Past, Present and Future

The Kiss That Backfired

So, Gene thinks he can just come over, sweet talk me into forgiving him and then act like nothing's wrong? I can play that game too. The next rehearsal we have, I'm going to start out with Beth and sing it over and over until Gene gives in. 

That opportunity comes on the following Monday. I'm there at ten, a whole hour before anyone else. Paul shows up around eleven and Gene rolls in about five minutes later. We just need Tommy to start. When he finally walks in, at eleven-thirty, I'm so wound up I don't even realize he's been crying. Gene starts to say something but I cut him off immediately by launching into Beth. 

He glares at me while Paul hides a smirk. Tommy keeps his head down the whole time. I sing Beth at least twice more before Gene finally yells at me to shut up and that I can sing the damned song in concert. 

Smiling sweetly, I start to say something but am cut off by the sound of a guitar being tossed down and a slamming door. Tommy has stormed off, leaving the rest of us in shock.

"What just happened?' I ask. "Is he upset because of that?"

Paul shakes his head and sends me after Tommy. I finally find him outside, crying. "Tom, what's wrong?"

" When you kissed me the other night, did it mean anything? Where you just going to sleep with me and walk away?" "You acted like I meant something to you at that point but I guess not." "Tell Paul I'm leaving."

"Oh My God!" "I'm so sorry Tom. I didn't realize kissing you out of anger actually meant something different to you. If I had known that, I wouldn't have done it."

"What do you think I was supposed to think? I'm new at all this! I don't have the experience of breaking hearts! I gotta go!"

He ran off, leaving me standing there. I'm so confused.

Paul and Gene had come outside at the very wrong moment. I look up at them and walk back inside.