You're it (SEQUEL OUT)

Chapter 21- its time to go

--Luke POV--

"Can I talk to you later?" I send the text to Riley and Ryan. I need to ask Riley to prom and Ryan about suits. My dad walks into the kitchen, whistling.

I glance at him, curious.

He never whistles unless he's...

oh no.

"You're in a good mood." My voice shakes, my hands doing the same.

"I closed the deal." He smiles at me. My stomach drops.

"No. I won't." I say and he shakes his head at me, seeming tired.

"Luke. You're 17. Victoria has no room and I am your Father. No way are you being on your own." He says, surveying the fridge for food.

"Why do you need the job anyway?" I ask.

"It's a better job. Higher respect." He says, deciding there's nothing to eat and closes the fridge.

"You mean higher pay." I snap. He raises an eyebrow at me but doesn't comment which means I'm right.

"Look, we've nearly been here a year. You can have your summer in...Canada!" He says and I feel sick.

"Dad." I plead and his eyes bore into me, emotionless. "Please. I have friends. School. Riley."

"Riley's a girlfriend and you'll make new friends and new girlfriends." He says, and gets up to leave. "We leave soon. Maybe next week? I might be able to get another wee-"

"She isn't just my girlfriend! I don't want new friends, Dad! Stop being so selfish for once and just listen!" I shout and he turns around, furious.

"Selfish?" He roars. "I work and work and i'm selfish? And what-wait let me guess! You love her?" He sneers at me nastily. I flinch and pale a little at his words, not trusting myself to speak. He narrows his eyes at me and stands up a little. "You love her?" His tone is less harsh and more questioning.

"It doesn't matter how much you work, it's all about running away from Mom's death. And you know it. Hiding yourself in piles of cash doesn't make it better!" I say, praying he'll see sense. Don't make me leave.

"We leave in couple weeks." He says and storms up the stairs. I sit in the kitchen, defeated. I go for a walk trying to get some air. The warm breeze does nothing for cooling my anger but i'm more upset now.

Do I tell my friends now? Or later? Maybe I can drop it by at last minute..'by the way, i'm going to Canada forever! Bye!'

Maybe not.

And what will they all say? And Riley..

I'm happy. Deliriously, stupidly happy. I don't want to lose everything I needed for so long.

I call Ryan, hoping he'll cheer me up or something. He picks up on the fourth ring.

"Hey dude!" He says. I can hear laughing in the background. Ashley.

"Hey, can we- i mean, like- can you meet me? Now?" I ask, choking on my words. Ryan agrees and asks to bring Ashley. I agree, hanging up.

The both arrive at the coffee place near my house, Ashley's boots clicking against the wooden floor.

"Are you okay?" She asks, touching my shoulder.

"You better sit." I say and they exchange worried glances.

I explain about my dad, why he's doing it. They both sigh continually, Ashley's eyes even seeming watery.

"I'm sorry. It's just Riley. And her parents and now you..its not your fault though." She says. She leans over, wrapping her arms around me tightly. "God this sucks."