Treatment// l.h

Chapter 8: Luke

It had been about a week since Piper and Luke made up. Luke was visiting with Addie and hoping that Piper would come today.

After that first night when Piper had snuck Luke in to see Addie, the nurses had been more laid back about his presence. Most of the time, the patients weren't allowed to associate with people outside, but since Luke was actually helping with Addie's improvement, they let him visit. On good days, they'd let him spend the night.

Piper had been spending more time there as well. Mostly because her mother was a bitch and she enjoyed the sibling's company.

"Hey, Luke?" Addison spoke.

"Yeah, bud?"

"Next time you come, do you mind like bringing music or something? I miss it." Addison sighed. Music had always been a big part of their lives and Luke could understand why she missed it.

"Of course. I'll bring like CDs and a boom box so you can listen to it without breaking the rules or something." He smiled, knowing exactly what tracks he would bring her.

She nodded, "Can I ask you something else?"

"Course, Adds."

"Do you like Piper?" This time she wore a smirk.

Luke scoffed. Of course he didn't like Piper. She was nothing but a friend.

If that was true, why did he feel guilty saying it to himself?

"Um, no." He coughed and looked to the ground, "Piper is just a friend."

"A very close one." She argued.

Luke was aggravated now. Why did it matter so much to Addie if he liked her or not?

"Yes, Piper is a close friend."

Addison rolled her eyes but decided to drop it. Luke was thankful for that because he didn't know how much teasing he could take.

Moments later, Piper showed up with a huge bag of stuff in her hands. Luke thought she looked cute today. She wore a black sweater with light skinny jeans. It was simple, but something Luke wouldn't expect to see Piper wearing.

Addison slapped Luke on the arm and for the first time he noticed that he had been staring, "Oh! Hey, Piper."

Piper smiled softly and dropped the large bag on the bed, "Hey, Luke. Hey, Addie." She gave Addison a hug and to his surprise, she gave Luke one too. It was short and gentle but Luke wanted another one.

"What is that?" Addie smiled and began to open the bag.

"I brought my laptop and movies along with some board games. I also brought some food, but you don't have to eat it, I understand if you don't."

Luke didn't understand.

What was so hard about eating? You put the food in your mouth and chew. Wasn't it that simple?

He decided not to say anything because he didn't want to cause a fight or sound rude. There was obviously a reason why it was so hard to eat, he just didn't know it. So he focused on Piper instead.

He watched as she talked with Addison. She never smiled a full smile, and she never laughed a full laugh, but she was still beautiful. Her brown hair was down like normal but it looked different to Luke. He noticed how it framed her perfect little face and how long it actually was. He noticed for the first time how cute her nose was and how rosy her cheeks were. And even though they were dull and still a bit sad, Luke noticed how gorgeous her eyes were. They were the perfect shade of green, a dark forest green. Why hadn't he noticed all of these things before?

The rest of the day was spent watching Disney movies (which Luke complained about but secretly enjoyed) and playing board games. When it was time to leave, Luke grabbed Piper's hand and walked her out after saying goodbye to Addison. He was surprised that she had let him hold her hand, but didn't question it.

They sat on the curb as they waited for Piper's mum to pick them up. She had agreed to take Luke and Piper to and from the hospital because she just wanted her out of the house.

As they sat next to each other, Luke couldn't help but think.

"Piper?"

"Yeah."

"Why do you keep coming back here?" Luke asked. He was truly curious. If this place was as bad as she said it was, wouldn't she never want to come back?

"I like you and Addie. Is it a problem that I keep coming here?" She looked up at him.

"No! No! I really enjoy your company I just didn't know you enjoyed mine." Luke blushed and he suddenly felt stupid.

They sat in silence for a few minutes, before Luke spoke again, "Pipe, how would you like to come to a party with me?"

Piper looked shocked and tried to get out of it, "I don't know Luke, parties aren't really my thing."

Luke smiled because there was no way she was going to get out of this and because she let him call her Pipe.

"Please, Piper? You'd be my best friend." He pouted and leaned his head on her shoulder, looking up at her and sticking his bottom lip out.

She debated for a moment before sighing and giving in, "Ugh fine, I'll go to this stupid party."

Luke cheered and lifted his head up from her shoulder. He grabbed her phone out of her hands and typed in his number (Luke was mad that he hadn't already done that yet).

"I'll pick you up at eight."