together ✖ l.h

two.

I'd be lying if I said I wasn't waiting for a text from Luke. I was sitting on the bed, my eyes glued to my screen. I inhaled deeply, scrunching my nose as the oxygen from the tubes, tickling my insides. Sounds gross, doesn't it?

"I haven't seen you this happy since I brought home Maury," My mother said, grinning as she looked up from her magazine at me. My mother was extremely protective of me, so I had to be in her sight at all times. When I was younger, I had a minor attack; I pulled the tubes from my nostrils on accident, yanking them right out. It hurt a lot, to be honest. I almost died.

"Very funny," I stuck my tongue out at her, shaking my head at her behavior. She'd been teasing me since we left the cafe the previous day. She'd always make remarks about 'how cute he is' or 'how perfect his hair was styled'. It was kind of weird to hear my mother talking about boys in that way, but girls will be girls.

"I'm serious! What if he turns out to be your soul mate," I scoffed as my mother wiggled her eyebrows, bursting out into a fit of laughter. I couldn't help but laugh with her, but immediately stopped when I heard a small ding come from my phone. I almost fell off of the bed I jumped so high.

My mother hopped up from her seat, quickly getting by my side so she could see the message, also. Way to respect my privacy, mom.

From: Unknown

Message: I'm picking you up today. Be ready. :-) xx

I put his name into my phone, my cheeks beginning to burn from smiling so wide. My mom squealed with excitement, clapping her hands together. She ran over to the case of clothes I had packed, picking out an outfit for me.

"Ask him what to wear," My mother called over her shoulder. I shook my head so hard, I could almost hear my brain tumbling around in my skull. We're probably just going to take a walk or something, right? Nothing serious.

"It's just casual, probably." I spoke, watching as my mom pulled out articles of clothing and threw them onto the bed next to me. Even though she wasn't exactly up to date on what was in style these days, she still had a pretty good taste in fashion.

"Wear that, and you'll have him wrapped around your little finger in no time." My mother winked, crossing her arms. I stood up, standing there in silence, waiting for her to leave the room so I could get dressed. Her eyes widened as she nodded, throwing me a thumbs up. She closed the door quietly behind her, leaving me to my lonesome. I changed into the clothes, careful around the oxygen tubes. Wouldn't want history to repeat itself.

✖ ✖

I stood outside, scrunching my nose at the horrible stench of sun screen that was smeared on my cheeks. I was waiting for Luke to come pick me up, but he was a little late. Just as I was about to walk back inside, a small junky car rolled up to the curb.

Luke hopped out of the drivers seat, opening the passenger door for me. I smiled, sitting down on the seat. I pulled the oxygen tank in after me, setting it next to my legs. It smelled of mint with a hint of dirty socks, how wonderful. I buckled myself in, watching as Luke stepped into the car, sitting into the seat. He gave me a small smile, starting up the car and driving off.

"So, where are we going?" I asked, tapping my fingers on my thighs.

"The cafe again," He replied, pulling into the parking lot. I nodded, looking around. It was weird how people were living their life, while I was here. . . living on borrowed time. They were all so healthy and smiling, like they hadn't a care in the world.

Luke opened the door again for me, holding out a hand to help me out of the car.

"You're such a gentleman," I teased, taking his hand as I stepped out, dragging the tank of air behind me.

"Shall we go in?" Luke asked, ignoring my comment. I nodded, walking beside Luke as we made our way into the building.

✖ ✖

"So, tell me about yourself, Mads." Luke took a long sip of his smoothie; it all seemed familiar.

"My mother works as a nurse at the hospital, so she can spend as much time with me as she can." I sighed, picturing my mother staying up until the wee hours of the day, just to make sure I was going to sleep well.

"My father has to move wherever his work takes him. He sends us money, so we're doing well financially, which is great." Luke nodded along, watching me contently.

"I have lived here most of my life, and I enjoy it. I love big cities! My mother hates it though. The only reason we're here is because apparently this place is the most amazing cancer treatment areas in all of the world." I frowned, shaking my head.

"It's obviously not working." I turned my attention to the window, not knowing what else to say.

"I was diagnosed when I was twelve. How crazy is that? I was so young." I decided to tell him about when I first visited the hospital after I collapsed in the shower.

"My mother was worried sick, and my father never could stop by and see me because of his work." I didn't dislike my father. All he ever did was help my mother and I. Even though I rarely ever got to see him, I loved him more than the biggest chocolate bar in the world.

"What's that thing by your feet?" Luke questioned, making me tear my eyes from the people outside. I looked down at the oxygen tank, frowning.

"It's the only thing keeping me alive right now." I said, playing with the handle. Luke shifted in his seat, crossing his arms along his chest.

"It helps you breathe?" He looked over the edge of the table to get a better look at the tank.

"Pretty much." I gestured to the tubes that were running into my nose, letting out a small giggle.

"Why are you staring at me?" I noticed he had his eyes locked on me, and I felt my face growing hotter as the seconds ticked by.

"Because you're beautiful."

I had no idea how to explain the happiness I was feeling at that moment. It was like a million butterflies had just been set loose in my stomach, as cliche as it sounds.

I looked down at my lap, knowing I was probably as red as a tomato at that moment.

Luke finished off his smoothie, setting it down on the table. He stood up, wiping his hands off on his pants.

"Ready to go back?" He held out his hand to me, which I gladly took.

"Let's go." I was smiling like an idiot. Darn you, emotions.

authors note :

I wrote most of this on my phone, so I apologize for any mistakes I may have made. I'll go back and fix them when I have time.

{unedited}