Marks on The Skin

I sigh as I slump down in my seat. Class hasn’t started yet because, as always, the teacher is late and I have to deal with my sister being her usual self. I lift my head when she snaps at me, “Honestly Lucy! You’re not a boy, wear skirts and such more often.” Jessie says as she pokes my forehead with a sneer. I huff and push her hand away, “My name’s Light now. I am a boy.” I say as I sit up straight.

Jessie scoffs and rolls her eyes, “As if. Mom won’t pay for your surgery and your dad isn’t even alive any more.” She says. I flinch and look down, my nails dig into my thighs as I hold back the urge to cry, I am thankful she’s unaware that Auntie paid for the surgery. “What’s wrong Lucy? Cat’s got your tongue?” Jessie’s friend Amy says, poking me with her pen. Before I can answer, Jessie and Amy walk away cackling.

I close my eyes and lay my head on my desk. I hear shifting and the teacher finally entering the room. I make no attempt to look up. Lily, the girl who sits next to me, covered for me and said I had a headache and that I was just resting my eyes from the lights. Today’s lesson was about the human mind and what can cause nightmares. I was interested but not interested enough to lift my head.

At the end of class the teacher announces we need to be in groups of 2 or 3 next time we have class. I get up and pack my things, making no attempt to thank Lily and she makes no attempt to stop me as I walk out of the classroom. I wander for a bit before heading to the library, I go to sit in my usual spot when I see a group sitting there already. With a soft sigh I turn and head to the back corner that everyone avoids.

With my new spot settled I begin working on my homework, I have a free period and usually I go home but Mom and Jessie have more or less made that difficult. I am so absorbed in my homework that I don’t notice someone approaching until they speak up, “Excuse me.” I look up and see someone with bangs covering their eyes. “Hm?” I hum, not into having conversations with anyone right now. “Can I…Join you? In this spot I mean.” The person says, shifting a bit. “The library is more full than usual and I saw that it’s relatively empty here.’

I shift and scoot over, “Sure. Just keep your stuff to yourself.” I say. The person sits down with a smile, then they get to their own work. I am quiet as I resume working on my homework, part of me wonders the actual reason behind this person asking to sit with me. I shake my head, after all it’s not my place to know their business. I work on my homework for a while before I feel like eyes are on me.

I look up and see my sister sneering at me while talking to her friends. Why is she here of all places? It’s not like she studies or does any actual school work. Mom just pays off the teachers to pass her. I clench my jaw as I try to resume working on my homework. The person next to me looks up, at least it looks like it (Hard to tell when their hair is covering their eyes), they turn their head to me and seemingly study me for a bit.

I glance at them from the corner of my eye, confused, “May I help you?” I ask. The person shakes their head quickly and looks back at their work. I do my best to ignore my sister and her jabs at me and trans people in general. After a bit the person beside me stands and exits the library. I grip my pencil tighter, of course they would. No one wants to get seen with me.

“Awww Lucy, did your friend leave you? That’s too bad.” Jessie says as she walks over and yanks my homework from my lap, forcing me to look up at her. “Maybe he was creeped out by how masculine you dress. You are a girl after all.” She sneers and rips my papers. Once again Jessie and her cackle of friends leave before I can even retaliate.

Come the end of the day it’s raining, a spitting image of my mood, and as usual Jessie took the car, MY car, home. I grumble and prepare to start running home when my arm is grabbed, rather forcefully, and I am yanked away from the doors. I turn my head, ready to snap at the person when I spot the person from the library. “Hey, uh, I was wondering if you had a ride home” They, correction, he says. He shifts a bit as he lets my arm go.

“No…?” I tip my head to the side in confusion, what exactly does he want? The guy looks around, I think, before settling on faceing me fully again. “Well it looked like you were about to run in the rain and that can get you sick.” He says, his left hand holds my sleeve as if he was scared I was going to vanish, “And I was wondering if you would like a ride home” He finishes his thought and my whole body freezes.

