A/N: OKAY WELL I AM SUPER SUPER SORRY FOR MAKING YOU ALL WAIT THIS LONG BUT I'VE BEEN WORKING REALLY HARD ON THIS CHAPTER & ALSO I'VE STARTED A NEW LUKE FIC "STATUS" (please check it out if you have time :) )
THANKS FOR READING, I LOVE YOU :)
- A
We make our escape about an hour before sunset.
But believe me, it sounds a lot more dramatic than it actually is.
I've packed only the essentials in a small suitcase, including every single cent I have. All my schoolbooks I've left behind; I don't need them anymore. Alexa can sell them online for extra cash if she wants.
As for Alexa herself, I've left a note on the refrigerator saying vaguely that I'm going on a trip and that I will be back.
It's mostly true. I really don't know where Ashton and I will end up. But the last part I'm not sure about. Who knows whether I'll be back or not?
The scary part is that I don't care. I don't care about leaving my hometown, the people I grew up with, the family keepsakes my mother left me, or the lifestyle I've been living.
My past means nothing to me now, not when Ashton's my future.
Now I stand in the middle of the airport, staring at Ashton from afar. He's currently purchasing last-minute airline tickets for the two of us, but I have no clue to where.
Luke stands next to me, not speaking.
Ashton had called Luke as I was packing; maybe, in a way, to say a meaningful goodbye to his old friend. Luke then offered to drive the both of us to the airport; maybe, in a way, to say a meaningful goodbye to us.
So now we stand together, silent. There's so much I want to say to Luke before I leave, but I just don't have the words to say them.
How does one apologize for being a terrible friend all these years?
How does one apologize for a childhood filled with friendship, all to be destroyed by one stupid decision?
How does one apologize for ditching your best friend for your boyfriend?
Again?
Luke finally speaks. "Be safe, okay?"
"I will." I say, looking at Luke. I never realized just how much he's changed since we were young until now.
He's no longer the shy, timid five-year-old in the back of the classroom who I would color and share crayons with. He's obviously grown up after we grew apart all those years ago. As much as I regret not being an active part in his life all these years, it seems to have served him well.
He's grown, matured, and smart as hell; any university, company, and future romantic interest would be stupid to not want him.
"Will you ever come back?" Luke asks me, looking uneasy. He knows all about Ashton's predicament; Ashton filled him during the (apparently very emotional) phone call.
"Come visit?" I offer meekly, with a sad smile. We both know the future is unpredictable; anything can happen.
Luke smiles back, sadly as well. "Stay safe, Elle. I'll miss you."
