Messaging the Player

Chapter 18

Lou's POV

I got dressed into some skinny jeans and a jumper with GEEK on it. I slipped into my oldest, most worn out converse lookalikes. Afterall they are the most comfortable. I told mum that I will be back later, and that I was meeting Leo at the park.

Leo xx: I'm at the bench whr we were yesterday
Lou ♡ : ok, did u need me to bring anything?
Leo xx: Just urself ;)
Lou ♡ : Okay...just leaving now

I walked down the pathway, putting my phone after messaging Leighton. I was a wee bit nervous...meeting up with each other two days in a row! That's weird, especially for us. I feel like we get along better when we are messaging each other, not like when we are actually face to face.

I continued the short journey to the park, once I got there, I headed towards the bench where we were yesterday. I saw Leighton spreading out a checkered picnic blanket, and a basket next to him. He was actually serious about this picnic. And this brought a smile to my face.

Leo glanced up at me, finally noticing me. "What are you smiling about?"
I shrugged, and I feel a blush coming to my cheeks. He comes over to me and grabs my hand, pulling me gently towards where the blanket was, and made me sit down. He then plonked down across from me.

"So chicken or ham?"
"Ummm TURKEY?"
"Damn I knew I should've gotten turkey!"
"Mate, I don't really care!"
"I knew that!" He replied indignantly.
"Sure sure!"

He made a snorting noise. Then proceeded to throw me a roll, which with my epic reflexes I didn't catch.
He burst out laughing.

I sent him a look. This only made him laugh more. Jerk. I threw it back at him.
It hit him on the forehead, his surprise made me laugh.

"OH MY LORD! UR FACE!" I gasped between laughter.
"I don't find it that funny." He said in the cutest tone.
"yeah whatever, can we eat now?"

He nodded. And this time he passed me the roll of goodness. We ate in silence. Occasionally looking at each other, but just enjoying one anothers company.
"So, what do you wanna do?"
"You're in charge here!"
"I am?"

I pulled out my phone from my pocket and sent him a text.
Lou ♡ : yes! U r!
He sent me a weird look. Glancing at his message.
"Ok, I brought a frisbee, wanna do that? Standing up while talking.
"What are you? Like a 10 year old?" Standing up as well.
"Dude, frisbee is fun!"
"Maybe for little kids!" Sticking my tongue out. "And I'm not a dude!"
"Well, we're little kids then today!"
I sighed and sat back down, I didn't wanna run after a frisbee, I'm too uncoordinated. Not.
"Whats wrong?" he said kneeling down in front of me.
"Nothing." I replied trying not to let a tear escape.
"Was it something I said?"
"No."

Leo then began typing out something on his phone. Once he had finished, mine dinged, indicating a new message.
I sighed. Looking at it.

Leo xx: pls tell me Lou

Lou ♡ : I know this is stupid, but I used to play with my brother, and ever since...u know...I haven't done so since, it just brought back memories yeah?

Leo sat down next to me, pulling me into him.
"It's not stupid Lou" he whispered into my hair.
I nodded and just leant into him further. We stayed like that for who knows long.

"Aww how cute, Leighton and the nerd!" a sarcastic voice called out.

***

Leighton slowly pushed me away, turning around to see where the voice came from. It was Reagan. One of Leighton's friends at school.

"Shut your mouth Reagan."

"How cute, sticking up for your girlfriend."

"Lou isn't my girlfriend." He glanced at me nervously.

"Sure whatever you say dude, see you around." Reagan left.

Leighton sighed.

"Sorry about him."

I nodded in response. The atmosphere had changed. "I should really get home"
Leighton looked at me, "So soon?"
"Yeah I got things to do and places to be."
"Ok, I'll walk you home."

We walked in silence. Once we got to my house, he walked me to the door.
"I'll see you later?"
"Yeah" I replied quietly. I kissed his cheek to say goodbye but he moved his head and our lips connected, he wrapped his arms around me, pulling me closer. But my senses kicked in. I was kissing Leighton. This can't be happening. So I did the first thing I could think of. Pushed him away and ran inside quickly, slamming the door behind me.

***

It's been a week. Leo hasn't talked to me and I haven't talked to him. Amy has noticed something has changed in me. She doesn't question me. She knows I will tell her when I'm ready.

I think mum has noticed something too. I've been hiding away. She knows something is up between Leighton and I, but she doesn't say anything either.

I'm slowly slipping away from reality. I was slowly gaining it back when Leighton was showing me what life can be like. I didn't know what I was doing. I haven't been at school. I wonder why I'm doing this. Levi and Dad were gone. I was heading the same way. I don't know how long I can be strong for. I don't want to leave mum, but is this the way to live? A life of misery? I knew I had to do something. But is that the best way?