Echoes Of The Heart pt 2. (A Juke lovestory)
Summary: Luke Patterson, a rising star in the music scene, grapples with his feelings for his childhood best friend, Julie. Despite his fear of commitment, Luke's love for Julie is undeniable. However, when Julie shows interest in someone else, Luke must confront his feelings before it's too late. Will he risk it all for love, or will his fear drive them apart? Follow their journey of friendship, love, and music.
Echoes of the heart - Chapter 2: Resetting the Rhythm
24 January, 2020
Julie sat at her desk, the soft glow of her desk lamp casting a warm light across the room. Her room was quiet, except for the gentle hum of her laptop as she scrolled through her messages, her mind a whirlwind of conflicting emotions.
The events of the past few days had left her reeling, her heart heavy with the weight of unspoken words and unresolved feelings. She couldn't shake the memory of that night-the night she and Luke had laid their hearts bare and faced the truth of their relationship.
Since that vulnerable confession, she’d seen Luke at school. They still shared some of the same classes and she usually lunched with just Flynn or Flynn and all of the boys. Despite the familiar routines, everything felt just a little weird. The once easy camaraderie was now tinged with unspoken words and uncertain glances. Julie couldn’t help but wonder if things would ever return to the way they were before or if this was the beginning of a new, more complicated chapter in their relationship.
Her phone buzzed, and she glanced at the screen. Another message from Luke. She knew he just wanted things to go back to the way they were, but Julie couldn’t do that yet. Her feelings for Luke were way too strong to just ignore them. So she had been ignoring Luke altogether. At least, she tried to. He had been blowing up her phone, looking for some normalcy, but Julie had been blowing him off.
“What you up to Jules?” one text read.
“Do you wanna just hang out like before?” another pleaded.
Julie sighed, feeling a pang of guilt. She missed him, missed the ease of their friendship, but every time she thought about replying, the weight of her unspoken emotions held her back. She wasn’t ready to pretend everything was fine when her heart was still on the line. For now, she needed distance, even if it hurt them both.
With a heavy sigh, Julie opened her eyes and turned her attention back to her laptop. She had a paper due tomorrow-a paper she had been avoiding all week in favor of wallowing in her own self-pity. But now, with the deadline looming, she had no choice but to focus on the task at hand.
Julie's phone buzzed on her desk, jolting her out of her daze. She glanced at the screen to see Flynn's name flashing in bold letters, accompanied by a string of missed calls and text messages. With a sigh, she picked up the phone and answered, her voice heavy with fatigue.
"Hey, Flynn," Julie greeted, her tone lacking its usual enthusiasm.
"Finally, you pick up!" Flynn exclaimed, her voice bubbling with excitement. "I've been trying to get a hold of you for hours!"
Julie winced, guilt gnawing at her insides. She had been so lost in her own thoughts that she hadn't even noticed her phone ringing. "Sorry, Flynn. I've just been...distracted I got this paper to finish with no inspiration for it."
"Well, you won't believe what I found out," Flynn continued, her excitement palpable even through the phone. "There's this super exclusive underground music club opening tonight, and I managed to snag us invites!"
Julie's eyebrows shot up in surprise. An underground music club? It sounded intriguing, but she couldn't shake the heaviness weighing down her chest.
"That sounds...amazing, Flynn. But I don't know if I'm up for it tonight. I mean I have this paper, and things with Luke are-."
Flynn groans in frustration. “Can we cut the Luke talk already. He’s made himself pretty clear; he doesn’t want commitment. And you deserve to not be strung along for all of his mess!”
Julie’s face twists up in annoyance. “Well ouch”. She knew Flynn was right in a way but Julie couldn’t stand it when she was bad mouthing Luke. It’s not like Flynn doesn’t like the guitarist, she just doesn’t like how he unintentionally hurts her best friend!
Flynn's tone softened, her voice filled with concern. "Julie, I know you've been going through a lot lately, but trust me, this could be exactly what you need. A night out, surrounded by music and good vibes. Besides, when was the last time we did something spontaneous?"
