the other one broke. They hugged or thanked me all, and proceeded on the other presents. Michael offered me a box with everything I'd need to dye/cut/shave my hair. We went to bed at around 4a.m. I had set up mattresses, and there were some beds left. I decided to sleep with Michael, which seemed to displease Phil. I woke up first and prepared coffee and everything for everyone. They all arrived downstairs one after the other and ate breakfast. Once we were done, they helped me clean up a bit and went back to their respective homes for family dinner. My mom came back an hour later.

I spent a few days with Michael and the other guys, and grew a bit closer to Luke. We were getting touchy and even flirty sometimes. I didn't know where to stand. On a hand, Phil was openly flirting with me, but telling everyone "she's not my girlfriend' in a way that suggests he clearly doesn't like me that way. And on the other hand, we have Luke, that is kinda shy but really cute and gentle, who flirts with me also.

For New Year's Eve, Calum was throwing a party at his place. I couldn't stay as long as I'd like to, since I have to be on a plane on Sunday, to go back to Maryland. Here I was, getting prepared for the party. I would enjoy this party as much as I can, and try and spend as much time with the guys I could. I was going to miss them so much. I was on my way to Cal's when I felt a hand tap my shoulder. I turned around and saw Luke.

"Hey Roxanne!" He said a bit shyly. "Mind if we walk together ?"

" Not at all." I smiled at him.

We walked the 5 remaining minutes to our friend's place chatting and laughing together. Even for a person who doesn't really like parties, this one was pretty great. I spent a lot of time laughing with the guys. Once the 'slow songs' part of the night came, I danced with Michael and then with Ashton, but I didn't expect Luke to invite me. I got up from the couch I was sitting on and took his hand. He led me to the center of the room and placed his hands on my waist. I locked mine behind his neck, and dared to reduce the distance between our bodies a bit. He was a fairly good dancer, I have to give him that, topped by a great singer and guitar player. Just a little before the song ended, I felt his face getting closer to mine, and finally his lips colliding with mine.

It was now time for me to take my plane, after having spent the day with my mother. I hadn't seen Luke since the party and secretly hoped he would be there, so we can define what we are, or at least talk about it. But he wasn't there. Everyone was, but him.

" Sorry about Luke."Michael said with a smile. "He just got a date during the party, and he's with her now."

I felt my heart sink. Oh, so that's why he made me think of Phil before. They've both done the exact same thing to me.