The Heart Beats in its Cage (A Strokes fan fiction)

Mr. Casablancas

My heart felt like it was going to burst out of my chest. A million thoughts started to race through my mind... I could feel his breath on me... He inched closer and closer to my face...

Julian gently placed both of his hands on either sides of my face. I closed my eyes... and I felt Julian plant a light kiss on my forehead. I put my hands on his wrists, enjoying every moment of this. I felt at peace as the world faded away around us. This is exactly where I want to be.

Julian moved his arms to hug me tightly as I rested my head on his chest, and he rested his chin on top of my head. I had my arms around his waist. We remained that way for what seemed like an eternity, yet felt like too short, before Julian let out a soft sigh.

"Lucy, I've gotta head home... I'll see you at school on Monday, yeah?"

The words saddened me, I didn't want this moment to end. But reality slowly began to settle in. We are standing in front of the Valensi's house, and I am in the embrace of the guy who I've been crushing on for years... who has a girlfriend.

Shit, Anna... Anna is Julian's girlfriend and I'm standing here, in his arms.

But why on earth is Julian here instead of with his girlfriend?

"Goodnight Julian." I broke our embrace and turned around to start walking towards the house. I looked back at him as he raised his hand to say goodbye. I closed the door behind me, and peeked out the window once I got inside. I watched as he got into his father's car and drove away.

I crept upstairs slowly and quietly. When I got to Heather's room I found her and Danny in Heather's bed, with the covers pulled up almost covering their eyes. The room was dark with only the glow of the television illuminating their scared faces.

"What are you guys doing?" I asked curiously.

"Shhhh we're watching Hostel II!" Replied Heather in a hushed voice.

"Yeah, one of the grossest movies ever to have been made" said Danny.

"Ew you guys! Why are you watching this? This movie is horrible." I said.

We all winced at the next disgusting scene.

"Ugh yeah I've had enough. So tell us about your hot date Lulu!" Heather whispered loudly as she turned to her nightstand to turn her lamp on. She then proceeded to turn her television off.

"Well," I began, "It was not a date... but it was more amazing than I could have ever imagined. We went down to the beach. The strawberry festival was going on! There were fairy lights everywhere, we got on the Ferris wheel a couple of times, got on a few rides, played all the games that I wanted to play, stuffed our faces with delicious fried food, and he even won me this," I said, as I showed them my cute stuffed koala.

"He walked me to the door and hugged me goodbye. But, right when I was about to walk inside, he pulled me back in for another hug. He held my face... and kissed my forehead. It was so sweet, I almost died." I said as I plopped down onto the end of Heather's bed. I laid there admiring the ceiling. She had it covered in posters consisting of her favorite movies, bands, and artwork.

"Danny, I think your sister is in love." Heather said.

"Yeah, I think so too dude. So what, did he say anything to you?" Danny asked me, raising an eyebrow.

"We did... and we didn't." I said. "We just... hung out and enjoyed ourselves. He acts like he's really into me, like I'm the only person in his life or something. Like for example, when we were on the Ferris Wheel at the end of the night, he told me that he hadn't had this much fun in a long time and that it felt right to be there with me. We even held hands at one point..."