Heartstrings

(13) Allison

Allison

I curled up next to the fireplace, my book in hand. I could feel Lily, Nancy, Grace and Kelly staring but I was too happy to care. If they noticed the pink tint on my cheeks after sharing a shower with Colson, it's on them for staring.

Colson had to go back to the city for the day to take care of some important business (real this time.) And wouldn't be back until later this evening.

The staring wavered a bit when we heard screaming outside where Luke and Melissa were. We all raced to the front door, intrigued at the furious exchange of harsh words.

They were in the front porch, faces red with anger, stiff hands chopping the air so intensely as if their hands spoke for their raging anger.

And then Melissa caught my gaze. We had splintered the friendship, no doubt. But there was pure hatred on them too that I feel my gut knotting uncomfortably.

She walked away, heading down the steps to the driveway. She climbed onto her car and slammed it shut I was surprised the glass hadn't cracked. Then she drove away, tires screeching.

We all exchange awkward looks and shuffled back to our places in the living room. I went back to my book, staring distractedly at the pages. I heard footsteps then a shadow loomed over me.

Then my heart leapt, thinking it might be Colson because the meeting somehow got canceled.

I look up from my book, my heart sinking back down.

Luke looks down to me, the look on his face fragile. "Allie, can I talk to you for a minute?"

"Oh." I blinked. "Uh, sure."

The living room was dead silent. Even with six other people in it, our voices sounded like they were echoes.

He led me out the living room. I felt their gazes boring into my back. Even when Luke led me to the dock, the curious gazes never left, probably peeking out the windows of the cabin.

Luke paces in front of me. "Allie, I don't know how to say this."

I waited patiently.

He stops. "I broke up with Melissa."

I didn't say anything. Not that I had something to say to that. He cleared his throat when the silence extended.

"Allie, I made a mistake. I should've been with you." His voice cracked midsentence. There was despair in his voice and pure regret in his eyes.

My heart thudded in discomfort. "Luke, what are you trying to say?"

"I was wrong for hurting you. I was wrong for thinking she was the right decision," he sputtered.

I nod. "Yes, you did and I forgive you. But that's that."

He shakes his head. "No. I know I shouldn't. But when you kissed me, it had felt so right and had me thinking about us."

"Luke, that was a stupid spin the bottle."

He takes my hand in his. "It wasn't just a game to me."

"It was, Luke. You chose Melissa and I'm okay with it."

Luke started pulling me close. "Allie, I've never been wrong in my life than I was."

I resisted.

He took a step closer, aiming for a kiss.

I jumped back. "Luke, what are you doing? I'm with Colson now." I seethed.

Hurt flashes across his eyes. "We both know Colson is trouble, Allie."

I pluck my wrist out of his hold forcefully. "And you're a better man for warning me about him?"

"I just don't want you to end up hurting."

I can take all the crap he'd poured on me, but bringing Colson into this and speaking trash about him like he wasn't his friend, trickled away all the respect I had for him. I was livid. "Don't act all high and mighty, Luke," I hissed.

He flinched.

"We all hurt. We just need to choose the right person to hurt for. The one person worth every shard of our broken hearts."

Luke stood still.

"I love Colson. And Idon't give a fuck what you think," I spoke harshly then left him in the dock,marching back to the cabin.