Julie hesitated, torn between the comfort of her solitude and the allure of the unknown. But as she glanced around her dimly lit room, the walls closing in around her, she knew that Flynn was right. She needed to break free from the confines of her own mind, if only for one night.
"How would we even get into this club, Flynn? We're not even eighteen yet!" Julie exclaimed, her brows furrowing in concern.
"I'm one step ahead of you, Jules! I got us fake IDs," she declared triumphantly.
Julie's eyes widened in disbelief "Flynn, are you serious?" she asked, her voice tinged with uncertainty.
"Dead serious," Flynn replied, her grin widening. "Trust me, Jules, tonight is going to be epic. You won't want to miss it."
Julie hesitated, her mind swirling with conflicting thoughts and emotions. On one hand, the idea of sneaking into a club with fake IDs seemed exhilarating, a chance to break free from the constraints of their age and responsibilities. But on the other hand, the thought of getting caught filled her with a sense of dread.
"Besides, what's life without a little bit of risk, right?"
With a reluctant smile, Julie nodded, her resolve strengthening as she made up her mind. "Okay, let's do it," she declared, her voice filled with determination. "But if we get caught, it's on you."
Flynn let out a whoop of excitement, her enthusiasm infectious even through the phone. "That's what I like to hear! I'll swing by your place in an hour to pick you up. Get ready for a night you won't forget!"
As Julie ended the call, a spark of anticipation ignited within her chest. Maybe, just maybe, tonight would be the night she finally found the courage to let go of the past and embrace the future.
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The line outside the club stretched down the block, a colorful tapestry of eager faces and buzzing excitement. Julie shifted nervously from foot to foot, her heart pounding in her chest as she glanced around at the sea of people around her.
Beside her, Flynn was practically bouncing with anticipation, her eyes alight with mischief as she chatted animatedly with the group of people in front of them. But for Julie, the nerves were starting to get the better of her, a gnawing sense of unease settling in the pit of her stomach.
Beside her, Flynn was practically bouncing with anticipation, her eyes alight with mischief as she chatted animatedly with the group of people in front of them. But for Julie, the nerves were starting to get the better of her, a gnawing sense of unease settling in the pit of her stomach.
"Stop shifting," Flynn hissed at Julie. "You look nervous. Everything is gonna be okay. I've done this like a million times."
Julie took a deep breath, trying to calm herself down. She forced a smile and looked around, trying to appear as casual and confident as Flynn. The line continued to inch forward, the pulsing bass from inside the club growing louder with each step.
"I know, I know," Julie whispered back, her voice shaky. "It's just... I've never done anything like this before. What if we get caught?"
Flynn rolled her eyes, her expression softening into a reassuring smile. "Jules, trust me. It's going to be fine. Just act natural, and we'll be inside before you know it."
Julie nodded, taking another deep breath. She focused on Flynn's confidence, trying to draw strength from her friend's unwavering assurance. They were getting closer to the entrance now, the bouncer a hulking figure in the dim light.
"Remember, confidence is key," Flynn said, giving Julie's hand a quick squeeze. "You've got this."
Julie nodded again, forcing herself to stand tall and meet the bouncer's gaze as they approached. Her heart pounded in her chest, but she followed Flynn's lead, handing over her fake ID with what she hoped was a convincing smile.
The bouncer barely glanced at their IDs, simply nodding in acknowledgment before waving them through with a dismissive gesture. Julie felt a wave of relief wash over her as they stepped inside the club, the pounding bass of the music engulfing her in its rhythmic embrace.
"I told you, easy" Flynn excitedly whispers in Julie's ear.
As they stepped inside the club, Julie felt a wave of relief wash over her, the pounding bass of the music engulfing her in its rhythmic embrace. The club was a kaleidoscope of lights and sound, the air thick with the scent of sweat and perfume as bodies moved and danced to the pulsating beat.
