Chapter One

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"Luke! Are you listening to me?" Ashton snapped his fingers in front of Luke's face.

Luke looked up from his book and pushed his glasses up as they were sliding down his nose. "I apologize Ashton, I'm just really into this book. I was hoping that I could finish it before school. What were you saying?"

Ashton smiled at his best friend since birth. Luke and Ashton has always been super close, they've done everything together. Luke has always had a hard time growing up because of the way he talks, dresses, doesn't like to go out, and being what is called "nerdy". Ashton was always there to protect him, when Luke was getting bullied, Ashton was always there to yell at them and then hold Luke and kiss his pain away.

"You started that book last night, Luke. But, I was saying that your mom had already left for work and she left the car so we can drive to school." Ashton sat down next to Luke.

Luke put his galaxy book marker on the page he stopped and closed his book. He pouted at his best friend, "But Ashton, everyone knows I am afraid to drive."

Ashton smiled sadly, knowing that his best friend is afraid to drive. "I know Lukey," Ashton caressed Luke's cheek, "I'm driving today." Luke leaned into Ashton's warm touch and nodded.

Luke was already dressed and he had already packed his lunch and ate breakfast so all he had to do was grab his backpack and head downstairs to the garage. Ashton grabbed the keys from the kitchen counter and headed to the car.

"Hey Ash?" Luke said softly. He's a very shy and sensitive boy. He's so fragile and Ashton knows how to hold him together.

"Yeah bud?" Ashton moves his arm over to hold Luke's soft hand while the other hand is on the steering wheel.

"Um, d-do you think Peter has returned to school?" Luke said nervously. Ashton tensed and frowned. Peter has bullied Luke since we were kids. Liz, Luke's mom, had to buy Luke multiple pairs of glasses because Peter finds a way to break every pair he has.

"I fucking hope not. He lays a single fucking finger on you and he's done." Luke gripped Ashton's hand tighter, nervous about facing his bully. "But don't you worry, Lukey, I will always protect you. I love you" Luke smiled brightly at his best friend, "I love you too."

Ashton pulled up into the schools parking lot and Luke grabbed his backpack shakily. They made their way into school, Luke already had his books in his hand so he didn't need to go to his locker for anything. "I'll see you at lunch?" Luke asked Ashton. Ashton nodded and smiled. "Yeah, I'll see you at our usual spot."

Luke immediately went to his business class so he wouldn't be late. He sat down at his usual desk neatly placed his books and notebook in front of him, excited for class to start. He loved learning about business and it made it even better that his teacher adored him.

The first bell rung and everyone came rushing in the room like bulls. The business teacher, Mrs. Reed, came in last and shut the door. "Okay class. Today, is going to be a bit different. I'm going to pass out this packet and on this packet has a list of 20 companies in the area. You are to choose a company you want to intern," Luke smiled excitedly as he listened to Mrs. Reed. He's finally going to get some real experience in the business field.

"This is important, as you will need this credit to graduate. You must take this packet to whoever is in charge of you at your intern and have them fill this packet out everyday you're there for 3 months. They will rate you based on your performance and knowledge and they will not sugar coat anything so please, take this seriously. This is going to determine how you do in this field." Mrs. Reed finished.

When Luke received the packet, he immediately went through the list of companies. Most of them he has already heard of but never really looked into going into that kind of business until he saw one he's never really looked into;

Syke Projects, Los Angeles, California. Technology Industries.

He circled the company and decided to look it up when he gets home. He loved technology so he figured he would fit in. Mrs. Reed told the class that they had until tomorrow to apply to a company and that all the companies have been informed that business students will be interning so they should reply rather quickly and they can also decline or accept your application. Luke was happy.

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The day went by rather quick and Luke was having such a great day, mostly because of the fact that Peter did not appear to be at school, which was a huge relief to Luke and Ashton. Ashton drove back to Luke's house after school and of course, Luke was doing his homework and Ashton was playing video games.

"Luke, was there no chess club today?" Ashton gasped.

Luke shook his head, "Unfortunately not, Brian had gotten a nose bleed and cancelled for today. We hope it will resume Monday!" Ashton chuckled and nodded.

"So, what boring homework do you have today?" Ashton rolled his eyes.

"Well, in my business class, we have to intern at these participating companies for 3 months and I think I've decided on a company." Luke bit his lip and pushed his glasses up.

"Hmm, it's probably a company dealing with technology correct?" Ashton stated. Luke smiled and nodded. He knew Luke so well and it always surprised Luke every time.

"It's called Syke Projects. They make gaming systems, phones, computers, all the cool stuff! I'm really excited but nervous as well. I just submitted my application and I'm waiting to hear back from them. Mrs. Reed informed us that they should respond quickly."

"You'll be fine, Lukey. You're the smartest person I know, they'd be stupid as fuck not to accept you." Ashton reassured.

"I guess so. Thank goodness it's Friday, I can stay up until 9 tonight instead of 8! I do not want to miss their call. But, what if I go to bed at 9 and they call me at 9:10?! What if I-"

"Luke, I think they're calling you right now and you're about to miss it." Ashton laughed.

"Oh pebbles!" Luke hurriedly grabbed his phone and quickly answered before the call ended.

"Hello?" Luke answered. He was undeniably nervous and didn't know what to expect.

"Hello, Mr. Hemmings. I'm Ashley, the receptionist at Syke Projects. We've received your application and would like to move forward with this process with an interview. Are you free tomorrow around 11 am?"

"I am available tomorrow at 11. Thank you so much for your time." Luke smiled excitedly.

"Absolutely, Mr. Hemmings. Mr. Clifford will be waiting for you in his office at 11 am. Have a good night sir."

"You as well, ma'am." Luke ended the call and hugged Ashton. Ashton put his head in the crook of Luke's neck and sighed happily for his best friend. "I told you!"

Luke smiled and sighed. He's finally getting the experience he wants and he has his best friend on his side.

But, does he know what he has coming for him?

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I'm so sorry for this shitty chapter but the story will get better i swear

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