Blandview High Musical

14. Nothing Holding Me Back

It's finally October. So I can officially say that Halloween is on it's way here. The cool crisp LA autumn air feels good rushing through my lungs as I stepped out onto the front porch. "Good morning, Gill." A voice shattered the still cool air. It was followed by steel snipping. I swiveled my head in the direction of the voice to find my neighbor trimming the hedge that divided our yards. "Oh good morning, Mister..." I felt awful drawing a blank at not knowing his name. "Calloway. Jim Calloway." He said, lowering the hedge trimmers and sticking his hand out. He was dressed in a red and white cardigan sweater. A blue t-shirt was underneath and it was accompanied by gray sweatpants. I didn't see what kind of shoes he was wearing. I walked over and shook his hand. "How did you know my name?" I asked. "I heard your mother calling you one morning before she was leaving." "Oh! Wow, I didn't think anyone paid attention like that." I said. He smiled.

            "Just out here enjoying the weather, huh?" He asked, going back to snipping at the tiny branches. "Yeah, I love the fall. And Halloween." I said, smiling. "Well, there are a lot of trick or treaters that come around here. So if you'd like to hand out candy, you'll have plenty of people that'll come." He said. "Oh, I definitely plan on handing out candy." I said, grinning. "Gilly, honey...you're going to be late." My mother said, stepping out of the house and walking over to where I was. "Yeah, I should go get dressed." I said, jutting my thumb in the direction of the house. "I'll see you later, Mr. Calloway." I said, smiling and walking off. "Have a good day at school, Gill." Mr. Calloway said as I was walking off.

            "There she is!" Matt said, walking up to me and wrapping his arms around me. He lifted me up. "Whoa! What's the occasion?" I asked, laughing as he lowered me down. "We get to pick up our scripts today for the musical and I have to admit that I am very excited!" He said. I smiled brightly as I was looking at him. "I don't think I've ever known anyone to get so excited. Especially a guy." I said, waggling my eyebrows at him. He reached up, rolling his lips together and touching the back of his neck. It was obvious he was a little embarrassed. "It's not a bad thing." I said, reaching over and smacking him on the arm. He smiled at me. Just then, Shayne walked up. "Something funny, Johnson?" He asked, wrapping his arm around my waist. I sighed. "I'll see you after school in the auditorium." I said. Matt just nodded and walked off.

            "Good morning, sugar." Shayne said. He pulled me around to place a kiss on my lips. "What has caused you to be so possessive lately?" I questioned, pulling away from the kiss. "Nothing, I just—don't really like how he acts around you." I quirked a brow. "Come on, baby. Don't be like that." Shayne purred. "Just...try to be a little nicer. Please?" I said. Shayne just nodded his head and shrugged his shoulders. "Okay, I'll try." I placed a kiss on his cheek. "Did you sleep well?" I asked. "Yeah, surprisingly good after that little...talk." He said. His hand reached down, smacking itself against my backside. "Hey!" I yelped. "Don't get excited." I teased, pushing him away.

            "Don't you think it would be a good idea?" Damien asked as he and Caylie were walking through the courtyard to class. "I dunno, Dames. You don't exactly know how to sing." Caylie said. "Oh ye of little faith." He said, teasing her. "I've gotta get to class. Hey, have you seen Jade? I haven't seen her this morning." Caylie asked. Damien just frowned, shaking his head. "No, I haven't seen her either. Think she's out sick?" Caylie just shook her head. God, I really hope not. It would have Javi's name written all over it. "I'll see you at lunch." She said, kissing him goodbye.

            I caught Caylie walking into class. "Hey!" I whispered, motioning her over to me. She came over, taking her usual seat. "You're late." I pointed out. "I know. Damien was trying to shed his world class ideas on me." Caylie said, slinging her bag off her shoulder and onto the ground. "Oh? What idea would that be?" I asked. "Oh, just the idea of singing." I couldn't help but laugh a little. "Damien? Singing?" I said, softly. Caylie rolled her eyes, looking at me. "I know. It's a little out there." She said. "What are you going to do?" I asked. She sighed. "What can I do? I can encourage it. I just have to see what he's got." She said. "Well, let me know if you need help." I teased.