Just Another Love Story

Chappie 23

Chapter 23: Luke

**Belle**

I think Tabby is starting to warm up to Kyle, its adorable.
Watching the two of them flirt is like watching two kittens fight over the same string of yarn, but eventually the first kitten just gives up and then the second kitten feels bad and shares the yarn.
Its quite adorable.
But besides that, I'm not dumb, I know there is something wrong with Justin.
He thought that by hugging Tabby he was playing it off. If anything that's how I got him. He would never hug Tabby, not even if she were trapped in a burning building and the only way to save her was for him to wrap his arms around her.
I feel an arm drape around me and I look up to see Luke. My smile fades a little when I see that it is not Justin.
"Well goddamn, don't get too excited." Luke says.
He speaks.
"Sorry. I thought it was Justin because I can tell that something is wrong." I run a hand through my hair. I turn to see Justin going down the stairs. I then go over to the railing and see him leave the school entirely.
I grab Luke and pull him into the closet janitor's closet.
"What is going on?" I ask him.
"With whom?" He smiles.
Luke is honestly such a great guy. He's so happy, its great.
"With Justin, why did he just leave?"
"Well, I don't watch over him like some guardian angel so I couldn't tell you why he left because I didn't know he left. Relax cutie, I'm sure he is fine." He leaves.
"Also, I don't normally talk because some say I'm "too blunt"." He laughs.
Creepy.
The bell rings and Tabby is waiting for me at her locker.
"What's going on?" She asks me.
"I wish I knew. Justin is upset and all the guys know about it but they won't tell me." I answer.
"Well we can press them for answers later since you and I are now honorary members of their lunch table." She beams.
"Pardon? We sit there now?" I question.
"Yes ma'am, all 5 swinging days of the week for the rest of year, into next year of course."
"Oh boy what is Jessica going to have to say about this?" I raise an eyebrow.
"Screw her. We can do whatever the hell we want. We can sit in the lunchroom wherever the hell we want, and I sure as hell don't need to run it by her for "approval" and nether do you." She pokes my nose but gives me a serious face.
I nod, "you are completely right."
"I do hope he kisses you though, so she can see it, make a scene, and I can make a bigger one." She laughs evilly.
I'm telling you this girl needs counseling.
***
"Tell us!"
"Tell us now!"
"Tell us or so help me I'll shove this spoon in your eye!"
"Never!" The guys really do hold their ground.
Its so annoying.
"I'm sorry Belle but unless he brings it up I am not allowed to breathe a word of what is going on." Damien tells me.
Its lunch and you know what that means. The swearing in of Tabitha Greene and Belle Ramirez to the boy's table.
It truly is an exciting moment for us, I just wish Justin were here.
I drop my head on the table. I can actually feel tears coming up in my eyes.
"But is he really okay? Like, he's not pregnant or suicidal right? He didn't kiss another girl right??" Oh God.
"No no, nothing like that. Justin will come back around in the next three days, don't worry." Damien says.
"Wait, what's problem then?" Luke ponders.
Kyle leans over and whispers something in his ear while Tabby tries to hear.
"Ohhh that. Damn, I forgot." Luke finally says.
"Really?" She looks at Kyle who throws his hands in the air.
"Guys, you shouldn't have brought it up. Should've just let him forget." Luke shakes his head.
"Yeah, that's my fault. But that's because I was talking about you know who, and his problem." Kyle says.
"Seriously?" Tabby says to him.
He smiles, "love you gum drop."
Luke turns to me and smiles, "relax pumpkin spice, everything will be alright."
***
I get home and want to go straight to my bed.
Trying to do work and not think about Justin is probably the hardest thing I've ever done. Its like petting a puppy and trying not to say awe when the puppy licks your hand. Impossible.
I drop my bag by the door and start to head upstairs.
I take a look in the kitchen to see if Justin is up.
If you thought I forgot think again.
The kitchen is empty, the living room is empty and I'm tired.
I walk up the stairs, "Justin." I call.
"Justin are you home?"
I make it all the way up the stairs and go to his door. Before I knock on it I see a note tucked in between the door. I pull it out, unfold it, and read it.
Belle
Sorry about today, I'm just going through something and I will tell you about it just not now. Soon though I promise. Don't worry about me I am fine. I'm asleep by the way if you are reading this right now.
Xoxo Justin
He's so sweet.
I open the door as quietly as possible and true to his word, he is there in his bed.
I walk into the room and over to him. First I just admire his features. His round eyes, the smooth lines that help shape his nose, jawline.
I then give him a kiss on his head and leave him to sleep.
As I'm closing the door he stirs a little I stop hopping I didn't wake him. When he settles back down I close the door entirely.
I take out my phone and text Tabby,
Well, he says he is alright so I must take his word for it. He says he will tell me so I must be patient. I press send and wait for her to reply.
I head to my room to get undressed, hit the shower, and go into my bed.
Now that the year is finally ending its that lovely time for state testing. All we did today was practice and review.
My phone buzzes. I pick it up and read Tabby's text.
Good, just have some faith and some patience and everything will work out in the end. Keep me updated!

***