Resistance • l.h.

Fourty Eight

Dinner was a fun and lighthearted time. It was great seeing Ashton's family again; they were always so welcoming.

"So how are your parents doing, Cami?" Anne, Ashton's mother, asked me.

I looked at the ground, taking my lip in between my teeth to fight off the urge to smile. I shouldn't be so happy, especially at a time like this, but all I could think about was the fact I could finally call Luke mine, instead of my step-father.

"I wish I could say something else but...well they are getting a divorce," I tell her as I watch her face twist into sadness.

"I'm so sorry, sweetheart. That must be very hard for you. I know you and Luke are very close."

I nearly choked on my water when I saw Ashton's mouth twitch up into a smirk. If only she knew.

Speaking of Luke...

I took out my phone to check it, and I frowned when I saw that he hasn't texted me yet, like he promised to do. It was getting late, and I felt the uneasiness start to creep underneath my skin.

"Excuse me," I said, getting up to leave when I saw Ashton's parents nod in approval. Ash gave me a strange look, but continued to cut into his stake.

I went back into my best friend's room, and tried dialing Luke's number. His deep voice filled my ear immediately, and I quickly decided to leave a voicemail.

"Luke? Are you alright? It's been hours and I'm seriously worried over here. Please call me back," I said in a daze before hanging up.

I felt my eyebrows knit together in genuine concerne. Why would his phone be off? Knowing him, he wouldn't ever let it die.

Ashton came in a couple minutes later. "Hey, you okay?"

"I need to get home. Luke went to go talk to Jocelyn about the divorce and it's been hours. It shouldn't take this long," I shakily said, trying to keep my voice under control.

"Okay, let's go," he agreed, grabbing his keys and telling his parents that he was going to take me home.

"Thank you for dinner, Mr. and Mrs. Irwin. It was amazing. I'm so sorry for the abrupt disruption, but I have to be going now. There are some family issues going on and I need to be home."

"It's alright, dear. We completely understand. You're welcome anytime here. This is your home too."

I grinned at their kind words, waving goodbye, and hurried to get in Ashton's car.

By the time we pulled up in front of Luke's gigantic house, I was about to jump out of the car in anticipation. I looked up at the scary building and gulped. I've lived here for so long and yet, something didn't feel right.

"Are you sure you want me to leave? I can always wait for you," he suggested, grimacing at my panicked behavior. I waved my hand around in the air, dismissing his words.

"Thank you, but I'll be fine. I promise I'll let you know what happens."

I tried mustering up all the confidence I had, keeping my phone in my hand at all times, as if that would protect me. With a final nod, Ashton left me in front of my house, completely terrified to find out what I'm going to find when I walk in.

Predictions? I'm ready to let you guys see how this plays out Omg.