The Marriage and Baby Project » Luke Hemmings

Chapter 2 » Luke

L u k e

Shit. I feel bad, I really do but I can't help but think of what Julie said before we broke up.

"Luke, what the heck!" She screamed at me after I told her I was hanging out with my best friend, Bree.

"Julie! It's not that big of a deal. It's not like I'm gonna go have sex with her. Hell, I'm still a virgin." I shouted back.

"Okay Luke, whatever you say. I totally believe you." She said sarcastically.

"Jules, calm down." I sighed out. "I'll hang out with you tomorrow. Why do you care so much that I'm hanging out with Bree, anyway? You've never cared before."  I saw a tear roll down her cheek.

"There are people saying that you're hooking up with her. I didn't believe it at first, but then I got to thinking. Bree is prettier, smarter, and funnier than me and I guess I just wish you could have a perfect girl. You deserve one."

"You are. To me, you are."

"No, I'm not."

And then I just left her. I wanted someone, at the time, who believed in themselves. And wasn't insecure.

But now I realize that I should have stuck next to her.

Hell, I should have never even left her.

I heard my doorbell ring and I jogged down the stairs and opened the door.

Julie stood there with bright red eyes and was sniffling, but still ended up looking perfect.

"Hey, were you crying? What happened?" I asked and she brushed by me, mumbling something. "What did you say?" I grabbed her wrist pulling her back by me.

"I said my life happened." She whispered.

Shit, I thought she had gotten better.

She's worse than freshman year.

Good job Julie, make me look like more of a jerk than before.

"Shh, stop crying. Sit down and tell me what happened." I took her hands and guided her to the couch.

"Why should you care? You 'never liked' me." She spat out with menace, making me grimace.

"I didn't mean it and you know it."

"Do I really? What if all that we had was a lie? Huh, Luke? Cuz that would really suck."

"It wasn't." I whispered, but in all honesty, I don't think I could do this project.

I couldn't pretend to have a life with the girl I love.

Julie.

Fuck, I just had to go and mess everything up, didn't I?

To answer that question, yes. I did.

What the hell is wrong with me?

"I don't know if I can believe you." She whispered back.

"I know." I sighed out. I got up and looked at Julie. "If you really want I can talk to Mrs. Jensen about the partners and have us get switched. I don't think it'd be best if we work together." Julie's eyes widened and she shook her head.

"I've had too many breaks in that class. She'll say I put you up to it. It's not even worth it. But thanks." She whispered the last part softly and I nodded my head, gesturing to the potato baby we were given earlier today.

"We need to figure out the schedule for that thing." She hummed in agreement and I took the time to study her.

This was the first time I've really seen her in over 3 years. She's really filled out, like in a good way.