Pretty Girls ⇼ Luke Hemmings

Luke was quick to lead me through the frat house and up the stairs before unlocking his door and stepping in. Petunia jumped off the bed and ran up to him, jumping up on his legs.
“Down,” he ordered with a small smile. Petunia obliged, wiggling her butt and tail as Luke leaned down and gave her a quick pet before shutting the door behind me Petunia sat at my feet, staring up at me with her tongue sticking out of the side of her mouth.
“Hi Petunia!” I gushed, kneeling down to pet her. “You’re such a big girl,” I laughed as she rolled on her side, and started to rub her stomach. “She’s so pretty,” I smiled up at Luke, who was sitting on the bed, watching my interaction with Petunia. He shrugged, lying back on the bed and turning on the television. When I stood, Petunia walked to her bed in the corner of the room. How did all of the toys scattered around go unnoticed by me before? Maybe because I was so upset. Maybe she wasn’t even here. I walked over to the bed and sat by Luke.

“Where does she go during parties?” I asked. His full attention was on his tv, flicking through his queue on netflix.
“Basement, usually,” he mumbled. “She doesn’t like loud noises,” I nodded slowly, picking at the skin around my nails. “Do you want to watch something?” He asked, kicking off his black boots and lying his full body on the bed. I shrugged, following his lead and tenderly unclasping my heels, setting them by the foot of the bed. “What kinds of things do you like to watch?” He asked, finally peeling his eyes from the screen to look at me.
“Oh… I don’t know… You can pick,” he fought back an eye roll and put on an episode of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. I’ve never seen the show before, but I have heard of it’s crude nature. Luke held a hand out to me, pulling me by my arm to lie on his chest. My body was tense against his. I couldn’t get over the way he was acting tonight. He’s been weird all day, and I was beginning to feel uncomfortable. I felt like I didn’t belong here.

About ten minutes into the episode, Luke crashed his lips against mine, rolling our bodies over so he was on top of me. I didn’t kiss him back, instead I pulled away.
“Luke what are you doing?” I asked, sitting up.
“Kissing you,” he stated before trying to kiss me again.
“Well stop,” I demanded, pushing him away by his chest.
“Why?” He asked, moving so he sat across from me.
“Because I said so,” I crossed my arms.
“Fine.” He grumbled, turning his attention back to the tv with an angry scowl on his face. I doubt anyone has ever said no to him before, and that angered me.
“Did you think that if you brought me here and introduced me to your dog, then you could get into my pants?” I blurted out, terrified of his answer.
“What? No. Val,” All his calmness seemed to fade. He was clenching his jaw, glaring at me.

“It’s obvious what your intentions are,” I spat, pulling my legs under me.
“What are you going on about? This isn’t the first time we’ve fooled around,” I scoffed.
“Well it’s the last,” I promised, though I wasn’t sure I could keep it.
“Val-” He began, only for me to cut him off.
“Be honest Luke. Is that the only reason you invited me here?” Tears pricked at my eyes, and I didn’t know why.
“No,” he growled, rolling his eyes.
“Then why did you? To embarrass me?” I knew I was overreacting, but I couldn’t stop talking. I couldn’t stop picking the fight.
“No… I-I don’t know! I guess to hang out with you?” He ran a hand through his hair, pushing it out of his face.
“Is that a question or a statement?” I asked, seeing as his answer was unsure and rushed.
“Fuck, I don’t know!” His voice boomed. I got up and began putting my heels on. “Where are you going?” He asked, lowering his voice.
“Home,” I stated, standing up.

“Fine. Just leave. I don’t want you here anyways!” Again he was yelling, and I wanted to cry. I wanted to yell back. But instead, I replied calmly.
“I don’t want to be here,” I headed for the door.
“Then just fucking leave!” He ordered. When my fingers touched the knob, he yelled again. “And don’t bother coming back!” I held my pride in my hand and left his room, slamming the door on my way out and rushing out of the house to begin my long walk home.

When I finally got home, I was extremely upset to see that Lea wasn’t here. She’s never here when I really need her. When I really need to talk. I took a long shower and put on a baggy pajama shirt and velvet shorts, this time hoping Lea wasn’t there when I got back. My wishes were granted—Partially. Lea wasn’t in the room when I got back, but Luke was. He was sitting on the bed, consumed in his phone.
“Where were you?” He asked without looking up.
“Showering,” my voice was quiet. I didn’t look at him. I turned my back as I put away my shower caddy and organized my work for tomorrow.
“I didn’t mean it,” he sighed, coming up behind me. “I wanted to hang out with you, but you pissed me off and I just said it,” I knew he was talking about not wanting me there. I didn’t reply, continuing with my organizing. I was now working on my desk: Arranging and rearranging my things. “Would you look at me?” He grabbed my arm, but didn’t turn me around like I thought he would. I rolled my eyes, knowing he couldn’t see me.
“No,” I spat and he forcefully turned me.
“I’m sorry, okay?”

I didn’t know why he was here. I didn’t know why he cared that I left. I just him to leave.
“You should go,” I told him in much nicer terms than I had in my head.
“I’m not leaving until you talk to me,” he stood his ground. He crossed his arms, staring down at me. God he was stubborn.
“If you don’t leave, I will call campus safety,” I threatened, turning back away.
“No you won’t,” he laughed. He was right, I wouldn’t do that. I let out a frustrated sigh, turning around to face him. He was inches away from my face and I found it unbearably hard not to kiss him. He looked so good in white.
“What do you want?” I asked, taking a step back so I was against the desk, creating more space between us.
“For you not to be mad at me,” he shrugged, pulling out my desk chair and taking a seat. I wish I wasn’t so angry at him. I wanted to sit on his lap and feel his lips against mine.
“Then tell me why you invited me over or leave,” I crossed my arms. He pushed his hair out of his face and remained silent for the longest time.
“I don’t know, Val,” he sighed and I began to walk away, but he grabbed my wrist and stopped me, pulling me to sit on his lap. “I like hanging out with you, okay?” He admitted, pushing my wet hair off my shoulder. “I know I make you mad and, God knows, you annoy the shit out of me, but I just like hanging out with you,” his voice seemed sincere and his blue eyes beamed into me with patience. I took a bold move in setting my head on his shoulder and he wrapped his arms around my waist.

“I don’t know how else to explain it other than I just like to hang out with you,” he rubbed circles into the top of my thigh and we sat like that for a while. “I’m sorry I’m an ass,” he surprised me by saying that. I don’t think he’s ever apologized to anyone, and today it seemed like all he did.
“I’m sorry I overreacted,” I countered, closing my eyes. He smelt like cologne, but not cigarettes. I wondered why he didn’t smell like cigarettes. As much as I hated it, it paired so nicely with his scent. “You don’t smell like cigarettes,” I pointed out, my voice soft.
“I’m trying to quit smoking,” he shrugged, rolling his head back to stare at the ceiling.
“Good, it’s not a healthy habit,” as soon as that phrase left my mouth, I regretted it. I didn’t know whether or not he’d get angry. He laughed, his chest vibrating against my body.
“I know,” he replied and we continued to sit together.

Notes