neighbors ≫ a.i. [on hold]

Five

I had glanced at the clock in the dirty kitchen, scanning over all of the empty red solo cups, some upside down.. others are sideways. All of them contain residue from the alcohol of choice the person had enough of before throwing their cup at the counter.

11:30pm.

God damn was it late.

I cringed at the smell, it was very distinct, very strong. The whole house had reeked of a stench consisting of weed, cheap beer, and cheap perfume. I had scrunched my nose up in reaction and found myself wondering why I even attended this party, let alone why I had even thought of coming in the first place.

Why Violet why?

I was wanting to get out of the house, and this was one of the alternatives, I needed something to loosen my bones up. This wasn't really doing the trick though, so I made my way over to a partying Ashton. He wasn't drunk, in fact I didn't smell any alcohol on him at all.. but then again my sense of smell could be shit seeing as how all i've smelled for the last two or three hours is pure alcohol. He smirked at me and I pulled him aside, away from the dancing drunken girls who were hanging all over him.

"I'm bored, I think I'm going to leave. I'll uh, pick you guys up in the morning.. I guess?" I had said more like a question than a statement. He dropped his smirk and frowned a little.

"Why? Aren't you having fun?" He questioned and as soon as the words left his pink lips and transferred into my eardrum I shook my head no fairly quickly. I bit my lip still standing there, wondering what he was thinking.

The proximity around us was making me become flustered, and uncomfortable. I dragged him outside where the cold air had hit my skin and started to soothe my relevant feelings that had started to develop only seconds ago. I shoved my hands into the pockets of my jeans as I sighed.

"No, not really. I'm just gonna go get a coffee and sit in the park or something.. you know clear my head?" I had said, pulling my lip in between my teeth on habit. He nodded slowly, turning around and jogging back inside. I found myself upset.

I was upset about many things. One of which being when he returned inside it was made clear my presence wouldn't be missed, one single bit because i caught him making out with some chick in front of the window five minutes later. I was also upset because I had secretly hoped that he had cared enough about me to demand I stay, or to leave with me. Part of me wanted to stay just to make him feel like an ass, and the other part of me knew that I wouldn't do that and that he'll be in the bedroom with her within the next few minutes, the image of me already escaping his cluttered mind.

I sighed and decided to walk into town, seeing as I had nothing better to do. I didn't want to waste gas when I can easily walk. I shuffled down the drive way with my phone in my back pocket and my car keys were swinging in a circle around my index finger.

Humming to myself, I had realized it only took me a half hour to get to the coffee shop. I shuffled through the amount of people in the city, not really paying attention. My mind was in so many different places I didn't notice the body ramming into me. His blue eyes darted all over the place and finally looking into my dull eyes. I was too numb, too lost in thought. I smiled at him though, watching his expressions go from sorrow to slight happiness. He bit his bottom lip and nodded slowly, and apologized before turning away from me to go on his way. Just in time I grabbed his wrist and slightly pulled him to walk with me.

He had a raised eyebrow but kept silent. I let go of his wrist after realizing ive been holding onto it for a little too long. He smiled lightly as we walked casually.

"Where are we going?" He had asked. I looked over at him and shrugged, and he rolled his eyes and nodded. I laughed quietly and realized this was the first time all night that I've had a reason to laugh, and I then realized this kid isn't bad.

"What's your name?" I cooly asked, kicking rocks and slight dirt on the sidewalk as many people passed by us on the busy streets. I smiled as I saw the buildings and all the lights meshing together, thanking my parents for choosing the city of Chicago for my homestead. I really enjoyed the city and it had many perks.

"Luke," he breathed as more people passed us. I nodded and we continued walking, passing so many stores and restaurants. My stomach growled and I immediately clenched it in embarrassment. I felt my cheeks heat up quickly as I saw Luke's eyes on me as he silently giggled.

"Hey! I cannot help it when I'm hungry." I had said laughing afterwards. I covered my mouth as I laughed gently, and we soon came across this really delicious diner, that served breakfast 24/7, and since I was starving and loved breakfast food, I tugged his hand in. I held his hand firmly pulling his tall body with me, in the friendliest way possible.

"I never heard your name," Luke smoothly asked. The words practically rolled off his tongue like silk, effortless and beautifully. I smiled widely as the waitress asked for our drinks and scribbled down what he had wanted on her notepad. Once she left I had caught his eye to speak.

"Violet, my name's Violet." I had said slightly feeling insecure about my name because it's not a real common girl name in our generation. He smiled and just then the waitress came back with Luke's orange juice and my apple juice. We probably look like morons, who comes into a diner this late at night, dressed like this, is 17, and orders apple juice like a 8 year old? Nobody.

We had a really refreshing conversation over our meal consisting of stuffing our faces with syrup covered hotcakes and deep fried hash-browns as well as perfectly cooked and seasoned sunny side up eggs and french toast. My tastebuds thanked me for stopping here and reminded me to come here more often if I ever want good food that will my mouth actually water.

Luke was a really great guy, he seemed like best friend material, but I just met him.. I could be wrong. I hope I'm not but there's a chance. He's being a lot nicer to me than Ashton would be, and isn't a partying asshole. I know the party was my idea but I had no intentions of actually staying until midnight and waiting for my completely high and half wasted friends to catch a ride on my behalf.

We left an enormous tip on our table and scurried out. I glanced at the busy streets even at this hour and glanced around wondering what I'm going to do for the rest of the night. I smiled at Luke and he handed me his phone.

"Put your number in," he said softly and I obliged. He smiled and nodded, speaking again. "I have work in the morning, I need to retreat home. Thanks for being alright," he said chuckling and I nodded.

"I will text you when I'm off and need a best friend," he said before turning and leaving.

What am I going to do now?

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Okkkk yaa xx

thanks for reading i'll update soon!