Connected [Luke Hemmings]

• Chapter 29 •

• Chapter 29 •     

Luke

"That was the worst one yet," says Calum, lightly guides me toward the dressing rooms. My performances have been getting worse and worse, and tonight was probably the worst one yet. I almost cried on stage, and I'm sure tomorrow's show I will.

"You need to get your mind off Renn, Luke. These people are watching you look like a depressed little turtle... and they don't even know what's going on," says Ashton. He, Michael and Calum have close tabs with Renn, and they've told me she's not doing any better either. This is all my fault, yes I'm aware but what am I going to do when she won't answer my calls, my texts, and she's even tried to report my photo on Instagram... or was that someone else?

"I can't," I say, taking my shirt off and wiping my face, "she means way too much to me."
"Then why'd you do it in the first place?" asks Michael.

Michael and I aren't on best terms, and I understand that. If Dakota were still alive, and had a boyfriend who cheated, I'd kill him, no regrets and no lie. "Okay, to be really really completely honest, I have no idea why I did it," I say.

"How'd it happen anyway?" asks Ashton. I'm about to tell him, when I forget the girl's name. Great.

"She asked for my number, and I was like 'hey why not' so we exchanged and then next thing you know she's in a trenchcoat outside of my hotel room, nothing but lingerie under," I say.
"Just like that?" says Calum.
"Just like that, and the weird part is, I let it happen. I don't know why, I was so excited to see Renn that day, that I didn't even notice what I was doing."
"I call bullshit. You're way too smart for that stuff," says Ashton.

I nod my head, and then hang it down low. I'm so ashamed, I don't know why these boys are still speaking to me. I don't know why they let me on stage still, and manage to wake me up every morning. "I know, I know," I say.

"So what are you going to do now? You obviously still want her," says Michael.
"Of course I do, I bumped into Bianca at Macca's this morning, and I wrote Renn a letter. I hope Bianca passes it on," I say.
"Wait Bianca like... hot Bianca?" asks Calum.
"Yeah, her," I say.

*****

When I get out of the arena, there are some girls that hand me their number on little slips of paper. I take them, out of boredom. I won't ring them, but I don't like being rude, so I say thanks. Is that leading people on?

Back at the hotel, I stay in Ashton's room, and so do the rest of the boys. We're hanging out after we've all showered and are just not tired yet.

Unknown: Hey luke :-) you busy? -leslie from your show tonight
Me: Nope
Unknown: where you at?
Me: Room 2159 23rd floor, Brighton Hotel
Unknown: Be there in 10 xx look for me with the bright red hair

I'm a single dude. Why not?

"I'm gonna sleep, I can't even walk without falling asleep," I lie to the boys.
"Aww what a wimp. Okay, night Mate. We hope you feel better tomorrow," says Ashton.
"Night guys, um thanks."

I close the door behind me as I walk a few doors down to my own suite. Sex with some random girl doesn't satisfy me, but I'm bored, and heartbroken. And it's all my fault, so why not punish me.

When I get to my suite, I take my shirt off and climb into bed. To be honest, if that Leslie girl doesn't come soon, I'll fall asleep tear-stained.

Soon there's a knock on the door and it reveals the girl I recognise not so well. But just enough. She handed me her number when I was walking out of the arena, and winked at me. I remember her bright red hair, and that's how I know it's her.