He's a Fighter & I'm a Runner

SIXTEEN

I woke from the sun rays gently flooding the room through the curtains. Warmth surrounded me due to the hard chest pressed against my back and arms wrapped around my waist.

I tried to wiggle out of Luke's comforting hold, but that only made him groan and pull me closer.

"Five more minutes." He murmured. His soft breath hit my ear, making shivers run down my spine.

I sighed in content and let my body relax. What felt like five minutes later, I felt fingers stroking my hair away from my face.

"Good morning." Luke whispered.

I turned around to face him and smiled. "Good morning."

"I thought girls were supposed to look bad in the morning, but you look beautiful."

I blushed. He thinks I'm beautiful. My stomach did flips just at the thought. "Thank you."

"You're welcome." He smirked. "Now, get up. I'm hungry."

I laughed, and we both made our way into his kitchen. He led me to the breakfast bar and pulled out a chair. I plopped myself down and gazed up to him.

"So I'm guessing you're going to cook?" I smirked.

"What do you expect? The guy always cooks the girl breakfast the first time they spend the night together."

"You better not make any of those jokes in front of our friends. They'll get the wrong idea."

He smirked. "I'm hoping they get the wrong idea."

"Luke!"

"I got you screaming my name too." He looked like he was about to burst out laughing.

I put my face in my palms and groaned. "I can see now that this was a mistake."

He chuckled. "Don't worry. I'm only teasing."

"I know." I smiled.

"So what do you want to eat? Eggs?"

"I don't like eggs." I don't know why I didn't like them. I liked them in certain situations like carbonara, but on their own was a different story.

"Really? Eggs? I don't understand you." I gave a shrug. "Well...how about pancakes?"

"I'm more of a waffles girl." I was fine with pancakes honestly. I just wanted to ruffle up his feathers a bit.

He gave me a blank stare. "I have no idea where my waffle maker is."

I started laughing. "I'm just kidding. I like pancakes."

"Good. I have maple syrup and fruits for toppings."

"Oh, you see, I only take truffle syrup and black currant ice cream with my pancakes, you know, because I'm a city girl." I teased again.

He gave me another blank stare. "I'm giving you maple syrup and fruit."

We both started at each other for a moment, smiling before bursting out laughing.

After that we both ate and joked around. I had a good time, and for the first time in a while, I had a really good morning. My mother hadn't called yet, and I didn't wake up to an empty house.

When Luke dropped me off at my house, we noticed that my car wasn't in the driveway.

"It still doesn't make sense to me." He mumbled.

"It won't." I whispered.

"You still don't want to talk about it?"

"I still don't."

He sighed. "If you need something, don't be afraid to call."

I nodded. "Thanks."

I made my way up to my house, hoping my mother was not inside. I went to search for her, praying at every turn that she was not there.

Soon enough, I searched the whole house and found nothing. The house was empty.

I took some time to think about her words. Should I visit? If I don't, then it might not stop, but could I really face my old life again. I decided to call my dad. He always knew the right answer.

"Hello? Lila, are you alright?" His voice rang though the speaker.

"Yeah, I'm fine. I just wanted to ask you something."

"What is it?" His voice hinting at concern.

"Mom wants me to come back." I could tell he was about to say something, so I beat him to it. "Don't worry. I don't want to live with her. I was just thinking about visiting for a week or two because I know she won't stop bothering me until I see her in person."

He sighed. "She is your mother, so you can decided whatever you want. If you want to visit her, then you should."

For some odd reason, I felt better about everything since my dad was on board with whatever I wanted.

"Okay. Thanks dad. Also, when you come home I have to tell you about something she did. Don't worry about it though."

"Okay and you're always welcome. I love you."

"I love you too. Fly home safe." I smiled.

"I will." He chuckled, and I hung up.

As soon as I put my phone in my pocket, it rang again.

"Hello?" I answered.

"Hey! It's Sera, and Rachel and I are going shopping, and we were wondering if you wanted to come?"

I smiled. "I would love to."

"Great! We'll pick you up in five minutes."

I had a really good time today. Hanging out with the girls and shopping was something I missed, and I was glad to get to do it again.

"A lobster roll and grapefruit juice, please." I smiled as I handed the waiter the menu. He smiled at me and left.

"You are so oblivious!" Rachel screamed.

"Huh?"

"That really cute waiter was giving the look, you know, the one that says I-want-to-see-you-in-a-nice-dress-Friday-night, and you did nothing!" Sera answered, throwing her hands around in the air.

"Oh, I guess I didn't notice." I shrugged.

"Did you not noice how much Ryder was into you too?" Sera questioned.

"Oh, no. I defiantly noticed that."

"You are so bizarre." Sera shook her head.

"Even if I did notice, I wouldn't have done anything. I just don't think dating is a good idea right now."

"Oooohhh." Rachel looked like she caught on to something.

"Oh?" Sera asked.

Rachel gave her a look, and Sera looked like something clicked in her brain.

"Oooohhh." Sera slowly nodded.

"What?" I was really confused.

"Nothing." They both quickly said at the same time. I gave them a suspicious glare.

"Oh. Look! The cute waiter is coming back!" Rachel quickly changed the subject.

I decided to drop it for now. They wouldn't tell me anyway. The rest of the day was nice. I got to talk about school, tv shows, and clothes. I had a good day today, and I hoped nothing would ruin it.