4:36 am

Chapter 9

LUCYS P.O.V.

When we arrive to the party, loads of cars are already parked outside of Luke and Tyler's house. Since the driveway is gravel everyone has kind of parked wherever they can fit their car. Luke finds a spot on the oher side of house where no one has thought to park. As Luke puts the car in park and turns it off, I am turning off my phone. I have decided that I will not let my mother interrupt tonight and I am going to have fun.

Half of me wants to tell Luke to take me home and feels bad for treating my mom this ways, but the other half wants to have fun. I want to feel what it's like to be a teenager and feel young and free. I've never had that feeling before I met Luke. My mother has been so bipolar lately that I never know what to say or do and my dad is scary ninety-nine percent of the time so I'll never ask him anything.

"You know, Lucy... I can just take you back home.. or we can go somewhere else." Luke tells me as I climb out of his large car.

"No, Luke. I want to have a nice time while I can."

"I really don't think it's a good idea though. Ashton is going to be in there and a bunch of other people who you shouldn't hang around."

"Um, excuse me.... but I'm going in there with or without you and I don't think you can determine 'who I should or shouldn't hang out with' " I firmly state using air quotations at the end.

Luke doesn't say anything else but clenches his jaw out of frustration as we walk into the house. The loud sound of music pierces my ears and the smell of some sort of drug nauseates me. All the girls around me have very little or no clothing on and the guys seemed to be enjoying every minute of it.

Luke guides me back into the living room where I see Ashton and a small group of kids sitting in a circle on the floor. Ashton looks up at Luke with defeat and fear in his eyes but won't let it show in his facial expressions. When we sit down in the circle, I get lots of weird stares. I'm not sure why though.. doesn't Luke bring different girls with him to parties all the time?

"Who's this little girl?" One of the girls who's half naked and wearing way too much makeup asks, pointing her drink at me?

"Her names Lucy, and I'd appreciate it if you guys could just be nice." Luke says directing it to everyone.

No one responds, but acknowledges what was said. As I sit in silence I over hear bits a pieces of conversations but I never really hear enough to understand what is being said. I then start to wonder why parties seemed so much fun. I'm trying my hardest to seem like I'm having fun, but inside I'd rather be somewhere else. But I'm staying to prove myself that I can more have fun.

"Lucy...... Lucy....Lucy!!!" I hear Luke say my name repeatedly waving a hand in front of my face.

"Sorry I just spaced out for a second."

"We need to leave."

"You can leave but I'm staying." I try to yell over the loud music playing from every corner of the house.

"No. You have no choice... You're coming with me." Luke says with a commanding tone.

As I turn to walk away, he then grabs my arm and starts to walk towards the door we once entered. The more I try to resist, the more Luke tightens his grip and it begins to hurt.

"Luke your hurting me!" I say before seeing two guilt filled, blue eyes turn to me.

"Lucy.... I...I didn't mean to... I'm so sorry.. I would never hurt you on purpose" He looks at me before gently bringing my arm up to his lips.

He softly kisses then rubs my arm before pulling me in for a hug.I don't say anything but I embrace his hug knowing he wouldn't purposefully harm me.

When I pull away from the hug I quietly whisper "I know" I then intertwine my hand with his and continue walking to his car.

...........

"Where are we going?" I ask looking out of window at the skyline.

"I was thinking back to your house, because I have no where else." Luke responds getting quieter as he finishes.

"okay." I reply and we didn't speak for the rest of the car ride.

I noticed that he took the longer way back to my house and I really enjoyed just sitting here in silence.