the match (luke hemmings au)

pt 2

I tugged the shoulder of my forest green dress up. This thing was a bit too big, but it was the only thing Emma had in her closet that was nice enough for me to borrow. My parents pulled me from my dorm to come to a fancy dinner with them to celebrate their 23 year anniversary. Though their birthmarks did not match and they were not soulmates, they still made it work. I like to think of it this way; If they had found their soulmates, I wouldn't be here!

However thankful I was that my parents could find happiness in each other, they could be quite the handful. They were very clear that my grades were important to them. I relied on them to pay for my housing, my phone bill, and most importantly, my Netflix. They sent me money for food when I needed it, so the least I could do was get an A in my classes. Sometimes, the pressure gets to me, I'll admit. They were not shy about voicing their opinions about anything.

That's probably why my self esteem was so low. I love my parents, but as a unmatched couple, their image was more important to them than my feelings and sometimes that really hurt.

Currently, I was sitting across from both of my parents, trying not to eat my salad too fast, or too slow. That was one of my mom's biggest pet peeves. Based on the look on her face, I was doing an adequate job.

"So, Riley," my dad spoke, "Have you decided on a major yet?"

All year my parents have been bothering me about deciding a major. I technically have until the end of next school year to decide. This was my main worry, what really kept me up all night. I know my parents want me to major in business so that I can come home after college and run the few hotels my parent's owned in town. But, my passion was piano. I was one of those kids whose parents made them take piano lessons when they started walking. Unlike most children forced to learn the keys, I fell in love with it. They would be so disappointed if I 'wasted' my college education on music.

"No dad," I took a small bite, "I'm still exploring my options, before I make a decision. I just want to see what's out there,"

Thankfully, before he could say anything the waiter came with our check.

-

Even though I insisted that I was capable of walking across campus to my dorm alone, my mom and dad wouldn't allow that.

"Do you know how many horror stories I hear on the news of girls your age being assaulted on college campuses," my mother nearly yelled.

"Fine," I sighed, "I know you're just looking out for me,"

That was one of my biggest pet peeves. They never treated me like an adult even though I was nearly 19. They acted like I couldn't handle anything on my own, and it frustrated me to no end.

We walked past the Frozen Yogurt shop where Emma and Luke work. Through the window I could just make out his broad build standing at the cash register.

"Why don't we grab a quick little desert," my dad suggested.

My eyes widened in horror. In all my years of going to school with Luke, I don't think there has ever been a time that he had had a chance to meet my parents. It wouldn't of mattered then, but since we were sleeping together, it made things insanely awkward.

Before I could protest my mom chimed in,

"That sounds like a great idea,"

Once they both agreed on something, there was no way to get them to change their minds, so all I could do was put on a brave face.

The door opened, ringing the bell above the door.

"Hi welco-" Luke looked like a deer caught in headlights, "Uhh, welcome to Menchie's" he stumbled.

I gave him a look to tell him to play it cool, as we walked over to the start of the line, grabbing our cups. I always got the same thing every time I came here, which was pretty frequently considering my best friend worked here. I would visit her on her breaks a lot. So I made my beeline towards the Cake Batter flavored yogurt.

"Riley," my mother chimed, "are you sure you want to get that one? Why don't you try this non-fat flavor?"

Wow, mom. Thanks for building my self confidence. I walked over to her and filled my cup halfway with the bright white, non-fat frozen yogurt. I knew there was no point in arguing with her. I would just cry myself to sleep later, no biggie.

We finished off our yogurt with some toppings, of course the only topping my mom allowed me to get on mine were the fresh strawberries and I had convinced her to let me put a small amount of caramel on top. I really hoped that would save it.

Luke rang us up, "That'll be $15.37,"

I used my dining card to pay for our deserts.

"Would you like your receipt?"

"No, thanks," I said, a blush creeping up my cheeks. This was so embarrassing.

He handed me the receipt anyway, "Have a nice night,"

"You, too," My dad said.

We exited the shop, ringing the bell once more. I glanced down at the receipt and noticed a little scribbling on it.

My Dorm - 12:30 am