tomboy ▪ hemmings

15.

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ANDREA'S POV

I was awkward to say the least. maybe it was because I was too used to having him as the easily hated enemy so when he smiled to me the next day, I simply frowned.

the butterflies weren't helping either.

I was walking downstairs stumbling in the kitchen, wanting to make some breakfast for everybody. I was in a pleased mood, content to say the least. but I stopped in my tracks when Luke was already there, serving food.

I smirked and walked over to him, grinning at all the savoury breakfast and I swore I wasn't drooling. okay, maybe a little.

but this was just too perfect. Luke was smiling at me, and I managed to find a little fault.

"you bought all this didn't you?" I smiled.

Luke scoffed, "well duh, I'm shit at cooking." he flicked a grape at me, and I caught it perfectly before munching on it. I laughed at an agape Luke.

"some parts of my boyish side stays, okay." I snickered but stop when I felt him smack my arm.

"well, yeah. but I've never seen a boy cry like that, yikes!" he laughed and I smacked the back of his head before hearing a groggily Adam walking downstairs.

he hugged my thigh, and I ruffled his hair a bit, before watching as Luke smiled at him - earning a small hug from Adam too. I watched as Luke wearily smiled before returning the short hug. how couldn't I smile at this?

"oh what is this?" I turned around to be met by a sparkly eyed Liz, probably happy or shocked at how there was food on the table and maybe by the smile on Luke's face.

"morning mom! thought I'd serve some breakfast," he smiled, pushing me out of his way intentionally to go and hug Liz. I swear I could see her grinning ear to ear.

and then the waterworks started.

"mom, why are you crying? don't cry," Luke muttered at a crying Liz. she was obviously amazed with what had happened and I chuckled at a worrying Luke. his eyes were wide as saucers as he desperately looked at me, maybe wanting me to help him out. I tried to contain a giggle.

"I'm just so happy, I missed you honey." Liz said, wiping her tears away, and she kissed Luke all over his beautiful face.

wait, what?

"I'm hungry," Adam interrupted, making all of us laugh and we scattered all over so we could dig in the food that was awaiting us.

-------

"so, obviously I want all of us to stick together, and I want you both to get a grip of yourselves. no more fighting." Liz warned, and I laughed before ruffling Adam's hair. Luke groaned and whined like a baby, "but mom, that's the best part. fighting with her and I'll win. I always do!" he winked at me, and I rolled my eyes.

so full of himself.

we were in the car, and Liz was looking for a school for Adam to enroll in. she says that he could use an education. I, on the other hand had been generously offered another chance at school - but I declined. I was already too old to be in school.

"so, we're dropouts. a similar characteristic that I never thought we'd share." Luke said, and that made me scoff.

"it wasn't like I had a choice, I had to work Mr. Rockstar." I teased, and he groaned. "can you please stop calling me that? it's just so out of hand."

we laughed and he continued, "oh and you were just offered the chance to enroll in school but you still passed."

he did make a point. but I was turning eighteen soon, why should I even bother? ugh.

I liked how we were interacting, but I can't help but admit that sometimes his proximity makes me nervous. I don't really know why, but he just makes my heartbeat quicken and how his smile lights up my world -

whoa whoa whoa stop right there missy. it just felt weird to feel so safe yet nervous with him. does that even make sense?

"are you even listening?" Luke said, and I was jolted from my thoughts.

"what?" I asked, quite startled. Luke laughed and I pouted, he was sure having fun with this.

"Luke's taking you out shopping, and I do hope you'll buy anything you'd like. got that Andy?"

"yeah mom, we're good. see you later!"

I watched as Luke was talking to Adam, and I couldn't help but approve of how caring he was with my little brother. maybe that was one of his dreams to have one, but never really had. well, he's got that achieved now. I was happy, since Adam finally had the chance to pick out clothes.

we never had that. all his clothes were some that I got from a bundle sale. three pieces for 5$. enough for us to depend on. I, on the other hand had never owned normal girl clothes. all hand me downs from dad. if he could only see me now.

as I watched Luke bringing Adam to the children's' section, I wandered off to the men section. maybe because I've never owned a pair of clothes that fit my body like a glove. I was used to baggy styles, and I was content. why should I change them?

that was when I found the heavenly section.

there were flannels all over the place. also some striped shirts, and I found myself sprinting to check them out, but groaned when the price tags were included in the inside of the shirts. my dreams and hopes were finally scattered all over the place.

that was when someone touched my shoulder. ah, blue eyes. just had to follow me everywhere.

"you do know you're on the wrong side of the store." he said, teasing me jokily.

"I know, I just prefer these kinds, that's all." I replied hastily, eyes never leaving the clothing in my hand.

"ah, I smell bullshit." I turned to look at him, and he had that cheesy grin that I was desperately wanting to smack off his face. if I only could do that without reason. I rolled my eyes and shook my head.

"maybe you're the bull and you accidentally shitted. oops." I walked past him, and he grabbed my hand. my eyes wandered to our hands, and I immediately became nervous. this boy was seriously the death of me.

"come on, let's get you a change of wardrobe eh?" he said, and I hastily followed behind him.

"wait, where's Adam?" I asked and he pointed over to the child section at the back where there were two workers who were helping him out with picking out some clothes. the smile on his face was evident and I wanted it to stay. I'd do anything to make him happy. that kid was my life.

I found myself abruptly stopping and my eyes wandered to my hand, still in Luke's. I felt my blood creeping up to my ears, and I just couldn't help but admire the size of his hand. my hand felt like a miniature of his. I liked it.

"helloooooooo?" his blue eyes were piercing into my forest ones and I immediately flinched at the proximity. he chuckled and I bit my lip, slightly embarrassed.

I noticed that his hands were by his side, and my hand wasn't in his anymore. something inside me felt a little sad, but I pushed it away. holding hands wasn't a good idea in the first place.

"someone's blushing eh? never thought I'd have this effect on you." he whispered in my ear, and I swore I felt his lips brush against my earlobe. this was such a public place and I just ugh.

I took a step back, "what are you doing?" he chuckled and gestured to the women's side. not really my taste, but I'd suffice. but honestly, I didn't know what to pick - what was in and what was out?

"uhm, Luke?" I looked at him, and blushed when he was already looking at me. he was already grinning and I held back a smile as I smacked the back of his head.

"I need a little help here." I whispered and he obviously heard me since he chuckled.

"let's get you a new wardrobe!" he smacked my ass and I squealed before being pulled through the sea of clothing.

this was a new start. with luke.