Trust Me

Back to reality

So that was my night. Now I am looking myself up and down in the mirror. I chose to wear my black leggings, boots and a flannel shirt since it was still cool outside. 

It's 11:42. I roll my eyes. He's probably not coming. It was all just an act but despite my negativity, my friend's words echo in my head, 'He's never looked at anyone else.' And what was the deal with this other relationship?

Just as I sit down, I hear a car pull up outside. I freeze and my eyes widen as I stare at the door. Footsteps. I nearly jump out of my skin when there's a knock on the door. 

"Anyone home?" 

Yup. There's the voice and I can tell he is smiling that mischievous smirk of his. I stalk over to the door and take a deep breath before turning the knob.

"Can I help you?" I ask sarcastically, my eyebrow raised.

"You tell me." his azure eyes teasing me yet again. I lean against the door frame and fold my arms.

"You're crazy." I declare.

"Me?" He rolls his head to the side and smiles innocently at me.

I narrow my eyes, "Are you going to tell me where you're taking me this time or should I ask one of my friends to follow us?" I tease.

His neck stiffens slightly and he straightens his posture, almost looking ready for a fight. My smile fades but I quickly add, "I'm ready when you are."

He takes my hand in his and laces his fingers through mine, without a word, and leads me to his car.

We drive and drive until we reach this little theme park where we stop and get out.

"Well, you're just full of surprises." I state sceptically.

"You have no idea." he mumbles under his breath. For some reason I don't think I was supposed to hear that. Something is going on and I'm not sure I like where it's going.

I take his hand again as we walk past the stalls, past the rides to a small park and he sits me down on the grassy embankment.

"So last night was fun." he winks at me. The sun reflecting off his dark curls.

"Yeah, I loved the part where you left me standing there thinking you were some kind stalker who knows where I live." I joke.

He throws his head back and laughs. Then he turns towards me and moves closer.

"That's not the part I was talking about." He whispers.

I sigh and lie back on the grass, allowing a fake arrogant look to cross my face. 

He chuckles and lies on his stomach, head in his hands.

"Ms Wood, why the sudden change of heart?" His smile dazzling.

"What are you talking about?" I look away, jokingly.

"Forgive me for this observation but last night you were all over me." he is so cocky.

"Was not!" I exclaim.

"You... So... Were." his face getting closer by the second. 

"Prove it." I challenge him, narrowing my eyes.

"Gladly." his face so close that I can feel his nose brushing my cheek.

Before I can reply he sits up and looks around, "But first, food."

I shake my head slightly and grin to myself. 

"You know, I could kill for a burger." I state, looking at the clouds.

"You could, could you? Well I'd hate to put the lives of these innocent citizens in danger." he laughs.

I scoff, "Let's go, then!"

He stands and I stretch out my hand. He takes it and lifts me off the grass like I am weightless. We walk around and find a stall where we buy two cheeseburgers, a sprite and fanta grape. We walk back to his car where he takes out a blanket and spreads it out under a nearby tree for us to sit down.

"You're just about ready for anything, aren't you?" I grin as I swallow a bite of my burger. 

"Exactly!" He exclaims as he runs his long fingers through his hair, "So there is nothing you can do to surprise me." he gives a cocky wink.

"Oh, so that's what it's about?" I laugh, "Afraid of some spontaneity are we?"

He lets out a slow breath, "Now why have you got to twist my words like that?" he jokes.

We both laugh as we finish our burgers. After a few minutes of silence he asks, "April, do you trust me?"

He picks at his straw and avoids eye contact, his face unreadable. I frown. There is definitely something about him.

"Do you remember last night when I asked you about the trust thing and you said it was a story for a different time?"

"Yes." he mumbles, still focused on his straw.

"Is now the time?" 

He doesn't say a word for a very long time.

"Luke..." I reach out for his hand but he stands.

"It's getting late." he takes our trash to the dustbin. I stand and walk over to him.

"Hey-" I take his arm and turn him towards me. I wrap my arms around his middle in a long hug.

"I'm ready when you are." I say softly. I let him go and fold up the blanket.

It's a quiet trip back to my house and when it's time to say goodbye there is a certain tension in the air.

"Thank you for today." I say politely.

"Yeah, no problem." 

He's still stuck in his own world. 

"Okay, I don't know what's wrong but I would really like to help if you would just-"

"No." he cuts me off, "I'm sorry, it's nothing really." 

He forces a smile. I can take a hint.

"Then I guess I will see you around." I say. 

He steps forward and lifts me into is arms. By far the tightest hug I've ever experienced.

'He's got issues' I remember my friend saying.

I squeeze him back but is power overrides mine. 

"Okay." I manage to get out, "I can't breathe..." I pat his back to signal for him to let go and he does. Immediately. I stumble a bit as my feet find the floor, my lungs welcoming the fresh afternoon air. He holds me by the shoulders and gazes into my eyes before slowly pecking my lips.

Then he was gone again.

"Bye." I say to the empty steps in front of me. I turn and go inside.