The Turnover - Luke Hughes

Chapter 12

Winter 2023 - February

Not long after everyone was ready, all five of them packed into Ana's car, thus beginning their drive to Sava's in downtown Ann Arbor. For a split second, it felt like all five of their souls were teleported back to the summers in Branson. Music blaring, the car filled with laughs and yapping, taking spontaneous trips out of the clear blue. If the February air wasn't so bitterly cold, this memory would have easily been mistaken for sometime in the middle of July.

Jack and Jentry were dancing in the backseat, in-sync to Don Toliver. The group could always count on them for a sick playlist, and a good dancing groove to get everyone hyped up. And another thing about Jentry and Jack: they know every damn word to every song ever.

"Please don't make me think of it, like a game with a defense," They sang together, "You talk to me dirty, I'm talkin back like a reflex," Jentry rolled her shoulders, jamming out.

"Fuck, this song takes me back," Emma said to them, nodding her head with the rhythm. "I need this injected into my veins." Quinn nudged her shoulder, saying "This one and Drake's new album kept us locked in all summer, I know that's right." He smiled at her, rubbing her thigh with his thumb.

Ana chimed in from the driver's seat. "Jentry, play my serenity song next, please," she said to her. Jentry nodded, replying with "Got you up next!" as she clicked the song into the queue. The familiar melody sifted into the car, and Ana felt peace consume her body.

"End of Beginning" by Djo has been Ana's most favorite song since last summer. The phrase 'End of the Beginning' suggests that a significant initial phase or stage of something has been completed. She considered it the soundtrack of her life, the song she never failed to play when she wanted to feel something.

It also happened to be her and Luke's song.

It also happened to be the song that was playing when Luke kissed her for the first time on the dock.

A tune connected to a memory like that forms a kind of soundtrack, which, when replayed, can spark a recollection. As for Ana, she kissed Luke over and over again as the song elapsed. She remembered everything when this song played. She didn't dare meddle with the memories attached to it; nothing could replace the sheer happiness locked away within the catchy lyrics.

Maybe, someday, Ana would be able to add new memories to that particular song.

They pulled into the parking lot of Sava's, Ana quickly finding a spot right next to the building. Everyone climbed out of the car and headed for the restaurant, landing themselves a large round table to seat six. Quinn plopped down in a chair first, Emma taking the place to his right. Jack sat down beside Quinn, Jentry sitting next to him, of course. So, Ana sat to the left of Jentry.

Which left the sixth and empty spot for Luke. Right beside Ana.

Great, she thought to herself.

Ana ordered herself a Sprite, in hopes it would calm the churning of her stomach and insides. She took a deep breath, reminding herself that he isn't going to be like he was at her party ever again. Ana turned to mention something to Jentry, sipping her Sprite when she heard the front door of the restaurant open with a large creak. Her back was to the door, so she couldn't see when Luke walked inside. But she knew it was him by the way everyone else broke their neck to turn and look at him.

"Lukey! Over here," Jentry said to him, catching his attention. Ana didn't turn around, she just listened. And waited. His voice came from directly behind her, saying, "Hey guys," before he took his seat right beside Ana. Luke made eye contact with everyone exchanging hellos, starting with Emma on his left, then Quinn, Jack, and Jentry. Finally, he looked at Ana.