Sleeping Beauty

Chapter 29

Shawn

        My heart skips a beat when America's hand brushes mine. I still can't believe she's here with me. I mean, she's actually here. I can touch her and talk to her and kiss her whenever I want. I don't have to live without her. 

        When we get out of the car, I breathe in the warm sticky air in Tallahassee. Then I run around the car and open the door for America before she gets the chance to. I wrap my hands around her waist and help her out, keeping her steady while she pulls out her crutches. "Thanks," she mumbles. I nod. She continues to talk while we walk to the building. "I still can't believe I'm here with you."

        I nod again and smile. "Yeah."

        "I mean, we get to go all theses cool places together."

        I cross my arms. "Well, we only get to be there for a few hours at a time usually, but I see where you're going with this." I have to admit, I'm kind of worried. I'm used to screaming teenagers crying over me and kissing them on the cheek when I meet them, but America isn't. This is all new to her.

        "So it's already seven here? I am not going to be able to fall asleep tonight!"

        I laugh. "You sorta get used to it, I guess."

        "Yeah, I guess."

        I had to warn her about what would go on tonight and how it really meant nothing. "Listen, America-"

        "Oh, Shawn! You drive me insane sometimes." Sherry cuts me off and rushes over to us. "You're supposed to be on stage in half an hour. Why are you walking?"

        I don't answer and watch her eyes go back and forth between America and me. Then I watch her stare at her leg. I suddenly feel pissed.

        "You're kidding me, right? Jesus, Sherry! You don't have to stare at her like she's an abomination to society or something. She has one leg-"

        "Shawn." 

        I ignore America and finish what I was saying.  "Get over it."

        "Shawn." America says my name again and I turn to look at her. She's tearing up.

        Sherry tries to speak. "I, uh... Look, I'm sorry. I was going to ask what happened. I wasn't trying to be rude or anything."

        America pushes pass me and comes face to face with Sherry. She stops crying and says, "It's fine. You did nothing wrong. Shawn just jumps to conclusions, that's all."

        Sherry smiles and laughs a little. "Good. I thought he just got that way around me."

        "You thought right." I roll my eyes. I never acted this way around anyone except Sherry. Something about her just ticked me off.

        America looks back at me. "What did you say?"

        Someone runs up to me and pulls my arm. "Shawn, you got twenty minutes. Could you try to be a little faster." I look to my left and see my stage manager. "Oh, yeah. Sure." I look back over to America. "Sherry, would you mind-"

        "Yes. I'll take care of her."

        "Okay." I walk over to America and kiss her on the cheek.

        "Good luck," she whispers. 

        I smile. "Thanks."

        "Shawn!"