My mum was working on her laptop. Her hair was tied up and she had her preion glasses on. It was her 'don't interrupt mama' look. As wild as my mother is at home, she's a pretty serious boss lady. We'd gotten into a dire financial situation after my father abandoned us and she swore she would never let us go there again. Flora emerged from our alcohol cabinet with martinis. One for herself and one for mama. "Millie, you're home," Flora noticed, "You're never home anymore. We've been wanting to talk to you since Luke Dawson carried you into the house bridal ." "I have homework," I apologized, swinging my bag onto the kitchen table. I like to work near food. "Sure," she remained unusually sweet, "I think, over the years, we've stopped communicating and it's time we correct that." I was surprised to hear those words come out of my sister's mouth. "Really?" Suspicious timing. "Yeah, you know you can come to me for anything," she said, "Just like I can come to you, right?" "Yeah." I guess. "Maybe one of these days you could..." she started and then stopped, "Never mind. See you later." The next day came and I wanted it to end. I didn't sleep much last night. I ended up working in the kitchen until 2AM. Math is always easy for me but English Lit drains my soul. I basically click 'synonyms' for every word I type. I parked my car at home and walked across the street. I took deep breaths with every step. This was the day I faced Luke. I wasn't ready for this. I rang their doorbell and patiently waited. Ding. A handsome older man opened the door. His black hair was beginning to gray and his chiseled features had the mature look of age. He had the charm of a man who could walk onto the set of Mad Men and fit in. This must be Mr Dawson. There was no mistaking it. "H-h- hello Mr Dawson," I stuttered. He was an intimidating man. He created Luke, Jake and Charlotte after all. Literally, the three most beautiful people I've ever met. "Are we expecting you?" he asked. It was strange seeing Luke's blue eyes on a stranger. Focus. "My name is Millie Ripley, I live next door. Is Luke at home?" "He's not," he said, "Do you want me to leave a message?" "No, that's fine. I'll find him. Would you have any idea where he is?" "Luke is busy right now but I'll tell him you swung by. Goodbye," he said with a tone of finality and shut the door on me. "Sorry to disturb you!" I hastily called out, before the door closed on my face. I stood alone on the Dawson family's doorstep for a minute or two. The sun was beginning to set, and I didn't want to give up on this. I had an idea. I ran across the street, back to my car and drove towards the Surfside Shack. Jake had once told me that it was a hangout spot for the basketball team. Last time I took this route, I had been on a motorbike with my arms wrapped around him. I focused on the words I was planning to tell Luke. My car picked up speed until the ocean view hit me sooner than I expected. The Surfside Shack was still a popular spot, even though the nights were getting colder now. I hurried inside and saw a lot of people from school hanging by the bar. Too may people were ordering the same aperol spritz and the bright orange drink practically lit up the bar. "Austin!" I shouted. I spotted him about to walk out the back door to watch the sunset on the beach. He was with two girls I didn't recognize. "Millayy, you joined the party!" he called out, pulling me into a big hug, "Where's Luke?" It's funny how he expects Luke and me to always be together now. "That's who I came here looking for," I said, deflated. If he was asking me, he didn't know. "Oh, duh," he bumped his head against his drink, "He's practicing at the school." I lit up. "What? Basketball this late?!" "You know Luke, he's crazy like that," Austin slurred his words, leaning against one of the girls, "Don't tell him I'm drinking gin. He thinks it depresses me." "I won't!" I jumped and kissed him on the cheek, "Thank you!!" I turned away to leave when he called my name. "Oh and Millie, one more thing. Whatever you do, go easy on him tonight." It was dark when I arrived back at school. I used to stay here late all the time when I was part of the mathletes. My ex-boyfriend and I spent every Wednesday night on math equations and making out. It's hump day for a reason. He would be here now. The Mathletes were one of the most dedicated student organizations at our school – they stayed until midnight every Wednesday. And today was... Wednesday. I shoved the painful memories out of my mind as I shoved the school doors open. I stepped into the dimly lit hallway. School was creepy at night. Our lockers were a sea of l with not a soul in sight. It took me a minute to figure out where the basketball courts were. I'm not sporty. I barely knew we had courts. Ten minutes later, and I was standing outside the basketball courts. I heard the sound of sneakers against hardwood and the swoosh of the hoop. He was alone. And my heart softened. We haven't been honest about our feelings. I can't forget how we almost kissed in the lake or at Austin's party. I can't forget the moments we shared. From how we argued about my shower singing... to how we clung onto each other in the face of a bear. From how he shows up at my workplace... to how he calls me on all these ridiculous favors. From hot to cold. From sensitive to strong. Luke has shown me so many sides. And I've cried, passed out, choked and sneezed in front of him. He's seen my morning bed hair, my puffy eyes after I cry. I've been myself around him. My imperfect self. What was I doing here? What did I want from him? I took a deep breath and walked inside. "Luke?"