Copyright and Disclaimer: 1. This is a fictional story with fictional characters. 2. No one is to steal this story under any circumstances. 3. This story deals with relationships and not sex, so if you're looking for a story with a lot of sex in it, this isn't the story for you.
Hey everyone! Hope you all are doing great! For everyone in the US, I hope you had a great Thanksgiving! Here's part 17, titled, "Bah! Humbug!"
"BAH! HUMBUG!"
"This way guys," Luke said as he was directing Shane and Ford, who were carrying his Christmas tree, into the living room of his condo. Benji was in the kitchen making the guys some lunch. Since he was still a little weak from his accident a couple weeks ago he got off the hook of having to carry in the big Christmas tree that Luke picked out.
"Let me ask you something. If this is your tree, why are Ford and I doing the heavy lifting?" Shane asked.
"Because you both love me," Luke joked.
"Can we just hurry and set this down? It's heavy," Ford complained.
"Okay, right in the corner of the living room would be fine," Luke said pointing to the corner of the room. Shane and Ford carried the tree over there and set it down. Luke admired his Christmas tree and took in the fresh smell of the pine needles, "Perfect!"
"Lunch is ready," Benji said carrying in a plate of sandwiches.
"Turkey sandwiches?" Shane asked. He then jabbed sarcastically, "I hope you didn't go through too much trouble."
"Hey! Did you expect a four star cuisine? I'm an injured man," Benji milked in his defense. Truth of the matter, for having been beaten up pretty badly a couple weeks ago, he looked pretty good. His left ribs had a minor fraction and he only had a couple bruises left on his face and arms. He looked 100 times better than he did when the guys saw him at the hospital.
"An injured `man?'" Shane asked, jokingly taking a jab at Benji's femininity.
"Oh shut the fuck up and eat a sandwich," Benji retorted with a mock glare.
"I can't believe Christmas is next week," Ford said. "This year has gone by fast."
"I'm glad this year is almost over," Benji said. "I definitely think it's time to start fresh."
"I agree," Luke added.
"So what are we doing for Christmas?" Ford asked.
"I'll be in LA visiting some old friends," Luke replied.
"I'm going to be with Brenda and Wyatt," Shane said.
"Wow, what a cute dysfunctional family Christmas you'll be having," Benji joked. "As for me, I'll be spending it with my boyfriend."
"Donovan is coming out?" Shane asked.
"Yeah. He felt so bad he couldn't come visit me in the hospital so he's going to come out and spend Christmas and New Years out here with me," Benji replied.
"Is he going to move out here with you?" Shane asked.
"We haven't decided that yet," Benji replied.
"Wait a second," Ford said. "We're finally all getting along again and we aren't going to spend Christmas together?"
"I'm sorry Ford, but we all have plans," Luke shrugged his shoulders. "We can spend New Years together though, sound good?"
"That means I'm going to be alone on Christmas," Ford sighed.
"You can spend it with Don and me," Benji suggested.
"I don't think that's such a great idea," Ford replied. He wanted to forgive and be friends with Benji again, but things were still a little bit awkward between them.
"It'll be fun," Benji said. "We can eat a nice meal together and watch Christmas specials on TV."
"I think I'll just go over to my parents' place," Ford replied. "Thanks though."
"Ford, how about we spend the day together?" Benji asked, sensing the remaining tension left between them.
"Today?" Ford asked.
"Yeah. We haven't done that in years. I think it would be nice," Benji replied.
Luke and Shane both looked over at Ford to see how he would reply. They too were eager to see Ford and Benji be good friends again.
"Um, sure," Ford said with slight uncertainty. He then turned his attention to Luke. "So, you're going to LA for Christmas?"
"Yeah," Luke replied. "My friend, Kurt, called me a couple months ago to invite me. I'm hoping Michael will go with me."
"Michael?" Ford asked. "Isn't it a little soon to be bringing him with you for holiday events?"
"Yeah, but I don't want to go to LA alone," Luke replied. "When I told Kurt I was going I had planned for Shane to come with me. For obvious reasons that's not happening anymore."
"Why do you need to have a date?" Benji asked.
"I just don't want my friends in LA to worry about me," Luke replied. "I want them to know I'm doing okay and having a date will show them that I've been able to move on from Nick."
"I see," Benji replied.
Shane remained quiet; a part of him wished he was still the one going up to LA on Christmas as Luke's date. He then looked at his watch and saw that he needed to start heading back to his apartment to get ready for his date with Jackson.