My body froze for many reasons; one this is the longest anyone has spoken to me without seeming rude, two it’s the first time someone seemed to genuinely care for me. I gulp a bit before nodding. “Yeah….That would be nice thanks.” I say, he smiles at me and pulls out an umbrella to hold over us as we walk to the parking lot. The walk was quiet, but comfortable. “My name’s Luka by the way…Luka with a ‘k’ not a c.” He says, as if trying to lighten the mood.

I let out a short laugh, glancing up at him. Now that I am right by Luka he seems so much taller than I thought.

“My name is Light.” I say, smiling up at Luka. It’s strange really, a part of me is apprehensive about talking but another part of me is itching to spill my guts to this guy who is showing a small interest in me. Luka smiles and opens the passenger door of his car for me. I look at his car and freeze, is that Lamborghini…. “Luka.” I mutter, Luka hums and turns his head to me. “Yes?”

“So, where did you get the money to…buy this?” I ask, Luka hums then shrugs. “Allowance from my family.” Is all he says before he nudges me towards the car. “Come on Light it’s bound to get colder” I huff and climb into the warm, expensive, and surprisingly spacious car. Luka closes the umbrella after shutting the door and then jogs to the other side. He climbs into the driver’s seat and starts the car.

I studied him for a bit before speaking up, “Can you see the road properly with your hair in the way?” I ask, I scold myself at how rude I sounded but Luka only laughs. “I can see just fine!” He assures me as he pulls out of the parking lot, “Can you put your address in? That way I can get you to your place safely?” He asks as he hands me his phone. Even his phone is expensive! It has to be the latest model.

I nod and enter my address. When he studies it he laughs, “You live right across the street from me.” He says as he sets his phone into the phone holder and returns to focusing on the road. I hum and look out the window, watching the houses go by. I don’t notice how quickly we arrive at my house, “Ah, thank you Luka.” I say as I open the car door and get out. Closing it then heading into my house, I hear Jessie in the kitchen with Mom so I just head upstairs to my room.

I open the door to my room and sigh as I am greeted by my only safe haven. Pictures of me and my dad are on my dresser, I have my bookshelf all neat and tidy like I left it this morning. Good, Jessie stayed out of my room. I toss my bag onto the floor and flop on my bed, sighing as I sink into my mattress. I dig through my pockets and pull out my phone, hooking up my bluetooth earbuds. I decided to play some music.

I turn on a playlist full of Greek mythological songs, humming to some of them. By the time the 3 hour video ends I hear Jessie screaming and crying downstairs. I stop my music and take out my earbuds, waiting for the eventual call of my mom yelling for me to go do something for Jessie. I stand up and walk downstairs and see Jessie sobbing while mom is holding what looks to be a piece of paper. “What’s that Mom?” I ask, mom looks at me and shoves it into my hands, looking pissed.

“Jessie just got a ticket when she was heading out to buy some beer, go get some beer right now.” Mom says as she shoves some money into my hands. I hold back the urge to vomit but I keep my lips shut as I nod and make my way to the front door, soon enough I am in my car driving to the liquor store. Just because my auntie from my dad’s side gives me booze doesn’t mean I should be doing this.

I pull into the parking lot of the Liquor store and spot Luka’s car, weird. I climb out of my car and walk into the shop, stopping to pet my aunt’s cats before making my way to my aunt’s office. My aunt looks up and smiles when she sees me, “Luc- Sorry, Light how are you honey?” She says. Auntie Mila always seems to correct herself when she uses my dead name sometimes.

It’s nice, I hug her and sigh. “Well I have finally transitioned fully.” I say, she claps with a smile after hugging me back. “But right now I need a case of beer for Jessie.” Auntie sighs when I bring up my older sister, shaking her head. She has me follow her to where she can hand me a case of beer. “Your sister is such a brat. I can’t believe your mother spoils her like that.” Auntie Mila says as she hands me a case of beer, I hum and take the beer with a sigh.

