christmas orphan // muke

6

Michael

Music. Oh gosh.

Luke walked into the room, smiling at the teacher.

He was wearing a big grey sweater, dark grey jeans and maroon vans. A flower crown
that matched his shoes, sat on top of his head.

"Now. If you don't have your project today, there are no makeup grades, except for writing a five page essay of the history of Beethoven's music. I've given you two weeks.
You should have this done." The teacher said, as everyone took a seat on the risers.

Luke sat beside me and asked for the work.

I slowly and hesitantly handed him the folded up paper.

Ashton was looking at Luke with a sympathetic look as he opened the paper.

"What happened?" He asked, more concerned than upset.

"I accidentally put it in the washer." I said quietly.

"Oh. Accidents happen. I understand. We can work on the paper together if you want though." He said.

I smiled at him and he placed the ruined work in his backpack.

"Michael. You're up first. Do you have a partner or did you work solo?" The music teacher asked.

I stood up, and Ashton and Luke looked at me, confused.

"By myself." I said, picking up my guitar.

Luke touched my arm, "Michael. We don't have it-"

"Shut up." I snapped at him quietly.

He cowered back down, still clearly confused.

I sat in front of the room.

"Is this song original?" He asked.

I bit my lip, and nodded.
-
Luke's POV.

"What the heck is he doing?" I asked Ashton.

"Sorry." Ashton whispered.

I watched as Michael sat in the middle of the room.

He pulled a paper out and put it on the stand in from of him

He started playing, and the song sounded familiar.

I didn't quite get it until he started singing.

"You come to me with scars on your wrists

You tell me this will be the last night feeling like this

'I just came to say goodbye. Didn't want you to see me cry. I'm fine'

But I know it's a lie..

This is the last night you'll spend alone

Look me in the eyes so I know you know,

I'm everything you want me to be.

This is the last night you'll spend alone,

I'll wrap you in my arms and I won't let go

I'm everything you need me to be....."

He stole my song.

I guess he doesn't understand how much that song really meant to me.

So much for partners.

I thought I finally had a friend.

I was so nice to him.

I was stupid to think he wanted to be my friend.

No one does.

Everybody here hates me, but I don't know why.

"Luke. Are you crying?" I heard Ashton whisper.

I touched my face, and felt the water on my hands.

I shrugged.

"Are you Okay?" He asked.

"No." I whispered looking back to Michael.

I walked over to the teacher.

"Can I go to the nurse. I feel sick." I asked.

"Yeah. Of course." He said.

I was walking down the hall, but I could feel someone walking behind me.

"Luke!" They called.

I turned to see Ashton.

"Please take me home." I cried.

He wrapped his arms around me.

"Luke. I'm sorry. I should've told you."

I buried my head in his shoulder.

"Just please take me home." I whispered.

He nodded and led me out to his car.

I sobbed the whole way home, and Ashton rubbed my back.

"Ashton? Why does everybody hate me?" I asked as he pulled into the orphanage driveway.

"Luke. Everybody doesn't hate you."

"Yes they do. They all said it."

"Because. They're jealous of you. Luke you're always so happy and jumpy and people don't seem to like that I guess."

"Why not? I always compliment people, and try to make them feel better, yet I'm still the most hated kid." I said, my bottom lip trembling again.

He frowned.

"Even Michael hates me." I cried.

"He doesn't hate you, Luke" Ashton said quietly.

"Then why did he steal my song? He didn't wanna be partners with me from the beginning. He just wanted my work. Ashton, all I want is a friend. Just someone to talk to."

"Luke. You have me." he said quietly.

I shook my head. "I know you're only friends with me because your mom makes you talk to me. But I'm okay being alone I guess. I'm used to it. I've been alone for the past ten years of my life." I said, wiping my face on the sleeves of my sweater.

-

Ashton's POV.

After Luke stepped out of my car and ran inside, I completely broke down.

Seeing Luke cry was heartbreaking.

He's the happiest kid I know.

He's always so sweet and jumpy. He makes everybody feel better about themselves, yet nobody thanks him.

It really made me think that even the happiest people, could be broken on the inside.

I hope Michael feels bad for what he did.

I hope the guilt tears him to shreds.

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