What If I Can't Forget You?

{19}

Alex's POV

It was around three. Claire and I were bored, and we decided to go over the the venue early, even though the boys were probably busy. We caught a cab in front of our hotel and pulled off, rain pouring down the windows.

"So, Claire." I said, leaning up against the window and giving her a look. "How are things with Victor?" She suddenly looked nervous. "What?" I asked.

"Oh, nothing. Good? Good, I guess." She began playing with her hair, a nervous habit I knew all too well. "How about you and Ian? You two seem to be hitting it off well." She changed the subject quickly.

"Hmm. Yeah, I guess. Claire, I really like him-"

"I'm happy for you!"

"-But I can't exactly seem to get over Jaime completely."

"Oh."

"I know. It's stupid, I suck. But I miss hanging out with him. I miss the way things were."

She didn't reply, but she nodded her head apologetically. I sighed and looked out at the grey day, soaked by the rain of a summer thunderstorm.

We arrived at the venue, tipping the cabby. I led the way in, squeaking down a back hallway with wet shoes. I heard voices coming from what seemed like the stage, so we headed that direction. I entered the room to see the boys and Michele gathered together.

"Surprise!" I said, smiling as we approached them.

Instead of greetings of delight, their faces turned white.

"What?" I thought they would be happy to see us here early. Vic threw off his hoodie and sprinted for Claire, shoving it on her head.

"What the fu- Hey!" She protested. He pulled the hood over her face.

"Vic, what the hell?" I asked. He stared at me for a moment, white-faced.

"Alex." He said. "You two need to leave. Immediately."

"What's your problem?"

"Claire's dad. He's here."

Now, I'd heard a whole lot about Mr. And Mrs. Becker, and none of it was good. In the twenty years I'd known Claire, I'd only been around them a couple of times. I knew how much she hated them. If Claire's dad found out she was with Vic, he would flip on both of them, and eventually we would all die from his inevitable wrath.

"Shit."

"Yeah." Jaime was soon at my side. "You two are lucky Ian caught Bob's undivided attention."

"Ian? Where is he?" I asked, peeking up. Maybe he'd actually be excited to see me.

"I don't know." Jaime snapped.

"Well then." I said, under my breath. Apparently, he heard.

"You know," he started. "It's been a long fucking day, sweetheart. I'd appreciate if you kept the smartass comments to a minimum. Thanks."

Half the group, including me, stared open-mouthed at Jaime, shocked. Patronization was a seriously low blow.

"You know what, Jaime-" He turned away in the middle of my sentence, walking off. "Ugh!" I screamed. "You are such a piece of shit! I wish I had never met you!" I regretted the words as soon as they left my mouth.

I saw him hesitate for a moment as he walked, and I knew he was shocked by my words. I was too. But he kept going, walking away from me. I started to follow, but Vic grabbed my arm and held me back.

"You've done enough." He said, quietly, as he pushed me towards Claire and darted after Jaime.

Oh my God, I thought. What have I done?