I wave as I walk out and to my car. I set the beer in the backseat under the blankets I have in my car. I hear a laugh behind me, turning my head I see Luka smiling at me with what I can assume is bright eyes. “Well hey there!” Luka says as he jogs over to me, I smile a little at him, I turn fully as he stops a few feet in front of me. “Hey Luka” I say with a smile, Luka smiles widely at me. “Hey, what brings you here? At this time....” Luka asks as he tips his head to try and peer behind me.

I shrug a bit and place a hand on my hip, I tap my chin with my finger in mock thought before laughing with Luka. “My Auntie owns this place. I came to say hi.” I say with a smile. Luka showed genuine surprise as if he didn’t see the resemblance. “Really? I just thought she was a crazy old bat-” Luka yelps as an empty bottle is thrown at him, I look at the porch and laugh as I see my auntie huffing as she glares at Luka.

We part ways after that and I begin my drive back home humming to myself. I drum on the steering wheel as I pull into the driveway. After I turn the car off I grab the case of beer and head inside, once inside I shove the beer into Jessie’s arms. My mother gasps as Jessie stumbles back (I didn’t use that much force) and starts crying. “Lucy! Apologize right now!” My mother shouts. I roll my eyes and head upstairs, once I shut my door I lock it.

I can hear my sister and mother talking downstairs so I turn my music on and blast it in the speakers my dad got me a week before he passed away. I pull out my computer and plop down on one of my bean bag chairs. I then begin writing the paper that is due soon. Of course I stop after a bit and pull my diary out from under my bed and begin writing my feelings down, unlike other days when it’s bleak and rather upsetting I write more about Auntie and Luka, as I wrote Luka’s name I stared at it for a bit.

I can’t quite remember why but I know dad said something about how I’ll meet someone who is right for me and that I’ll remember his words when I think of someone special. I pout a bit and try to keep writing about Luka, only to end up writing his name out over twenty times. My face flushes as I glare at my hand ‘You traitorous thing’ I think as I erase Luka’s name to try again. Though before I could I stopped and thought about him, about how gentle and genuine he was with me.

My cheeks flush as I imagine what it would be like if- NOPE! I shake my head harshly and toss my diary back under my bed. I shut my music off and turn my lights off, I then climb into bed and curl up under my comforter. ‘I cannot think of him like that’ I thought, I mumbled a bit and then shut my eyes as I let sleep claim me.

In the morning I wake up to the sound of Jessie screaming and yelling at somebody, I blink my eyes open and listen for a bit longer. “So what Brittney! I said he was my catch!” Jessie screamed, I’ve come to know all of her annoying screeches. I scowled as her friend Brittney screamed back. Both were clearly hung over and the dude in question must have chosen the more appealing one. Can’t blame him, Jessie has shitty looks. I snorted at my thoughts and got up, opting to wear my shorts and a tank top as I walked downstairs and past the living room (Which reeked of drugs and alcohol- seriously how can CPS let me stay here?).

I made myself some coffee before Jessie stormed in and yanked my cup from my hands, I looked at her with a deadpan look and she flinched. “Coffee. Back. Now.” I said as I held my hand out, I saw her start to tear up but when mom came in she quickly shoved my coffee back into my hands. I scoff and turn to look out of the window, I choke as I spot Luka in the front yard of the house across from mine. He’s dressed in a tank top and jeans but all the more handsome- wait no nevermind. I shake my head and take my coffee upstairs to my room.

I sit down at my desk and stare outside, totally not watching Luka doing whatever he was doing, nope totally not. I’m not weird or anything (Don’t ask Grey please). I jumped when my phone buzzed and I spun around and grabbed it, seeing a message from my friend Grey.

Grey: I got an idea!

Me: Is it illegal?

Grey: Kinda?

Me: Then no

Grey: Darn

I chuckle and shake my head and put my phone away. Grey’s been a constant in my life even if he lives in another country. I turn back to look outside and I see Luka looking up at my window, I wave awkwardly as I stand and leave my room. I walk to the bathroom and hop into the shower, as I let the water run over me I close my eyes to try and decompress from yesterday fully. After my shower I head to my room and get dressed, intending to go out today.