"Sorry to cut this short," Shane said standing up. "But I need to get going."
"Where you off to?" Ford asked.
"I have my first real date with Jackson tonight," Shane replied.
"Wow," Benji said. "That's exciting. What are you two doing?"
"We're just going to dinner and then go to some Jazz club that he likes," Shane replied.
"Awesome, well have fun," Benji said. "Ford and I should get going too."
"What are we doing?" Ford asked.
"We'll play it by ear," Benji said grabbing Ford by the arm and pulling him to the front door.
"Thank you guys for helping move the Christmas tree in here," Luke said to the guys as they headed out.
"No problem," Shane replied. "I'll talk to you later."
Luke closed the door and went to go decorate his Christmas tree. As he was hanging up the ornaments on the tree he pulled out an old one that had a lot of sentimental value to him. It was an ornament with a picture of him and Nick on it. He smiled remembering the Christmas when the two of them took the picture. It was their second Christmas together as a couple and their friend Kurt took the picture of them in front of the tree kissing under some mistletoe. He hung the ornament up and then took out another one, it was one with a picture of him and Shane on it together. That was another good Christmas. It was their first one as a couple and were exchanging gifts with one another when Ford took the picture of them. After he hung that ornament up he looked at his tree and couldn't help but realize that the tree was almost a representation of his love life with the pictures of Nick and Shane on it.
"This time next year I'll probably have another one with Michael on it," Luke joked to himself. After he finished decorating the tree he went to get changed to go see Michael.
An hour later, Benji and Ford were shopping together. The two of them were both obviously a bit nervous, but knew that they needed to spend time together in order to get back to how they were.
"That looks fabulous," Benji said referring to an olive colored jacket that Ford was admiring.
"You think?" Ford asked. "I don't know if I like the cut."
"It's great. Trust me, I'm an expert," Benji winked.
"You going to try on any clothes?" Ford asked. "You haven't been looking much."
"No, I'm good," Benji replied. Truth be told, since Benji got beaten up because of the way he dressed he began to subdue his style. On this day for example, he was wearing a simple pair of jeans with a white button up shirt and a grey jacket. A very unBenji-like-outfit.
"Everything okay?" Ford asked.
"I'm fabulous," Benji said half-heartedly.
"Benji, if we're going to get back to the way we were then we have to start opening up to each other again. So come on, tell me what's wrong," Ford said sincerely.
"I don't know what's wrong with me," Benji sighed. "It's just that ever since my whole ordeal a couple weeks ago I've been very hesitant about the clothes I wear. Clothes are my thing and now I'm not comfortable being myself."
"Sounds like you're scared," Ford said. "It's perfectly understandable after what you went through."
"But it's me," Benji pointed out. "You know me, I don't let people intimidate me into changing who I am. I've always been a very loud and proud person."
"Yeah, but you've never gotten beaten up because of it before," Ford said. "It takes time to recover from that."
"I just hope that I can get back to being me," Benji said.
"You will," Ford said. "If there's one thing I know for certain it's that no one has ever been able to keep you from being you."
Benji smiled, grateful to have Ford back in his life. "I missed this."
"What?" Ford asked.
"Talking to you like this," Benji replied. "It's nice."
"It really is," Ford smiled. "Come on, let's find you something `fabulous.'"
"Okay," Benji laughed as the two began to walk again.
"Ford?" a male voice called out from behind them. Benji and Ford both turned around and their eyes grew wide when they came face to face with Patrick.
"Patrick," Ford said stiffly. He wasn't sure how to talk to him.
"Oh wow. Benji, I didn't even recognize you from behind," Patrick said nervously. He began to regret approaching them in the first place.
"Hi," Benji said meekly. He looked over at Ford worried that he would get pissed and leave. The three of them stood there quietly, neither one knowing what to say to each other.
Meanwhile, Luke went over to Michael's place to hang out with him. They were both on the couch with one another kissing.
"I think I can kiss you all day," Michael said between kisses.
"I don't have a problem with that," Luke replied.
They kissed a little bit longer before taking a break to drink some wine.
"So what's with the lack of Christmas decorations?" Luke asked noting that Michael doesn't have a single decoration in his place.
"I don't really do much for the holidays," Michael shrugged. "Besides decorating means that I would have to take them down after the holidays and that's just one more thing I would have to do."
