Breathe

Chapter 27

"By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; Second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest." -Confucius 

I wake with a jolt and realize that my body is entangled with Luke's, laying in a bed.  I must have fallen asleep outside after our conversation because I don't remember coming inside the house.  Luke is sound asleep, so I try my best not to wake him.  My phone is on the laying on bedside table charging.  I press the home button to find out that it's five in the morning.  That's weird, I don't usually wake up in the middle of the night.  I lay back down to try and fall back asleep, but twenty minutes later I give up when my body refuses to shut down.  Tiptoeing out of the room, my feet lead me to the kitchen.  For once, I decide against making coffee because that will only wake me up further.  Instead, I heat up a cup of water to make tea.  

"What are you doing up?" Michael's voice appears behind me, making me jump.

"I woke up and couldn't fall back asleep."

"Me too," he sighs.

"It's weird because I can usually fall right back asleep.  Like, usually at night, I fall asleep within minutes," I say.

"Really? It takes me at least twenty minutes to fall asleep.  Thoughts are always running through my head," he laughs and we stay silent for a minute.

"Do you want some tea too?" I ask to break the silence.

"I've never had it, but I can try it, I guess," he says and shrugs his shoulders.

"You've never had tea?"

"I don't think so."

"That's weird," I tease him. "So, how's Emily?" I say and over exaggerate my wink.

"Things are weird.  I know what you're doing.  You're trying to push me towards her but something just feels wrong about it."

"Well have you ever been in a real relationship?"

"Yes," he says and glares at me, "Only like two though. They didn't last very long."

"What happened?"

"They both said I spent too much time at home playing video games.  I never had motivation to do anything with them."

"Really, Michael?" I say and laugh.  "Well they had an actual reason to break up with you then."

"Don't be mean," he says and pretends to frown.

"I'm not! Friends can be honest with each other, right?"

"Right," he agrees. "You know, I think you're the only friend I have, besides the guys."

"Well I'm glad we're good friends.  I'm sure I'll eventually need someone to vent to about Luke," I say and we both laugh.

"That should be interesting," he shakes his head with a grin.

"Did I tell you he bought me a fucking car?"

"Wait, what?" he asks and his eyes significantly widen.

"Yeah, an Audi R8 like his."

"What the hell! He never bought me a car," Michael says and rolls his eyes.

"I'll let you drive mine sometime when Luke's not around," I smirk and he nods eagerly. "So! Back to Emily, what's up with you guys."

"I don't want to talk about it," he sighs.

"Please," I say and bat my eyelashes.

"It's just, I don't know.  She acts different all the time.  Like when you guys are around, she acts into me, and when we're alone she acts…weird.  I can't explain it, just trust me," he says and I'm actually convinced because his tone has changed to serious.