I walk outside and see my car gone, my eye twitches and I let out a curse as I kick a nearby tree branch. I hear footsteps come up behind me yet I don’t turn around, too upset to even bother. I had tears in my eyes but the second I heard Luka’s voice I spun around and wiped my eyes frantically. “What’s up Luka? Sorry…I didn’t hear you the first time.” I say, trying my best to smile. Luka tips his head, a frown on his lips and I inwardly curse myself for checking him out a bit.

Luka steps a bit closer and leans down to be at somewhat eye level with me. “I asked if you wanted to come over, it looked like you wanted to get out of your house for a bit.” He says, his voice sounded almost like a purr and it made me want to melt right there. I cleared my throat and looked away. “Sure.” I say. Luka smiles and nudges me back to my house. “Go get some swim trunks then, we got our pool up and running.” He says as he places a hand on his hip.

I blink as I look at him, he intently stares back (From what I can feel) and I sigh in defeat. “You’re not gonna let me say no are you-” “Nope!” Luka says, clapping his hands with a grin. I huff and head back inside. My mother is drunk in the living room already so I just head up and grab my swim trunks and my phone. I head back down and Luka is grinning from ear to ear like a kid on christmas.

I chuckle and follow him across the street, when I enter his house I’m greeted with the smell of rich. I see 3 little kids running around and Luka’s mom and dad are in the kitchen acting all lovey dovey. I blink a bit and let Luka lead me to where I can change. Once changed into my swim trunks I step out and stretch, I catch Luka looking at me. Well my chest, I get a bit self conscious and cover my chest but Luka walks over and moves my hands. “You’re…beautiful.” He mutters, my face burns red and he seems to realize what he said and quickly backs up. “Sorry- I didn’t mean to stare or make you uncomfortable.” He says, looking away.

I shake my head and look away as well. “I-It’s fine. I’m fully transitioned anyways…I’m another guy and all that.” I say, we both stand there for a bit before I clear my throat and motion to the pool. I’m quiet but Luka nods like he knew what I was asking. So for a bit over an hour I hung out at Luka’s, by the time me and Luka got out of the pool laughing I heard my phone buzzing. I looked over and saw that I had messages from my mother.

Mom: Lucy come home now.

Me: No, I'm staying at a friends righ

I roll my eyes and look over at Luka, I clear my throat a bit and he looks at me, “Sup?” He asks as he walks over, all 6 foot 9 of his muscular, dripping wet body right in my view. I shake my head and look up at him. “Could I stay the night? My mom’s drunk and I kinda spur of the moment said I would be staying with a friend and-” Before I could finish a little girl comes running out and slams full force into Luka’s legs.

Luka lets out a sigh and picks the little girl up and she looks at me with wide eyes, “Are you big brother’s friend?” She asks. I go to respond when a little boy speaks up from the doorway, “Nu-Uh Mary! Big Brother never invites people over we don’t know so that must mean he’s Big Brother’s boyfriend!” I feel my face go red as I watch the little boy and little girl, I stutter and struggle to try and stop the kids from arguing and Luka seems to not want to intervene.

Though his mother soon walks outside and looks a little impressed. “My word, Light was it? I’ve never seen anyone capture the heart of Mary or Saurin this quickly! Please feel free to spend as long as you want here.” She says as she picks up the little boy, Saurin and takes Mary from Luka. Soon it’s once again just me and Luka. I look at him and he’s shaking his head in exasperation. “Sorry about them, Light.” Luka mutters as he walks past me and plops down on a patio chair. “But my mom is right, you can stay here for the night, hell for the rest of the weekend if it so pleases you.” He states with a grin, I feel my face go red as I look away and huff.

