Luna


I don’t think I’ve ever felt more tired. My eyes are puffy and I feel like they could drop at any moment. My body is stiff, almost as if I couldn’t move, even if I wanted to. It is just too tiring. I have one of the worst migraines ever and the only thing I want to do right now is take a long bath and sleep for two years straight. But I can’t allow myself that kind of relaxation right now.

I have been studying for finals all week, though I am pretty sure I would still get a good grade even if I didn’t. I actually pay attention in class and do my homework, so last minute studying isn’t something I need, but I still do it just because I feel the need of following this stereotype.
Everyone does it, I don’t like feeling left out. So today after I only had about five hours of sleep and literally dragged myself to school, I decided to come and drink some tea while going through all my notes, but it feels like every word I read slips from my head right away.

I rest my head in my palms for a few moments and rub my tired eyes. I can’t remember the last time I felt like this or looked like this. I didn’t even dare take a second glance in the mirror today; I would have probably cried seeing how drained of color my face looks. I can’t even run my fingers through my tangled hair because they would most likely get stuck in the long messy locks. I am a complete mess.

Even the girl that usually doesn’t take second glances at me after taking my order looked at me very sympathetically. I appreciate it, but at the same time it makes me feel even worse knowing that people feel bad for the way I look. What has my life become.

Every sound is amplified by ten times for me and when my phone rings really loudly it sends a wave of pain through my head which makes me wince. I take my phone out of my pocket just to get it to stop ringing already, although my movements are really slow. I don’t even read the caller ID right because it looks extremely blurry; I need to wear my glasses more often, not just when I’m reading. Answering the phone call, I mumble a very short “hello” and I would be surprised if the person on the other line even heard it. But they do and I thank God that I don’t have to repeat myself louder.

“Luna, darling!” My father’s overly excited voice makes a smile appear on my face.

“Hi, dad.” I whisper and close my eyes, giving up on looking decent and just dropping my head on the table to rest for a few moments.

“I have amazing news.” He says and I can’t suppress the small giggle that falls from my mouth when I hear his accent that I have missed this past couple of weeks. “She said yes!” I roll my eyes.

“Of course she said yes, dad. Did you seriously expect her to say no?” I knew Janine would say yes to marrying him, they love each other and it was about time they got married. They are grownups, a relationship would eventually lead to marriage at their age.

“You have no idea how nervous I was.” I can only imagine. He most likely stuttered out all of his words when he asked her to marry him and maybe even dropped the ring for all I know before putting it on her finger. He is very clumsy and as I said, I get that from him.

“Well I am happy for you.” I smile and I hear the sound of a door closing from his line.

“Oh, that’s Janine, she just got home.” He announces and I nod, although only a few seconds later I realize he can’t see me. “Come over for dinner sometime, okay? We both can’t wait to see you.”

“I will, I promise.” I smile at the thought of finally having a nice dinner with my father and his now fiancée. We haven’t done that in a while. “Tell her I said hi and that I will see you guys soon.”

“I will. I love you, Luna.” He says before hanging up.

“Love you too.” I mumble and take the phone away from my ear and let it drop back on the table with my eyes still closed.

I swear it is only a few seconds later that I hear it ring again. What now?

“Yeah?” I answer tiredly again and I hear a chuckle on the other side.

“Hi, Luna.” My eyes open this time and I look at who called me, before speaking again.

“Oh, hey Ashton.” I say and rub my eyes.

“You seem tired.” Thanks for pointing out the obvious.

“I am tired.” I sigh and close the book in front of me that I am pretty sure I drooled onto. “I only got about five hours of sleep last night.”

“You should have told me to bring you home earlier.” He says concerned but I shrug his comment off because I didn’t want to do that. I enjoyed his company way too much.

“It’s alright, I’ll go to bed earlier today.” Which reminds me I should probably go home so I can have a long night sleep.

“If you’re still feeling like this tomorrow, don’t worry about coming to my graduation, honestly you don’t even have to, it’s like no big deal.” I roll my eyes while putting my books away in my bag.

“You make it sound like you don’t want me to be there. If that’s the case, just tell me Ashton, I won’t be mad.” It would make me feel really bad, yes, but I would understand if he didn’t want me to come.

“God, no, of course I want you to come. I mean, I invited you after all, I just want to make sure you’ll feel alright. You know, so you don’t fall asleep there while I get my diploma.” He laughs and I do as well, only with less energy.

“I won’t, I can promise you that. I’ll even make sure to sleep for like twelve hours just so that doesn’t happen.” I smile and get my backpack, before leaving some money on the table and getting up to leave.

“That’s good, it sounds like you really need it.” I don’t know if I should feel offended, but he’s right, so I don’t. I wave at the girl behind the counter and she nods in my direction before I get out of the small shop.

“Well good thing you can’t see me right now.” I head towards the nearest cab I see because I don’t think I am capable of walking to my house, even though it’s not that far away, but I feel like I might fall at any moment now.

