romeo + juliet ↠ l.h

11

I have to admit, I normally would never wake before 6. But Luke had crazily suggested we meet so here I was, doing my hair at 5:45.

What did I even expect to happen? I was anxious about what was to come. Maybe we'd just sit in the grass and listen to music?

I also had to worry about sneaking out, well sort of. I was technically just going to my backyard, but if my parents knew why, well, they'd be pissed.

I stared back at my reflection in the mirror. If I wore my hair down, it would look like I was trying too hard. I threw it into a ponytail, next worrying about what to wear. Pajamas would seem like I wasn't trying hard enough, but if I dressed up, well that would just be weird. I just settled on leggings and a big sweatshirt, considering it was close to 30 degrees outside.

You'd think this was a date the way I'm worrying, I thought to myself.

No.

I cannot think about him that way. This was just two friends, or even just acquaintances, meeting up to chat and listen to music maybe.

But there was something about Luke. I had only ever viewed him as this forbidden object I was to never go near. And now, now that I knew him, he wasn't just a forbidden object. He was this forbidden person, one who was actually maybe really great.

Maybe I'd missed out my whole life, missed out on a good friend.

It didn't really matter now. Soon, we'd both be leaving.

Even though I knew this, I didn't care. My heart still raced as I slipped on my superstars and made my way downstairs. It was 5:57.

I quietly slipped through the backdoor, immediately hit with the chilly air.

I should've wore a hat, I thought.

As I made my way past the pool house and through the garden, I noticed the hole in the fence he was talking about. The area around it was pretty guarded by a bunch of plants. It would take a miracle for my parents to find me out here.

I settled against the fence, pulling out my phone and scrolling through Instagram as I shivered.

5:59. He'd be here soon.

I stared up at his house. No lights were on. It looked empty.

6:00.

My phone dinged.

I looked down to see a text from Luke.

hey I don't think I can make it out there. sorry.

•

"Following me?"

I watched the blonde boy walk to the table I was at and take a seat next to me. He brought his hand to his lip ring, calmly running a finger over it and staring blankly ahead.

I was still mad at him from earlier that day for completely ditching me. Just when I thought we were becoming friends, I was reminded of who he really is. A stupid teenage boy with no regard to other people's feelings.

"Hello? Why are you here?" I spoke again, this time at a louder volume. I didn't mean to be rude, but I couldn't help it. I was pissed and embarrassed.