Shattered Illusions

Chapter 13.

Throughout the summer Luke did not drink that I was aware of. My grades improved so Luke and I got to spend one day during the week together in addition to the weekends. I was sure the last episode scared Luke into staying sober. He was so sweet to me. I ended 10th grade with a B average so Luke and I were spending most of our time together. The summer was ideal. His temper would flair up every now and then but there were no major fights between us or incidents with anyone else. Even when put to the test by a few guys from school, Luke kept his cool. I was so proud of him. He was still hanging around Tommy off and on but not nearly as much as before.

That summer Luke asked me to marry him as soon as I turned 18. I said yes and couldn’t have been happier. He loved the idea of our being a husband and wife team in his magic show. He was practicing a lot so that when he went to New York he would have a solid routine down.
“We’re gonna be famous.” He told me one day. “That’s my dream. I want you with me every step of the way. I’m not sure if I could do this without you, Jules. You’re my inspiration.”
Luke had his whole show worked out in his head . We spent a large part of the summer working on it and even used a couple of friends in the show.

Our town had an art show every summer and we got to perform during the show. It was a big hit. Everyone loved it. I was more proud of Luke than ever. We even performed for a few parties and made a little cash.
Luke put the money in a savings account for his trip to New York. I had fun with the show and was really excited about eventually joining him in New York. Luke was so talented. I knew he was going to be famous.
We would spend hours talking about new ideas for the show and practicing.

When school started we had to go back to spending one day a week plus the weekends together. My parents told me if my grades were good by the end of the first six weeks, and Luke behaved, we would be allowed another day to spend together. I studied hard and kept my grades up so we could spend more time together. Luke went back to partying when he wasn’t around me. He didn’t come around me drunk but I learned from Mark that he was drinking again. Mark told me that Luke would go to a local teen club called, The Mix and perform some magic tricks and flirt with the girls it would ultimately attract.
“Julie, I’m not telling you this to hurt you but I thought you should know. I don’t want to see you hurt by him or being fooled by him.’
“Is he cheating on me?” I cried.
“No, I don’t think so. I haven’t seen him touching another girl or leaving with any. He’s just flirting. He performs his magic tricks and the girls totally love it.” Mark told me.
“Oh, well that’s just how Luke is. He takes any opportunity to perform magic in public.” I was relieved.
“Yeah but he shouldn’t be flirting with them when he’s with you.” Mark said.
“I know but he’s a performer. It’s just how.......”
Mark interrupted me, “Don’t make excuses for him. Don’t forget; he’s drinking too.”
I sighed. “Ok, ok. I don’t know what I’m going to do but I won’t tell him you told me anything.”
I waited a week before I said anything to Luke about it. I was afraid he would blow up.

One night, after we’d made love, I brought it up.
“Who told you this?” he asked me.
“Several people. Don’t worry about it. It doesn’t matter who. We don’t live in a huge town. People in our school hang out at the same places we do.” I told him. I could see him tensing up by clenching his jaw but he remained cool, much to my surprise.
“The point is, you promised me you wouldn’t drink again.” I said. “Not to mention all the girls you’ve been flirting with.”
“Oh Jules, i’m just performing. You know it doesn’t mean anything. You know you’re the only girl for me. I’d never cheat on you. Since when are you so jealous?” he said.
“Well, I’m not normally. I just hate the thought of those girls flirting with you.” I said with my arms crossed. He wrapped his arms around me and kissed me on the cheek.
“You have nothing to worry about.”
“What I am worried about is you drinking again. Luke, you promised!”
He sighed. “I know but i’ve been so good, haven’t I? I don’t drink that much anyway. Just a couple of beers sometimes; no whiskey.”
“Yes, you have been. I’ve been very proud of you for keeping your temper under control. Ok, I don’t like you drinking but as long as it’s only a couple of beers and absolutely no whiskey. That’s stuff makes you mean.” I relented.
“ I know it does and that’s why I stay away from it.” he kissed my cheek again and snuggled closer to me. “ I told you that I would never hit you again and I meant it.”
Luke had a charm about him that I couldn’t resist. He could convince me of anything. It was my downfall.