thirteen and a half

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He didn't tell her before the movie began, even though it was on the tip of his tongue. He didn't say anything while she tucked a piece of loose hair behind her ear, like she always did, as she gazed up at the screen.

Luke hadn't told her she looked beautiful when the credits rolled, though he couldn't help but notice their knees touching and their hands inching closer.

Saying she was beautiful was like saying the sky was blue, he knew that. But did she?

Rhea turned and smiled at him, "Thank you,"

"For?"

"Bringing me here," She gestured to the auditorium, her voice echoing off the empty walls, "It's special for you, isn't it?"

"Considering it's the only calm place in New York—yes." Luke stood up, leading Rhea down the pathway and out to the foyer.

Paul waved goodbye to the two as they made their way out into the cold summer air.

It was nearing ten and the moon was shining bright and high in the sky. Luke stopped before they could walk across the pavement, grabbing Rhea's hand. She turned her head to face him; long dark hair flowing over her shoulder.

Luke's breath caught. He rubbed the back of his neck with his fingers "You look beautiful tonight,"

A tint of red reached Rhea's cheeks and she looked down at her shoes, "Thank you, so do you." Immediately realizing her mistake, she cringed.

"I look beautiful, too?" Luke mocked, tilting his head as he looked at her.

"I meant—ugh, okay. You look handsome tonight, too."

"Eh, I liked beautiful better." Luke laughed, running his fingers through his blonde hair.

She rolled her eyes, turning around, and leading the way back down the sidewalk to who knows where.

"Where are you going?" Luke asked, jogging to keep up with the girl.

"I don't know," She shrugged, "the city just looks beautiful tonight; I want to explore."

She was right. The buildings lit up the night sky and the streets were deserted. It looked as if Luke and Rhea were the only two teenagers in the entire city. Someone was playing Green Day from their window not too far away, so a muffled version of 21 Guns filled the silence.

"One . . . twenty-one guns, lay down your arms, give up the fight." Rhea sings along softly underneath her breath, looking up at the stars.

"One twenty-one guns, throw up your arms, into the sky." Luke sings with her, nudging her with his shoulder. They look at each other, both singing to the music, and smile.

Rhea's smile was different, though. She had a glint in her eye, as if she was realizing something. She looked back down at her feet, blushing, and it was gone in an instant.

Luke watched her as she unconsciously played with her fingers, jittery. He placed his hands over hers and kitted his eyebrows together, "Hey, hey, is everything alright?"

She stopped short, shook her head, and closed her eyes. "I know. About the—um, the—"

"Rhea?"

"The pills, in your bathroom." She blurted, but as soon as she said, she regretted it. Her face transformed from sullen to shocked and she took a step back, "Oh, my God. I'm sorry, I'm so sorry. I shouldn't have said anything, I'm sorry."

Luke was shocked; his mouth hung open and he was at a loss for words. He slowly shook his head and stepped closer, "No, Rhea. Listen, I should've told you sooner."

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