Close As Strangers

Home

When I arrived, I texted Luke once more, but I hadn't received a response to the other message yet. I got to my front door and realized it was unlocked, but I swear that I had locked it when I left yesterday morning. I cracked open the door and Luke jumped up from the couch to greet me. "Luke! You're home," I squealed. I ran over to him and hugged him. He laughed, "I told you we would be home soon." Ashton and Michael walked out from the kitchen. Ash hugged me from behind and Mikey kissed my cheek. "It's so amazing to see you guys!" I looked around and remembered that Calum and I weren't together anymore. He wasn't there. The color drained out of my face and my eyes welled up with tears. "What's wrong, Liv," Ashton asked.
"I guess I was just hoping Calum would be here...but he's not, because he doesn't love me," I said. I pushed passed Michael and went to my room. I slammed my door, crawled under my blankets and cried so loud that I didn't someone open my door and walk in. I felt them sit on the foot of my bed and rubbed my back, "Maybe he doesn't, but maybe he's finding himself. Even if you're miserable, you need to do the same. Come to dinner with me. We'll go to the bar and I'll take you shopping. Anything Liv, please. I can't stand to see you like this. You're my baby sister and I promised to keep you happy and safe," Luke started crying, "I promised mom and dad I would." I sat up and hugged him tightly, "You haven't broken your promise. Mom and dad would be so proud of everything that you've done for me. I'm so proud of everything you've done, okay? You go above and beyond what's been expected of you," I told him. He looked up at me,
"You think so," he asked.
"I know so," I slightly smiled. Michael and Ashton walked in and dog piled us on the bed.
"Even if you don't have a boyfriend or a fiance, you have three good guys to look after you," Ash said.
"I know. I have you guys," I said back.