Serendipity

30

I walked outside the diner and mindlessly walked down the sidewalk. Luke had driven us here and I wasn't sure how to get home.

I sat down at a bus stop and took a few deep breaths. I don't know where Luke was coming up with all of that but I hated being on the spot like that.

I don't know how long I sat there thinking things over before a familiar car pulled up to the curb.

"Emily get in." Luke said as he got out of the car and walked over to me.

Great! The last thing I needed right now was to see him. This was supposed to help me clear my head and think but I was even more confused then before.

"Emily I didn't mean to upset you, I just feel like we're ready for that step. I wasn't even going to bring it up yet but when you started talking about how your parents treat you I couldn't help but want to get you out of that situation. I understand if you're not ready because there's still a lot to figure out and it's a big step but I just think it's something we should consider." He said walking over and sitting next to me. I nodded.

"Okay, I need you to drive me home right now. I need to talk with my parents." I said turning to face him. He looked a little concerned but led me to his car.

The car ride was silent other then the faint music playing from the radio. Luke kept tapping the steering wheel, he was obviously uneasy about something.

"Luke you don't have anything to  worry about okay, I'm not going to break up with you no matter what I decide." I said softly as I took his hand. He nodded his head.

"I know, it still puts me on the edge though." He admitted. I gave his hand a small squeeze before I turned my attention towards the window and fell into deep thought.

"I'm going to stay at my mom's tonight so I'll see you tomorrow." Luke said pulling into my driveway. I took a deep breath before turning to him. He gave me a small encouraging smile. I grabbed his face and pulled him to me for a kiss. He was surprised at first but immediately kissed me back. I don't know how long we kissed but it was long enough to leave us both breathless.

I didn't say anything as I turned and got out of the car. I played with my shirt as I walked up my front steps. The door swung open as I was searching my purse for my keys.

"Emily dear hello!" My dad said opening the door wider for me to walk through. I slowly walked in looking around. Everything was the same as it had been since I was last here. My dad shut the door and turned me around to face him before pulling me into a bone crushing hug. I was a little taken back because my dad barely ever showed emotion but I hugged him back.

I heard my mother's heels clicking as she walked into the foyer from the living room. She had a huge smile on her face and her arms were already extended to embrace me. In that moment it was clear to me what I needed to do.

"I need to talk with you guys." I said turning away from her and heading into the living room. I pretended to not see her smile falter when I rejected her hug.

My parents followed me into the living room and sat on the couch across from me. I took a deep breath before I spoke.

"What I have to say is a lot of things I should of told you a long time ago but I can't wait any longer to tell you guys how I feel. I'd appreciate it if you guys didn't interrupt me before I finished." I said giving them both serious looks. My dad nodded in agreement looking confused and my mother looked annoyed.

"Okay, I've been seeing someone from school. He's new in town so you don't know him but he's really great and I'd love for you guys to meet him.

One of the things I really love about him is that he doesn't judge me and he listens to me, he actually cares what I have to say and gives me attention no one else has ever shown me. Attention I should of gotten from you guys but I didn't because you guys have always put me second behind your jobs and you've neglected me.

I grew up with nannies and seeing my parents twice a month if I was lucky. You guys never know what's going on with me because you're never around and when you are you ignore me or never care to ask.

The whole point I'm trying to get across is that I refuse to continue a relationship with you guys, or a lack of one, if things don't change. I can't continue to live like this, as something that's not important in your lives. I'm your daughter and I deserve to be treated better, I deserve to have supportive parents who don't think buying me expensive things makes up for their absence.

My boyfriend, Luke, has proposed the idea of us moving in together I've decided to except it. I basically live alone anyway since you guys are always off doing God knows what so I just wanted to let you know where I'm coming from and inform you on my decision." I said standing up. My dad's mouth was hanging open in shock and my mom's head was in her hands. 

I left the living room with my head high and went upstairs to my room.  I pulled my suitcase out of my closet and packed the clothes that weren't already at the cabin, where I had been staying the past month. I packed any other essentials I needed since I didn't plan on coming back. I texted Luke that I had made my decision and told him I would be over his house in a few. My phone buzzed immediately with his excited response.

After I was packed I quietly brought my things downstairs and headed out of the back door. I snuck out the fence and looped around to the driveway. I put my things in my car and quickly pulled out of my driveway.

I drove to Luke's house within 3 minutes to find him already on his porch. I parked my car and ran to him. He was smiling so hard it was difficult not to smile back. He pulled me into his arms and I giggled loudly.

"Are we seriously doing this!?" I said looking up into his beautiful blue eyes.

"We can do whatever you want babe." He said kissing me. God I loved him.

"How'd your parents take it." He asked pulling away from our kiss. I sighed as I sat down beside him.

"I don't know, I kinda said it and packed then snuck out. I don't think they had really processed what I said before I left." I said lacing our fingers together. He nodded kissing my hand.

"What'd your mom say?" I asked him. He shrugged.

"She knows about the gang and the kind of lifestyle it comes with because she's lived it. She knew eventually I'd be out the picture more and now's the time. She was pretty cool about it. I mean shes a mom so of course she wasn't stoked about it but she's not gonna stop me." He said as I leaned on his shoulder.

"I wish my parents cared enough to have reacted to what I said.

"I care about you enough for the both of them." He said tilting my head up and lightly kissing me. I smiled half way through it.

"Let's get out of here." I whispered. Luke laughed before standing up and taking my hand. He led me to his car and opened the door for me. I slid into the passenger seat as he started the car. He laced our fingers together as he pulled out the driveway.

I wasn't sure where we were going but I didn't care. As long as Luke was by my side things would be okay. We didn't have anything figured out really and this plan was definitely full of flaws but I have hope it will all work out.

Nothing was going as expected but that was okay. Our relationship was far from perfect but it was all I needed. I love Luke with my whole being and with all the crap I had to go through I'm glad Luke was with me through it all.

As I looked out the window and watched the trees blur by with Luke by my side I couldn't help but smile. Our relationship was far from over and I was beyond excited to see where life would take us next.