Harboring Feelings >> Becstin

16

AUSTIN'S POV

"Are you doing anything tonight?" Becky breaks the silence.

"I-uh actually have to do something with some friends." I say awkwardly. I have the urge to cancel my plans just for her, but I decide against it. It would be the third meeting I've missed and I wouldn't want to suffer the consequences anytime soon.

"Oh, um okay." She says.

"Why? What were you thinking about doing?" I ask her.

"Nothing, nothing really. I guess I could ask Justin." She says casually. I feel my jealousy flare up inside.

"Are you guys okay now?" I ask, my words taste bitter.

"I guess, we kind of talked a little bit after the race." She says.

"What about?" I persist.

"Nothing. Just catching up." She says.

"So, you guys were really close, huh?" I feel like I'm interrogating her.

"Yep." She says shortly. I can feel her getting irritated with me, but I can't help the questions that flow from my mouth like a broken faucet.

"How old were you when you met him?" I ask.

"About 14, maybe, I don't know-Why are you asking me all these questions?" She snaps.

"Just wondering." I mumble. She sighs.

"What's your favorite topping on pizza?" She asks me, I look at her oddly.

"Pepperoni. What about you?" I ask her.

Hawaiian.

"Hawaiian." She replies, "What's your favorite color?" she asks.

"Red." I answer her, "What's yours?" I respond.

Purple. Royal Purple.

"I like purple, but not like a violet purple, like a royal purple, you know?" She asks, her mood is completely changed.

Of course I know, B.

"What brand of toothpaste do you use?" I ask her. She looks a little taken back at my question, and I honestly wish I didn't ask it. I must be freaking her out. I expect her tuck and roll out of the moving vehicle, but she surprises me by giggling.

"I use Crest. You?" She asks laughing a little.

"I'm more of a Colgate person." I tell her honestly. I feel myself relax instantly since she didn't jump out of the car.

"Where'd you grow up?" She asks.

"A small town outside of San Antonio." I reveal to her, "How about you?" I ask, already knowing the answer.

"Inglewood, California." She says in a matter-of-fact tone.

"Oh! We got a Cali girl over here." I beam.

"Cali girl for life." She says sweetly. She has a huge smile on her face; I feel my heart swell at the sight.

"How long have you been singing?" I decide to ask her.

"I thought it was my turn." She chuckles nervously, most likely avoiding the question.

"B. I'm serious. When'd you start singing? Were in choir or what?" I ask her seriously.

"I read somewhere that singing is a stress reliever. So, my mom-" she chokes, and I look at her with wide eyes, "I'm sorry, I had a little tickle in my throat, she um, taught me how to sing. And well, when I was always upset or really freaking out o-or something. It just helped me, I guess." She says while playing with her hands.