Left Behind

0.12 Jar of Hearts, Christina Perri

I stared at the teachers hand for several seconds before grasping it tightly, and shaking it. She set the class off to work in groups while me and her stood at her desk finalising some documents so I was an official member of the program. I was walking over to the group of my friends when I was intercepted by a girl with light brown hair dressed in bright pink clothing.

"Hi there, River wasn't it? I'm Carrie Wilson" She thrust her hand forward and I slowly shook it, confused as to why she was talking to me.

"No offence, but what do you want?" I asked in the most polite voice I could muster. 

"I just figured that since your so talented, clearly a lead singer, and I happen to have an opening in my band, Dirty Candy, maybe we should get to know each other." She replied as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. 

"Sorry Carrie but she already has a band." A voice from behind me said. I turned around to see Julie and Alex stood there.

"Oh come on, you clearly don't value her. Where has she been in your latest performances?" She rolled her eyes. "I'll let you get on with your work, but I think we should talk again. If you need anything, don't hesitate to call" She dropped a piece of paper into my hand with what I was assuming her number written on it, and with that she walked away and we turned to walk back to our group.

"What was her deal?" I asked, which caused the pair to look at each other. "What is it?" We sat down on some chairs next to a trumpet that Flynn was obnoxiously playing. 

"She's Bobby's daughter." Luke said. My mouth fell open. 

"Bobby our rhythm guitarist? Oh my god. I forgot all about him." It had never occurred to me that the people we used to be friends with would have moved on and had families. Got older. "Ew, what do you think happened to Mason?" Just saying his name brought a sour taste to my mouth. Luke frowned and shrugged his shoulders.

"Hopefully nothing good." He said bitterly.

"Who's Mason?" Julie asked causing Luke to look over at me. I shook my head at him.

"No one important." I said. "So what are we supposed to be doing?" I asked to avoid the question. And with that, the subject was dropped. 

"There's a talent contest next week, and as were music program kids, were required to take part. Today were just supposed to be discussing what were going to perform but we can do must of that back at the house." Julie explained. 

"What are you planning on playing?" I questioned.

"We." Reggie said. I looked at him. "What are we planning on playing. Your part of this band to Beck. Obviously if that's something you want, you don't have to but it would be cool if you did." He rambled on. I smiled at him.

"Of course I would." The three boys whooped but the girls didn't say anything. "Of course, as long as it is okay with everyone?" I said. Julie and Flynn looked at each other, seeming like they were having a silent conversation. Flynn scoffed and continued blowing her trumpet and Julie smiled softly at me.

"Of course its okay."

--

Finally, the day was over and we were back at the studio discussing what we could perform for the talent show.

"We could do Be Around Me, me and Luke finished the lyrics." Julie suggested.

"No!" Luke said quickly. "I mean. It's good. But I think we should do one we have already perfected. We want to win." Hmm. Luke was acting oddly but I decided not to question him. 

"How about an old Sunset Curve song?" Alex suggested, and the perfect song came to my mind.

"Crooked teeth? My name is Luke? Home is where my horse is?" Reggie started saying random songs we had performed so I just interrupted him.

"Reggie be quiet. There is a song that would fit so much better." They all looked at me expectedly. "Bright!" I exclaimed feeling proud of my idea. I started explaining to Julie what the song was and how me and Luke had written it together, not noticing the awkward glances that the group gave each other. I kept going until I noticed no one was responding, and I finally realised the guilty look on Luke's face.

He saw me looking at him and looked at the floor, and I felt my heart break as I realised why.

"You already performed it." I stated, waiting for someone to deny it. No one did. "Oh right." I felt my eyes fill with tears and stood up off the couch and turned away from everyone before they saw. After all of the drama with Julie and Flynn, this was the last straw. I couldn't stay here any more. I walked over to the space where I was keeping my stuff and started shoving bits into my rucksack.

"River what are you doing." Reggie said quietly. I didn't reply as I was worried my voice would break and give me away. "You can't leave. Where will you go?" I hadn't actually thought that far yet but I knew I had to go somewhere I felt comfortable. 

"River come on it was just a song." Julie said, which caused me to snap.

"Just a song? You have no idea the emotions that went into making that song because you know nothing about me. I tried to hard to get along with you because I was so grateful for everything you were doing for me and my friends but I can't keep pretending." I knew I had tears running down my face but I didn't care anymore.

"Don't get mad at her for this it was me who gave let her sing it Junie." Luke said, trying to take my hand but I snatched it away. 

"Do not call me that." I said coldly. "I am very aware of the fact that you gave her our song but that's not the only issue here." 

"I'm sorry to interrupt but I do not like the way you are talking about  my best friend, especially when she has done nothing wrong." Flynn said walking over to Julie and put her hand on her shoulder. I scoffed and slung my bag with the little amount of clothing in it onto my shoulder. 

"Not done anything wrong. That's bull. I heard your little conversation yesterday." I snapped, causing the two girls faces to fall and look down guiltily. 

"What happened yesterday?" Luke demanded. I just shook my head and walked to the door.

"Like I said, I appreciate everything you and your family has done for me, please give my thanks to them. But you don't have to worry about me intruding any longer." And with that I walked out of the studio, shutting the door behind me. 

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Hi guys!!! 

I hope you like this chapter. Sorry its a bit shorter but I will probably be updating twice today so be ready!!

Love you all! icantenglish xxxx