Love Hurdles

10. Luke

Mondays shouldn't exist. They just suck.

I struggle to get out of bed on this not-so-fabulous Monday morning. I pop in the shower, throw on some clothes, and pack my track bag. I trudge through the morning in a daze, but I finally wake up for breakfast.

"Luke, I'm making French toast!" My mom calls from downstairs. Suddenly, I'm wide awake! I slide down the banister rails and sprint into the kitchen

"Smells delicious!" I exclaim.

My dad walks into the kitchen and pours himself a cup of coffee, then get out a mug for me. He always knows that I need coffee on Monday mornings.

After I drown down my cup of coffee, I'm ready to grab some French toast. Luckily I happen to notice the time; if I don't leave now then I'll be late for school.

"Bye Mom, bye Dad," I rush to grab three pieces if French toast. "I've got to go our I'll be late." I race out the front door and into my car. I've just pulled out if the driveway when I notice Natalie sitting on her porch swing.

"Need a ride?" I ask.

When she looks up and sees me, she smiles. "Yes please! I think Laila forgot about me," she explains. Nat climbs into the front passenger seat and eyes my French toast.

"Want a piece?" I offer.

"Please! Today is not my day," she says, referencing her outfit of choice. Her wet hair is pulled back into a messy bun, she's wearing yoga pants and a track hoodie, a pair of beat up maroon Chuck Taylor's decorate her feet. It think she looks fine, but what do I know, I'm a guy.

"I'm guessing you're not a Monday person either," I say. She shakes her head and takes a big bite of French toast. "Is it good?"

"The best," she says and smiles a smile that warms my heart. Eating my French toast, I drive the rest of the way to school in silence.

As school comes into view, Natalie puts her latest book back in her bag. I find a parking spot and we walking into school, ready to face the day.

"Can we stop by my locker?" Natalie asks.

"Of course!"

When we get there she twists open her lock and swings open the door. She seems really tired, so I grab her Spanish book while she stuffs her track bag in her locker.

"Great teamwork!" I say after she slams the door shut. Again, I see that warming smile and a few giggles even escape her mouth.

"What's so funny?" An unknown, ice cold voice says from behind. I turn around and don't recognize the person, but when Natalie sees who it is, her whole body turns rigid.

"Carter," Nat bluntly says. I can't tell if she is ready to punch him in the face, or just break down crying. Natalie looks furious; her hands and clenched at her sides, her jaw is tight, and her blue eyes are brimming with salty tears. In a brotherly matter, I place an arm around her shoulder.

"So Natalie," Carter seductively starts. "Are you free Friday?"

"Stay away from her, Carter," Kris's voice calls from behind. Her words were so sharp they could have cut paper.

Kris comes to the other side of a very afraid looking Natalie.

"What about Olivia?" Natalie asks, her voice is barely above the sound of a whisper.

"What are you doing Carter?" Cameron asks, I didn't even notice him come to join our group.

"What's going on?" I whisper to Cam.

He pulls me to the side for a second. "Carter was Natalie's last boyfriend. He was so kind to her, and we think she loved him. Anyways, after about seven months into their relationship, Natalie walked in on Olivia and Carter making out in an empty classroom. Later, she also learned he only dated her as a bet." I let this all soak in. Natalie must of been miserable. "I've never seen Nat so upset. She spent days in her room with only cartons of ice cream to keep her company." After Cameron finishes the story we walk back over to Natalie and Kris.

Now, a preppy blonde has a uniform clad arm looped through Carter's arm. Natalie is shooting death stares at the girl, who doesn't even seem to notice. She is too busy tossing her unnaturally blonde hair over her shoulder.

"Natalie!" She squeals. "We MUST hang out soon!"

Kris rolls her eyes, and Natalie stares at the ground. I see a tear roll down her cheek, and then hit the cold, tile floor.

"Just go, Carter," Natalie whispers. As soon as Carter and his ditzy girlfriend are out of ear shot, Natalie bursts into tears.

All three of us help her calm down. The tears have stopped, but her shoulders are still shaking.

"Luke, can you get her to class? We've got to go to science early," Kris asks, referring to her and Cam.

"Of course." Kris and Cam walk away leaving Natalie and I alone.

"Natalie?" Her head lifts up and I stare straight into her bright blue eyes that are wet with tears. "It will be okay, I promise. I'm here for you," I wipe away a loose tear that is rolling down her cheek. "It's Monday, we will have to get through hell together." I notice her lips turn up into a little smile.

Out of nowhere, Nat wraps her arms around me and hugs me. I hug her back and hope this comforts her, I don't really know what to do when girls cry. "Come on," I say, after she breaks the embrace. "Lets head to class." I put a protective arm around her shoulders and walk us to math class.