More Than a Moment

Eight

The tour is over, which means the boys finally have some down time. Ali had joined Luke for the last two shows, and they've been on a mini vacation in the Georgian countryside for the past week. It's been so nice and relaxing. 

Luke and Ali haven't had so much privacy probably ever. This isn't really Ali's scene, but she has to admit that it has been nice to just sit on a porch swing and look out into the endless fields. This is Luke's vacation, and it's nearing its end. He has to get back to work next week. 

Magnolia's parents had agreed to let her stay in California for however long she was needed for the album. Luckily Bree's family excitedly agreed to let Magnolia stay with them at their house in Los Angeles. 

Finals had gone well-- better than Magnolia had expected, and she was finally starting to relax. It's been fun exploring the corners of Southern California with her best friend, and it was a great way to relieve her of thinking about the album, or rather Luke, before she needed to.

Luke had practically forgotten all of his responsibilities on this get-away. He was guilt-free and relishing in the time he had to spend with his girlfriend. 

They were taking a walk, and Luke obsessively looked up every plant, tree, and bird they saw in his nature guide book. 

"And this one is a magno--..." He began, excitedly sharing his new knowledge with Ali who had been enjoying the commentary.

Both of their faces fell a bit. "This is a magnolia tree, huh?" She asked, filling in the silence. 

"Yeah," Luke responded, feeling uncomfortable. He hadn't really thought about her this whole time, but now he's afraid he won't be able to stop thinking about her. 

What has she been up to? How did her finals go? Where is she at right now? 

"What about that one?" Ali asked, pointing to a flower a few feet in front of them, trying to change the subject.

The vibe was different between them for the rest of the walk, and it carried into the night and morning. 

"Those magnolia trees are all over the place around here," Ali began slowly as they were eating breakfast. 

"Mhm," Luke nodded nonchalantly. 

"I couldn't help but feel like you noticed them more than you were noticing me," she spoke softly. She really likes Luke, and she respects him. They have great times together, and she really just wants the best for him. She wants to be the best for him, but she knows that what she wants isn't always what's right.

"I'm sorry. I don't-- it doesn't-- she doesn't mean anything to me," he said, getting flustered over the thought of her. 

"Unfortunately, babe, I think she's a battle we're both losing." Ali reached over and rubbed Luke's arm with her hand.

"I don't want that," he said firmly, trying to convince both Ali and himself. 

"It's easy to say that now when it's just been you and me, but pretty soon you'll be working with her every day, and it'll be hard to ignore what everyone knows is there..." Ali practically whispered these things, as she didn't actually want to admit them herself. She's not mad at Luke or Magnolia, she's just jealous and sad. 

She's had to work so hard to get the fan's approval, and all Magnolia had to do was sing a few songs. She's been with Luke for nearly five months, and most people still say Luke is better off single, whereas Magnolia has been in Luke's life for all of a month, and everyone is practically pushing them together. It's just hard. 

"Can we just try?" Luke pleaded, not wanting to give this up so easily. 

"Of course," Ali smiled half-heartedly, knowing that their breakup was inevitable. 

She doesn't hate Magnolia by any means. They met once, and she was super nice, of course. Magnolia actually thought the same of Ali. And it's not like Magnolia is deliberately trying to take Luke away from her. She could see the guilt on Magnolia's face when they met. 

"I'm sorry," Luke mumbled again, finishing his cereal. 

The pair finished their final days in paradise in peace, neither of them bringing up Magnolia again. Luke dreaded heading back and seeing her because he knew Ali was right, he just really didn't want her to be. He felt bad, like he was stringing her along even though he knew the rope was too short. He's sure she knew too, though. 

Magnolia had spent her final days before getting to work on the album in San Fransisco, exploring the only-familiar-because-of-v-shows streets with Bree. She felt so young and free, and this is what she always wanted to feel. But alas, reality must come in just like the tide. 

Luke and Magnolia began their journeys back to the city where they would meet again, and neither was prepared for seeing the other. The hardest part is that they don't have to be anything but theirselves to attract one another, so it feels like they have to be different people in order to ward off feelings they know they can't pursue. 

"Ready?" Bree asked as they pulled into her driveway. Tomorrow is the day.

"Ready?" Ali asked as she stood up from her seat on the plane. 

Both Luke and Magnolia, in different places at the same time, sighed heavily and put on their best show smile, having no choice but to be ready.