“I’m sure you don’t look as bad as you think.” Oh only if you knew.

“Trust me on that, I do.” I climb into the taxi and give the driver my address. “Maybe you should text me where I should come tomorrow, you know, there are a lot of schools in LA.” I don’t even know what time I should be there, I guess I haven’t really thought about that.

“Oh, sorry, completely slipped my mind.” He chuckles. “I’ll send you all the details later, right now I kind of need to take a shower and I could also use a really long good night sleep.” I sigh just thinking about sleeping. I can’t wait to do just that.

“Okay, I guess I’ll see you tomorrow.” I look out the window, watching the tall buildings the car passes by. “Good luck.”

“Thank you.” I can almost hear the smile in his voice. “Goodnight, Luna.”

“Night.” After that I hang up.

As soon as I get home I take probably the longest shower of my life. The hot water burning my skin makes me want to just spend the rest of my life there in the steamy bathroom. After that I check my phone to see that it is now nine o’clock and also that I got my text from Ashton. I should be there at ten. Well, in that case I guess I should probably just go to sleep now. I set my alarm for the next morning and I don’t know for sure if I set it for nine or eight, but I don’t feel like I am able to see anything right at the moment. Not even thinking twice, I jump under the covers and almost immediately fall into a deep slumber.


I hate rushing in the morning, I knew I should have double checked if my alarm was right. I woke up at nine and a half instead of eight. Not that I need a lot of time to get ready, but I still don’t like knowing that there are chances of me being late. After basically running all around my room getting ready and not even having time to eat breakfast, I call a cab and wait for another five minutes for it to arrive. I haven’t actually gotten my hair to look this neat in a really long time. Instead of the usual messy braids I put through it, I got it up in a neat bun. I feel like wearing a dress would be just a bit too much, so I decide on a pair of washed out denim jeans and a white sleeveless button down. I look decent, what a surprise, I bet mom would be really proud to see me like this.

After taking my phone and quickly sending Ashton a text saying I might be a few minutes late I rush down the stairs and out of the house, getting in the taxi that is waiting for me. I give him the location and tell him to drive as fast as he can and thankfully he does so. I have to thank the Gods for handling the traffic this morning, because the roads are pretty clear. I arrive in about twenty minutes and when I check my phone I see it is almost twenty minutes past ten o’clock. Running through the school’s gates, I look around the big crowd. There are kids and parents everywhere, even grandparents. I don’t know exactly where I should go, but I just follow everyone else.

I keep walking and looking around until I see a big podium arranged in the middle of the place which looks very beautifully decorated with white flowers. I get closer and keep looking through the crowd, spotting a lot of graduates wearing red gowns and caps. None of them I seem to recognize though. I finally stop looking around when I hear someone speak from the small stage, the words echoing around. Fitting somewhere in the crowd, I stay in my place and listen to the woman speak about this year’s graduating class. Then I feel my phone buzz in my pocket.

iMessage from: Ashton

have you arrived yet? I can’t see you anywhere.

iMessage to: Ashton

I’m here, don’t worry.

After another ten minutes of just standing still and listening to the woman whom I assume is the headmistress, I see now they start calling students up to get their diplomas. I wait patiently and bite my lip every time I think I almost heard Ashton’s name being called, but it is in fact a different person. After applauding for everyone getting their diploma, I finally hear the name I have been anxiously waiting for.

“Ashton Irwin.” The lady says in the microphone.

I see a different Ashton today. He looks just as good as usual, but there is something very different about him wearing his graduating attire. It looks almost ten times better on him than on the others. He also wears a really beautiful smile while walking up the stage and I quickly take out my phone and snap a few pictures of him. It is one of those moments I want to look at later. Seeing him with a bright smile on his face, receiving his diploma. He is happy and that makes me happy.

The lady moves on to calling another student’s name and Ashton quickly scans around the crowd. I feel like he is looking for someone, and I can’t suppress my smile when he spots me and waves at me. I wave back and keep clapping for everyone else, watching him get off the stage. Is this what it feels like being proud of someone? Because I feel extremely happy for Ashton and I almost just want to run towards him and give him a big hug.

After about ten more minutes I feel my palms tingle from all the clapping and the sun getting in my eyes irritates me now. I think by now everyone got their diploma, so I slowly start walking away, looking for Ashton. I don’t want to leave without congratulating him. He deserves it. I spot a lot of teenagers around and it takes some time to find him, but when I do I feel relieved because my feet have started to hurt from sitting up so much. I walk towards him and he stops talking to the person next to him when he spots me.

“Hi.” I smile and stand in front of him, not knowing if I should hug him or just place a hand on his shoulder. “I just wanted to say congratulations.”

“Thank you, I really appreciate you coming.” His smile is brighter than ever and I just want to pinch his cheeks so hard right now. “Oh, Luna, this is Michael.” He points to the boy sitting next to him.

