IMPRESS | LRH

2

Lili had her legs resting against mine, staring at the big screen facing us. Luke has the popcorn placed on his lap and you could see the colors from the movie fill his eyes as he watched. Then there was me, placed in the middle of both Lili and Luke. I had a box of chocolate raisins in my lap, Lili would steal a few every once and awhile, but I didn't care. I was too focused on what those girls said before.

If it weren't for Luke, no one would know her name.

As that thought rolled through my head, I felt Luke nudge my arm, causing me to look at him, "are you okay?" He whispers.

I give him a small reassuring smile, nodding my head. After he returned the smile, he turned back to the screen. I stare at him for a long moment, chewing on the inside of my cheek. Who am I kidding? Those girls were right.

I tear my eyes away from Luke and back at the screen, hearing the whole movie theatre gasp at the scene.

If I didn't know Luke before he was popular, he probably would've never knew my name. So how is it possible for someone like Ashton Irwin to turn his head when I walk in the room? I will forever be nobody to him.

I hand Lili my chocolate raisins, since she wouldn't stop taking them. As I do that, she reaches for the popcorn bag, stealing it from Luke. Proceeding to pour the chocolate raisins into it.

Luke scoffs, "Lili, why are you ruining the popcorn for?" He snatches the popcorn from her, picking out the raisins.

Lili lets out an unbelievable laugh, "what? I like sweet and salty."

Luke rolls his eyes, "most disgusting food combo, you're weird."

Lili takes the popcorn away from Luke once again, "then eat around it...besides you're one to talk...Mr. Puts eggs in the microwave."

Luke screeches, "that was 1 time!"

She pulls three fingers up, tossing some popcorn in her mouth as well.

They continue to argue when suddenly people in the theatre shush them. Luke grumbles one last remark, before crossing his arms over his chest, his lips turning into a pout. I shove my shoulder against Luke's, not being able to stop the smile appearing on my face.

Once the movie was over, I walked behind Lili and Luke as they argued about the movie. Lili happened to not like the movie, while Luke did. I barely paid any attention, meaning I could not put any input on my feelings.

I tossed my drink into the trash as we headed for the exit. Luke slows down so he can walk next to me, "are you alright?" He asks, his eyes filled with concern.

I let out a short laugh, "you've asked me that already." I retort, pushing one of the doors open.

"Well yeah, but it's hard to believe you are...you've been quiet." He explains.

I watched as Lili trails away, talking on the phone with someone, I let out a soft sigh, "usually it's rude to talk during a movie."

Luke shrugs his shoulders, "fine Alice, I won't bug you no more," he puts his arm over my shoulder, "you know I always got your back."

I gave him a soft smile and nodded as I watch him hurry over to Lili. As I was walking behind them, I hear laughing from behind me which grabs my attention. I turn my head, noticing Ashton walking with the group of girls I saw before, along with Calum who you could tell was watching Lili as subtly as he could. 

"Will we see you at the party?" One of the girls chirped up, linking her arm with Ashtons. The same girl who told me I had no chance with someone like him.

Ashton shrugs, "depends who will be there," Ashtons eyes then flashed over to me for a moment, making my heart ache. The moment only lasted for a second, when his eyes make it towards Luke, "hey Luke!" He shouts.

Luke flips around at the sound of his name, slowing down, "hey Ash! What's up?" Luke passes me, leaving me to eavesdrop. 

"The party tonight, are you gonna be there?" He asks, I watched as the other girls drooled at Luke, watching him closely as he spoke. 

Luke shrugs, rubbing the back of his head, "I'm not sure if I'm feeling up to it toni-" 

I cut in, grabbing Luke's arm, "all of us will be there." Luke gives me a look of confusion, which I return with a smile. 

"I mean, I guess I can be there." Luke says unsure.

Ashton seemed a little shocked, along with the other girls, "I mean, it'll be cool to see you guys there. See you tonight then?" Ashton asks, his eyes looking directly at me. Did I make an opening? I felt my heart leap out of my chest, as he walks away. Waving goodbye at Luke.

As Luke was about to speak up, I hollar at Lili, "hey, are you able to go to the party tonight?" I ask.

Lili slips her phone in her pocket, shaking her head, "no, my mom needs someone to watch over my abuela." 

I nodded in understanding, letting go of Luke's arm, "when do you want to go to parties? I'm confused." 

"Don't worry about it, will you take me?" I question, as we begin to walk towards the car once again.

Luke sighs, "well of course, but I'm still confused." he says, opening the car door for me. I thank him as I get in, shutting the door as I sat down. 

Luke gets in the driver's seat, as Lili gets in the passenger. I felt so nervous, but this could be a great opportunity to switch my image and get to know Ashton more. I realized, I can't just hide away, it won't get me what I want. 

The drive to Lili's house was quiet, Lili talked a little about how her abuela was doing and etc. All I did was think about the party later. I have never drank or been to one before. I don't want to say a "good girl" is what I define myself as, but I guess that's what I am. Or was. 

"Bye guys, I'll see during school then?" 

We both gave our goodbyes, and I climbed into the passenger seat. We waited for Lili to make it to her door, before driving away. 

For a solid few minutes of the ride to my house, it was quiet. By the way Luke kept glancing over at me with a observant look, I knew he was going to break the silence soon. Avoiding this, I spoke up, "go ahead, get this over with." I said, with a sigh.

"I'm not saying anything." He denies, not letting his eyes wander over to mine this time. 

"If you say s-"

"You're just acting strange, did something happen? Did you fall in the bathroom? Do I need to take you to see a doctor?" Luke cuts me off. 

I throw my head back against the seat, groaning in the process, "why are you making, me wanting to go to a party, such a big deal?" 

"Well, that should be very obvious why I am." He grumbles. 

"I've never gone to a party okay? I guess I wanted to give it a try." I shrug, wanting to just let it go.

He laughs, "yeah, for sure what's happening here." 

"Yes, that is what's happening here."

"Is this about Ashton?" 

He parks next to my house, turning off the engine, "so what if it is?" I said, pulling off my seat belt to get out of the car.

Luke grabs my hand, pulling me to a halt, "you can't be crushing that hard."

I rolled my eyes, hopping out of the car which made him drop my hand, "gonna help me get ready or not?" I shut the car door, trucking towards the front door.

I hear Luke get out of the car and follow behind me, "hating this." Luke grumbles as I open the door for him to go inside.

"But, you love me."