It's a Long Way Home (Luke Hemmings)

An Awkward Situation

   Finding a place to live was not something I ever really thought about before I actually had to do it. I mean, I just graduated high school and lots of celebration ensued. I've spent nearly every day of my graduated life thus far going out and sleeping in. Yet, here I was, sitting on my bed on a hot summer day surfing Craig's List for a potential roommate. I, Dani Chavez, am about to make one of the most significant changes of my life.
   I live in California. You know, warm weather, nice beaches- that sort of thing. In just a few short months I'll be on a plane taking me across the world to Syndey, Australia. The most nerve-wracking part is, I'm doing it alone. Don't get me wrong, I have a family who loves and supports me, but, I can't take them to college with me. The ever so prestigious University of Sydney, to be specific. I'm excited, though. Not every Cali girl is lucky enough to spend four years of her life living across the world. People dream of doing the things that I'm going to do.
   I smiled to myself as I refocused my attention on the webpage in front of me. It was difficult to find someone who seemed sane enough to live with, and even then, nearly impossible to find someone in range; until I came across an ad posted by someone going by the screen name LukeIsAPenguin. I giggled to myself before clicking the link to his description.

Hello. My name is Luke Hemmings, I'm looking to room with someone who wants to split the price 50% for an apartment in Sydney, New South Wales. Three bedrooms, two bathrooms, one living room and open kitchen. I've just turned 18 and am developing my career as a musician. That being said, I have a few requirements if you are interested in becoming my room mate.
1. You have to be okay with visitors, as I have mates who constantly show up, most of the time unannounced.
2. You absolutely have to enjoy rock music. I'm a big fan myself and I'd be rather upset to hear someone in the room over jamming out to Iggy Azalea.
3. Know how to take care of yourself. I am not going to make you food (as I'm a terrible cook) and there's no chance I will be cleaning up after you. I say this only due to past experience.
4. Be kind. I just want someone who will respect my space when I need it, or hang out and play FIFA when we've got free time.
Thank you for taking the time to decide whether or not we would make suitable roommates. Shoot me an email if you're interested.

   Now wouldn't it be interesting if I lived with him. Despite his exceedingly specific requirements which made him seem like a bit of a prude, he spiked my interest enough for me to send him a quick response.

   It was really more of a tease, but I was surprised to see that he had taken my request seriously. Two months later I found myself on a plane to Australia with Luke's address written on my hand so that I could tell the cab driver exactly where to take me; the new place I'd call home. 

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   I'm not sure what I was expecting when I stepped out of the plane but it sure as hell wasn't for the weather to be this cold. When I envisioned Australia, I thought of hot weather and scary spiders. It was a lot more like California than I thought it would be. But why the hell was is so damn cold out at 4 in the afternoon? And then I remembered, it was winter. I laughed, a little too loud because some people around me looked at me as if I were insane. What a strange thought. Twenty hours ago I was enjoying the last bit of California sun before I'd relish in the mysterious Australian weather, here I am and it's winter all over again.
   I shook the silly smile off of my face and stood by the street with my newly gathered luggage and a hand outstretched for a taxi cab.

   The ride to my new home was not a long one, rather a very angst-filled journey to a new milestone in my life. When the cab driver stopped I handed him what it cost to get here and a little more out of courtesy. He drove away after a small thank you and left me face to face with the place I'd be living for the next four and a half years of my life. It was actually kind of cute. I took a few moments to absorb the scenery before I cautiously walked into the building and took the stairs to the fourth floor and turned to the first door on the left. Room 401, this was it. I took a sharp breath and knocked on the door to my future. In that moment everything that could go wrong swarmed my thoughts. What if Luke wasn't how I had imagined him to be? What if I didn't like him and wanted to move out, where would I go? But before I could torment myself with any unlikely scenarios, a tall blonde teenage boy opened the door.
   He looked excited at first, but as soon as his eyes met mine his face fell. So much for first impressions...
"I'm sorry, who are you?" The boy asked in a confused manner.
I hesitated for a moment, "um, I- I might have the wrong room I.."
"Is that your new roomie?" Another teenage boy asked from inside the apartment.
Luke turned around and tried to prevent me from hearing with a whisper, "no just some girl. I think she's a bit lost."
   I crossed my arms over my chest, dropping my suitcase in the process and making a loud smack noise that startled Luke's attention back to me.
"I'm Dani," I said impatiently, "you are Luke, aren't you?"
   His eyes widened in surprise before he pressed his lips together in a tight line and hovered around the doorframe silently. 
"Oh, uh," he coughed awkwardly, "I was expecting you to be a- well, a boy."

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A/n:

Hello! This is a new story I've decided to publish because I thought it would be cool to share. I'm not exactly new to writing stories but I've only ever published on Mibba or AO3. I'm trying Wattpad for a change! Also, I'd just like to thank anyone in advance for reading and sharing this story, it means a lot to me. Feel free to interact, I am very open to discussion.
Much love,
"Miss America"