“Nice to meet you.” I smile and shake the boy’s hand.

“You as well. I finally got the pleasure.” He nods smiling as well. “This one wouldn’t stop talking about you. But I can kind of see why now.” My cheeks have probably developed a scarlet color, but I choose to blame it on the hot weather instead of his comment. Ashton pushes his shoulder against his and glares at him.

“Well, anyway.” I clear my throat. “I think I am going to leave. But congratulations to you two.” Ashton’s smile seems to drop slightly.

“You’re already leaving?” He asks and I frown.

“I mean, it is pretty much over, isn’t it?” I don’t know what more I could stay here for.

“We’re going for some drinks with some friends afterwards, you should come.” Michael suggests and I sigh.

“Honestly guys, it’s your graduation. Have fun, I’m just gonna go home.” After that I look at Ashton. “Text me when you want.” He nods.

“Let me at least guide you out, it’s quite crowded in here.” I agree and say my goodbye to Michael, before Ashton wraps his fingers around my arm, guiding me out.

“So, what about prom?” I ask. “It should be tonight, right?” I ask and he nods.

“Yeah, it is. I’m not all that excited about it though.” He shrugs and I frown. It’s his senior prom, he should be. “It’s just gonna be a lot of people drinking, dancing and God knows what other stuff. I’m not really into it.” I understand, I’m not really into that either.

“Well, you should just have fun with your friends. It is your last prom after all.” I smile and he laughs.

“I guess so. By the way, sorry if Michael made you uncomfortable earlier, it’s just what he does.” I only nod.

“Don’t worry. It didn’t bother me.” I smile and look at him as he takes of his cap, ruffling his hair. “You got a haircut.” I notice immediately.

“Figured it was about time.” He shrugs and I smile. It looks good on him. “It doesn’t look bad, does it?”

“I think it’s really nice.” He smiles and we get stopped at the gates of the school.

“Oh, Ashton, there you are. I’ve been looking for you everywhere.” A man sighs almost in relief and places a hand on Ashton’s shoulder. I can’t help but notice the resemblance between them. They have the same blonde curly hair and almost the same beautiful shade of green in their eyes. They must definitely be related. “Oh, hello. And who is this?” He now glances at me.

“Dad, this is Luna. She’s… a friend.” A friend. He considers me his friend. I don’t think my heart has ever beat any faster than this. Ashton is my friend. God I don’t think I can even express how happy it makes me just hearing that. “Luna, this is my dad.”

“It is really nice meeting you, Mr. Irwin.” I smile and shake his hand.

“You as well, Luna. Ashton hasn’t gotten the chance of telling me about you.” He looks at his son with squinted eyes, almost as if trying to ask him something with no words being exchanged. “You should come for dinner some time, I would like to get to know Ashton’s friends.” His smile is just as equally beautiful as Ashton’s. God, what is it with this family and their gorgeous smiles.

“Oh, I would love to.” I surprise even myself by saying that because I don’t usually get invited in places and I have no idea how I should react to his invitation.

“Okay, dad, I’ll just guide Luna out, see you later.” Ashton says almost impatiently and his father nods.

“It was nice meeting you, Luna. Don’t forget, whenever you want, the offer still stands.” I smile and nod, watching him walk away.

“That was so embarrassing.” Ashton mumbles as we walk out of the school. “I am so sorry, you already had two awkward encounters because of me.” I laugh at that.

“Your dad is really nice, stop worrying about it.” I assure him that everything is okay and he nods.

I look around, seeing a taxi drive by and I raise my hand, stopping it. I turn around to give my goodbye to Ashton and he surprises me by wrapping his arms around my shoulders, pulling me close into a hug. My skin is burning against his and I choose to believe again that it is because of the hot weather. I can hear his heart beating right against my ear and it is a nice steady rhythm that almost relaxes me. I have to pull away from him only a few seconds later though, because I am afraid to not lose my cab, but I swear I could have stayed in his embrace for hours. When I pull back he has a big smile on his face that resembles mine.

“I’m really glad you came.” He says probably for the third time now and I giggle.

“I am too.” The sun getting in my eyes makes me squint my eyes because I have to look up at Ashton; damn him for being so tall. “I’ll see you soon; tell me later how prom was.” He nods and promises to do so before I climb in the car and finally go home.

The rest of my day consists in me taking the nice bath I have been craving for over two weeks now and having a late breakfast, while continuing on studying for my finals. All throughout the night I keep getting texts from Ashton complaining about random things, like how bad the music is there or how some drunk girl stepped on his shoe and spilled her drink on him. His messages make me laugh and I decide to stay up a little late again just to talk to him. At around ten thirty I tell him to have a good night and I finally go to sleep. They only thing I could dream about that night was the beautiful embrace Ashton gave me today; Ashton, whom I now get to call my friend. And God does it feel good finally get to call someone my friend.

Notes

summer is almost over omg I really don't want it to end