Play No More (Player Next Door sequel) ✓

14 | First Time

Chapter 14: First Time

After my father left us, weeds started growing in our backyard. Our furniture started disappearing as my mother had to pay her way out of debt. We kept our house, even though it turned into a shell of a home.

Meanwhile, only 70 feet away, Luke had grown up differently. 

He could afford the basketball camps and new clothes. He had the love of both his parents and the most amazing flowers in his backyard.

I would know – I've plucked them once or twice

Now Luke was walking me across the street from my home to his. I couldn't help but think it was like crossing worlds.

"Let me carry that for you," he offered, lifting the strap of my backpack off my shoulders.

I watched him swing it across his strong shoulder and felt the smile he cast me.

"I'm sorry about your laptop," I apologized.

"It's not your fault," he answered, holding the cracked computer in his right arm, "Chad was desperate for my password."

We were alone on our street.  It was entirely bare and a crescent moon shone above us. I couldn't help but wonder how such a terrible day had carved the way for a beautiful night.

Luke slipped his keys into the lock. I thought about how an intruder had broken into my home with Art's bloody jersey...

We should lock our front door more often.

"Welcome back, Minnie," he said and pushed the door open. His outstretched arm kept the door open while he waited for me to walk in.

I awkwardly stood still, hesitating for some strange reason. After he gave me a funny look, I put one foot across the threshold.

"Should I take off my shoes?" I asked.

"If you want to," he answered, following me inside.

I felt out of place. I glanced into the golden framed mirror and at the new flowers in a glass vase beside it. His house was warm and inviting, but I felt uncomfortable sneaking in at night. 

I took my shoes off and felt the plush cream carpet beneath my feet.

Luke was already in the kitchen, opening the fridge. He hadn't bothered to turn on the lights so a blue-ish light washed over him and highlighted the perfect contours on his face.

He picked up two bottles of water and offered me one. I accepted and he led me upstairs, grabbing an apple from the fruit basket on the kitchen counter.

**

We kept our voices down as we passed by the other bedrooms on the second floor. Quiet except for when he bit into the apple.

He was relaxed as usual, despite all the chaos of today.

He pointed to his parents' room at the end of the corridor, where I could see the lights were on.

A pale blue 'C' was engraved on one of the other bedroom doors. That must be Charlotte's room.

Then we passed by a room that I guessed was Jake's. It's not like there was a giant Jake sign on it or a guitar outside, but it seemed like the likely option.

Luke's room was the furthest away from his parents. I don't know if that was strategic on his part, but I was definitely grateful.

He pushed open the door and I tried to look inside, but he put an arm over it and gave me a playful wink. I playfully shoved him back and we stepped into his bedroom simultaneously.