Lonely Hearts Club // Book One

Chapter Five

Saturday came faster than ever. My mum had helped me get ready but that never meant I felt pretty. The dress was itchy and uncomfortable, and I had never worn this much makeup before. And of course, I was nervous. Luke had been to a dance before, shockingly, since he's been homeschooled for most of his life. I haven't been to a dance. I don't know what they're like or what was supposed to happen. Would there be slow dances?

Questions lingered through my mind as I ran my fingers through my loose curls. My mum insisted on curling my hair, through I preferred keeping it straight. Greg had voted for curling it, so my mum did it anyway. At least the kid's 14, he knows what looks good and what doesn't.

Time seemed as if it was going slowly, and my nerves built up due to the suspension. There's no doubt that Luke's attractive, he's very attractive. That's why everything was suddenly so scary. He's my friend now, he's good looking, and I'm very unsocial. I already knew tonight would be awkward, since we both have trouble with starting conversations.

"Why aren't you excited?" my mum asked me while she sat down next to me on the couch. I had been rubbing my palms together and was shaking a little. She knew I was nervous.

"I am," I shrugged. "It's just Luke, he's different. I like him but it's-"

"Your first time alone with a guy. Of course you're nervous!" She insisted, unknowing of all the times Luke walked me home and that time at the park. Also, she knows I've been alone with Calum. "Well, a different guy besides Cal,"

I shrugged once more and let out a shaky sigh. It was almost 6:30, the time Calum said that Luke would show up. The last time I texted Luke was on Thursday, before we were meeting at Nelly's for the second time. The club hadn't gotten any better.

My mum was first to answer the door when he arrived. I was in the kitchen getting a drink of water when I heard the doorbell ring, and I almost dropped the glass. She immediately began a conversation with him, not even letting the poor boy in the house yet. "Let him in, mother," I chuckled, walking in to see a horrified looking Luke. He was in a blue button down shirt and nice black pants. But I couldn't help but think of what he would look like in a tuxedo.

She backed away, embarrassed and let Luke walk over to me. He had yet to say something, though.

"Do you want anything? Water? Food?" I offered, feeling as if the nerves had mysteriously disappeared. Which was definitely a good sign. Luke shook his head, shoving his hands into his pockets. I nodded and looked at my mum, who was standing awkwardly at the doorway.

"So, how are you liking Norwest so far, Luke?" She had began to talk again, relieving me from the silence.

"It's good." He said, simply. This was going to be a long night.

"Have you made any friends?" That crossed the line. Luke took in a small breath and let it out.

"Not other than Paige, no." Except that made me feel a little bit better. I was his first friend here. I smiled to myself and glared at my mother, mind-messaging her that it was time for he and I to go. Even though I hated our school dances, I was excited to get this over with.

"Have fun," she grinned. "Who's your ride?"

"Calum," Luke spoke for me with a small smile. "It was nice to meet you, Mrs. Millar."

"Oh it's just Miss, but you too, Luke," she smiled again and shook his hand. "See you tonight, Paige."

"Love you mum,"

"Love you, too!" She waved at us as we walked out the door. When she shut it, I let out a deep breath and laughed.

"Your mum is interesting..." Luke mumbled, breathlessly chuckling. I just hung my head low with a smile. "But she's nice, seems like she really cares for you." I could almost hear his voice crack when he said that. His smile was gone and he was deep in thought. I just didn't know what to say until we arrived at Cal's place.