16 - i'll make a deal with you

                                    

                                          
As soon as the bell rang, I was the first one of the classroom door from English. Right behind me was Ashton, who grabbed my arm and turned me around to face him.
                          
When I saw it was him, I tried to turn away, but he had too strong a grip on me.
                          
"Tavie, I'm sorry I hurt your brother." He told me, his eyes holding my gaze determinedly.
                          
I sighed, shaking my head. "Why did you do it?" I asked.
                          
He opened him mouth as if he was going to say something, but then closed it again when he realised he didn't have an answer.
                          
I nodded. "Goodbye, Ashton. Don't speak to me again until you have an actual answer."
                          
I pulled out of his grip and walked quickly away to meet Luke.
                          
When I got to the place we were going to meet, I saw him leaning against a tree.
                          
He spotted me immediately and pushed away from the tree so he was standing upright. He pulled me in for a hug when he saw my upset expression and muttered soothing words to comfort me. "I'm sorry about your brother." He told me, stroking my red hair.
                          
I shook my head and pulled away. "It doesn't matter." I responded, smiling weakly up into his shimmering blue eyes.
                          
He nodded and smiled back.
                          
"So, will you go on a date with Cara?" I asked him, getting straight to the point. I wanted to get this conversation over with so I could go and visit Aaron in the hospital.
                          
Luke bit his lip. "I'll make a deal with you." He replied.
                          
I nodded, encouraging him to continue.
                          
"I will go on a date with Cara, if you come with me." He answered.
                          
I narrowed my eyes at him. "Why do I need to go with you?"
                          
"Emotional support." He was quick to reply. Too quick...
                          
I shook my head to rid all doubtful thoughts and immediately agreed. I needed to go visit Aaron. "Okay, fine. Here's Cara'a number, you text her and me the details and I'll be there." I told him, then ran away so I could see Aaron.
                          
I only processed what I had agreed to when I got into bed that evening.
                          
_________
                          
Tut tut Luke, you shouldn't manipulate Tavie when she's in a rush.