Umbrella || l.h

Chapter 4

I close my eyes and dream about me flying on a cloud. When I wake up I almost laugh at myself. My dreams usually always have a meaning, even the nightmares: One dream I was getting chased by someone with a knife and I had no act of defense. The meaning for that was 'Be Prepared.' Maybe I should just put a steak knife next to bed for now on.

I take my laughing back and realize what it was about. It was about me wishing to be free. I record my dream in a notebook as I do every morning. It sounds nerdy, but it something the whole family does. In big bold letters under my dream, I write 'BE FREE'

Being free is what I always wished about. I need more freedom to make my own decisions and hopefully I will be able to do that in a few years when I go off to college. If I go at least - I wouldn't be surprised if my parents will make me live with them my whole life.

I look at my phone and it reads 6:45. Maybe I will leave early today so I could talk with Luke a little. My parents would be pissed though if I walked because then they would be paying Steven for no reason. I will just ask him to drive a little and then drop me off. I am capable of walking the rest.

"Steven, Lets go."

"Already?"

"Yeah you are driving a little and I will walk the rest. I am sure you know why."

We walk out the door and as I close it I scream "Bye. I'm leaving now!"

My mom shouts, "Okay Bye! Wait, wh-"
I closed the door so I wouldn't have to explain why I am leaving early. That would turn into a disaster.

Steven opens the door for me and I hop into the limo. When he gets in himself, he turns to me, "You are doing a good thing you know."

"Thats just what I do," I say, making him laugh. I just stare out the window and realize I am very close to Lily's. I do not want Luke to know that I am riding around in a limo, while he has nothing. That would make me look like a bad person. "Oh! Drop me off here!

I run down the street quickly, through the puddles and rain, and turn the corner to see Luke sitting there under my umbrella. Guess he trashed that ugly box. I told him he would need my umbrella. And I was right.

He isn't looking at me so I sprint up behind him. I wrap my arms around his neck and do my best manly voice.

"You're coming with me."

He releases my arms and looks up. "Nice try. You had me so scared."

"Ugh whatever."

I sit down beside him leaning against the wall. We just stare into the sky for no reason. I am thinking of who is going to break the silence, while I do not know what Luke is thinking.

"You know, you are the only friend I have," he finally says, now with his head down instead of up.

"That's pretty deep."

"No, really, I never even had a friend my whole life, until you came along."

"That's also deep. But I have one thing to say - Who says we are friends? I just met you and for all you know, I might be a serial killer."

"I doubt that."

I believe what Luke said also. We are friends. True friends. I start dreaming of us and I guess for a while, because Luke snaps his fingers in front of me, waving with his other hand.

"Hellooo? Earth to Ariella?"

"Oh Sorry," I say, quite embarrassed by my daydreaming. He said Ariella. I guess he isn't using any of those nicknames on me.

"I meant to tell you why 'Ariel' suits you."

Never mind. I spoke too soon.

"Ariel risked everything for the one she loved," he said straight into my eyes.

How is that like me?

He continues, "I know you are rich. I saw you in your limo. I recognize you from walking around town with your mom. At that point I was just walking around as an activity to pass time. I was still 'living' in another area. Your mom always made faces at me. I know she despises the poor just by that. Don't lie."

Wow. He got it all right which is very creepy. I guess he learns a lot from observing people as they walk by. He sees my stunned face.

"Don't worry. I am not a creep."

"I will try to believe you." Seconds later, I realize something. "But then the one I love would be y-"

"Again. You don't have to lie. I can see your want for love in your eyes."

"I see it in yours too"

Luke's eyes widen. "Woah, you are a mind reader."

"Well maybe we love each other then," I say, happy that I might get a boyfriend.

"Maybe we do," Luke mumbles as he leans back into the wall. He takes my hand and holds it tightly. I rest my head on his shoulder and look ahead of me at the clock.

Startled, I jump up, "Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. Im going to be late again"

"See you later?" Luke asks.

"Yeah. I have to go shopping. Want to come?"

"Sure." Oh, that is surprising. I hope he knows I will be bra shopping, too.

"Bye." I give Luke a quick hug and burst up the street so fast I feel like I am going to fall over.

"I need to get there on time," I say repeatedly to myself.

With everything going on, I completely forgot that it was raining, as it also will be for the rest of the week.

Once I reach the school the principal comes out. What does this bitch want now? Im on time.

"Hello," she says nicely. Well that's a first.

"Hi," I respond emotionless.

Brianna enters the doors seconds behind me. She looks miserable.

"This rain destroys my hair." Of course. I should have known. "Well anyway, are you doing anything later?"

"Shopping."

"Can I come?"

"Sure, I guess."

"Yay. We can have a girl's day out." But Luke is coming. I can't blow him off, not that he wants to come shopping, anyway.