Luke

Chapter 16

I felt Jay move next to me, making my eyes heavily open. It was morning now, the sun shining down on us. It was still chilly, though. 

"Morning," Jay mumbled, still laying down. 

"Hey," I breathed, yawning and closing my eyes again. 

We laid there for a few minutes before she moved again and sat up, pulling her hair back with her hand. It hung limply on her head in messy tangles and strands. I cracked a smile.

"Fuck, I have a headache," she moaned, holding her head. 

"Aw, did you get drunk from the 3 beers you drank last night?" I joked, stretching my legs and returning back to my position on the roof.

"Shut up," she smirked, standing up and stretching. She picked up the beer bottles, putting them into the box accompanied by the clinking of the glass bottles hitting each other. I sat up, grabbing an unfinished cigarette and lighting it, taking a drag. I watched her clean, leaning my chin in my palm. 

"It would be nice if you helped," she hissed, putting the 6 pack by the window. 

"Why should I if I can watch you work?" I smirked. She kicked my shin lightly and picked up the blanket, tossing it to the window. "Grab the rest, will you?"

I picked up the ash tray and closed the pack of cigarettes. Jay picked up her vape, opening her bedroom window and crawling inside. I followed her inside and she grabbed the box and blanket, closing the window. I sat on the floor Indian-style, taking another pull of my cigarette and reaching over to tap the ashes in the trash. 

"Why do you like those things?" I asked.

"What? My vape?" 

"Yeah."

"I don't know. They're good. The one I have right now is vanilla."

"Lame."

"You haven't even tried it."

"It sounds girly."

She glared at me disapprovingly.

"Just saying," I defended. 

"Do you want to try?" She offered.

"I'll pass."

"Alright."

"I think I'm going to head home." I stood up, wiping the butt against the trash can and throwing the cig out. 

"Want me to drive you?"

"No, I'm good. Sam's probably freaking out about where I am. Not that I care."

Jay tossed me the sunglasses on the bed and I caught them, putting the arm over the neck-line of my shirt. I went downstairs, followed by Jay with my backpack draped over her shoulder. I walked to the door, grabbing the backpack from her and flinging it over my shoulders. 

"You take care of yourself, okay?"

"I will, don't worry about me."

"Ha. Funny."

I opened the door, walking out. "Thanks, Jay."

"See you Monday," she smiled, closing the door. 

I started down the driveway, turning a left and heading home. I took the cigarette pack out of my bag, lighting one and blowing out the inhaled smoke. I checked my phone; It was around 10:30. I put it away, waiting for my time to cross the street. Once no cars were barreling down the road, I crossed, reaching the other side and continuing my walk home. It was warmer than it was before. I ashed on the ground as I walked, keeping my head down as a runner passed. I didn't understand runners. I mean, yeah, running is good for you, but at what cost? It's ridiculous. 

I continued down a neighborhood, getting closer to my destination. I really didn't want to go home; I never wanted to go home. Who'd want to go to a home with an abusive brother and an accident of a sister?

I passed by the woods and looked into the trees. Inside those woods was the garden, I remembered. I continued along the trees, trying to locate the opening to the garden. It was a secret garden, as lame as that sounds. Not a lot of people knew about it. I found an opening and put out my cigarette and snuck inside, pushing the branches aside. The ground was covered in pinecones and dying leaves from Fall, blocking the small path that lead to the garden. I continued walking, the welcoming smell of trees engulfing me. The trees opened up and I was in the garden. It was, as always, empty. Upon the ground was the overgrown stone-carven maze, now partially covered by some left over snow and leaves. I dropped my bag and sat down, taking a deep breath of the calming, crisp air. I closed my eyes, hearing nothing but quiet. Occasionally there was the cracking or branches from squirrels or other animals or whatever lived in the woods at this time of year. I laid down, the chill of the stone soaking through by clothing, but it didn't even affect me. 

I always liked it here. I don't know what it was. Maybe it was because there was nobody around. It was a place where I didn't have to worry about anything, really. As far as I knew, I was the only one who knew about the garden. It was my personal sanctuary. 

I continued to lay there, not thinking a single thought. I don't remember the last time when I wasn't thinking anything. It was a treat, and kind of therapeutic, actually. I cracked a smile as a warm breeze ruffled the leaves on the trees. 

My eyes slowly opened, staring at the tree tops framing the cloud-filled sky. I yawned, sitting up and running my head. I guess the stone wasn't exactly the best place to lay down. I pulled out my phone and checked the time; it was 2:30. I sat there for a little longer, staring at the maze's grooves carved into the stone. Who knows how long this maze has been here. It could be a relic or something.

I stood up and stretched. I felt great, and I wasn't even high or anything. I didn't even smoke a cigarette for 3 hours. I never smoked in the garden. I guess that's a good thing. I don't know. 

I grabbed my bag and started to walk back to where I entered the garden, pulling aside the tree branches and entering the woods. I already started to feel my chest get heavy with anxiety as I heard the sound of cars rush by. I took out the pack of cigarettes in my pocket and placed it between my teeth, taking my lighter and lighting it, stepping onto the sidewalk and continuing home.