He laughs and shakes his head as he stands back up and moves to go inside. “I’ll go get you a change of clothes, hope you don’t mind them being a bit big on you.” He says over his shoulder, I glare at him. “A little? Luka you’re a whole foot taller than me!” I shout as Luka walks inside while laughing his ass off. I shake my head as I sit down at the edge of the pool and dangle my feet into the water.

By the time Luka comes back with shorts and a hoodie I’m laying on my back on the ground. He leans over me and snickers, “Light’s down and out for the count!” He says as he pokes my cheek with his finger. I scowl a bit as I roll my eyes and sit up, he steps back with a snicker and holds out the hoodie and shorts. “Here you go, sire.” He says sarcastically, I snatch the clothes and stick my tongue out at him.

When I come out of the changing area or whatever it’s called I’m practically engulfed in Luka’s clothes (and his scent but shut it) and I glare at him. “A little big?” I ask, Luka snickers and I huff and walk past him. His siblings are playing in the living room and his mother is sitting in the dining room on her laptop. “Light, why don’t you come sit down and talk with me? I am curious about something.” His mother says, before I could even say a word Luka picks me up and walks upstairs. His dad had just walked in and watched as his son carried me upstairs.

By the time dinner was done and I was able to head downstairs with Luka, I learned a lot about his family. His mother and father were deeply in love, sure, but sometimes they fuck like rabbits (I have confirmed Luka gets his looks from his father). His brothers, Saurin and Axel, make the most outlandish claims about people involved with him or try to chase off anyone they don’t like, and Mary is an absolute sweetheart. I sit down beside Luka, between him and Axel. I shift a bit and jump when Axel drops some food onto my plate, “Here…You’re too skinny to be healthy.” He mumbles with red cheeks as he pushes my plate back to me.

I smile a bit and Axel looks away with a huff. Saurin laughs and points at Axel and I squeak when Luka pulls my chair closer to him. “Brother! Don’t hog Light!” Mary says as she hops from her seat across from Luka and scrambles to climb into my lap. I smile a bit as she picks up a forkful of food. “Lemme feed you!” She says with pure glee on her face. I accept the bite with an awkward smile and then Luka lifts Mary off.

The whole night was spent with Luka fighting his siblings for me. To the point I snuck off to go have some tea with his mother. She smiled gently as she pushed the tea towards me. “Luka is normally so closed off, I’m glad he found someone he can be himself with.” She says while I sip on the tea. I smile a bit and feel my phone buzz. I check it and scowl at the name, I see that it is my sister and from what I can see in the preview of the messages she’s pissy I’m not home to take the blame for her mistakes.

I roll my eyes and shut my phone off and smile at Luka’s mother. “I’m glad he can see me as the type of person he can be himself with.” I state as I hear Luka’s siblings all scream and charge at Luka, I look over in time to see them all dog pile on top of Luka.

The rest of the night is spent playing games and by the time we all head to bed I’m out cold on the couch, Mary asleep on top of me. By morning I am under a pile of children, Axel and Saurin cling to either side of me and Mary is asleep on top of me. I blink my eyes open and see Luka taking pictures. “Luka….Help, please?” I mutter as I glance down at his three siblings clinging to me. Luka snickers and simply pulls me from under the pile of his siblings, causing all three to wake up and start pouting as I’m held like a cat by Luka. “This is not what I meant by help-” I snap as he simply hugs me close.

“You’re like a kitty cat!” Mary says and Luka chuckles before setting me down. “He is, isn’t he?” Luka says as he picks his sister up. I puff my cheeks and scowl as I poke Luka’s side, “I am not! I am a perfectly capable human!” Axel and Saurin snicker and pop up to grab my hands and tug me to the couch. “Kitty Light!” Saurin cheers while petting my head like one would a cat.

By the time I went home I was dubbed three nicknames, 'Kitty cat' by Mary, 'Kitty Light' by Saurin and Axel and 'Pretty boy' by Luka. My cheeks go red and I shake my head as I push away any dirty thoughts about Luka, he’s just a great friend. That’s all.