Page 58 of Mine

Sienna’s eyes flashed as she threw her hair over her shoulder with a frown, showing she was clearly as confused as I was about the whole situation. “Why the fuck did Luke go to your house?” Sienna asked.

“I know, right? I saw him the other day with Krystal—”

“Well, I mean, there's moving on, and then there'sthat. He’s a cheating bastard. I refuse to speak to him again,” Sienna declared. “But why turn up at yours?” Sienna fumbled in her bag for a moment before slipping gum into her mouth, offering me one as she did.

I muttered my thanks before I popped a piece in my mouth.

We wandered through the crowds, the different voices and sounds dulling our conversation allowed me time to think.

“To see me, but I wasn't there. So, he told my parents Cal was a punk, pretty much. Then I didn't come back home…” I shrugged, allowing her to piece together the rest in her head.

“Oh no... So, they took your phone away?”

I nodded as we made our way into our Psychology Class. “I can't see him anymore, and I'm grounded for life.”

My eyes threatened to fill with tears again as she squeezed my arm.

“This is horrendous, Gretchen. Listen, we will talk more after class, okay?” Sienna nodded at me kindly before she made her way to her seat.

My eyes swept over the empty seats behind me and my chest tightened.

I noticed Luke walking in, his hair clearly still wet from the shower. His eyes met mine briefly, but he avoided my furious glare and instead attempted to talk to Finn. Finn glanced at me and gave me a half smile, which I coolly ignored and stared out of the window.

I hoped Luke didn’t expect me to speak to him. I wanted to poke his eyes out with my nails for looking so relaxed and happy, not like someone who was actively ruining two lives.

Cal didn't show that day.

Or the next, or the one after that.

Against my parents strict orders, I texted him, but he didn't reply. My heart felt like it was being crushed.

I was in the library one afternoon, my feet curled under me, reading my favorite book.

Whenever I felt stressed, reading always soothed my soul.

The rain lashed on the windows, the sky dark and foreboding. I shivered and pulled my hoodie around me tighter for the extra warmth. I flipped my hair over to the side and leaned back, trying to get back to the book.

I was so absorbed, I didn't realize how much time had passed when the bell rang.

I sat up to gather my things, dropping my book in the process. I leaned down to pick it up when someone else's fingers beat me to it.

I glanced up in surprise to see Luke, who handed me the book whilst I marveled at his audacity. I snatched it from him, pushing it deep into my bag. He looked at his feet, his hands stuffed into his pockets.

“I know you hate me Gretch,” he put his hands up, his eyes wide and genuine. “But I need to explain...I did that for you, not for me.”

I swiveled my legs down and stood to face him.

“Is that right?” I said indignantly, as my body trembled. “Well, thank you, but I'd much rather you hadn't bothered.”

I was tired of apologizing to Luke, taking his name calling and now this. I moved to go past him when he grabbed my wrist.

“Wait,” he begged, as I pulled my arm from him like I had been burnt and turned to face him.

“No, I won’t, Luke. Don't ever think you have done anything for me. I never want to speak to you again.”

Hurt swam in his eyes as I spun on my heel and stormed away.

My eyes were blurry and filled with tears as I made my way out of the school, heading for my Mom’s car, which was waiting in the pouring rain. I slammed the door behind me as I climbed in, tears spilling down my face.