Shattered Illusions

Chapter 6.

The chill in the air indicated October was here and so was Luke’s 17th birthday. Mom and I were out shopping for food for his birthday party.
“So are things getting pretty serious between you and Luke?” mom asked me.
“Yeah” I said to her looking at the birthday cakes in the case. “Hey mom, can we get a cake made that has a magic theme?”
“Sure. So what other food do you guys want?”

As we rode home mom starting telling me things about Luke. Things I really didn’t want to hear.
“Julie, I need to talk to you about Luke.” Mom sighed. “I think there are some things you should know.” Mom started telling me about Luke’s history.
“Mom, I already know this stuff. Luke told me.” I was looking out the window.
“Luke’s adoptive mother got pregnant when he was 5, he was already displaying signs of fetal alcohol syndrome.”
I turned and looked at my mother. “What?” I’d read about Fetal Alcohol Syndrome in biology class.
“At a young age he was having violent mood swings, temper tantrums and impulsive behavior. It got worse as he got older so when his adoptive mother got pregnant, she as afraid for her baby so she gave him up.”
“That’s terrible!” I said.
“Ceilia and Danny found out all this and still they wanted to foster him. Why I don’t understand but if anyone can give him the love he needs it’s them.” Mom said to me.
“Mom, Luke’s a nice guy.......” I started to say.
“Julianna, I’m sure he is but I want you to be very careful around him.
He’s unpredictable. Now i’ve heard you two arguing. I don’t know what it was about but I’m telling you this; if he ever hits you, I’ll put a stop to this. I meant it.”
“Mom, Luke would never hit me!” I turned to her quickly.
“Honey, I know you don’t think he would but you’ve only known him for two months. Just please be careful.”
“Ok I will. I promise.” I just couldn’t imagine Luke hitting me. Sure he has a temper but he always calms down quickly. No, mom was wrong.

The next night was Luke’s birthday. I invited a few friends including Mark but made sure to invite a few of my girlfriends so Luke wouldn’t get jealous. Ceilia and Danny were there but they mostly stayed in the kitchen with my parents.
Luke was in a great mood. He loved the cake I had made for him with it’s top hats, magic wands and cards. Mom and dad video taped Luke blowing out the candles and opening his presents, per my request. Ceilia and Danny bought him a pair of jeans and some cool shirts from Affliction. I got him a bracelet with our names engraved on it. At the end of the evening Luke performed some magic tricks for us. Everyone was amazed and I was so proud of him.

After everyone had gone home, Luke and I were left alone on the front porch. “So did I do a good job with the party?” I teased. Luke kissed me and said, “Are you kidding? You did a great job! I loved the cake and the bracelet.” He smiled at me and fingered the bracelet turning it around so he could read the words, “Luke and Julianna”
“I wish you didn’t have to go.” I moaned, knowing my parents would come out any minute to tell me to come in. It was after midnight. Luke pulled me to him and hugged me tight whispering in my ear, “I’ll be back later. Leave your window open.” He kissed me again and left. I watched him walk away thinking, 'Mom’s so wrong. That is not a boy who would ever hit me.'