"You don't like the holidays?" Luke asked.
"Not really," Michael replied.
"What do you do for Christmas?" Luke asked. "Do you see your family?"
"Um...no," Michael replied. He hated talking about his family life. "I just stay in."
"So you don't have plans?" Luke asked.
"Nope," Michael replied.
"Well, how would you like to spend it with me?" Luke asked.
"I would love to," Michael answered giving Luke a kiss.
"I have to go up to LA and see some friends for Christmas dinner and I really would like to bring a date," Luke said.
"These your friends who were really close with your boyfriend who died?" Michael asked gently, not wanting to upset Luke by bringing Nick up.
"Yeah," Luke replied. "They've been a little worried about my personal life. I think if they see me with you they'll realize that I'm okay."
"Oh okay," Michael said.
"And it would be nice to introduce them to someone as great as you," Luke said giving Michael another kiss. "I guess you can say this is sort of like `meeting the parents.'" Luke let out a little laugh, but Michael suddenly got nervous. Luke didn't seem to notice however and went back to kissing Michael. He slowly began to unbutton his shirt, but Michael quickly stopped him.
"What's wrong?" Luke asked confused.
"I can't do this," Michael said standing up from the couch quickly, causing Luke to fall to the floor. Michael hurried to helped Luke up, "Sorry, are you okay?"
"I'm fine, just confused," Luke said. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing...I...um...just remembered that I have to go," Michael replied.
"What?" Luke asked. "You said you had the whole day free."
"No, I forgot I had a meeting for work," Michael replied quickly. "Sorry. I'll call you later."
Michael quickly rushed Luke to the door to get him out. Luke was totally confused, he had no idea what just happened. "Michael, what's going on?"
"Nothing. I really have to go though. I'll call you," Michael said giving Luke a quick kiss. "Bye."
Before Luke could say anything Michael closed the door on him. "Bye," Luke said waving at the door. He stood in confusion over the whole situation. They were just having a nice time and suddenly something happened, but he couldn't figure out what changed the mood.
While Luke was confused about how Michael felt about him, Shane had no such confusion about Jackson. Jackson was completely smitten with Shane and tonight they were going on their first official date together. He was at his place trying on clothes for his big date when Jackson called him up.
"If you're calling to cancel I am going to fire you," Shane joked answering the phone.
"I wouldn't dream of doing that," Jackson replied. Besides, I want to keep my job. I was calling to let you know that dinner reservations are at eight. It's a pretty expensive place. I didn't know you were into stuff like that."
"Mille Fleurs is amazing," Shane said. "You'll love it."
"I've never even heard of the place," Jackson laughed.
"Really? It's a great restaurant," Shane said. "Stick with me and I'll take you to a lot of great places."
"Are they all so expensive?" Jackson asked.
"Don't worry about dinner tonight," Shane said. "It's on me."
"No, I can afford to treat you," Jackson said.
"Yeah, but this was my idea tonight so don't worry about it," Shane said.
"Shane, I have money too. I may not have as much as you, but I can still afford to take you out," Jackson said.
"I'm sure you can, but tonight it's on me," Shane said. "Just look pretty and I'll pick you up at seven."
"Okay," Jackson sighed hanging up his phone. He suddenly began to worry, he began to think that maybe Shane was out of his league. He felt he needed to step up his game if he wanted to keep Shane in his life.
After Shane hung up the phone, he was finished picking out his date outfit. He couldn't help but notice that it was the same outfit he wore on his first date with Luke years ago. It was his favorite black and white striped Armani sweater and dark wash pair of jeans.
Shane sat down on his bed and thought about his first date with Luke. It was one of those perfect nights. They went to a Jazz club and held hands the entire night. Neither one could stop smiling. Shane remembered that it was the perfect first date.
As he began to think about his upcoming date with Jackson he couldn't help but wonder if his date with Jackson could even compare to his first date with Luke. He knew it was wrong to compare, but how could he not? Luke was a big part of his life.
Back at the mall, Benji and Ford both walked quietly to a nearby café and sat down to eat together. Benji kept looking up from his menu nervously wondering what was going through Ford's mind right now. He was worried that the progress they made was all for nothing now.
"The specials look good," Ford said, not taking his eyes off the menu.
"Yeah," Benji replied. He was in agony. He had to know if Ford was mad at him again or not. "Weird running into Patrick, huh?"
