5. Staying

5.

I must have waited 45 minutes. I'm an idiot.

The number of negative thoughts that went through my mind was astronomical. Why am I still here?

"I'm so sorry!" Luke comes running towards me.

"Uhg, my boss saw me walk out the door and had me do the hard stuff."

Judging by his sweatiness and exhaustion, I believed it.

"Sorry." I replied.

"Hah! Why are you sorry?!" he laughed.

"I got you in trouble, and you look really tired." I look down, genuinely apologetic.

"So you're saying I look like crap?"

I looked up, shocked, "No, no, I'm sorry, I didn't mean that, I meant-"

"Chill bro, it's all good." he said with a smile, hitting me on the shoulder.

"I'm Luke, what's your name anyway? Pretty sure it's not 'Crazy' or 'Psycho'."

"Andy, or Andres is fine."

"I like Andy! Sounds good! Did you walk here?"

I nodded.

"I have someone to pick up, and I'm heading home after. Feel like tagging along? I'll take you home after. Should be fun!"

I stood there, speechless. What is going on? I just met this guy and he's treating me like we've been friends for a while. It feels.. nice. Definitely something I'm not used to.

"Sure." I said quietly with my head down.

"Let's go!"

He is way too happy.

I got into his beat up '96 Toyota Corolla and buckled up.

"What do you listen to?" he asked.

"Weird stuff." I say.

"Here's my phone, pick whatever you like." 

He handed me one of those fancy smartphones.

I look through and saw some Bob Dylan. I chose 'Chimes of Freedom'.

"Bobby! Love it."

I had a small smile as we drove in silence listening to it and I enjoyed the company. I didn't feel so alone. 

We turned  into a dingy looking street and the sun was already coming down. In a way, it looked like a comfortable kind of ghetto.

He unbuckles his seat belt and says, "I'll be right, right back!"

He's really excited for some reason.

He disappears around a car to the front door of this house and I wait patiently for his return. 

I'm close to home. Part of me thinks it might be a good idea to leave.. just to avoid interacting more.

Then I remember what awaits me at home, and I feel okay with my decision to stay.

Author's Note

Keep it light & friendly please.