Sneaking Out

Life's a Beach

**Ashley's POV**

I was making my way through the familiar halls with Louis on my left and Cynthia on my right. My mind couldn't stop thinking about Luke.

Out of anger, I cut our phone conversation short. He said he needed my help, but I couldn't help him after he left without telling me where he was going. We just didn't do those kinds of things. And, I couldn't miss the last day of school.

No longer did Sasha stand as the cheerleader's leader, but Shelly, and Clara were at her side. They were all laughing at something quietly.

Shelly caught me staring and glared back at me. She looked from Cynthia to Louis. A devilish grin passed her face as she waltzed over to me. Before I could turn away, Shelly stopped right in front of Louis and completely ignored me. I rolled my eyes at her attempt to get Louis's attention.

"Hey. I'm Shelly. Are you the new guy?" Louis nodded shyly and stared at me cautiously. "Do you need some help getting around the school?" Shelly stupidly asked.

"No, I'm good..." Louis said. Cynthia gripped my arm.

"Shelly, please just leave us alone," I asked her with a monotone voice. She rolled her eyes. 

"Whatever. Have fun with your new friends," Shelly spat at me. I rolled my eyes too and watched her walk away with Clara and Sasha. 

"What's with her?" Louis asked.

"We used to be friends, and it didn't end well," I responded, "She's kind of a bitch."

"You got that right. She insulted me on my clothing." I scoffed at Cynthia's remark.

"You have an amazing sense of style, don't listen to them," I told both of them. They nodded in response.

"Hey, I'll see you guys at lunch." I told both of them as I turned around to head to home room.

I made it just in time as the late bell rang and I made my way over to my original desk. Disappointment filled me as I looked at Luke's empty seat next to me.

The teacher was not yet in the classroom and most people were on their cellphones. To blend in with the crowd, I pulled mine out too. My phone displayed no texts or calls and I instantly felt sad. No matter how hard I tried to be mad at Luke, it never seemed to stick.

I just wanted to hear his voice.

*~*

The school day was finally over. It didn't exactly end like High School Musical, but I did scream my head off and ran to my car.

At lunch time I received Louis's and Cynthia's cell phone numbers. We all promised to hang out this summer and I was willing to keep that promise because they seemed to be really fun and nice people.

I hopped into my car and sped away before I could get caught in the traffic as people tried to leave as quickly as possible. 

The ride home was slow. There was so much traffic. I didn't understand why so many people had the urge to get out of school as quickly as possible. But, to their delight, they just caused traffic jam.

I came home to everyone lounging around the house. There were various amounts of chips and sodas scattered around the living room and kitchen. Boy did Lucinda have a huge task when she came back.

Luke was no where to be found and sadness washed over me. I really missed him and I wanted to see him, even though he ignored me and ran away. I was sure he was just stressed and needed some air. I would've done the same thing if I was in his situation.