The club was alive with energy, the pounding bass and flashing lights creating an intoxicating atmosphere that drew everyone into its rhythm. Julie and Flynn were in the heart of it all, dancing and laughing, their worries forgotten amidst the sea of moving bodies. Julie felt the music pulsate through her, each beat syncing with her heartbeat, making her feel more alive than she had in weeks.
Flynn's infectious enthusiasm had Julie smiling and dancing without a care, but as she caught her breath and took a moment to check her phone, her heart sank. She had six missed calls from Luke and about seventeen text messages.
"Flynn, I need to step outside for a minute. I've got to take a call," Julie shouted over the music, worry etched on her face.
Flynn gave her an understanding nod. "Alright, I'll be right here! Don't take too long!"
Julie made her way through the throng of dancing bodies, the music fading slightly as she pushed open the door to the outside. The cool night air was a stark contrast to the heat inside the club. She quickly dialed Luke's number, pressing the phone to her ear as she moved away from the noise.
Luke picked up on the first ring. "Where are you?" he asked, his tone a mix of worry and annoyance.
"I'm out with Flynn, why?" Julie replied, trying to keep her voice steady.
"Well, I'm in front of your window. I wanted to see you tonight."
Julie sighed, frustration bubbling up inside her. "Well, I'm out."
"So I've heard." He says dryly with a hint of sarcasm.
"Was that all? You called me like a billion times, I thought something was wrong"
"Something IS wrong! Jules, you've been avoiding me ever since the other night, and I'm not having it." Luke exclaims matter of factly.
"I'm not avoiding you, Luke!" she said, her voice rising slightly in exasperation.
"Good! I'll wait!" he declared, much to Julie's annoyance.
"Fine, do whatever you want," she snapped before hanging up, feeling a mix of guilt and irritation. She shoved her phone back into her pocket and turned to head back inside.
As Julie re-entered the club, the music and lights hit her all at once, momentarily disorienting her. She was making her way through the crowd when she collided with someone, causing a drink to spill all over her.
"Oh no, I'm so sorry!" Julie exclaimed, looking up to see none other than Nick Carlson, the captain of the lacrosse teamstanding in front of her. His eyes were wide with surprise.
"It's okay, really," Nick said, a sheepish smile spreading across his face. "I think it’s my fault.
Julie nodded, grateful for his understanding. "Thanks," she said, offering him a sheepish smile. "I'm Julie by the way." she says while offering him a hand.
"I know who you are. We have like three classes together" He laughs. "Ohh " Julie answers awkwardly. I mean he's the captain of the lacrosse team. She definitely knew who he was, she just didn't expect him to know her.
Nick chuckled, a warm smile playing at the corners of his lips. "It's hard not to notice someone as smart as you."
Julie's cheeks flushed at the compliment, a nervous laugh escaping her lips. "Oh, um, thanks," she replied, feeling a little flustered by his unexpected praise. She had always admired Nick from afar, but she never imagined he would know who she was, let alone pay her a compliment.
"Are you alright?" Julie looked down at her soaked shirt and laughed nervously. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just a little wet."
Nick looked around and then gestured towards a door at the side of the room. "Come on, let's get you cleaned up. I think we have some merch shirts backstage."
Julie followed him, feeling a strange mix of embarrassment and curiosity. Nick led her through the crowded club and into a quieter backstage area where the band had their gear and a few spare shirts.
"Here, this should fit," Nick said, handing her a black t-shirt with the band's logo on it.
"Thanks," Julie said, taking the shirt. She hesitated for a moment, then ducked into a small dressing room to change. When she emerged, Nick was waiting with a warm smile.
"You look great," he said, nodding appreciatively at the shirt.
Julie blushed slightly, feeling the heat rise in her cheeks. "Thanks for this. And sorry again about the drink."
"No worries," Nick replied with a shrug. "Accidents happen. Besides, it gave us a chance to finally talk."
Julie smiled, feeling a strange sense of ease around him. "Yeah, I guess it did."
“How’d you end up here anyways?” Julie asked, curious about Nick’s presence at the concert.
“My brother is in Velvet Cascade,” Nick replied with a grin.
“Really! I just saw them; they were awesome!” Julie exclaimed, her excitement genuine.
