1974 || 5SOS

Chapter 6

Scarlett

The soft crackle of the vinyl filled my room, the smooth sounds of Fleetwood Mac swirling around us like smoke. I lay sprawled on my bed in just his t shirt and my underwear, Luke beside me, propped up on one elbow as stared down at me softly. I watched the sun dip below the horizon, casting a golden rays on the ceiling.

It had been a month since our night at the speakeasy, a month filled with laughter, shared secrets, and a connection that felt both thrilling and comforting. As the song continued, I wondered if it was really possible to be as free as someone like Stevie Nicks or Janis Joplin. I felt like I had tasted a bit of freedom, but so much more was out of reach. Yet, was I even capable of being that free or was I already chained down? A month had passed, but had I changed as much as I thought?

"Can you believe it's already been a month?" I mused, absentmindedly twirling a strand of my bright red hair between my fingers. A lazy smile spreading across his face as he handed me the joint. Over the course of the month, Kitty taught me how to roll them myself and I was actually really good at it. She and I hosted some of the grooviest parties, went to my first protest, and ran from the cops. I could sense that the Scarlett that arrived a month ago was fading fast. I knew if my mother had any idea what I had been up to she would have a heart attack. Instead she thinks I work as a secretary at a local church and attend church every Sunday.

"Time flies when you're having fun, my darling," he teased softly. The way he said "my darling" with his half smile, felt like something out of an old romance movie— a charm that was both magnetic and, I admit, a little unnerving.

"You really think so?" I ask, then take a long drag, blowing an O-ring just like Kitty taught me.

"Absolutely. I'd say we've had a lot of fun together, just me and you," he glanced over as he says the last part, his tone playful yet serious. "Not that I mind. I like having you all to myself."

I grinned, feeling the pulse of the music beneath my skin, "Calum and Michael are saying you're smitten."

Luke laughed, running a hand through his hair, but his gaze stayed on me, as though I would disappear at any second. "You've got me under your spell, my darling."

As the music swelled, I felt a sudden wave of curiosity wash over me and I handed him the joint. "Can I ask you something weird?" I ventured, my voice hesitant.

"Of course, my darling," he replied, propping himself up fully to face me. His earnest gaze made it easier to open up.

I took a deep breath, trying to gather my thoughts. "What do you think about sex? I mean, not just the act, but everything that comes with it." I felt my cheeks flush, the weight of my question hanging in the air between us.

Luke's expression shifted, becoming more serious as he considered my words. He took a long drag and exhaled. "It used to be something I didn't think about much—it was just a way to...forget things, I guess. To feel a little less alone, if only for a night." He paused, searching for the right words. "I think it might be something more though. Something deeper."

I nodded, absorbing his words. "What do you mean by 'more'?"

He sighed softly, leaning back against the headboard. "I think it can be a way to connect with someone, to share something special. Like... it's not just about the physical part, but about trusting someone and being vulnerable." He looked at me, and I could see the sincerity in his eyes. "I don't think I have ever really experienced that though. Not yet at least."

"Yeah, I get that," I replied, feeling a mix of nervousness and excitement. "I've been thinking about it. I feel like I spent my life thinking it had to be some perfect, pure thing..." I hesitate for a moment, but Luke's gentle gaze urges me on, "But what if it's about being real with someone?"