Trying Not To Like You

Chapter 6: Under the Bleachers

Alistair

"The arrangement for the new song is here!" I waved a piece of music sheet when I entered the basement at Chris' family home. The vast, roomy area was perfect to hold band sessions and to shoot videos. We would seek other location if we wanted to do something different.

"What took you so long?" Our bass guitarist, Henry hated the idea of being made to wait.

"He has been complaining for the nth time about your delay." Dean interjected and played with his drumsticks.

"My printer ran out of ink earlier. I misplaced the new cartridge. I had to figure out where I store it. I'm here now and the music sheet is in my hand. I'll give you a copy so we can start."

"Hi there!" A soft, girly voice suprised me. Someone that I did not expect to be there in the first place was in front of me.

"Al, I need to talk to you," Chris said seemingly nervous. The other boys watched us closely.

"Okay." I replied not sure what to hear next.

"I think that it's about time we do a collaboration. Beca is actually here for that reason. Honestly Al, I wanted to tell you before our band practice." Chris clarified but I was a bit furious.

"What about the song and the arrangement? Don't tell me you already have it covered. Do Henry and Dean know about this?" I questioned Chris, our leader and keyboardist for we had an agreement that music choices should be discussed with everyone in the band. I walked out of the house.

"I will leave if you're not okay with this. I understand that you're upset." Beca was following me.

"This has nothing to do with you joining us for a collab. I'm annoyed at Chris for mentioning this at the last minute. We're supposed to make decisions together as a band. We've made it this far because of that."

Chris appeared and started to apologize. "I'm sorry. Henry and Dean only know about the collab today. I've made a mistake. We're supposed to make decisions together. We can do the collab next time."

There was a long pause before I managed to say something. "That is all I want to hear Chris. We're a band but more than that we're also friends. It's fine. Let's just start over," I said with a sigh.

"Fill me in now with this collaboration. Since Beca is already here, we might as well put her to good use." I added jokingly to relieve the tension.

"Thanks," Chris responded.

We headed back to the basement. Chris gave a go-ahead signal to the boys who were waiting for our return. The band members approved the leader's choice, a future bass pop song which became an anthem for youth and heartbreak. An electronic DJ duo and a female singer originally sung this track. Both were hitmakers.

"That's a wrap. Good work guys! You, too Beca." I was satisfied with the result.

"Thank you for this Alistair. I like the song. It's a pleasure doing this collaboration with all of you." Beca said as she began collecting her things.

"You're welcome. Until next time, Beca." She waved at us then moved towards the door.

"I'll be right back." Chris saw his girl out of the house.

"Back so suddenly? I thought you're taking her home. Did you have a fight or something?" I teased.

"Very funny! No, we're good. She has an errand to run. By the way, how's Miss President?" My band mate retorted. "You have a lot of explaining to do. Do you think we'll let you off that easily? Spill."

I groaned inwardly. Uh-oh, now I'm in trouble.

***

I was arranging some books inside my locker the next day at school when I heard this. "How's your weekend?" Jade greeted me with a smile. This was nice eventhough it was a Monday.

"There was a little setback at band practice but it went well at the end."

"It's good that you guys sorted it out."

"Jade, I was wondering if.." Our talk was interrupted by none other than her best friend.

"I've been looking everywhere for you! I'm going to grab my best friend, Camden. It's urgent." Kara said in a rush taking Jade away.

I couldn't help getting disappointed. I grabbed my backpack and started to leave turning the other way in the direction of the soccer field.

Mr. Hudson put an old wooden bench underneath the central bleachers last week.  I realized that this spot with the bench in it could be the place to chill if I wanted to remain seen. The right spot where I could secretly do anything. Write a song or probably make out if I get lucky. Haha! These ideas in my head made me excited.

My reverie was broken when the phone rang. "Hello Al, where are you?" The contact in display was Jade.

"Would you like to meet me at the soccer field?" I asked her right away.

"I'll be there in a few minutes," she answered and then hung up.

Jade wandered around looking puzzled when I scanned the field. In an instant, I sent a message on her phone. "I'm at the back of the central bleachers."

I called her name when she was almost near the spot. "I'm here, Jade."

In a hurry, she ran towards me as if scared of getting caught. "Is this your secret hiding place?"

"Yes. I've discovered it recently."

"Wow! We're now hidden from the outside world."

"Isn't it great? We have this all to ourselves."

"Shhh! Did you hear that?" She inquired in a low voice. We inched closer to hear the muffled sound.

"What do you want to know Trevor?" Two boys were exchanging words on the bleachers. One of them is her former flame.

"When did Jade and that Alistair start dating? You must know something, Leroy. You spent almost every afternoon with your President." Trevor grilled the Student Council treasurer. He was such a nosy parker.

"Why do you care? Isn't it that you two broke up?" Leroy retorted. Good, don't let him intimidate you. I said to myself.

"Let's go, Trevor. I'm hungry." A pitchy, female voice disrupted them.

"We're finished talking," Leroy declared.

The conversation died down and steps slowly faded away. This meant that they were gone.

"It's working. Loverboy won't bother asking questions if he's not affected." I faced Jade all of a sudden.

"Yes. This is good. I will tell Kara." She responded feeling victorious.

"Jade, I was wondering if you're like free this Saturday?

"Why?"

"I thought that we can work on the project longer during the weekend. It can give us plenty of time to do research."

"Okay."

"I'll pick you up after lunch. What's your address?"

"I'll send you a message about my address later. We should leave now when nobody is around." Jade suggested and we got out immediately. I attempted one last glance at the soccer field and was met with a curious gaze. It was Leroy.

A/N

Hi, guys. How's it going? Hope you're all fine.

I've found the right person to cast as Chris Sanders. It will be Sam Claflin.

Jade and Alistair have a secret hiding place. What do you think?

Don't forget to click on the star button. Thanks for reading! 😊