͏͏͏͏b͏͏r͏͏i͏͏g͏͏h͏͏t ͏͏t͏͏o͏͏g͏͏e͏͏t͏͏h͏͏e͏͏r

005. infinite scars

"Should we go look for the boys?" Flynn asked Julie as they walked out of English class.

Julie shrugged. "Maybe, but I don't know what class they have next. Let's just go to the lunchroom. I'm sure if they're lost or confused they'll find someone to ask where it is."

Once they were at their lunch table, Julie spotted Luke and Reggie walking toward them. "Hey," she said, smiling up at them. "Where's Alex?"

Luke shrugged. "He ditched us after class. Said he was gonna go talk to someone or something. Maybe Willie."

Julie stared intensely. "You mean he left school?! My dad's gonna kill me if I let that happen!"

"I don't think he left school," Reggie told Julie as he sat down across from her. "He probably went to that lady's room that he pointed out earlier."

"What lady's room?" asked Julie.

"The student counselor, at least I think that's what she called herself," answered Luke.

"Oh," Julie said with a wave of relief. "I'm sure she'll show him where to come."

"So, Jules, I was in Math class and had this awesome song idea come to me," He said, sitting down next to her.

Julie smiled at him and nodded. "Oooh, show me."

Luke pulled a wrinkly paper out of his backpack and slid it to Julie on the table.

Our world has been burned to the ground
You say we were heartbroken bound
But even when we're worlds apart
I'll still have all the infinite scars
That you left on me
All I can feel is the soul-crushing sting

Julie's eyes widened and her lips parted into a bright smile. "Wow, Luke, this is awesome! Where did you get the inspiration for it?"

Luke shrugged with a sheepish smile. "I don't know."

Flynn crossed her arms and stared at him. "That's a lie if I've ever heard one."

"Flynn," Julie said defensively.

Reggie nodded. "It's true. He actually got the inspiration from--"

Luke was glaring at him, obviously storing a secret.

Julie frowned. "From what?"

Reggie shook his head. "Never mind. Forget I said anything."

[FLASHBACK TO NOVEMBER 1994]

"Elle, please, you've gotta rethink this," said Luke.

The bright orange-haired girl shook her head as a pool of tears formed in the corner of her eyes and began to spill onto her face "I care about you so much, Luke, but running away from your parents is bullshit. My parents were right about you, and I can't stay together with you like this!"

Luke shook his head and tried to take the girl's hand before she pulled away. "Elle, they want me to give up on the band. Alex and Reggie are the only family I need, and--"

"No, Luke. This has nothing to do with Alex and Reggie," Elle cried. "They were right about you from the beginning! We were bound to fall apart! We never would've made it! You're selfish and careless!"

Luke continued shaking his head as a single tear rolled down his cheek. "Elle, please, don't say that! You mean so much to me, and I don't know what I would do if I were to lose you--"

"Don't you dare say my name like that," Elle shrieked. "We're over, Luke! Okay? There's nothing you can do to change my mind. I would rather you die than me ever having to see your face again!"