~Chapter 11~

A/N- Chapter 11, Woo! I have a good feeling that you'll like this chapter :D thanks for reading! Please don't forget to vote or comment! (:

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(Recap)

"Hey Mol! What's going on?"

I asked, not too sure whether I wanted to know.

"Oh well I just thought I'd put out a big meal because-" She was interrupted by the doorbell.

I held up a finger, letting her know I'd be back in a minute, as I retreated from the kitchen and answered the door.

"Hey sweetcakes!"

Oh, explains why Molly was doing what she was doing.

(End of Recap)

"....Dad? You're home early.. You didn't even call!" I huffed, trying not to make eye contact.

"Yeah, well. You should be glad I'm home to spend time with you. "

My father and I didn't have the greatest relationship anymore. We did once, when mum was still alive. But after she died he distanced himself from Daniel and myself, letting his work slowly take over his life until he was hardly ever home and we hardly ever saw or heard from him. He usually called us before he returned home, so I wasn't really prepared for him to turn up at the doorstep randomly. Sure, I loved him. But I was angry that he distanced himself from me, when I needed him most. I'd lost one parent, I didn't need to lose two. I guess I did though. But Molly being there for me like a mother was definitely a plus. I just felt sorry for Daniel going through his teenage years without a male figure to look up to.

There's nothing we could do about it though. It was all in the past.

When I didn't answer him he sighed and pushed past me into the house.

"Molly! You're cooking me a feast again aren't you? Oh wow, you're the best."

We sat down to eat in an awkward silence.

After dinner, my phone buzzed.

* 1 New Message From- Luke

• Hey Lex, I've got the house to myself for a few hours tonight, wanna come over? •

I replied instantly.

• I just spent half a day with you Lukey.. but okay! I'll get Daniel to drive me. •

Now all I had to do was convince Daniel to drive me to Luke's house.

My phone buzzed again.

• I know but I miss you.. •

I grinned. Luke missed me? Awww! Truthfully, I missed him too. I texted him back, confirming his address before pulling a hoodie on and slipping my phone into the pocket.

"Dan!!!"

I banged on his bedroom door impatiently. Knowing him, he'd be playing his Xbox or something, blocking the world out.

After a few minutes of consistent banging, the door opened.

"What."

"Drive me to Luke's please?"

He sighed, but then smiled.

"Sure!"

I was slightly surprised that he agreed right away. Usually he'd refuse, saying he was busy or didn't want to, and we'd argue until someone made a deal, meaning I'd have to something for him if he'd take me somewhere. I have my license, but only my L's, so I cant drive without a fully licensed driver, whereas Daniel had his red P's. Tonight he seemed happy to get out of the house.

Both Daniel and I had to grow up pretty fast. I was only ten when everything happened with Mum, Dan only eleven.

Being so close In age made our relationship strong. It got stronger when we were practically left with no one but each other, with dad away so often. He's always been super protective over me, more so in the last couple of years, but I think now that we're both closer to being adults he's letting go a bit. Especially when it comes to boys. I think because he met Michael and bonded so well with him he understands that the boys aren't idiots and they'll look after me. Although he doesn't know about Luke and I..

"Text me when you're done, don't be out late little sis! Oh, and MAKE SURE YOU USE A CONDOM!" Dan winked, yelling out the open window of the car as he sped away. I stood open mouthed on the gutter, he did not just say that!

Looks like Daniel knows about Luke and I.

The porch light flicked on, and a head poked out the front door.

"Lexi? Is that you?"

I laughed, making my way along the driveway, up a few steps, and onto the lit porch toward the head.

"No it's Dorothy the dinosaur." I replied sarcastically. Luke chuckled and opened the door for me.

I don't know what I expected his house to look like, but it was exactly what I'd imagined it to be. It was of the larger sort, modern but in a homey sort of way, making me feel comfortable and welcome the second I set foot inside. The kitchen and living room were joined, making the place feel more open than it probably was.

The tv was on, showing some game quiz show. Luke motioned for me to sit on the lounge next to him. We watched for a few minutes before he broke the silence.

"Hey, you know the other day.. When I walked you home and I asked about your Mum?"

I looked to the ground, preparing myself for what was to come.

"Mm?"

Luke placed his finger under my chin, lifting my head up and to the side to meet his gaze. I was drawn into his eyes instantly, a look of concern in them.

"Tell me. Please Alexis."

He used my full name. It was something about the way he looked at me, how the look of concern in his eyes changed to a look of care, that made me realise that I'd have to tell him eventually anyway, and that I could trust him with my everything.

"When I was ten, uh.. My Mum, well she got really run down suddenly, tired all the time, that sort of stuff. Dad worked lots, well, not as much as he does now, but still lots. He cared for her while Daniel and I were at school and then after that it was up to us to look after her until he got home. All I can say is, we grew up really quick."

Luke stared at me, slipping his around my waist comfortingly and pulling me closer to him. He nodded, wanting me to go on when I was ready.

"Anyway one day after school Daniel went to sleep over his friend's house, and I was left to look after Mum on my own. She was having some chest pains, and told me to run down to the corner shop and get her something to help her. She gave me money, smiled and told me she loved me, as she always did whenever anyone left. I did as I was told, going to the chemist, paying for the medicine. I had some change left, and on my way back I passed a lolly shop. Usually, I'd walk past it and go home, but that day I had extra money.. And being the ten year old I was I couldn't resist going in. I spent too long there and when I walked back to the house and called her name she didn't answer."

I could feel the tears pricking my eyes, and I fought to keep them in.

"She'd had a heart attack Luke. I walked into her room and she was on the ground. Cold. Dead. Lifeless. I remember it as though it was yesterday. Heart disease or something. I don't even know. I didn't want to know, it wasn't important to me. All that I wanted was my Mum to walk into my room, healthy and happy, and hold me, telling me everything would be okay. But she never did."

My voice started to go a little husky, and I could feel a lump at the back of my throat. I was determined not to cry.

"This is why I should've let you kiss me that day. I liked you, heck, I liked you the second we met. I mean what if that was the last time I saw you? What if you didn't want to be friends with me after that? It would've been too late. I should've just taken that chance."

Luke pulled me closer to him.

"She died because I was too late. I dont want to be late for anyone in my life ever again, Luke."

I whispered, a tear streaming down my face as he wrapped his other arm around me and put my head on his shoulder.

"You'll never be too late for me Lexi."

He whispered back.

"I'd wait forever for you."

And then I couldn't hold it in anymore. I broke down, sobbing uncontrollably into Luke's shoulder.