Fighter | l.h.

12

A couple months went by and they were what felt like the busiest of my life. I had rehearsals for my play which took place every day after school, which meant I had to work nights and weekends at the coffee shop. On top of that, tests were being thrown at me every which way and I was buried with studying and filling out paperwork for college. Luke had looked into the college I was going to since it was instate, and he looked into getting accepted there. He had decent enough grades for it, and he said he'd major in physical education which he said would be a piece of cake. I helped him with his acceptance letter and his grades, which meant long nights at either his house or mine working.

"Christine," someone called to me in the hallway one winter afternoon. The sky was grey and the air was crisp, my nose numb as I stood outside waiting for Luke to bring my car around. I told him that even though I loved his bike, I wasn't riding on it when there were possibilities for snow.

"Hi, David." David was supposed to be playing my love interest in the play, and needless to say I found him honestly revolting. He was a head taller than me, he had a cracky voice, and I was supposed to fake kiss this guy and I could barely stand him with his ratchet breath. "Can I help you?"

"Well, it's just that we have that kissing scene coming up."

"Yeah, it's a fake one too." I looked in the parking lot and saw the car coming towards me. "Look, it's just fake. There's nothing to it. I put my thumbs on your lips and I get to kiss my thumb." The car pulled to the curb and I began walking down the steps.

"Well, don't you think you should practice real kissing?" He yelled at me. I opened the door but quickly shut it.

"Yeah, I will with my boyfriend tonight while you use a pillow. See you tomorrow, David." I opened the door again and got in, pulling my seatbelt on before looking at Luke.

"What was that all about?" He asked, putting the car in drive.

"I don't know, he's liked me since fourth grade. But where were you today? Why'd you leave after lunch?" I turned his head towards me and grazed my thumb over his cheek.

"I...I had to go into work and get this delivery thing. It's no big deal Chrissie, really." He put his hand on my neck, his thumb swiping over my bottom lip. "I swear you worry about me so much you're gonna give yourself an ulcer."

"I wouldn't have to worry so much if you would just tell me where you go sometimes. I mean you'll be here with me for a couple days, then you'll leave for a couple days. It's weird and off putting and I don't like it." I hated complaining to him because I sounded like such a little kid, but if it helps me get my point across to him then I will whine all I please.

"Well you know what? Christmas is in two weeks and I don't have to be anywhere until sometime after January. I'm all yours," he said leaning over and kissing me softly. I still wasn't used to this, the feeling of his lips against mine. It sent a jolt of electricity through me and I fell weak to it.

"Lets go to my place so we can study for our finals tomorrow," I said once he pulled away, his thumb still running over my cheek.

"Alright. Let me stop by my place to get my mail first."

Driving with him was a treat. He would either be really quiet or he would be really loud, singing along to whatever came on the radio. Currently, it was Dark Horse by Katy Perry and it was more me singing.

"ARE YOU READY FOR, READY FOR. FOR A PERFECT STORM, PERFECT STORM. CAUSE ONCE YOU'RE MINE, ONCE YOU'RE MINE. THERE'S NO GOING BACK." I then began spinning my head along to the bass and giving myself a headache.

"God, I'm dating a mental patient," Luke said pulling up to his mailbox and getting out his mail. Not bothering to look, he tossed it on the dashboard and pulled out, heading now to my house which in reality wasn't that far away. I kept swinging my head around, not really caring what was on the radio now, just wanting to see if I could piss of Luke.