Yours, truly

Chapter 23

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Haley

"Okay, guys you have a double period to work on your projects. You're also welcome to stay in for lunch. Remember they are due on the week before spring break" Ms Aik announced loudly at the top of the class. She sat back at her desk and picked up the book she was reading.

I turned my attention back to the two people arguing beside me at the back of the class, Rae was standing above Luke as he held his head in his injured hand, clearly bored.

It was one of the coldest days going into February, outside was a grey dreary sky and the temperature had dropped significantly even for northern California. I woke up this morning dreading getting out of my warm bed. Today I was wearing sweats and a baggy jumper, matching the bleak day in the cosiest outfit I could find. I stared at Rae in front of me. Of course, she still made the cold look stylish as she was wearing faded jeans and a thrifted woollen sweater that was complimented by her numerous chic accessories.

"Luke you have to help us!" she argued gesturing to our canvas painting being held up by the easel. Multiple reference photos of Luke's garden, taken by me, were hung up on the separate board beside it.

"You said I didn't have to" he groaned putting his face in his bruised hands.

"Well I've changed my mind" She grabbed a paintbrush and held it out in front of his face. He glared slightly, reluctantly taking it off her.

I glanced around the room at the four other groups that took up our art class. A lot of the pieces had more progress than we did. "We're very behind" I muttered admiring the other works.

"Maybe we'd have more done if Collins here," she gestured to Luke, who had not moved. "Would help us for once" she continued dipping into a green paint and adding details onto a tree in the garden painting.

Luke made a face to Rae's back and then looked at me.

"Mature" I smiled. "Come on Collins" I ushered him to stand up and began painting myself.

He groaned and stood behind us. "I'm injured" he mumbled holding up his bruised scabbed knuckles.

Rae scoffed, "Just because you got into a fight you started Luke does not give you leeway" She snapped at him and turned swiftly. She grabbed his hand and placed her paintbrush in it, joining the other one. "Start painting! I'm going to the toilet and that tree better be sparkling when I'm back"

Rae then stepped towards the top of the class, grabbed the hall pass and left the classroom.

Suddenly I felt a weight on my shoulder, distracting me. Luke leant down, placing his chin on my shoulder and stared at my hand painting.

My nose was immediately filled with his cologne and I blushed slightly. "She's right" I sang, "You did start it"

"Have I told you how sorry I am for that?" He questioned, still gazing at my hand. I could feel his mint breath on my neck and my back chilled.

"Multiple times" I connected my ear to my shoulder and shook him off. "Luke stop" I giggled uncontrollably.

He grinned standing up straight and, finally, began detailing the tree beside me.

"Seriously though, I owe you an explanation" he added more earnestly.

I shrugged, "I know about Andrew. Seriously it's okay"

"He was talking to you though. I don't even know how he knows you, what was he saying?"

"He was just..." I paused, "...shitting on you. No surprise there. He knew my name, he asked where you were. He called me...your girlfriend" I muttered, my blush returning to my cheeks. The one thing Andrew said that I didn't mind.