Sincerely, Michael

4

A/n: this chapter is in Lukes POV.

"Okay class, I have a new project for you"

The teachers voice caused Luke to look up from his book and direct his attention toward her. Peer counseling was his favorite class and he loved all the projects Ms. Leah assigned him.

"I hope it's another mental health centered project"

Luke nodded at his best friend Calum. They were both very enthusiastic about spreading mental health awareness and excelled greatly on projects regarding the subject.

"As you all know, mental illness is a big topic in this class.."

Luke nudged Calum, who smiled back at him.

"I've contacted a mental health office in Australia and we've decided to partner up by assigning you each to a patient to become pen pals with" The woman clapped her hands together and beamed.

Luke perked up the idea of the project. It sounded interesting and he was definitely excited by the idea of potentially helping someone out. He raised his hand in the air, leaning forward slightly.

The teacher smiled and pointed at him. "Yes love?"

Luke lowered his hand. "Will they all be older individuals?"

The class murmured, which made Luke smile because he wasn't the only one who was thinking it.

Ms. Leah smiled. "They will all be around your age, so you don't have to worry about your pen pal being older than you"

Satisfied, Luke settled back into his seat and began to think about his future pen pal.

*******

"I'm so excited for this project"

Luke was over at Calums house. It was the weekend and the boys had planned a sleepover at the Hoods.

The boys were currently in Calums room, laying on his bed. Both boys were in their pajamas and the Maori had brought out Candy Land for the two to play.

Luke rolled the dice and moved his piece.

"I kinda hope I become close friends with my pen pal."

He watched as calum rolled his dice, the two cubes rolling across the board.

"Really?"

The Maori moved the little red gingerbread man and handed the dye to luke.

"Yeah, I mean I want them to trust me, I can't help if they don't"

Luke took the dice and rolled it across the playing board, moving his own green gingerbread man.

"It'll take time though, don't forget that"

*******

The moon shone through the window of calums bedroom. The alarm clock on the night stand blinked 3:30 am. Luke was wide awake.

Who was this pen pal? Were they nice? Would Luke be able to help them?

The blonde sat up, rubbing his eyes. Calum was asleep beside him, face squished into the pillow. Being careful not to wake up him up, he crawled out of the bed, grabbing his notebook from his back pack.

Luke sat down at the desk, opening up to a fresh page in the notebook. He took a deep breath.

"Dear pen pal... "