"I guess that's one way to put it," Ford replied.
"I'm sure you must be feeling a little angry," Benji said.
"I'm not sure yet how I feel," Ford replied, he still didn't look up from his menu to look at Benji.
"How did things end between the two of you after he told you what happened between him and I?" Benji asked.
"Some harsh words were exchanged," Ford replied. "But I don't want to talk about it."
"Ford, but-" Benji began, but Ford cut him off.
"Benji, I'm not mad at you, okay?" Ford asked. "But obviously seeing him brings up some bad feelings so just let me chill a little bit first."
"Okay," Benji replied. "But we're okay?"
"Yes," Ford said he looked up at Benji and gave a small smile to reassure Benji that things would be all right between them. Benji let out a sigh of relief, glad he still had his friend.
After Luke left Michael's place, he drove to downtown San Diego to walk around and clear his head over his confusion with Michael. As he was walking he bumped into an older woman wearing a black flowing gown and a deep red scarf draped around her neck.
"Sorry," Luke apologized after he bumped into her. She tensed up for a moment after she brushed shoulders with him.
"It's okay child," She replied in a scratchy voice. Luke was walking away from her when she turned back to him and called out, "Nick." Luke froze when he heard her call out that name. He slowly turned around to face her, when he made eye contact with her he saw a sadness in her eyes, even though he had no idea what she was thinking or feeling sympathy for her just by looking deep into her eyes. It's as if he knew she was carrying the weight of the world and no one could help her.
"Did you just say `Nick'?" Luke asked, his heart suddenly began to race.
"Yes," the old woman replied. "You knew someone named Nick."
"Yes," Luke replied hesitantly. "How did you know?"
"Come with me to my shop," the old woman said.
"Where's your shop?" Luke asked.
"It's just around the corner. Come child," she replied. She turned and began to walk. Luke wasn't sure if he should go, but he had to know what she was talking about. He follower her around the block and saw her open small little door. He looked at the sign above, `PSYCHIC CONNECTION.' Luke rolled his eyes, he was never one who believed in psychics.
"What is this?" Luke called out to the old woman. "You're a psychic?"
"I'm much more than that," she replied. "Come in."
"If this is some sort of scam to get me to pay you thirty dollars to read my fortune then I'm not interested," Luke said.
"Did I tell you to pay me money?" she asked.
"No," Luke replied, "But then-"
"Then come in. What do you have to lose?" she asked interrupting him.
"I guess you have a point," Luke said. He hesitantly followed her inside. It was a small little room with dark curtains hanging over the windows to block out the sunlight and a small circular wooden table in the center of the room with two chairs on either side. It was the typical psychic shop that he expected to find.
"Sit," she said gesturing to the chair on the opposite end of the table she was sitting at. Luke went and sat down.
"This is crazy," Luke said. "Who are you?"
"My name is Loraine," she replied.
"Why did you say Nick's name?" Luke asked.
"Luke, I'm not like other psychics," Loraine replied.
"How did you know my name?" Luke asked.
"How did I know the name of your old boyfriend?" Loraine retorted.
"This is not happening," Luke said beginning to get angry. "This has to be some kind of trick. How do you know so much about me?"
"I can't describe it. It's too complicated, but I know things and when I brushed past you out on the street I knew you were the next person I needed to help," Loraine said.
"Help? I don't need help," Luke said getting up from his chair and heading to the door to leave.
"Do you want to be reunited with Nick?" Loraine asked.
"If you're really a psychic then you would know that Nick is dead," Luke replied. "Why are you doing this? Why are you harassing me?"
"The Nick as you knew him may be dead, but in ways he is very much alive," Loraine replied cryptically.
"What are you talking about?" Luke asked.
"Do you believe in soulmates?" Loraine asked.
"I'm not really sure," Luke replied.
"You should," Loraine said, "Because Nick is yours and he's finding a way back to you."
"How is that possible?" Luke asked. Even though he was still very doubtful of Loraine and what she was saying, he couldn't help but be intrigued at the idea of Nick returning to him.
"You'll see," Loraine smiled. "See, I didn't even charge you for what I know."
Luke didn't know what to say or how to even begin to respond to what Loraine told him. He just smiled nervously and left.
That night, Shane was on his date with Jackson. On the drive to the restaurant, Shane noticed that Jackson wasn't his normal, goofy self. He was very reserved, very proper. He was very `Un-Jackson.' The two of them arrived at the restaurant together and both ordered a glass of red wine.
