rogue ⇒ l.h

[6]

[6]

i had fallen asleep unintentionally in luke's apartment and it was a nightmare that has woken me up. not that it was unexpected, they come almost every night.

it was always about the day of the fire. how i was trapped and calling out for my parents. how i was always forced to watch my parents burn in the flames as they screamed and choked. how i was so fucking helpless. the dreams were vivid and repetitive, always the same one.

i woke up the same, sweating but never in tears. i was too used to it. two years and some things never change. i realize that i never scream or shout when i have nightmares because my throat was never sore. it was good, as i didn't risk waking anyone up.

as i surveyed my surroundings, I realised i was in a different part of luke's apartment. i was lying on his bed. he had probably carried me here when i fell asleep on the couch, and he even covered me in a blanket. i smiled slightly at the thought. he was only a stranger but he was better than anybody i had known.

after a few moments, i decided that i couldn't sleep and went out to find luke. it was six thirty in the morning and i padded the warm floor softly. i found luke laying on the couch snoring a little. i didn't want to wake him up so i headed to the kitchen to get water. i also decided to make some coffee for both of us. in the end i overdid it and made two plates of french toast.

luke woke up eventually, and we both helped ourselves to the french toast. he told me i didn't have to make him breakfast and i told him it was in return for letting me sleep over at his place.

i remembered that i had left my phone on the coffee table and retrieved it. there were sixteen miss calls and twenty messages, all from raven. i forgot to tell her that i left the party, oops. i decided to go back home instead of calling her.

i faced luke, "luke, do you mind fetching me back to my apartment? i'm sorry if it's too much trouble i—"

"anna, of course i can, i don't have a job remember?" after washing up, we went downstairs and i realized instead of a car, he had motorbike. and i was damn afraid of motorbikes.

"what's wrong anna?" luke asked as he saw me staring at his motorcycle in fear. "i-i-i have a fear of riding motorbikes..." it was hard admitting it to someone whom i just met yesterday, i felt lame and stupid.

luke crossed his arms. "oh... but that's the only ride we have," he said, "can you try to face your fear and conquer it? don't be scared, anna, i won't let anything or anyone hurt you."

that was enough to warm my heart and make me feel brave so i took a deep breath and nodded. he handed me a helmet and i put it on with his help. i climbed onto the motorcycle after he did and he started the engine.

my heart raced and i felt myself begin to sweat. as if he could hear my thoughts, he said, "don't think about it alright? grab on tight to me."

i did as told and held onto his waist for dear life as he sped away as fast as lightning. i could feel the wind knocking my face and my hair was flying. i closed my eyes, trying not to scream.

after what seemed like ages, we came to a halt. "we've reached, anna." i opened my eyes and luke was as true as his word.

i immediately climbed out of the motorcycle, nearly falling but luke caught me in time and i was grateful not to faceplant myself against the floor. we walked up to my doorstep until i turned around.

"thank you so much luke," i said, "for everything. you've been so, so kind to me and i've yet to repay you."

he smiled genuinely,"you're welcome anna, we'll keep in contact right?"

"definitely! oh, um, by the way, how did you know my address?" i asked curiously.

luke blushed all red and put his hands in his pockets. "er... i-i may have—"

suddenly, the door swung open in full force, making the door slam onto the wall loudly. we both jumped in startle. "there you are anna! i was beginning to think you eloped with a man to africa!"

there was raven, her blonde hair in a mess, definitely from her hangover. "i've been trying to reach you for god knows how long! i was so worried!"

i was too surprised to say anything, "i—" but then raven noticed luke standing awkwardly at the side for the first time. "oh, i see what's kept you. so you chose a blonde giant instead of me? hmph!"

raven pulled me into the house while i shook my head and mouthed "i'm sorry" to luke, who was still standing outside laughing.