The Hardest Heart (A Farewell, My Love Story)

chapter 7

   I slowly walked back into the club, stunned at what just happened. When I came back towards the group, all eyes were on me. I shifted my eyes.

"What happened? Why'd Chad run off?" Gary asked.

"Long story short. We both did something we shouldn't have." I replied, slowly walking off.

"Well, I'm getting tired. Let's all go home." Robby piped up, trying to break the awkward silence.

   We all gave our goodbye hugs and walked back to Lizi's car while the guys walked back to theirs. As we were driving, I felt everyone staring at me.

"As your sisters, you KNOW you're gonna tell us what happened." Sydney said sternly.

"And as your new friend, you HAVE to tell me!" Lizi urged.

"I...might have...kissed Chad?" I said nervously.

   Lizi slammed on her brakes and looked back at me. Sydney and Lily's eyes were wide in excitement. I just looked down at the ground.

"YOU KISSED CHAD!?" they all yelled.

"It wasn't intentionally! I was texting you, and he just...kissed me. I kissed back, knowing I shouldn't have since he's taken...but it felt so right...like it was meant to happen." I said softly.

"I knew something was up between you two." Lizi winked, driving again since there were 4 angry drivers behind us beeping their horns.

"Ooooo! I see a future couple in the making!" Sydney cooed.

"I doubt it. There's NO way he's gonna break it off with Baylie." I laughed.

"You say that now. I see the chemistry with you two." Lily replied.

"You guys, i don't think anything's gonna happen!" I laughed again.

"Psh...you'll see!" Lizi replied as we were nearing her house.

   When we got back to Lizi's house, I was hesitant at going inside. Everyone stopped and looked at me.

"Are you coming in, or do you wanna stay on the porch?" Lizi laughed.

"Uh, we should get going soon. We have an 8 hour drive back tomorrow morning and-"

"Stella, Robby isn't gonna do anything!" Lizi laughed. "Now get your butt inside!" she said, pushing me in.

   I awkwardly sat around while Lizi went upstairs. Lily and Sydney were in the kitchen, and Robby was walking towards me with kupcake.

"So...I heard." he said, sitting next to me.

"I know! You're probably pissed off at me, but it wasn't i-"

"Haha calm down! I'm not mad!" Robby laughed. "I knew he liked you" he winked.

"Ok, why is everyone saying that? He likes me, but NOT like that! Does he? He has baylie..." I replied.

"That doesn't stop people! I'm only stating the truth. he really likes you. he talks about you more than he does baylie!" Robby laughed.

"R-really!?" I asked, shocked.

"Ever since you found out about us, actually. He's talked about you ever since. Wondering what you were like, where you lived, what your interests were. I'm just saying." he shrugged.

"Awh! I-i never thought of it that way." I replied.

"Well, you best believe it. But i'd give it some time before you go after him. He's still technically taken. But he does like you, and he wants to get to know you even better. You're the reason he wants a merch person. Something to think about." Robby smiled before leaving the room.

   I sat there, smiling like an idiot. I can't believe chad likes ME! Pinch me, I SERIOUSLY must be dreaming!

"OW!" I said annoyed.

"You were thinking out loud." Lily simply said.

"I'm guessing ya'll heard mine and robby's little talk?" I laughed.

"Mhm...I told you he wanted a piece of that!" Sydney smirked.

"OK! You were right!" I shook my head.

   We all laughed and talked about how fun the show was. We watched the nightmare before Christmas before leaving Lizi's house.

"Tell Robby we said bye!" Sydney said, hugging Lizi.

"Will do, girls!" Lizi replied, going to hug Lily.

"This was the best weekend! Thanks for a good time!" I said.

"Awh! Please, come back anytime! You're welcome to stay here!" she said, hugging me tight.

"Same goes to you whenever you're in Orlando!" I winked.

"Haha you bet! You MUST meet all the other guys' girlfriends when you come back! They're actually friendly!" Lizi smiled.

"I hope so! I don't want another baylie disaster." I laughed.

"Oh, and keep my outfit. It looks better on you than it does on me!" she laughed.

"Haha! I'll cherish its memories forever!" I laughed.

   Sydney drove back to Lola's place as we waved bye to Lizi. I sighed contently. Tonight was a great night! I never wanted to leave. I can't believe Chad liked me back! I didn't know how on earth he planned on making this work since he's with baylie, but hell, I'm down for anything! What if i didn't necessarily HAVE to leave? I took up chad's offer and immediately logged into facebook on my phone. I searched through his friends list and looked up a "Cody early". Once i found him, i sent a friend request with a message:

"I'll take you up on your offer!"

   5 minutes later, he accepted my request. I smiled and waited on his reply. He eventually sent me a message explaining everything.

"Hello, Stella! I'm glad you decided to want to be our merch girl. Haha. Basically, we need you asap, since the guys are going to get more show and tour offers before the year is out! Next year is also gonna be pretty busy! I'm actually in the process of ordering more physical copies of the ep, wristbands, and printing our first ever shirts as we speak. Basically, we're gonna need you, say, next month? You'll have to travel with us, and you can stay with one of the guys or unless you have family around this area.."

   I froze at what I just read. I'd be leaving in a MONTH? I mean, I was content with my life now. I had my real family, friends, and a kickass job back in Orlando. However, Arizona was SO badass, that id love to live here for a while. This states no California, but it's fucking awesome! I knew i wanted this. I even agreed with Chad. I swallowed my pride and messaged back.

"Im in! I want this badly! Haha. :) As for housing arrangements, I have a few people that wouldn't mind helping me! :)

"Great! So, I guess we'll see you again next month! Glad to have ya on the team! :)"

"glad to be of service to you! ;)"

   I smiled and logged out of facebook. I sighed again, smiling to myself. I can't believe all of this was happening in one night. It's amazing how one little night can change your life. Whether it be for better or for worse. I was ready for this. I was ready to talk business.

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I know this was short, but I'm pressed for time with school and everything else! I didn't wanna leave you guys hanging with nothing! Ch8 will be longer, I promise! PLEASE read, comment, and vote!! ^__^ <33