It's complicated. (on hold)

A stranger or an old friend?

Dedicated to DemonGirl. Thankyou for the cover on this story!

Chapter 2.

A stranger or an old friend?

It feels like forever waiting for Zoe to open the door. When she opens it, she looks amazing! Her long blonde hair is straightened down to her waist and she's wearing a tight red dress that goes to mid-thigh. It has a low neck line showing of her large chest. Her make up looks amazing too! It's simple but effective. Now I'm excited to see what I'm going to look like, especially since Luke's going tonight. A huge grin spreads across Zoe's face and I feel myself returning the smile. She grabs my hand and pulls me inside. She quickly shuts the door and drags me upstairs into her room. A simple tight black dress is lying across the bed. Surely that's not what I'm wearing? It's so small! I'm pushed into a seat so Zoe can start my hair. I close my eyes wanting to be surprised when she's finished my hair and make up. What seems like a couple of minutes later Is actually an hour. I open my eyes and stare at the girl in the mirror. My usual straight, thick, long, brown hair is now curled into perfect, equal curls that fall to my elbows. My blue eyes are outlined with eyeliner and my cheeks are tinted pink with blusher. This girl looks just as amazing as Zoe does!

"I know, you look amazing! How great am I?!" Zoe squeals excitedly. Only then do I realise I have been sitting with jaw hanging unattractively open. I change it into a grin and get up giving her a huge hug. She returns it.

"Now hurry up and get changed so we can go" she grins. I pick up the tight black dress and then go into the bathroom to change. I pull it on and even though it's tight, it looks good! I walk back into the room and Zoe hands me some black wedge heels. I slip them on and stand up, adjusting myself to walking in them. All I can think is I hope Luke likes how I look.

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There's so many people crowding round the river it is unbelievable. I'm surprised the bank doesn't collapse with all the weight of these people. Instantly I search the crowd for Luke. I spot him sitting the other side of the river. As if sensing my gaze, he looks up and meets my eyes. He looks up and down my body appreciatively and I smile, he meets my eyes again and winks. I see Katie next to him, she already looks pretty drunk and I grimace thinking of what she would do tonight. I look back at Luke to see that he's smiling at me amusement clear in his face. He saw the jealousy and it's amusing to him? I clench my jaw and turn to follow Zoe disappearing into the crowd.

By half 10, already people are passed out on the banks. Others are grinding and getting sweaty against each other. Curling my lip up in disgust I turn my head away from the skanks that are taking every opportunity with the guys. I bet Katie's hanging all over Luke right now, the slut.

"hey, you look lonely. Want some company?"

Looking up i'm greeted by green eyes. Thick black hair frames his pale face, sharp cheek bones capturing your attention and leading to his nose and mouth. Instead of answering I just nod for him to sit down. Taking advantage of his distraction i take time to study his clothes. A tight, black v-neck top hugged his top half, showing off his rather large muscles. Black, skinny jeans cling to his legs and red converse finish off his outfit, adding just a bit off colour with all the black.

"so, what's your name?" he asks turning towards me.

"Ella" I smile.

"ah, my names Zach" he offers me a hand. I shake it with a small smile.

"so how come your sitting here all by yourself?"

Deciding it was probably best to lie considering I don't know this guy I say "erm, my friend went to get us some drinks"

"now I know that's not true. You've been sitting here lonely for the past 15minutes" he rolls his eyes at my lie.

Raising my eyebrows questioningly, I laugh nervously and turn away.

Looking into the crowd of drunken teenagers, I spot Luke dancing with a group of his friends, a can of carling in his hand. Feeling my stare he looks towards me and smiles. I give a small smile and wave. Curious as to who I was smiling at Zach looks and sees Luke. As if noticing him for the first time, Luke's smile soon turns into a frown upon seeing Zach's presence. I can't help but feel there is some story behind it. Turning my head back towards Zach, I notice his eyebrows pulled together and his lips pursed, slightly tilted in a frown.That's weird. There is definitely something happening there. A cough sounds from above my head and as I turn the familiar figure speaks.

"Zach" he gives a quick nod, the frown still evident on his face, his can of Carling crumbling within the fist he's clenched.

"Lucas" Zach replies, his face now pulled up into a cocky grin. Wishing I could slip away unnoticed I look for somewhere to disappear too. But judging by the anger and pain shown on Luke's features like he's trying hard to concentrate and not hit anything. I figure it's probably best to make sure they don't end up fighting.

"erm hi, mind explaining how you two know each other please?" I ask quietly.

"Emma, this is Zach. He - he hurt my sister badly a few years ago." Luke answers, turning his head towards me and coughing at the end as if uncomfortable with what he was telling me. Noticing the brief pause and past tense, I try to remind myself to ask him about that later.

"oh, come on Lucas. You're not still blaming me for that are you?" Zach asked, still in a cocky grin.

Luke swung his head back towards Zach, narrowing his eyes. "of course I am. It was your fault" he spat, his jaw clenched and the muscle there ticking furiously. The tension was high in the air by now. Deciding quickly that removing one of them from the situation was probably best I stand up moving towards Luke. Pushing on his chest to try and move him away.

"thanks for the company Zach but I erm- I think we should get going now." I turn and give him a quick smile before continuing to push Luke away. Finally he gives in an let's me push him away. He takes hold of my hand and starts walking. He doesn't stop when we reach his group of friends instead he keeps walking pulling me along with him.

"Luke?" I ask quietly, curious as to why he's walking away from the party. When there isn't an answer I ask again a little louder. As if he doesn't hear me he carries on walking. Getting annoyed with the silent treatment I stop in my tracks tugging my hand out of his. Finally aware of me he stops and turns, raising his eyebrows questioningly. Crossing my arms over my chest I answer his silent words.

"where are we going?" I demand stubbornly.

He groans, running his hands through his brown hair. " I don't know. I guess I just wanted to get away from here, from him. Come with me, please?" he pleads, his eyes connecting with mine as he speaks. Looking into the vulnerable brown of his eyes I feel myself nod. He grins an holds out his hand again for me. Reaching forward I grasp his hand, walking to his side away from the party. This would give me a chance to ask him about his and Zach's past involving his sister.

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It's a short chapter I know, but I've been struggling to write just lately. The day the first chapter was written I started this one the same day, but then I had a lot of homework and my headaches started getting worse, so I've been sleeping a lot too. Plus I then got writers block, so you can see it has been tough. I will try to write the next chapter quicker this time but I can't guarantee anything.

Thank you for your support so far!