Insomnia - luke hemmings

0.5

L U K E

Summer and I walk around the community. Bouncing through different neighborhoods. We didn't speak but I was okay with that. Actually, I preferred that. After all I don't even really like the girl. She just so happened to tag along when I climbed out of the oak tree.

Our arms brushed against each other multiple times through the walk. I could tell she was cold, and I couldn't help her with that. School forces girls to wear those tiny ass skirts and I feel for her but I don't carry an extra pair of sweats in my bag.

"I know your cold. Want to walk to McDonalds or something to warm up?" I don't bother making eye contact, but I see her nod out of the corner of my eye.

It was getting late, closer to midnight it felt. Or maybe past midnight. My phones dead and I haven't seen her pull out one since we began to walk. This is the longest I've heard the fake blonde go without speaking and it felt realistic.

I held the door open for Summer and watched her walk up to the cash register. She got a drink with a breakfast sandwich, and I got a burger. I paid, even though I didn't really have the money to be spending—I felt like doing something for her.

We grabbed a booth towards the back near the restroom. She carefully grabbed her sand which and gave me my burger. "Sorry for bothering you." Summers voice is a bit scratchy but I ignore it.

Shaking my head and taking another bite into my burger I mumble, "You're fine. I guess we just have to share our spot."

"Yeah. About that, I didn't know you played guitar."

"Well, considering we've never really talked or hung out before I wouldn't expect you to." It was true, I didn't really know Summer and she didn't really know me. She didn't know about my everyday struggles, the routine I have in the morning. Summer was clueless as to who I really am.

She nodded. "Right." I wonder what's going on in her head.

When she looks back to the table, I take a moment and observe her. Snapping an image of her tired green eyes, and brown roots that crawl into the blonde. Was Summer the girl she put off to be? I know I'm not. Deep down I'm not an ass, I just choose to be. Maybe that's her case.

"What's you're plan for the night?" I take a fry and twirl it in between my fingers. "Does little miss Summer have a party to go to, or maybe a sleepover with that girl and gay friend of yours."

Summer scoffs. "You know, I thought you were going to be kind for a second. Maybe I thought wrong." She begins to stand up to go throw her food away. I actually want a conversation with this girl. The girl that hides behind a person that maybe she really isn't.

I grab her wrist and pull her back into the booth. "No, stay. I apologize." Hopefully she sees the sincerity in my eyes.

"Okay." She pulls her arm away and places it into her lap.

"You're not a real blonde, are you?" I don't know why this is my first question, but it is.

"No, I'm not. Katelyn just thought it'd look better. All I got out of it were split ends." We laugh and it's nice.

"Well I can assure I am a real blonde." I smile at her, and rest my head in my hands.

Summers giggle is soft and pretty. "Oh yeah?"

"Yeah."

And we talk. On and on until the McDonald's becomes empty. The clock reads three and I know that I'm going to have to go home and struggle to sleep.

What surprises me is that I really enjoy Summer. Her humor, the way she understands the small jokes. And when she has a genuine smile, her teeth are white and strong. I walk her home and hug her goodnight. I then walk my ass home and let the night take its course.