“Yeah, my brother is the bass player. They sneaked me in as their roadie.” He says grinningly. “What about you? I know you’re definitely not eighteen either,” Nick said, a playful glint in his eyes.
“Well, no, but apparently I don’t have to be when there are fake IDs,” Julie admitted with a mischievous smile.
“Bad girl Molina, I wouldn’t expect you to be so rebellious,” Nick teased.
“Well, I’m not. This was actually all my best friend’s Flynn’s idea,” Julie confessed, shaking her head.
“Flynn? Well yeah, that makes more sense,” Nick chuckled.
“You know Flynn?”Julie asks with a curious look on her face.
“Well yeah, she’s in my calculus class and kinda hard to miss,” Nick said, laughing.
As they chatted, Julie found herself drawn to Nick's easygoing nature and genuine kindness. They talked about their family, music, school and it all just flowed effortlessly. For the first time in a long while, Julie felt a flicker of something new—an interest in someone other than Luke.
Julie gasped and her eyes widened. "Luke." In the course of her conversation with Nick ahe had forgotten all about him. Even though she had been harsh on the phone, it didn't feel right making him wait all this time. She had to find Flynn.
"Nick, I need to find Flynn," Julie said urgently. "Can you help me?"
"Of course," Nick replied, his concern evident. She could see he was taken aback by how stern she suddenly was after that easy going conversation.
As the crowd surged around them, Nick reached out and grabbed Julie’s hand to navigate through the crowded club. The pulsating music made it difficult to move quickly, but Nick’s grip was firm and reassuring. Julie felt a light blush coming on. Her heart was racing but on the other hand guilt was gnawing at her for leaving Luke waiting.
Finally, they spotted Flynn in the middle of a lively conversation with a well-known DJ. Flynn looked up, noticing Julie's worried expression.
"What happened to you?" Flynn asked, eyeing the new shirt.
"Long story," Julie said with a chuckle. "I'll tell you later."
Flynn grinned, giving Nick a nod of approval. "Well, looks like you're in good company. Hi Nick"
“Hey” Nick yells over the music with a quick wave.
"Flynn, I need to get home," Julie said, breathless. "Luke is waiting for me."
Flynn's eyes widened in surprise, but she quickly nodded in understanding. "Okay, Jules. Give me like fifteen so I can close this deal” she says with a look of determination.
Nick stepped in. "I can drive her home if you're both okay with that," he offered, glancing at Flynn.
Flynn smiled gratefully. "That would be great, Nick. Thanks."
Julie felt a wave of relief wash over her. She gave Nick a grateful look “Thank you” Then she turned to Flynn “Thank you for being the coolest friend ever and I will totally make this up to you” she rambles, giving her friend a quick hug. "It’s okay Jules, I'll see you tomorrow." She says before returning to her conversation as Julie and Nick made their way out of the club. The cool night air was a welcome relief from the heat and noise inside.
Nick led Julie to his car, a sleek black sedan parked a short distance away.
As they drove, the city lights flickered past, casting a soft glow inside the car. Julie's mind was a whirlwind of thoughts, but Nick's presence was comforting.
"So... you and Luke?" Nick asked after a few moments of silence.
Julie sighed, leaning back in her seat. "What about it?"
"Is he like your boyfriend?" Nick's tone was curious but gentle.
"No, he is definitely not my boyfriend," Julie replied, shaking her head. "Me and him grew up together. We've been best friends since we were like seven."
"Really?" Nick sounded genuinely surprised. "Well, good. I always thought you were an item. But this changes things."
Julie turned to look at him, curiosity piqued. "What do you mean?"
Nick smiled, his eyes glinting with a hint of mischief. "It means I have a chance to get to know you better."
Julie's cheeks flushed slightly, a mix of embarrassment and excitement coursing through her. "Oh," was all she managed to say.
Nick chuckled softly, the sound warm and reassuring. "No pressure, Julie. Just... I think you're pretty amazing, and I'd like to get to know you beyond the girl who accidentally spilled my drink."
