You're all at Naley's house for dinner. Jamie has already fallen asleep, thanks to Sam's re-telling of her newest short film concept. It's moments like these that makes you really think about your life. At sixteen, you envisioned something so different, but now, at twenty three, you can't imagine it being anything else.
Lucas and Peyton are re-telling their light hearted banter of baby names, purposely stressing on how they have a perfect, traditional family.
You know they think yours is as dysfunctional as they come.
When Lucas excuses himself to the bathroom, you instantly follow him.
'You could be a little more grateful, you know?'
He squints, but this time I know he knows exactly what I'm implying.
'If it wasn't for Julian's interest in your novel, you wouldn't be here right now. Swapping funny stories of baby names, dressing Peyton in designer shoes. You would be brooding over little Scott's college tuition. So Jesus Luke, be a bit more grateful.'
He nods. But you know that his nods don't mean the same as Julian's does.
I start to walk back when he calls my name. Always wanting the last word, Lucas.
'Brooke…' He doesn't finish, and I turn to face him, my face cold.
'Don't make me choose Luke, don't make me choose between him and you guys.'
Because you're actually scared of what you might give up for him.
Everything.
You're not surpised to find out that the whole table heard your conversation.
But you're surprised that after only three months, he tells you that he loves you.
He begs you not to say it back, because he wants you to tell him on your own terms.
You know he's leaving soon, the movie is wrapping up.
And it scares the hell out of you, because after this, everything will be unleased. The gang, you, him, your relationship, your emotions. Sam will miss him terribly too.
Two months later, you're more jumpy, fretty, nervous.
Because the day is approaching.
But one morning, over Sam's waffles, your coffee and his hot tea, he brings up the topic of Peyton's artwork. You wonder why the hell he even brought it up. But you go along with it anyway.
'Do you remember the one with the traffic lights, the really emo one?'
Despite the situation, you let out a low chuckle and nod.
'Yeah, people always leave.' He pauses for effect and you have no idea why this random conversation on a Saturday morning feels like such a metaphorical one.
'Well, I think that's bullshit, don't you agree?"
And you can't help but find his totally predictable effort to be unpredictable, so adorable.
That's it guys. Thanks to whoever's reading this! I hope you've enjoyed it. Please leave some feedback/consructive criticism.