Away- A Luke Hemmings Fanfic

Chapter 7

CHAPTER 7:

I don’t know why I couldn’t just tell Luke that my uncle is Tad, but I just kinda wanted Luke to myself. I didn’t want to have him invite me to hang out with the band and then make things awkward and I just don’t know.

12 finally rolls along, and I use the back exit to loop around and meet Luke in the front of the studio. I casually check my phone as I wait for him. I text Tad, telling him I’m going to lunch.

I open my camera to see how my face and hair looks. I took a shower last night, so my hair is in its natural curl state, where its half curly, half wavy, half frizzy. I put contacts in today, and put some mascara on to look semi-presentable. I didn’t really have enough time in the 10-minute frame Tad gave me this morning to get ready.

The doors next to me open, and Luke comes out. I can’t lie; he looks so hot. He’s wearing a plain black t-shirt with black skinny jeans and black vans. I mean, despite the fact that it’s 80º out, he is still wearing the all black outfit.

“Hey Lucy!” He says, and begins walking towards me. He starts to lean in for a hug and being the awkward me, I stand there for a sec, not hugging back. I finally realize what’s happening, then hug him back.

‘Lucy, you look beautiful.” Luke says, sheepishly.

As usual, I blush, and then try to change the subject,

“Hi Luke! How was writing?” I ask.

“It went pretty well, Calum came up with some really nice lyrics and we tried to come up with some music to go along with it.” Luke explains.

“Cool! So uh, where do you wanna go for lunch?” I ask him.

“I’m in the mood for a nice burger, so how about In-n-Out Burger?” He suggests.

“That’s cool, I love burgers!” I say, I think a little too excited.

We decide that walking a few blocks to get there is easier than catching the bus.

“So... any song you’ve written that you like a lot?” I try my best not to be awkward, but it just happens.

“Not yet... they’re all still in the process of becoming songs... right now they are all lyrics written on paper.” Luke explains.

“Oh.. I should’ve known, sorry stupid question” I say, quite embarrassed.

We arrive at the burger joint. After ordering and getting our food, we choose a table outside to eat at.

“Lucy Polo, what’s your story?” Luke asks, mouth half full of burger.

“What do you wanna know?” I say back.

“Well, first, why are you in LA? Do you live here or...?” He questions.

“I’m here for the summer, and I’m staying with my uncle and his girlfriend. They have a cool house 5 minutes from the beach.” I say, not giving too much away.

“Well, why are you here for the summer?”

I hesitate, and then I begin the story that I have only told to one other person.

“ I have been best friends with Annabelle Mae Todd for as long as I can remember. Since the beginning, we’ve attached at the hip. We did everything together. We played peewee soccer together, we did musicals together, and we even fangirled over bands, like the Jonas brothers, together. She was, however, most dedicated to your band. Everynight, if we weren’t hanging out or at play rehersal, she’d be running her blog or just sitting listening to your music. You guys saved her. Well almost.” I begin to explain.

Luke looks at me with extreme attentiveness. He is paying attention, very carefully.

“Anyway... Annabelle has struggled with depression ever since her mom died in 8th grade. She ended up uh..” I took in a deep breath.

“Listen, Lucy, you don’t have to keep going if you don’t want to.” Luke says sympathetically.

“No, I need to get this out of my system. Annabelle overdosed on sleeping pills last week and my parents decided to send me to LA with my uncle to escape the drama. Everything at home reminds me of her, and it is actually really difficult doing anything without being reminded of her. I’m sorry... this is so depressing. Tell me about you. Tell me what goes on with Luke Hemmings.” I apologetically say to Luke, not meaning to darken his day.

“Lucy, come here.” Luke gestures for me to come to him. He engulfs me in a bear hug. I hug back, hard. It feels good to be embraced like this. He really does seem to care. Everyone else kinda just tries to beat around the bush and no one has asked me how I was and meant it.

“I’m so sorry you had to go through something like that, and I uh want you to know if you need anything I’ll be here for you, ok?”

“Ok Luke, thank you. It means a lot. By the way, before I forget, Annabelle and I had made this pact when she first became obsessed with you guys... can I have a picture with you?” I ask shyly.

“Of course! How should we pose?” He asks.

“I think you should kiss my cheek.” I say, remembering the excited way Annabelle had described her perfect moment.

Luke’s face flushes. “Ok... here we go. 1..2..3!” The camera shutter closes.

“This is for you Annabelle.” I whisper to myself.

“Well, that was a delicious meal. Wanna go walk on the boardwalk?” Luke asks eagerly.

“Ok, I would like that, a lot.” I say, smiling.