Julie laughed, feeling a bit more at ease. "Thanks, Nick. I'd like that too."
The rest of the drive was filled with light conversation, Nick asking her about her interests and Julie sharing stories from her childhood. By the time they reached her house, Julie felt a sense of connection with Nick that she hadn't expected.
As Nick pulled up in front of her house, Julie spotted Luke waiting by her front steps, his expression a mix of relief and frustration. She turned to Nick, offering him a grateful smile.
"Thank you for the ride, Nick. I really appreciate it."
"Anytime, Julie," Nick replied, his smile warm. "I'll see you at school."
Julie nodded, stepping out of the car and walking towards Luke. As she approached, she could see the worry in his eyes.
Julie led Luke into the quiet sanctuary of her home, the tension between them palpable. The night had been a whirlwind of emotions, and Julie's mind was still reeling from the unexpected encounters and intense conversations. As soon as they were inside, Luke turned to her, his eyes flashing with frustration.
"Who the hell was that? I thought you were out with Flynn," Luke demanded, his tone harsher than he intended.
Julie rolled her eyes, her patience already wearing thin. "I was until you had to mess up the amazing time I was having and summon me here."
"Having the time of your life with that guy?" Luke shot back, his jealousy evident.
"What's it to you? You switch girls more than you do outfits," Julie retorted, crossing her arms over her chest.
Luke's jaw tightened, his fists clenching at his sides. "It's different, Julie, and you know it."
"How is it different?" Julie challenged, stepping closer to him. "You can't stand the thought of me being with someone else, but you don't want to commit either. You can't have it both ways, Luke."
"I care about you, Julie," Luke said, his voice softening. "I don't want to see you get hurt."
"That's rich coming from you"
Luke ran a hand through his hair, frustration etched across his face. "I know I've messed up, okay? But seeing you with that random guy—"
Julie interrupted, her tone firm. "You don't get to dictate who I spend my time with."
Luke threw his hands up in defeat. "Fine, fine!"
Julie turned away from him, her frustration evident as she grabbed the air mattress from her closet and began unrolling it on the floor. Luke watched her, his surprise growing with each passing moment. He was used to their routine—cuddling up on her bed, finding comfort in each other's presence. This was a stark departure from their usual dynamic.
"Are you serious?" Luke asked, his voice tinged with disbelief.
Julie shot him a determined look as she continued setting up the air mattress. "Yes! Boundaries, remember?"
Luke sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Julie, come on. This is ridiculous."
"No, what's ridiculous is you thinking you can have your cake and eat it too," Julie retorted, her voice firm. "You need to respect my boundaries, Luke."
Luke took a deep breath, trying to calm the frustration bubbling inside him. "I get it, okay? I messed up. But I care about you, Jules."
Julie paused, her hands stilling on the air mattress. She looked up at him, her eyes softening slightly. "I know you care, Luke. But caring isn't enough. You need to show me that you respect me and my choices."
Luke nodded slowly, his gaze steady on hers. "I do respect you, Julie. I just... I'm trying to figure this out. I'm trying to figure us out."
Julie sighed, her shoulders relaxing a bit. "And I appreciate that. But until you do, we need some distance."
Luke nodded again, the tension between them easing slightly. "Okay. I understand."
Julie finished setting up the air mattress and handed Luke a pillow and blanket. "Here you go."
Luke took them with a resigned smile. "Thanks."
Julie climbed into her bed and tried to get comfortable in it. She had to admit, it was always better to her when she was wrapped in Luke's arms. But she had to be strong.
"You know, it would help if you'd give me another pillow. I feel like that's the least you can do since you kicked me out of your comfortable bed," Luke said with a smirk. She didn't even have to look at him; she could hear his smug smirk in his voice.
Julie rolled her eyes but couldn't help the small smile that tugged at her lips. She grabbed another pillow and flung it at him with just enough force to hit him square in the head.
"Ouch!" Luke exclaimed, his eyes widening in mock hurt before a grin spread across his face.