"To our first date," Jackson said raising his glass.
"To our first date," Shane repeated as they clinked their glasses together. After he took a sip of his drink he began to look at the menu and make conversation. "So how's your latest piece going for work?"
"It's going wonderfully," Jackson replied politely.
"Wonderfully?" Shane asked. "That's a word I've never heard you use."
"Don't be silly, I say that all the time," Jackson responded properly. "I heard that the Dover Sole and Salmon Souflee is amazing."
"Oh yeah?" Shane asked amused. He knows that Mille Fleurs isn't exactly the type of restaurant that Jackson frequents, "Do you even know was Dover sole is?"
"Of course. It's a Hawaiian delicacy," Jackson replied.
"Not even close," Shane laughed. "It's a flatfish found mostly in the Atlantic ocean."
"I knew that," Jackson tried playing it off.
"Jackson, why are you acting so weird?" Shane asked.
"I don't know what you mean," Jackson replied. "Shall we begin our meal with the Ahi Tartar in Cucumber Cannelloni."
"Um, okay," Shane replied. He couldn't help but be a little disappointed that Jackson wasn't acting like himself. "You sure you're all right?"
"I'm perfect," Jackson replied. Shane sighed taking a gulp of his wine. If this was how the rest of the date was going to go, it would definitely not be as good as his first date with Luke.
When Luke got back to his place he couldn't get Loraine's words out of his head. What did she mean when she told him that Nick would be returning to him? He had to talk to someone who would understand how painful this is to him. He grabbed his phone and called Kurt.
"Hey Luke," Kurt said answering his phone. He was at his place babysitting his friend, Leo's baby son, Liam.
"Hey Kurt," Luke replied. He smiled, it felt nice to hear his voice. "How are you?"
"I'm good. I'm babysitting Liam right now," Kurt said.
"How is the little guy?" Luke asked. "I still can't believe that Leo's a father now."
"I know, it's crazy," Kurt replied. "Liam's good though."
"How's Leo?" Luke asked.
"He's okay. He's still separated from Jesse," Kurt sighed. "I'm still hoping they'll get back together."
"Yeah, I hope so too," Luke replied.
"So what's up?" Kurt asked. "Wait a second, you're not calling to cancel on Christmas are you?"
"No, I'll be there," Luke replied. "And don't worry, I'm bringing someone with me."
"Wait, you are?" Kurt asked surprised.
"Yeah," Luke replied. "I thought that was why you wanted to see me, make sure I've moved on."
"Oh, um, yeah. Of course," Kurt lied. Truth was, he was hoping that Luke hadn't moved on from Nick completely cause he still hasn't moved on fully from his best friend's death.
"Anyway, I wanted to call cause something weird happened today," Luke said.
"What happened?" Kurt asked.
"I ran into this woman today and she told me something really odd," Luke replied. "I bumped into her and then she turned to me and said `Nick.'"
"What?" Kurt asked confused. "Out of nowhere she said `Nick'?"
"Yeah," Luke replied. "Isn't that weird? She knew about Nick without even knowing me or anything about me."
"Oh my God," Kurt said in shock. "What else did she say?"
"That's the weird thing," Luke replied. "She told me that Nick was going to find a way back to me, but he wouldn't be coming back as he used to be."
"She thinks Nick is going to come back?" Kurt asked, the idea sounded like a wish that would never come true.
"Yeah. Do you think it's possible?" Luke asked. "I never really believed in reincarnation, but maybe it's true. Maybe Nick is coming back."
"Luke, don't read too much into it," Kurt said. "It'll drive you crazy. There has to be an explanation for it."
"Do you think she was lying?" Luke asked.
"Honestly, yes," Kurt replied.
"Well how did she know about Nick?" Luke asked. "She knew about Nick, she knew my name before I even told it to her."
"Luke, you've written about Nick in the past in your columns and on your blog," Kurt said. "She probably has read your columns and saw you and saw an opportunity to get some publicity."
"You think so?" Luke asked.
"Of course," Kurt replied. "Luke, as much as I wish he could, Nick's not coming back."
"I guess you're right," Luke said. "It makes sense. She probably recognized me and was hoping to get me to write about her on the blog."
"Exactly," Kurt said. "Don't think about it."
"Yeah. You're right," Luke said. "Thanks Kurt. I needed someone to clear it up for me. I was driving myself crazy wondering if it was even possible."
