Connected [Luke Hemmings]

• Chapter 14 •

• Chapter 14 •

Renn

I pull away from Michael, and push him away. My hands cover my lips and I stand up.

"Oh my God Michael I don't-" the words won't come out.

"I was vulnerable and upset. God Michael I didn't-"

"It's okay Renn, let's just not speak about it," says Michael.

"Speak about what?" Michael turns to see the infamous Hemmings brothers. All three of them. No way. Did they just see that?

I see Luke, he doesn't have a smirk on his face, nor a smile. But his eyebrows are pursed together, possibly the hot sun in his eyes. Too bad he isn't facing the sun.

The Hemmings' leave us, and then I look at Michael, who won't look at me. "Look, Mike I love you. But not in the romantic way," I explain.

"You like Luke," he deduces.
"Well um..." I start.
"Oh come on Renn, you think I don't see the way you smile at him, the way your cheeks turn pink when he holds you... or the way you just are someone totally different when he's around."

I don't say anything, is Michael mad?

"As for me..." he says, "I will just have to accept the fact that you like him and not me."

I look up, to see Michael smiling again. "Renn, you're my best friend. And I never want to lose you, if that means trying to move on, I'll do it. Okay?"

I nod and smile. "Now come here and hug me," he says. I run to Michael and wrap my arms around his neck. Me, only being 5 foot and 5 inches, can be lifted easily by all four boys. Michael does so, and holds me tightly.

We start to walk home when he lets me down and we talk some more.

"As much as I find Luke attractive, and sweet... I feel as if he won't ever like me," I say.
"Why do you say that?" asks Michael.
"You said it yourself Mike, he won't choose me over Dakota. Ever."
"Renn, I said that because I was jealous. Just give Luke time, he'll come around."
"I don't know. I feel like he'll always hate me, and there's nothing I can really do about it."

Michael steps up to his front door and opens the door, walking in first and then me. I close the door and shiver with pleasure by the cold air rushing to my skin.

"He's a closed off guy," says Michael, "like sometimes he won't even tell us stuff because he's too embarrassed."

I look at Michael as he searches for his phone around the lounge.

"You guys are his best friends," I state.
"Yeah, but remember what I said? He's a closed off guy. No one really knows why, he's just...-"
"Embarrased? Shy?"
"Yeah."

I stay quiet and go onto Google while Michael orders a large pepperoni pizza and a large cheese. I think we're expecting Calum, Ashton and Luke. Just great. I love Michael and all, but why does he just always have to hang out with his bandmates?

"Shit, Renn do you have $3? I'm short," he says.

I reach into my bag and take out exactly $3. Then, I give it to my best friend. "Thanks," he says quickly.

Shouldn't it be awkward with Michael? I mean he's my best friend and we kissed. Twice. Isn't this the part where I'm supposed to be running home and screaming because it was awkward? But it isn't. Everything is the same.

"So the boys should be here soon, do you want to stay? Or go, to like... get rid of awkwardness?" asks Michael.
"You know, I'll stay. If anything, I can walk home I live just there," I say.
"Okay, suit yourself. I'm going to shower."