Don't Go ; Luke Brooks

Sixteen.

          The clear water of the nearby lake twinkled in the harsh sunlight. Trees gently swayed in the wind as the water slowly rolled up onto the shore. The setting was beautiful. Picturesque even. Jai had picked the most stunning location. We were the only people here making it somewhat more peaceful, if that was even possible. I sighed happily as I sat on the sand, letting the sun engulf my body.

The boys were currently setting up the tents. I offered to help but Beau and Jai insisted I relax since I was still the guest, Luke didn't seem too bothered though. I giggled at the sound of them bickering and cussing in the background, rolling my eyes slightly. I allowed myself to slowly stand up and make my way over to them, Beau finishing mine and Luke's tent.

He grinned happily at the finished product, causing my lips to turn up into a smile. "Good job," I said happily, giving Beau a high five. By now it was beginning to get dark, the once pale blue sky now a deep orange as the sun began to fade away into the distance. "Luke, Kylie? Could you go get some firewood?" Beau asked as he began to clear a small area for a fire. I nodded and followed Luke as he stuffed his hands into his pockets and walked away to find some firewood.

I carefully picked up small branches and twigs, my face flushing with embarrassment once I saw Luke carrying large branches and logs. I attempted to pick up something heavier and be more useful but it just resulted in me struggling to keep myself up. "Here," I heard Luke mutter, carefully taking the log from my hand and replacing it with some slightly smaller branches he'd found. "Thank you," I said softly, unable to stop myself from giving him a small smile. He just nodded and walked back to camp with the log, me following shortly after.

Jai helped Beau arrange the wood so we could light a small fire. Me and Luke sat on a log, quite a bit of distance between the both of us. Part of me was hoping this camping trip would bring me and Luke closer together. Maybe it was still possible to be as close as we were once before. I sighed softly and rested my elbow on my knee, allowing my head to sit in the palm of my hand.

Beau eventually lit the fire, the orange glow flickering in the darkness. "Let's drink." Beau suggested, bringing out some red solo cups and multiple alcoholic beverages. I couldn't help but roll my eyes, taking a solo cup from his hand. "Why don't we play a drinking game?" I suggested which lead to us playing never have I ever yet again.

"Never have I ever went skinny dipping," I giggled, a hiccup following shortly after. I had consumed way too much alcohol by now, much more than the other boys. They purposely came up with questions that'd make me drink, finding my drunken state funny. Luke just looked bored out of his mind though.

"I think it's time for you to go to bed." Luke murmured, gently touching my shoulder as I held onto the log for support. Beau and Jai murmured in agreement as Jai put out the fire. I allowed Luke to lead me to our tent, stumbling over everything in my path. Once inside he zipped the opening of tent closed, sighing as he eyed me up and down - taking in my drunken state. "Right get changed, I'll set up our 'bed'." He said, air quoting the word 'bed'.

I nodded and turned my back to him, slipping off my clothes. I rummaged through my bag to find something to wear to bed but it seemed I hadn't packed anything. "Luke.. I don't have anything to wear." I mumbled, still searching. "Here," he almost whispered, handing me one of his shirts. The scent of mint and cologne lingered on it, creating a heavenly scent.

I put it on before turning back around, some blankets placed on the blowup bed for us along with some pillows. We had to share a double blow up bed since there was no room for anything else. I knew he was probably bothered by it but in all honesty I wasn't. I carelessly got myself into bed, Luke doing the same.

I'm not sure whether it was due to my drunken state or not but I finally found the courage to ask him what I'd always wanted to.
"Why do you hate me?"