Always

thirteen

LUNA

A knock made me look up from the textbook in front of me. For a second, my gaze flitted over to the window but I noticed his curtains still covered his window.

He was probably asleep. At least, I hoped so.

We had gotten home a little later than I had expected and it really didn't help that Andrew and Jane kept giving me knowing smiles but neither said anything. I hadn't heard from Kyler since then and his bedroom light remained off so I deduced that he had just fallen asleep.

Another knock came from the door. It was probably Amity. She said she'd stop by before school so we could go together.

"Come in!" I called, getting up from the desk just as the door cracked open.

"Rise and shine!" Leo singsonged. I blinked, before cracking a smile. The door opened fully and he returned my smile with a wide one. "Damn, you're up and ready already."

His eyes raked me up and down and I laughed at the knowing look he shot me.

"Shut up." I laughed, walking over to grab my school bag and phone. With the access time I had before we had to leave, I took my time getting ready. Although maybe I had overdone it all. I frowned, brushing away the thought.

"How does my hair look?" I called over to him as I turned to face my mirror, smudging the lipgloss slightly and fluffing my hair.

"Perfect." He walked over, grabbing shoulders to turn me towards him. He adjusted the necklaces around my neck. "I love the eyeliner."

"Thank you." I brushed a hand over the white miniskirt underneath. Maybe I should put on something more covering.

"How was your date yesterday?" He moved back, smirking suggestively. I gave him a look, adjusting the light blue sweater on my shoulders and my gaze involuntarily flitted over to his sweater which lay folded on my bed.

"It was nice." I murmured.

"That's it?"

"That's it."

"How can that be it?"

I shot him an exasperated look. He was grinning like a loon. "It was really nice, okay?"

"Where'd he take you?" Leo pried. "Central park? The subway stations? The Met-"

"Yes. We went to Central Park, the subways and all that, but..." I paused, smiling slightly.

"But?"

I turned to face him, shrugging slightly. I bit my lip so he didn't see my smile. "We stopped for a bite at the cafe. You know the one where you and I met." Also the one where I saw him that night. "And then he...took me to this lake. And we talked."

Leo blinked, his grin now disappeared as he stared at me with his mouth open. "He took you to a cafe and to a lake."

"Yes."

"And you talked."

"For a really long time." I nodded. "Yeah."

He blinked again. A shit-eating grin appeared on his face.

"Anderson likes you."

I doubled back. Where was that coming from?

I huffed. "No, he doesn't."

"Yes, he totally does."

"You're being ridiculous." I deadpanned, ignoring the flutter in my chest.

"Am I?" He retorted. "Jesus, Luna. Put the pieces together, you dumbass. He took you for coffee. He took you to damn lake and you guys talked for god knows how long. Wait, you just talked right? You aren't hiding anything, are you? Did you-"

"Leo!" I shrieked, covering my flushed cheeks with my hand.

"I'm sorry, but come on. He clearly likes you. A whole lot. And he's a guy." He pointed. "God knows y'all probably made babies-"

"I'm going to kill you."

"-or talked. Just talked." He held his hands up defensively. Then, his stupid grin returned. "He likes you."

"Stop it." I warned. I could feel the blush deepening. "We're just friends."

"For now." He pointed.

I narrowed my eyes at him. He laughed, slipping away and out the door.

"Okay, okay." He chuckled. "But..."

His laughter echoed down the stairs as he jumped away from the pillow I shot at him.

I frowned as I followed him. Kyler didn't like me. We had just met.

"I'll get the car started." Leo told me, walking past the kitchen and shooting a wave to Jane inside. "Get something to eat and be there." I nodded just as he slipped out the door.

"Hey." I called, walking into the kitchen.

"Good morning." Jane chirped, setting a cup of coffee on the table and gesturing for me to get it. Amity turned from her spot on the table and gave me a smile. I returned it with one of my own.

Seeing her on the breakfast table was always a soft feeling. She had a good connection with Jane and Tanner both. I wasn't really surprised. She was outgoing and bubbly and knew her way with people.

I walked over, grabbing the coffee mug and quickly thanking Jane.

"Luna?" She called.

I hummed in response. 

"Tanner tells me you've been hanging with Kyler lately?" It was more of a question. I stiffened slightly. What was with everyone bringing him up today?

I nodded.

A soft smile spread on her lips. "He's a lovely boy, that one. And a real charmer too." She winked at me. Amity choked, fumbling to hide her laughter. My eyes widened, realising what she was trying to insinuate and I felt my cheeks flush.

I cleared my throat. "He's a really nice friend."

"I'm sure he is." She turned back to the stove. "Get him to come for dinner someday."

I downed the last of my cup and nearly choked. Nodding hastily, I grabbed Amity and made for the front door. "Will do." I replied. "I'll see you after school!"

"Bye, Mrs. Hudson!" Amity called as we stepped outside. The second the front door slid shut, she doubled over bursting into laughter.

"Shut up."

"He's a really nice friend." She mimicked, laughing all the way to Leo's car.