Without You

Sequel Chapter 3 "The Truth"

*3 Weeks Later*

No letter. Nothing.

Luke's hand rubs up and down my tense back as he places a kiss to my temple. He leaves tomorrow and there is no way of me or him knowing if I'm going to go to Alabama not.

My hope is slowly running out.

Especially since I have already gotten acceptance letters from other colleges like UNC and Texas A&M.

The past three weeks have unfortunately flown by. Not a day goes by without Luke and I being together. It's almost like I live at his house now.

Mom and I's relationship just keeps spiraling downhill.

A week ago, we had a pretty big argument. The argument was quite ridiculous and it was about getting a case for all of dad's belongings so that they wouldn't have to stay in that moving box for any longer.

She didn't find the need to spend money on something so 'useless'.

I didn't think it was useless, though. I think dad's things deserve to be in a better place. Not just in some cardboard box.

So using my own money, I bought a classy, vintage case to put his things in.

She was not happy.

"There was no need to make such a dumb purchase! It's just old clothes and medals!"

Hearing her speak about the beloved medals that he had earned from many years of hard work really hurt me.

And they weren't just clothes. They were his old fancy uniforms and they weren't something that I was ever going to get rid of.

She spoke about him like he was nothing and she just hated anything that belonged to him. I don't know what caused her hatred but it really isn't nice.

Rick was there throughout the whole argument. He didn't say a word. He actually pretended like there weren't two people in front of him arguing while he just drank some coffee.

I tried to hide the whole argument from Luke but when he asked about the new case in my room, I told him everything.

He was not happy.

Since then, I've stayed at his house. I haven't talked to my mother and I think it's better that way if I'm being honest with myself.

Granddaddy was right, I do need to keep a close eye on her.

"What are you thinkin' about?" Luke questions softly.

"My mom," I reply quietly.

He lets out a scoff. He really doesn't like her much.

He looks up at the ceiling and he sighs. He tightens his arm around me and pulls me on top of him.

He buries his face in my neck and holds me tight in a gentle embrace.

"I'm going to miss you," I whisper before laying my head down on his shoulder.

"Still nothing?" He asks and I shake my head. He lets out a sigh and he plants a kiss on my head.

"We'll figure it out," he nods.

The door to Luke's room opens and we turn our gazes to the person.

Eli stands with his hands covering his eyes and I giggle.

"Eli, you don't have to cover your eyes. We aren't doing anything," I sit up and Luke does too.

Eli slowly uncovers his eyes.