The boy next door (with Austin Butler)

Chapter 15

"Well ain't you the cutest girl I ever seen."
"Austin?"
"How did you know?"
I realised he hasn't recognised me so I make up an excuse.
"Well I heard about the new Elvis film and I googled you."
"Oh right, yeah."
"So what made you want to play someone like Elvis?"
"Well, I dont like to ramble on about it too much but when I was in highschool there was this girl. I was madly in love with her, she was my everything. I hurt her, real bad, so bad I didn't forgive myself for yours because I up and left before she could even say goodbye. She loved Elvis, I mean she was full on obsessed and when I left all I had of her was Elvis. I would sit in my bedroom for hours listening to him just to remember her. Sorry for rambling darlin' anyways you dont sound like your Australian, where you from?"
"California girl, born and raised."
"California boy here, Anaheim. How 'bout you?"
"Same."
"Wow, what a small world. What brought you here then?"
"Moved here with my freind 2 years ago."
"Well, your absolutely stunning I've just got to say, I'd like to buy you a drink."
"Sounds good to me."
"You like Elvis then huh?"
"Yeah, he's amazing."
"He is, he was such an awesome character."
"He really was, its so cruel what happened to him."
"Yeah, he was an icon."
"So about that girl? You really loved her?"
"Yeah, I mean from the moment I laid my eyes on her. She was so beautiful, she was my everything. But I fucked it up with her."
"Did you talk to her after?"
"No, I never forgot her though, I mean she was my first love. We never even officially dated either, just 'friends' but we did stuff, y'know?"
"Yeah, I had that with a boy too, it was the best, but all the good things must come to an end."
"Yeah, I guess that's true."
Before i can even respond I hear a yelling from behind me.
"INDIA! WHAT ARE YOU DOING WITH HIM?"
"India?" He says like he's seen a ghost.
"Hi Austin." I let out a small smile.
"I- I- What?" He puts his hands on my cheeks. "What is going on?" He wraps his arms around me and gives me a giant hug.
"HEY! No get off her!" Jasmine comes running up to us ripping me away from Austin. "Dont think you can suddenly come rushing back into her life just to leave her again. It ain't fair."
"I- I-" Austin stutters but the words dont come out.
"Yeah, that's what I thought!" Jasmine snarls and grabs my hand. "Lets go babes."
I turn around to see Austin with a hand on his head and staring at the floor. I pull my wrist away and shout back.
"Jasmine, I am a grown woman! I dont need you to make decisions like that for me. I was in love with that man for so long and I finally see him again and you drag me away like that? It was twelve years ago babes, I need to move past it. I can just be friends with him and when he goes back to America it will be like nothing has changed."
"Ind's I didn't mean it like that. Do you know how hard it was to see you the way you were? It may of been twelve years ago but he hurt you. I dont ever want to see you go through that again, hurting yourself, not eating."
"I said I can handle myself. Now I'm going back over there to talk to one of my friends, your going to have to get over the past. If i can then you can because it sure as hell didn't happen to you!"
"Fine, but dont come running to me when he breaks your heart because I wont be there." She walks off into the crowd and I see her leaving in the distance.

I turn around and walk back to where Austin is sat.
"India? I thought you left."
"I'm sorry about Jasmine, she's just worried about me I guess. She was the one who had to pick up the pieces last time." I sit down and look at the floor.
"I never meant to hurt you like that, I never forgave myself."
"Hey, its ok. I came here to have a good night. Now lets have one, like the good old days."
He orders more drinks and I turn to face him.
"So, Elvis?" I say to try and break the silence.
"Yeah, I guess I should be thanking you." He laughs.
"That's an incredible achievement, hoe are you feeling about it?"
"Excited and nervous I guess, some big shoes to fill." He chuckles nervously.
"You will be great, dont worry about it!"
"That means a lot coming from you, it can all feel like a lot."
"Well, I live round the corner if you ever need anything."
"Ill be sure to come round some time, have a proper catch up."
"That sounds nice."
"You know your as stunning as the day I met you?"
"Why thanks, you ain't getting on too bad yourself. I love what you've done with the hair, real Elvisy."
"Yeah, I have to have it this colour for filming."
"Well it suits you!" I run my fingers through his dark black hair. "Very suave."
"Glad you like it." HE says whilst I pick up my margarita and take a sip.
"Wanna find a proper table?" He stands up and puts his hand out.
"Sure, sounds good to me."