Alice's POV

The seven of us sat at the table. I was looking at the plate in front of me, Mom and Dad were glancing at each other nervously, Reyna was quietly talking to Alex, Luke was staring straight at me and Noah was glaring at Luke. We had finished surfing and were back at my place to get something to eat. Luke was with us. I had filled Mom, Dad and Noah in on everything that had happened, including the fact that Reyna thought everything was fine.

"Uhm... Dig in everyone! The chilli beef and orange chicken are ready! There's also some rice.", Mom said, trying to stuff us all as she always did.

I let a small smile overtake my face. Knowing that I was the reason that everyone was so awkward, I leaned forward, putting some orange chicken and rice in my plate. After I had taken the first bite, everyone else also hesitantly reached out for the food, Luke being last. He was munching on his food but his eyes were on me. Why did he have to be such a creepy person? I swear, I felt like I was being stalked.

Before any of us could continue, the door burst open, and Nona marched in, shouting, "Your favorite person is here!" She rushed over to the table, quickly sitting down on the extra chair. "Do I smell orange chicken? Yum! Don't mind if I do!"

She instantly filled her plate with chilli beef and some rice, digging in right away. I could hear Luke lightly choking on his food, obviously surprised at the sudden commotion.

Nona looked up, and said, "Oh, Luke! I heard you were back after visiting the dead! My, you've grown even hotter."

This time, Luke fully choked. He had obviously forgotten Nona's hilarious personality. Mom ran out of her chair, quietly laughing, and started to lightly pat Luke's back until his coughing fit was over. Alex and Reyna were guffawing, whereas Dad just looked embarrassed.

"Don't do that, please. The poor guy is obviously flustered.", dad said, making Nona's head snap towards him.

"Well just because I've shoved you out of my hoo-haa and ruined my area because of the process, it doesn't mean that I can't at least boost a mans self-esteem! Imagine how nervous he's feeling!", she nagged, turning away from him with a frown on her face.

I couldn't hold it in anymore. I burst out laughing, dropping out of my chair in the process. I could hear another chorus of laughter ringing out as everyone else laughed with me.

"Mom! Why would you say that?!", Dad whisper-yelled, embarrassed at her "hoo-haa" phrase.

The only person that wasn't laughing was Luke. He was gulping down water, and occasionally letting out small coughs, staring at all of us like we were lunatics. But soon, he also let a smile overtake his face and was wheezing along with us.

I felt better than I had all day. Much better than I was feeling at school. The lighthearted conversation and hilarious jokes between the eight of us made up for the horrible day that I had had, and other than the constant staring, I didn't even feel like Luke was with us.  

It was only after everyone started to get up and leave did I actually feel his presence. Luke got up, ushering Dad to the living room and talking with him in private. To say that I wasn't curious and didn't want to eavesdrop would be a lie. I was extremely curious. I wanted to rush towards the room and put my ear against the door to hear what they were saying.

Unfortunately, Mom, Nona, Reyna and Alex were watching, and I couldn't do anything. Somehow, I kept my curious self under control, and din't lunge at the door like a psychotic, information-deprived demon. Soon, Alex and Reyna had left, and Dad had also come out of the room with Luke. I eyed him suspiciously, and for the first time in the few hours that I had been reunited with him, he didn't look at me.

He quickly hugged Mom goodbye, and went outside, flashing me a smile as he did. I looked away, walking upstairs. As I felt the heat getting to me, I sighed, pulling my hair up. I had dried it after taking a shower. I walked towards my desk, getting all my books out to get rid of all of my homework once and for all. But as I replayed the events of the day in my head, I instantly got lost in my thoughts.

What had really happened? Why had Luke faked his death? And why did he not tell me the truth right at the beginning? Wouldn't it have been so much easier? I mean, I wouldn't be mad at him. Or if he had a genuine reason for faking his death, what on earth was it? And what the heck had happened to Stella? My head was swimming, a flurry of questions bombarding my brain. I was so curious. Curious because of the hurt and anxiety that I had felt for two years.

Knowing that I wouldn't be able to focus, I decided to get some fresh air. I walked towards my balcony, staring at the sea right in front of me. The night was dark and the stars were clear. The scent of the salty sea was amazing, as always, and I took in a deep breath.

I wished the problems in my life were not so overbearing. I felt like I had two, heavy weights on my shoulders, and no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't lift them up.

Before I could continue to think about all the depressing aspects in my life, I heard a voice.

"Hey, Lissy. Did you miss me?"

I whipped my head around, and saw Luke standing right behind me with a smirk on his face and leaves in his brown, messy hair. My eyes widened and my jaw dropped

Oh hell no! He did not just climb up the balcony!

That happened... Anyway, hope you all enjoyed this chapter. A cliffhanger, as always, but not a huge one. You should've seen the ones I put in FFAUF! XD I feel bad for the people who read it while it was ongoing... Anyway, make sure to comment, vote and share! Love you all! Peace out!