Chapter 12

I quickly whipped up some ice cream and served it in tiny dessert plates, arranging them neatly on the dining table. "Ta-da! Dessert is ready," I announced.

They both quietly came over and took a seat.

"You guys, dessert on the dining table? That doesn't sound fun. Let's continue our game in the living room."

So, they quietly took their dessert plates and went to sit on the floor again. They were both still shook from my words.

"Um, Claire, why don't we watch a movie now to sign off the game?" Lucas suggested.

"Oh, that's a good idea, Luke," Darren agreed.

We decided to watch a rom-com movie. Darren sat next to me on my left, and Lucas sat next to me on my right.

As the movie began, the room quickly filled with laughter and smiles, the comedy lifting everyone's spirits.

"I wish this dude could just see what this girl is trying to say," Lucas muttered, frustrated at the male lead who kept fumbling in getting the girl.

""Yeah, he's so clueless," Darren added, chuckling.

I glanced at both of them and playfully smacked their heads. They cried out in pain, “Ow!"

"What are you saying? The dude is clearly stupid. He doesn't see anything, is he blind?!” I lamented, gesturing at the TV.

“Come on, Claire. That's not it," Darren said.

“That's so it, Darren," I firmly said.

“Don't you think so, Lucas?" I asked, noticing Lucas was much quiet than usual.

“Lucas... Luke!" I called out.

He jumped, startled. “What? What did you say?"

“Luke, what's wrong? Was it what I said? The movie? If it's about what I said, you don't have to worry. I'll support your decisions. If it's about the movie, just chill," I said.

“Yeah, man. What she said," Darren added, pointing to me.

“I'm okay, guys. I was just thinking of something. I'm really fine," Lucas reassured us.

I put my arms around both of them and leaned back. “You guys, you need me," I said proudly.

“You two are so dense about basic life things," I said, laughing.

Shortly after, I fell asleep. I didn't really know what happened while I was out, but the movie had already ended.

“Aww, you guys couldn't even wake me up?” I said sadly.

“You seemed like you needed it," Lucas said.

“Yeah, I haven't been sleeping well lately," I sighed.

We concluded dinner, and it was time to go home.

“I'll drop you off at home, Claire,” Lucas offered.

Darren shook my hand. "It was nice meeting and getting along with you, Cee.”

"Me too, Darr," I smiled back.

"Hey! Only Lucas calls me that," he teased.

"Is that true, Luke?” I asked Lucas.

"Hey, only Darren calls me that," he replied.

"Ouu, it seems the best friends are even closer than the eyes see.”

"Hey, hey, don't get silly ideas, silly girl,” Darren teased.

"Shut it!” Lucas and I said in unison, which made me burst into laughter.

I waved goodbye to Darren and headed outside to Lucas's car.

Lucas coughed, "I hope you didn't feel awkward tonight."

“What do you mean, Lucas? I had the most fun I've had in a while! Woohoo!"

He smiled. “I'm happy you're happy. I hope I'm forgiven, Cee."

“Oh sure, love, you're forgiven," I said giddily.

“Alright, let's take you home then," he said.

The drive home was wrapped in a comforting silence. I was glad. Reconnecting with Lucas felt like a great opportunity, even though I hardly showed it to him.

He has always been there for me, saving me when I couldn't save myself. It's surprising how Darren is his only friend, given Lucas's potential to befriend the whole world. I guess that's what makes him special, what makes him Lucas Green.

I breathed in the fresh night air and sighed happily, enjoying the view. Lucas seemed to be enjoying my company too, stealing glances at me every now and then. With my head slightly out the window, I relished the drive.

"Hey Lucas," I called out.

"Huh?" He answered, glancing at me again.

"Why do you keep staring? I mean, glancing, every second," I asked, already sitted comfortably, looking at him, awaiting his response.

"Oh, I just wanted to check if you were fine. My bad," he said, slightly smiling as his lips and eyes curved upwards.

I laughed a little. "Oh, it's okay. I just wanted to know if there was a big reason for it. It's fine."

"Oh, okay. You're okay with it? That's nice," he said, content.

We reached my house a few minutes before midnight. "Claire, we're home now," Lucas said, looking at my house and parking in front of my yard.

"Yeah, we are," I replied, settling comfortably in my seat and gazing at Lucas. "Hey Lucas, thank you for everything."

I smiled heartily at him, appreciating the choices I've made so far. Lucas has a natural way of making me feel safe. Every single occurrence has been woven into my heart.

"Why do you keep staring at me, Claire?" he asked, a glint in his eyes.

"Oh, nothing, Mr. Lucas Green. I was just appreciating your presence in my life," I said, smiling.

Lucas sat more comfortably, facing me. "Mmm, Claire Ravenwood, I'm also very happy about your presence in my life and I hope we'll make the best out of it because we have a long way to go." He extended his hand for a handshake.

I shook his hand and smiled at him, I was all flushed. I got out of the car and waved.

"Good night, Lucas. Text me when you get home," I said.

"Good night, Claire," he waved back.

"Yeah and say hi to Darren for me," I added.

"Sure thing. Bye. See you at school next week."

He drove off. "Next week? Isn't he coming to school for the remaining days of the week?" I raised my eyebrows in confusion, as I walked towards my front door.

I walked into my house, inhaling the sweet, familiar scent. Mom was finishing up in the kitchen, wearing her greasy apron as she cleaned the countertops.

"Mom, I'll be upstairs," I said, sticking out my head behind the kitchen doors.

She turned to look at me, a warm smile on her face. "Did you have a good time, sweetie?"

"Yeah, it was great," I replied.

"That's good to hear," she said, turning back to fold the rag. "Make sure to get some rest."

"I will. Goodnight, Mom," I said, heading upstairs.

"Goodnight, Claire," she replied.

I made my way to my room, still buzzing from the night's events. As I closed the door behind me, I couldn't help but replay the evening in my mind.

I took a shower, changed into my pyjamas and climbed into bed, feeling happy, content and so famished.

“Ughh, I need my beauty sleep" I said as I put my hand on my head, dramatically.

Before drifting off to sleep, I checked my phone upon seeing a message notification.

“I'm home now Claire. Thank you for making this night memorable. Good night." Sent 11:51pm.

I giggled and replied.

"Thank you for tonight, Lucas. I had a wonderful time. Goodnight!" Sent 12:20am

I hit send and placed my phone on the nightstand. Smiling to myself, I closed my eyes, letting the warmth of the evening's memories lull me to sleep.

My eyes shot open upon remembering that there was another message notification.

I took my phone from the night stand and sat up. I opened the message box from Blake.

“Babe, we need to talk. Goodnight.” Sent 9:36pm

"Oh shoot, 9:36pm. I was busy flirting with the weirdo friends.” I said, biting my fingernails nervously.

“I wonder what it is he wants to talk about." I said, raising my head and looking into nothingness, replaying everything I've done and said so far.

“Okay sure." I replied.

I shrugged and turned off my phone. I put it in my drawer and tucked myself in my bed. I had no pang of guilt in me, so I quickly drifted to sleep.