Across the hall

chapter 1

 "He's looking at you again, Amber! Are you sure he doesn't like you?" Rachel muttered to me from behind a locker door.  

“It’s been almost a month and he hasn't said a word to me, I don't wanna worry about it. I have other things on my mind. I have a test tomorrow, in- god knows what class. I'll be back, I need to stop by Mr. Hudson’s classroom to ask him about-" I was trying to change the subject when swiftly, Rachel grabbed my arm, ”Amber!" Rachel interrupted, “Will you quit thinking about your grades for once and get a social life! When's the last time you've been to a party? It's the last quarter, and where the hell have you been? In your house. Let loose! Have some fun." Rachel nagged. She went on, “I heard Nick's parents are out of town for the entire weekend. He's throwing a huge party, everyone's going to be there..." I finally tuned her out.

 She's always talking about this party, that club, when she got so trashed, or that one time when she got caught with that kid under the bleachers, blah,blah,blah. I'm not much of drinker, and I didn't want hear it. I have better things to do in my life, like, study, or uh- read... Homework. But maybe it was time I had some fun.. after all what's the worst to happen?

 The bell rushed us out, and I slammed my locker door shut. As I gathered my things, I glanced over my shoulder to find Luke looking me in the eye. I stopped briefly, then I caught my head, broke the stare, and turned away. I walked down the hallways, and out the door. I was so focused on getting home, finishing my work, and preparing for graduation, that I never really thought about friends. Rachel is pretty much the only "friend" I have right now and I can't afford to be any less to her right now. I guess I can go to the party, just for a few hours maybe. It could some good for me.

**************** Night of the party ****************

        Just as I had finished coating my lashes with a bit of mascara, I heard a knock at my door. I took a deep breath, adjusted my shirt, and swung it open. 

 ”You’re going looking like that?!" Rachel whined. As usual, without a greeting, Rachel invites herself in. “Yeah... it's not like I have anybody to impress “I replied. ”What about Luke? Ugh whatever we have to go“ Rachel scoffed. We hop into her car. Rachel’s parents spoil her. On her 18th birthday last week, she got a car, and her own house. It really isn't fair. If I were to get my own house, I'd have to work for it. I've been working all summer to save money for an apartment, but I need at least 800$ for the deposit.

We arrive at the party and it seems totally cliché. Kegs, out of hand teenagers disrespecting the furniture, and horny couples seem to be everywhere I look. This really is not my place.

 When I turn around I see Rachel has left me. Typical, I knew she wouldn't stick around. I sat on the staircase with my punch. Kids running up and down, bumping me against the wall. I hear a voice call my name. “Amber?" I turn, to see Luke standing behind me. “Oh, uh- hey?” I greet him. “You’re alone? What are you doing here without Rachel, I thought you guys were TOTES BESTIES" He mocked. “Ugh, she's a bitch. I don't know why I hang out with her. And besides the ONE time she actually convinces me come to a party, she’s the one to flake." I complain. "Well it's not all that bad, I mean I’m here" he does that cute wink smile thing that makes my insides flutter, "hahaa, yeah, like that makes it better. I barely know you. Well except for that one summer-you know what, forget it”. I babble. Luke chuckles and I shoot him a confused look "you’re cute when you’re nervous". Did he really just say that? I am not cute nor am I nervous, well maybe a little but how would he know? “Who said I was nervous?" I fire back.  "Calm down babe, just accept the compliment" I look up at him excitedly, then quickly realize the stupidity of my action. Thankfully Luke ignores it. ”LUKE!!” I hear someone shout.” Sorry miss Faye, but I believe this exchange will have to be cut short. Till we meet again” he smiles and kisses my hand before running out of the room to the source of the yell. My face goes crimson and I am so glad that Luke wasn’t there to see it.

About two hours later Rachel comes stumbling down the stairs smelling of smoke and alcohol. She plops down next to me and puts her arms around my neck. “hmmm lets go to sleep” she slurs. “let’s go to the car first Rach, come on” I pull her up and start dragging her groaning body to the car. As I drive her home I can’t seem to keep my mind off of the conversation I had with Luke. Does this mean things are gonna change between us? He can be so charming and sweet sometimes. I smile at the memory still fresh in my mind of of Luke kissing my hand. I already know this is gonna be a sleepless night but somehow, I’m fine with that.

When we get to my house and I clean Rachel up and put her in my bed. She mumbles a thanks before drifting to sleep. I go downstairs and grab some water and aspirin for her, she’s gonna have a killer headache tomorrow. Over the time I have known Rachel I have learned everything there is to know about hangovers, having taken care of hers countless times. I sit in the living room and watch reality TV till about 5, never really paying attention. My mind just keeps going over the nights events till I finally fall asleep, my dreams filled with hope and wonder.

Hey guys, umm this is my first story so i would love some feedback, good or bad if you have any. I hope you like it!! 5 votes for the next chapter?

bye <3