Julie burst into laughter, the tension between them easing as Luke joined in. For a moment, it felt like old times—just two friends sharing a light-hearted moment.
"You're such a drama queen," Julie teased, wiping away a tear from the corner of her eye.
"And you're terrible at aiming," Luke shot back, chuckling as he adjusted the pillows and settled onto the air mattress.
“Ohh no, I definately hit my target” Julie retorts.
The laughter slowly faded, replaced by a comfortable silence.
"Did you have fun at least?" he asked, his voice softer now, lacking the earlier edge.
Julie smiled, thinking back to the club. "Yeah, it was amazing. I think you'd love it there. You should definitely check out if Sunset Curve can play there! Maybe Flynn has some connections."
Luke let out a small chuckle. "Well, that's hopeless. You know she hates me."
"Flynn does not hate you," Julie countered, rolling her eyes even though he couldn't see it.
"Feels like it sometimes," Luke muttered, a hint of a smile in his voice.
Julie shook her head, turning to face him. "She just gets protective of me, that's all. She doesn't actually hate you. You two just need to get to know each other better."
Luke sighed, staring up at the ceiling. "Maybe you're right. I could probably try harder with Flynn."
Julie nodded, even though Luke couldn't see her in the dim light. "Yeah, you should. And you should definitely talk to her about getting the band to play at the club. It would be a great opportunity."
Luke's eyes lit up at the idea, a hint of excitement in his voice. "You think so? Maybe I'll give it a shot."
"Definitely," Julie said, smiling at his enthusiasm. "It's worth a try. Plus, you never know what doors it might open for you guys."
"Thanks, Jules," Luke said softly, his tone filled with genuine appreciation.
Luke turned to face her, his expression serious. "And Jules... I'm really sorry about tonight. I know I overreacted. It's just I miss you-, these last four days have been so weird."
Julie turned slightly to face him. "Yeah, they really have..."
Luke sighed, his voice heavy with emotion. "I hate it. I just want things to be okay again. I miss how simple everything used to be between us."
Julie felt a pang of sadness at his words. She missed the simplicity too, but she knew they couldn't go back to the way things were without addressing the issues between them. "I miss it too, Luke. But we need to figure out how to move forward from here. We're not gonna be together despise these feelings and we're gonna have to be okay with that."
Luke nodded, even though she couldn't see him. "You're right. I know we need to talk about things and set boundaries, but it's hard. Setting boundaries feel like you're pushing me away. I don't want to lose you."
"You won't lose me," Julie said firmly. "We just need to learn to respect each other and our boundaries. We need to communicate better."
Luke reached out and found her hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. "Thanks, Jules. For always believing in me, even when I don't deserve it."
"Always, Patterson. I got your back" Julie replied, her heart swelling with warmth. She squeezed his hand back.
They lay there in silence for a while, holding hands and finding comfort in each other's presence. Despite the turmoil of the past few days, this moment felt like a step in the right direction—a step towards healing and understanding.
"These feelings we have for each other," Julie said softly, breaking the silence, "they don't matter in the grand scheme of things. What we have is bigger than that."
Luke nodded, his grip on her hand tightening slightly. "So what do we do?"
"We put our feelings aside," Julie said, her voice resolute. "Keep the boundaries up and lose the awkwardness."
"Yeah," Luke echoed, feeling a sense of relief wash over him. "We can do this."
With a shared sense of resolve, they both let out a sigh, feeling a weight lift off their shoulders. The room fell into a comfortable silence, the only sound the soft hum of the city outside. As Julie lay in bed, she felt a sense of resolve. She knew that things wouldn't change overnight, but this was a start—Things might be complicated now, but they were working through it together. And with that thought, she drifted off to sleep.
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Sooo here it is! Chapter 2 of Echoes of the heart. I want to especially thank @hiding-behind-pages and @slytherinnqueen for commenting. They really motivate me to push this story out there since my ADHD brain keeps forgetting about it when I’m not actively writing.
Anyhow I hope you all liked it! Let me know what you think about it, how you feel about all the characters and of course let me know if you have any constructive critisism!
