Page 36 of Autumn Secrets
“I honestly don’t know, but I don’t think so. Not really. I mean, why would he? How? Then again, what do I know about him? He also has this girlfriend who no one has ever seen or heard of. It’s just really weird…”
“I think he likes you, girlfriend or not.”
A part of me wished for it to be true, but I’d met Evangeline. She was pure beauty. He would choose her over me any day.
After a little while, we tried to call Lexi’s parents again, but still couldn’t get hold of them. “Do you want to stay at my place tonight?” I asked.
“Is that okay?”
“Of course, it is.”
“What about your mum?”
“She won’t mind. She’s at work anyway, and she hates when I’m home alone.”
Lexi packed a bag and we were about to get in my car, when a different car pulled up in the driveway, blocking mine in.
“It’s Luca. I didn’t know he was coming.” Lexi smiled, throwing her bag into the back seat and waving towards his car.
“Hi, girls, going somewhere?” he asked as he jumped out to embrace Lexi and give her a passionate kiss.
“I’m staying with Aurora tonight, just until we can get hold of my parents.”
“What about them?” Luca asked and looked at us.
“Well, I’m not sure they’ll be home tonight…” Lexi started.
“But I saw them at the supermarket, like ten minutes ago,” Luca chimed in.
“You did?”
“Yep. I didn’t talk to them, but I definitely saw them.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes, of course I’m sure.”
Lexi looked at me. “Oh. Okay. I might as well stay here then?”
“Oh, sure,” I said and tried to hide my disappointment. I was hoping to have Lexi to myself tonight without any interruptions, especially from Luca. That clearly wasn’t going to happen. I should have told her how I felt about him when I had the chance.
“Well, I better go. It’s getting dark.” I pulled my car keys out of my pocket.
“Okay, I’ll see you at school tomorrow. I’ll just grab my bag,” Lexi said and walked over to my car again.
I stared at Luca, who grinned at me. “Nice to see you again, Aurora.” He winked.
I looked around to make sure that Lexi couldn’t hear me, because I couldn’t hold it in anymore. “I wish I could say the same.”
Then I turned away from him and got in my car.There, now he knew how I felt. As much as I wanted to take Lexi with me, I had to say goodnight and leave them alone. At least Lexi’s parents were on their way home. I hoped.
I was on my way back home when a scary thought entered my head: what if Luca was lying about seeing her parents? What if he was the one causing all this confusion for Lexi? But then, how on earth would he be able to do that? It’s not like he had some kind of mind control skills – that would be ridiculous.Right?!
As soon as I’d pulled in at home and turned the engine off, I picked up my phone and called Lexi. Just to make extra sure she was okay. She answered on the second ring.
“Aurora?”
“Lexi, just checking that everything is okay.”