Breathe

Chapter 38

"It is not our abilities that show what we truly are. It is our choices." -J.K. Rowling

I roll over on the bed and open one eye to look at the time on my phone. It's about eleven in the morning and I have three texts from my mother. Shit. I open up and they read: Where are you? You promised you would come home today! Call me. I groan and roll back over to face Luke. Despite my lack of clothing, this bed is too hot. I untangle myself from the sheets and stand up. My clothes are scattered across the floor. I grab my underwear and pants, shimmying them up my legs. I finish getting dressed and check my phone. I reply to my mom: I'll be home soon. Just leaving now. 

"Luke," I say, softly shaking his body. He rolls over, facing me and opens his eyes. His hands reach up to his eyes to rub the sleep out of them. "My mom wants me home, so I have to go."

"Okay, I'll walk you to your car."

"Okay."

He gathers his scattered clothing and is dressed within a minute. I open the door of the treehouse and climb down the ladder first, and Luke follows me down. We walk back through the forest in complete silence. Why does this feel so weird?

"I'll call you later," he says and leans forward, pressing me against the car door and kisses me slowly. "I love you."

"I love you," I say when he pulls back from the kiss. He reaches behind me, opening the car door. I step inside and start my car. It's shifted into reverse and I back out of his driveway with my radio louder than necessary. I spend the entire drive home worrying about this morning. Why was it so awkward between us? Fuck, I need to talk to Valerie. We've been way too distant lately. I should find out how her and Ashton are doing.

I pull into my driveway and check my reflection in the mirror. Fuck, I look like such a mess, and I really need to shower.

"Mom?" I shout when I walk through my front door. "Dad?" No answer. I continue through the house into the kitchen and find a note on the counter next to the coffee pot. My phone died and I can't find the charger. The hospital is short-staffed today so your father and I are going in. Sorry! Love you, Mom.

Really? My father couldn't have at least called me? Well, on the bright side her texts got me out of the awkward situation at Luke's. It's bothering me so much at the moment.

I hit the call button next to Valerie's name in my phone. "Hello?"

"Val? Can I come over?" I ask.

"Since when do you ask to come over? You're always welcome," she says and laughs.

"You're right. I'll be over soon." I hang up and head up to my room. I shower, change, and get ready within half an hour. I think that's the fastest I've ever gotten ready. I drive to Valerie's house shortly after with my music loud, drowning out my thoughts.

I'm standing in front of Valerie's house and my eyes begin to water. What the fuck? Why am I about to cry? I don't know what is happening to me. There's so many thoughts crowded in my mind right now. I need to vent to Val and get all of this off of my chest. I reach for her doorknob and open the door. A few tears are running down my cheeks and I'm softly sobbing. I walk into her living room to find her and Ashton sitting on the couch together.

"Vanessa?" she gasps, running over to me. I embrace her in a long hug, sobbing into her shoulder. I'm glad I chose not to wear any makeup or I'd be ruining her shirt. "What happened?"

I try to speak but my words come out sounding like nonsense. Fuck. I turn to Ashton and finally speak somewhat clearly, "Could I be alone with Val for a while?"