How To Love ✓

35.

Amara

I reluctantly accepted Luke's offer to drop me back on campus while my mother had to stay behind to entertain some neighbours.

"You ought to visit more Mars. Do you know how much we miss you around the house?" Luke stated when we came to a stop at a red light.

"I'll be honest; I also miss you guys. You know, it just feels different. Not having you guys yell behind me for not taking my medication on time...."I started to say something, but I stopped when I thought my statement sounded strange.

Luke noticed too and gave me a curious look. "Are you okay?"

I shook my head no. "It just dawned on me that I hadn't been consistent with my medication intake at all. Must have a weak memory," I said in attempt to cover up the situation.

Luke on the other hand, didn't find it funny. "Amara, this isn't something to joke about. You do know that if you're inconsistent, there can be problems, right?"

"I know, I just... I've just been enjoying life so much lately, that I haven't been stressing out on my cancer that much."

He gave me a brief glance before having to avert his eyes to return his attention to the road when the signal turned green. "Just, promise me when you get back, that you'll take your medication. And that you'll remember to jump back on your regular schedule again."

I slowly nodded. "I'll only promise if you promise me to not make mention of this to mum."

He pursed his lips but knew that he had to settle our agreement. "Deal."

I reclined in my chair. My phone buzzed in my hand, indicating that I received a text message. When I turned on my screen, I saw that Lucien had texted me.

I missed you today gorgeous. Heard you've been gone for the day. Meet me at the courtyard when you get back. I'll be waiting for you there. Wear something pretty :)

Lucien xoxo

I mentally squealed and smiled like an idiot. That's simply how he made me feel. After giving the text another read, I realised it was unusual. Lucien usually called me "princess" and insisted on that being my only nickname. However, in the text it wrote "gorgeous", which was a first.

I didn't put too much thought into it and just brushed it off.

Luke quickly noticed and also smiled. "What's the smile for?"

"Lucien texted, said he wanted to meet up when I get back."

"You really like this guy, don't you?" he asked me.

"Yes, yes I do. He is out of this world really. Sometimes I feel like our connection is too good to be true."

"Every time you talk about him, your eyes have this...spark, the same feeling I have for your mother. Have hope and everything will be alright."

"Thank you, Luke. You're the best dad I never had. I love you," I said warmly, and I could've told it warmed his heart just by the way he blushed.

"I love you too, Mars. I advise you to take a nap, seeing as the car ride may be a little long, despite the shortcuts," he instructed. I did just that.

The only thing I remembered was our last conversation before falling asleep, only waking up when Luke shook me awake to inform me that we were back on campus. Although this time, it was pretty dark out, stars scattered across the night sky.

Man, Luke really knew his shortcuts.

He helped me out the car and walked to my dorm, giving me the opportunity to lean into him while we walked, still half-asleep.

"Mars, I don't think you should go see Lucien again. You're obviously tired and you need to take your medication," Luke said in a worried tone.

"No, I'm okay. You know how car rides make me. One step out into a cold bath and I'll be awake. He probably went through so much to set up our date, I can't cancel," I commented, worried how Lucien may have felt if I cancelled.

Luke sighed in defeat, shaking his head. "Fine, but just be careful and please take your medication. I'll call tomorrow to make sure everything's alright," he implied. 

We opened the door, he was glad Sylvia was there to greet him. She was also worried for me and also demanded that I cancelled.

"Guys I'm fine, a quick shower and some nebuliser will do the trick." At that time, I was fully conscious. Luke gave me a quick peck on the forehead as he bidded me good night and reminded me to take my medicine.

It was a little chilly outside, so as soon as he left, I immediately went to the bathroom and changed into something warm.

"Just, have a great time and if you need anything and I do mean anything.... give me a call. Please call, okay?" Syl pondered and came over to help fix my hair.

I eyed her through the closet mirror intently. "You'll be the first person I call. I promise."

"Great, I feel relieved to know that." Settling on a neatly slicked back high ponytail, I picked up my purse, packing it with a few bills, my nebuliser, lip-gloss and some mint. I bid Slyvia goodbye with a long hug and dragged the oxygen tank behind me with glee.

I proceeded down the walkway to the courtyard, not sure whether he was there yet because he hadn't given me an exact time. It was a short walk. I picked three flowers from a little patch of fuchsia, which I knew to be his favourite flower, and I smiled, knowing he would adore them.

I heard voices as I turned the corner, hinting that someone was already occupying the courtyard.

I froze in place. I hadn't reached that close up yet, but I could have quickly figured out who the voices belonged to.

Not wanting them to see me spying, I slowly backed away so they couldn't hear the clicking of my boots and hid behind a tree. I couldn't make out much of the conversation since they talked in low voices, but my ears stood upright just in time to witness a heart wrenching scene.

"Why do you keep following me around? Hadn't I made it clear that I want you to stay far away from us as possible?"

"You keep trying to deny it, but you and I both know who's the better out of the two of us. You know she can't give you what you really want, Lucien."

"Oh yeah? And you think you can?"

"Oh, I know I can. Let me show you and see if it'll change your mind."

What devastated me even more, was the sight of Natalina's arms wrapping around Lucien's neck and pulled him in as they shared a passionate kiss.

"Lucien?" I crept up on them, emerging from behind my hiding place. The flowers fell from my grasp, their petals strewn everywhere as they plummeted to the ground.

His eyes widened and he pushed her away. I didn't even wait for him to get up and run after me.

I quickly turned my back on them and sprinted through the university's entrance while stifling my cries of rage.

I just needed to get away.

***

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