The Turnover - Luke Hughes

Chapter 29

Winter 2023 - February

Ana and Rutger proceeded to get a good third knocked out of their project, which Ana was grateful for. On top of everything else she had this week, assignment-wise, it was nice to have this one moving along at a steady pace.

It was going on 10:00pm when Rutger finally left Jentry and Emma's house. He hugged each of them bye, walking out the door down to his car.

Ana had cleaned up the mess of papers and pencils scattered across the kitchen table, closing her laptop to put back in her backpack. She was staying the rest of the weekend with Emma and Jentry, so she gathered her weekender bag she basically lived out of and carried it with her into the bathroom. Ana finally stepped into the shower, relishing in the hot water running over her skin.

She washed her face, shampooed and conditioned her hair, and washed her body. It wasn't long before thoughts of Luke creeped their way into her mind. What did Ethan really say to get a reaction out of Luke like that? Surely, it couldn't have been worse than what he said this morning about her.

Ana hoped he was okay. She hadn't heard anything from him since she left the rink with Rutger earlier today after practice. She made a mental note to send him a message when she got out of the shower.

Maybe he really does still care for me like he always has, after all this time, she thought to herself.

Ana finished her shower, stepping out onto the bath mat to dry off. She wrapped her towel around her, walking over to the vanity. She slipped on an oversized Devils t-shirt, and soft black shorts to sleep in for tonight. She took her hair down out of her towel and began combing it out, turning her phone over to check the time.

5m ago - Luke: 1 New Message

A small smile pulled at the corner of Ana's mouth, completely convinced that Luke must read her mind at times. She grabbed her toothbrush and began brushing her teeth as she opened the thread between her and Luke.

Luke: I saw Rut just got home a few mins ago. You're putting him to work lmao.

Ana Kate: Something like that, haha. He's a huge help.

Luke: I know he is.

Ana Kate: Are you okay? Like be frrl w me.

Luke: I'm fine, Ana Kate. I promise.

Ana's lip pressed into a thin line. She hoped he was being honest with her about everything. She guessed she needed to continue being honest with him, too. She was still worried sick about him.

Ana Kate: I was worried about you. What did he say?

Luke: Shit that doesn't need to be said. And it made me mad. I wasn't gonna have him talk about u like that.

Ana Kate: Rut also said Luca was saying some things, too.

Luke: Yeah, he was. Said he wanted to ask u out sometime.

Ana scoffed out loud at her phone. She made her way to the couch in the living room, plopping down next to Jentry, snuggling up with a blanket.

Ana Kate: Oh right. After I already friendzoned him at the party? Geez.

Luke: Yeah, I shut that down real quick. Fucking bastard.

Ana Kate: Thank you, Luke. For sticking up for me.

Ana thought Luke needed to hear that from her. Even if it was just as simple as a thank you.

Luke: Of course, how could I not? Best friends, right?

Ana's heart rate quickened at those two words. Best friends. Such a simple term, one in which encapsulates the euphoria of whatever the hell they were at this very moment.

She kinda liked it.

On the other side of the screen, Luke was feeling rather bold for sending that text.

Ana Kate: Yes, best friends.

Luke grinned at his screen. Best friends were better than not friends at all. He considered that a major win, at this point. He decided to change the subject before it got too weird.

Luke: U excited for Jack's game tomorrow?

Ana Kate: Yes. Just wish we didn't have class tomorrow, ugh.

Luke: No joke. What time do you get out of class?

Ana Kate: 2:30. Wby?

Luke: 2:00. I can wait for u when I get out and we can go to Jentry and Emma's together. If u want to.

Ana thought for a moment. She quickly typed back her response, sending it quickly.

Ana Kate: That would be great. Meet you at the student center?

Luke: I'll be there.

Ana Kate: Okay. See you tomorrow. Goodnight, Luke.

Luke: Goodnight, Ana Kate.

Luke turned his phone off and sat it on his nightstand, rolling over onto his back. He stared up at the ceiling, running a hand through his brown curls, still damp from his shower. Asking to wait for her after class was a simple gesture, but he wanted to make damn sure he protected her from people like Ethan or Luca.

Luke desperately wished it hadn't come to this. The way things ended between them was 100% his fault and he knew it. And he promised her, as well as himself, that it would never happen again.

I could've saved us a world full of heartache, had I not been so stupid, he scolded himself. He took a deep breath, turning over to face the wall, pulling the covers up around him. But tonight, Luke was grateful for second chances. And he was grateful for a girl, whom he loves very much, to still try and see the good in him.

"She's not yours to claim, Luke," Luca had said.

Except for the part where she was.

And he would. 

Screaming crying throwing up - also thank u sm for 1.5K  :'))))