Back Where I Belong

Chapter 15

Zoey's pov

"Hey guys!" Charlotte greets, as we walk into the game room. 

"Can't talk," Michael mutters, focusing on playing fifa.

"You just did," I reply, plopping down on the beanbag chair beside Peyton's. He turns his head away from the screen for half a second to flash me a grin.

"Hey Zoey. How's life?" Jace questions, not evening turning to face me.

"It's good. What about with you?" I asks him. He ignores me. Charlotte catches my eye, then rolls her eyes. Boys.

"Where are Ashton, Calum, and Luke?" I ask.

"Ashton and Calum had a writing session to go to. Luke's in his room, talking to his mom. He's trying to figure out when the best time to go back is," Michael answers, his brow creasing with determination.

"Go back?" I question, confused.

"To Australia. You know we have like three months on break. We're taking at least a month to go back to Australia to visit our families," he explains. I nod, feeling kind of stupid.

"I'm going to go hang out with Luke. Char you coming, or are you good here?" I ask her.

"I'm good here. When these idiots lose in a minute I'm going to join their game and kick some ass," she answers, grabbing a game controller. The three boys groan simultaneously. They know Charlotte dominates at fifa. I laugh and walk out of the game room.

                                 ~

"Hey Lukey!" I greet, jumping onto my big brother's bed.

"Hey Zoey! What's up? Luke questions, sitting up. He turns his phone screen off and sets it down on the nightstand.

"Nothing much. When are you guys going back to Australia?" I ask.

"Not next month, but the month after that. Then we come back here for whatever time we have remaining on break," he answers. I nod.

"Are you going with us? Or are you going to just stay here with your boyfriend and best friend?" Luke questions.

"Hm," I ponder, "having the house just to me, my boyfriend, and my best friends with no nosey big brothers here? Sounds tempting."

Luke rolls his eyes, "Ha ha. Very funny, Irwin."

I grin, "Thank you. But in all honesty, I have no idea whether I'm staying or going. Like, I love Australia and your guys' families, but I also love my bed." He nods. We spend a few minutes in a comfortable silence. Then he breaks out into a giant grin.

"Guess what's coming up in like a month?" Luke demands, grinning like the Cheshire cat from Alice in Wonderland.

"Oh God," I mutter under my breath, "I have no idea."

"You are such a liar. You know perfectly well that your seventeenth birthday is a month away," he says.

"And I also know that you guys will throw me a party and force me to attend," I argue.

"That's the best part," Luke laughs.

I roll my eyes, but smile, "Speaking of birthdays, where's my puppy and kitten? I haven't seen Ashes and Percy since I got back."

"They're staying with my parents," Luke answers.

"Well get them back here. I miss my babies," I whine, flopping back.

"Drama queen," Luke mumbles.

I grin, "The best."