When we pulled up to Kennyz Burgerz, there were only four other cars in the parking lot. Which was good for us. It wouldn't be too crowded.

Looking around I could tell it was actually super close to my apartment complex. To the point if I took another turn and kept straight a minute or two, It’d probably be right there. “Good to know.” I murmured delightedly. I could get actual burgers from time to time too if this place turned out any good.

Jake guided us into a booth near the back, yet still right in front of a window. We talked for what felt like hours, which turned out to be true, cause the sun was starting to peak low on the horizon by now. We finally started ordering actual food instead of just shakes. Although Lea ordered a bunch of fries the moment we got there.

Lea and I were on one side of the booth and Jake the other. Lea was sitting on the inside and Jake the middle on his side, causing them to have a few hilarious foot fights just cause they could.

Our waitress finished her shift, so it being a 24hr diner, a waiter took her place from then on. When he came up to the table, I could feel him staring at me. So, like anyone would, I looked up. It took my brain a moment to comprehend what I was seeing. “Luke..” I couldn’t believe my eyes, and I nearly wanted to hurl.

“Hey Mye. Buddy. How’s it going!” He spoke enthusiastically, but with a hint of ‘I hate your guts but I’m working so I'll just taunt you’. Ya know?

Apparently Lea could tell he wasn't a welcome guest in my presence, and looped her arm through mine. “Hey, you know Mye?”

He glanced at her and grinned. “This your girl, man? Must’ve had to bribe her to go out with ya huh?” I was growing more and more nervous. Was he gonna let something slip or was he just trying to make me sweat?

“None of yer business man. Just get us some more fries, would ya?” I grinned painfully. “Sure. Be right back.” He gave me a quick side - eyed, glare and walked back to the kitchen.

“What was that guy's deal?” Jake cocked an eyebrow.

“Just uh.. an old friend that I fell out with. Guess he’s still a little salty about it, ya know?” I shrugged to hide my complete inner panic.

“A little?” He chuckled. “That guy totally wants to carve your guts out.” He made a silly face to accentuate. Making both Lea and I laugh a little.

When we were finally near done, Luke came back to our table and patted my shoulder. “Think I could steal this guy for a minute?” He smiled in a way that was painfully familiar. “Um, sure. Just make sure to give ‘im back, k?” Lea touched my hand and nodded.

So I , reluctantly, got up and followed him out back. He stood us just out of the window view and grabbed my shoulder. “So, goin back to hidin huh?” He snarled.

“I’m not hidin, and she's not my girl. I literally just met them today. What's your deal dude?” I stared at him straight through his eyes.

“Oh? Really? No wonder they're laughin with ya, they don't even know you yet.” His words made me wince. And I remembered why I’d left him to fend for himself. With this guy, you weren't likely to survive anywhere.

“So? Whaddya want from me?” I threw my hands in the air, taking a few steps forward, already frustrated. And I could see Lea glance at us as she walked toward the restroom. She looked alarmed by my frustration, and I just waved her off in reassurance that I was fine and she nodded, walking away.

All of the sudden, Luke's face went from angry to hurt. “How could you.. Why would you.” He looked to be holding back tears. “You just.. left me there.” His voice cracked. “You, you.. You asshole.”

Now he looked angry and hurt. And I felt bad for a minute. Never having realized It’d hurt him this bad. “I’m s-”

“NO!” He stopped me. “Don't you DARE, finish that apology. Cause we both know you don't mean it.” He let go of my shoulder, and turned like he was going to walk away, before turning back to me and throwing a fist.

I kinda expected him to bring me out here and beat the living crap outta me, so the fact he waited till the last moment definitely caught me by surprise.

I took a bad one directly to the gut, and one more to the jaw. I was halfway to the ground. Folding like a lawn chair. I wasn't gonna facilitate this. So I didn't dare try to get ‘im back. He grabbed my shirt and just started yelling. I couldn't even understand half of what he was saying. Everything was going into slow motion. He hit me again, and all I could see as the world began to spin was Lea yelling in the restaurant and rushing out the door.

I felt myself fall faster, meaning Luke most likely let go so he could run off. It was so weird. The way they worried and cared like we’d known each other for a lot longer than a day. Half conscious I could hear her yelling at me. “MYE! MYE! Are you okay! Oh my god Jake what do we do I don….”

And then, nothing.