"I wish it was," Kurt sighed.
"Sorry. I didn't mean to bring up sad memories," Luke said.
"It's okay," Kurt replied. "It's a nice thought that Nick could come back to us."
"Yeah," Luke sighed. He realized that it was just wishful thinking. He decided to let it go and changed the subject and caught up some more with Kurt.
After dinner, Jackson and Shane were walking around together. During the entire dinner Jackson kept talking about politics, world issues, and current events; topics that he never usually talks about and it was annoying Shane. They were quiet as they walked around together.
"Do you want to grab some dessert someplace?" Jackson asked, breaking the silence.
"Um, you know. I think I should just go home," Shane replied.
"It's only nine-thirty," Jackson pointed out.
"Yeah, but I have some stuff I need to do tomorrow," Shane said. He wanted to end the date quickly. He wasn't having the fun he was hoping he'd have.
"Wait, is something wrong?" Jackson asked.
"Honestly? Yes," Shane replied. "You're acting weird. You aren't acting like yourself at all. I wanted to go on a date with Jackson and instead I got this uptight, prim and proper dude and I don't like him."
"Wait, I thought you wanted this," Jackson said.
"No," Shane replied. "What gave you that idea?"
"Well, when we talked on the phone earlier it seemed like you only liked going to high-class places and I thought you would want me to be a little more cultured," Jackson said.
"No," Shane said. "I want you to be like you. Jackson, I like you for who you are. I wouldn't want you to be any different."
"Really?" Jackson asked. "I just want to make sure you know that I can't always afford to take you to nice places. I'm not poor or anything, but I don't think I'm quite at your social class level."
"Jackson, have I ever done anything to make you feel like you needed to be anything other than what you are?" Shane asked.
"No," Jackson replied.
"Just be yourself and we'll be good, okay?" Shane asked giving him a kiss.
"Okay," Jackson replied.
"So how about we do something where you act like yourself," Shane said.
"You want to have a `Jackson-fied' date?" Jackson asked.
"Please," Shane replied, relieved that Jackson was now being himself.
"Okay, come on," Jackson said taking Shane's hand. Thirty minutes later they ended up at a bowling alley. Jackson got them a pitcher of beer and they had the next hour and a half to bowl together. It was the most fun the Shane has had in a long time. He never laughed so much. He was happy because his first date with Jackson ended up being the best first date he's been on.
Ford and Benji arrived back at Ford's place and were standing out front of his door.
"So today was kind of weird," Benji said.
"Yeah," Ford replied. "It was definitely odd seeing Patrick."
"Listen Ford, I just wanted to say-" Benji began, but Ford cut him off.
"Benji, you've already apologized," Ford said. "We both just have to move on from it. It happened a long time ago. I don't want to dwell on it anymore."
"I just feel so bad still," Benji said. "It was the worst thing I've ever done."
"It's okay," Ford said. "Almost losing you a couple weeks ago made me realize that it doesn't matter what you did. I need you in my life. I need you as my best friend."
"I love you sweetie," Benji said giving Ford a hug.
"Love you too," Ford smiled. "Glad to have you back."
After facing Patrick, the two of them realized that nothing would be able to tear them apart from each other again. They would always be best friends.
Luke was sitting in his condo reading when Michael came over to see him.
"What are you doing here?" Luke asked opening the door. "I thought you had stuff to do."
"I'm sorry about earlier," Michael replied. "I just came to tell you that I forgot that I would be busy on Christmas."
"What?" Luke asked. "You said you don't do anything."
"I know, but I forgot that I had a thing to do," Michael replied. "So I can't go with you to your friend's place. I'll see you after the holidays. Merry Christmas."
"Michael, what's going on with you?" Luke asked. "We were just starting to get real close and you're pulling away."
"I'm not," Michael said. "But I have to go."
"So you're not going to see me at all until after Christmas?" Luke asked. "What's up with that?"
"I'm going to be really busy with work and stuff," Michael said. "I'm sorry. I'll see you later. I promise."
"Fine," Luke sighed. He closed the door on Michael angrily. "Bah humbug to you too." He went back to his couch to sit down and think. He began to think back to what Loraine said. He really wished that Nick was back with him at this moment. He wouldn't feel so alone with Nick.
To Be Continued...
With any comments, questions or feedback, please email me at ilj4ever44@yahoo.com.