ROYALS

-3-

I woke up prepared for the worst. And by the worst, I mean seeing Simon with this new guy. Even as my eyes opened, I could picture it all.

I got up, reaching for my phone which fell on the floor as I shuffled in my sleep.

I opened instagram, doing the thing that I tried not to do, look at Simon's account.

I pulled up his page, and wasn't shocked to see a new post. I jsut wasn't expecting to see this... a selfie oh him kissing this boy, with a smile on his face.

I looked down to see an account tagged, as even though I tried not to, I clicked his username, and was taken to his page in seconds.

As I opened it I finally found out his name, Ethan.

His posts seemed liked almost everyone elses, pictures of him with his friends, and random selfies taken in random placed. I shut off my phone almost as quickly as I turned it on.

I went to my my drawer, pulling out a new change of clothes which I put on quickly as I made my way to breakfast, putting my airpods in and pressing shuffle.

I paid no attention to Simon as I got my food. He didn't need my time anymore, which I needed to accept.

I finished getting my plate, going over to my new friends who greeted me with a quick smile. I put my head down, trying my best to ignore humanity as a whole. I heard mumbles, and then felt a tap on my shoulder. I took out an earbud and looked up.

"You feeling okay?" Peter asked as I collected myself.

"Long story." I said softly.

"We do have time." He said, looking over to Felle. I nodded, preparing myself.

"You know the guy you added just after me... well, we have a history." I paused, "It just never seemed to work out."

Peter looked at me, "So it was true? It really was you in the video?"

"You knew about that?" I asked slightly upset and uncomfortable.

"Kind of hard to miss, but hey, I don't judge."

I took a breath of relief. "I told him I was gonna tell the truth, that it was me, but I just couldnt. Everyone is counting on me, and I don't want to cause my family any more trouble. Plus, it's to late... he has a new guy."

Peter looked understanding. "No one should ever hate you for being you."

I sat in silence, taking in his words. I muttered under my breath, "We didn't do anything wrong."

"Hey, I have something to cheer you up! Practice tonight. I'll even let you pick a song." He smiled.

"I may have something in mind..."

He looked at me curiously, "And what would that be?"

-------

I got to practice early, as I prepared the music sheets.

Peter was the first to arrive, shooting me a smile as he picked up the sheet music.

"Hmmm, does this have anything to do with Simon?"

I give Peter a look as Felle and Antony rounded the corner. They all were passed the sheet music quickly, they practiced quickly, getting the gist of it all.

Simon rounded the corner, and he brought a guest, Ethan.

As they reached to us I heard Ethan yell out to us, "Okay if I watch?" Simon smiled as he looked to him, letting out a small laugh.

Peter looked at me quickly, as if to ask me. I shrugged my shoulders, allowing the boy to watch.

Ethan grabbed a folding chair from the corner of the basement, wiping off the dust as he sat down.

Antony greatest Simon with the paper, and he skimmed through it quickly.

"Wilhelm you start with first verse and chorus, then you Simon. Meet up for the bridge to the rest" Peter said swiftly, queuing to the others to begin.

I nodded my head softly, preparing to start.

The music began as I started... I feel a little nauseous and my hands are shaking, I guess that means your close by.

My throat is getting dry and my heart is racing, I haven't been by your side, In a minute but I, Think about it sometimes...

I see Simon looking at me, and I use everything I can to not look into his eyes, Even though I know it's not so distant, Oh, No I still wanna reminisce it.

I turn to him unable to hold back, I think of the night in the park, It was getting dark and we stayed up for hours... I turn away again, What a time, What a time, What a time.

You clinged to my body like you wanted it forever, What a time, What a time, What a time, for you and I. What a time, What a time, For you and I.

The music slows and I look down. Simon starts his part seconds later... I know we didn't end it like we're supposed to, And now we get a bit tense.

I see Ethan stiffen in his chair, scooting around uncomfortably, I wonder if my mind just leaves out all the bad parts, I know we didn't make sense.

I admit it that I think about it sometimes, Simon looks to me once again, with a familiar pain in his eyes, Ethan looks sick, Even though I know it's not so distant, Oh, No I still wanna reminisce it.

I think of the night in the park, It was getting dark and we stayed up for hours. What a time, What a time, What a time.

You clinged to my body like you wanted it forever, What a time, What a time, What a time. For you and I. What a time, What a time, for you and I.

I join Simon... For you and I, For you and I, For you and I, What a time, What a time for you and I. What a time for you and I Yeah.

I see Ethan getting more upset as we get through each word, and Simon doesn't seem to notice... What a time, What a time for you and I.

I think of the night in the park, it was getting dark and we stayed up for hours... What a Lie, What a Lie, What a Lie... You clinged to my body like you wanted it forever, what a lie, what a lie, what a lie.

Me and Simons eyes are locked, unable to move, For you and I, What a lie, What a lie...

For you and I (For you), For you and I (For you), For you and I (For you and I), For you and I, yeah.

The music ends slowly, and I feel myself tearing up.

Ethan stands up suddenly, running out the run. I'm confused as I look to him fleeing, and I see Simon head out the door for him.

"Wait, Simon!" I yell as I chase after him. He slows, turning to look at me.

"Just stay out of my business." He says angrily, and walks off again.

I feel faint as I make my way to the room, Peter comes up and hugs me quickly.

"It's gonna be okay.... It's not your fault." He says trying to calm me down.

I find myself unable to move, fading away as the seconds went on.

Hey!!! I'm really sorry I haven't updated. It's been a pretty hard month. I've been in the hospital and then inpatient, so I just didn't get much time. I also was just taking a break from everything. Hope you are all doing good <3 (I also redid the intro as I've added characters and taken some out!!)