Bi-stressed

CHAPTER 80

Two weeks have passed since Hardin and I last met. He hasn't texted or called since that night.
Coming to Zac, he's allowed to meet me only thrice a week. It's been two weeks for me staying at aunt Steph's house. No sign of my mother, not even a single text.

The church bells ring and so I start getting dressed for Sunday evening mass.
After getting ready, I send Zac a text to be on time for mass and leave the house.
On my way, I finally see him. I see Hardin. He sees me. He pretends he didn't and walks past me. Why is he acting so weird? One minute we're working on songs together and the next he's ignoring me.

I might know the reason. It's the lyrics of that song. But how would he know that song was about him?

"Why now? Why not then?"

Ugh, Lexi!  I smack my forehead and walk faster.

"Hardin!" I call out from behind him. He doesn't hear or even if he did, he pretended not to.

Lexi, you're not going to chase after him. My subconscious warns me.

I call Zac on repeat. Where the hell is he. He's never on time for mass. I call him the sixteenth time and finally give up calling him and enter in church.
Mass is almost over and there's still no sign of Zac.

As soon as I step out of church, I run into Lucas.

"Hey Lexi!" He says, with a warm smile.

"Hi Lucas." I smile back.

"You better now?" He asks hesitantly.

"Umm yeah. Why? Oh... that night of the picnic when I fainted?" I realize what he's talking about and reply, "I'm doing really good now. What about you?"

"I'm superb! Oh, by the way, I have an exciting news for you!!"

"Exciting news? Uh, what is it?" I'm curious to know but nervous at the same time. I hope this "exciting news" doesn't sadden me.

"I'm organizing a concert. And.. I want you to sing for it!"

"What? Really? No no, I don't think I can,"

"I'm not taking any 'no' from you. You're not gonna be the only one singing throughout the entire concert so chill. Don't stress. I'll text you all the details."

"Uh okay. Let me speak to Hardin then."

"Umm Lexi, I already spoke to him. He isn't available that night."

"Oh." Is all I manage to say.

"Okay then, I'll text you. Bubyee take care."

"You take care too, bye."

I look around for Hardin but guess he already left so I make my way to Aunt Steph's house. I try calling Zac but his number keeps coming off. Don't know where the hell he is. Hope he's okay though.

I change my mind of going home and text aunt that I'll be home before 9. I find myself walking towards Hardin's house.

What the hell are you doing Lexi? You're not going to chase after him.

I'm almost there when I turn and walk back, after walking a few steps, I stop, building up the courage to go to his house. He never said we'll stop working on songs and without him I won't even be able to sing for the concert. I'm not chasing after him. We're kind of working together and I have the right to question him about why aren't we working on any songs lately and why is he ignoring me. When I turn again, I bump into him.

"Hi, I-"

"Why were you going back?" He asks, his voice raspy.

"I- oh yeah I forgot something, th- the diary." I smack my forehead dramatically then run my fingers through my hair.