Run

Emma

The staff ushers us all to sit down and get ready for the guest appearance. I had seen so many old faces from the hospital and friends from school and my previous job. Of course everyone gave me their sympathy for losing Tuck, but honestly I handled it much better than I had in a while. I had also ran into an old friend, Johnny.

When I use to volunteer at the hospital I met many parents, but Johnny was always kind to me. His son, Toby,  was in the hospital for cancer treatment. His son was thankfully a success story, but during the time he was in the hospital his mom passed away in a car accident. I was a teenager and it was very hard for me seeing this family go through that.

I always thought Johnny was a good looking man, but obviously too old for me even though he was only six years older. But seeing him tonight that age difference didn't bother me. I always feel guilty, like I am betraying Tuck by finding another man attractive and there is definitely enough betrayal there by me sleeping with his best friend. I push that thought to the side. But I know Tuck would want me to be happy.

Johnny and I had caught up. He was still single and Toby was going into middle school the healthiest he had ever been. We decide to sit together and enjoy food, drinks and entertainment tonight and put our past in the past and be happy for once. I would be lying if I said there wasn't one thing on my mind, or should I say someone. But I had put Luke in the past and was tying to move on. Johnny and I had clear chemistry, not that I was ready for a relationship. But companionship and someone who understands may be nice.

We were all seated and I looked at Johnny and pulled him close since it was loud, "I wonder who they brought in?"

"I don't know. I was told a country artist." Of course one person in particular kept coming to mind, but surely not. He never came back for anything and I told him to stay clear.

"I am not much of a country fan. I am more of an upbeat music kind of person." Lying trying to clear my mind of Luke. Why did he have to do what he did, why did I let him. Cause all I can think about is him on top of me. I am brought back to the moment as I hear Abigail come over the speaker.

"We are so thankful for each and everyone of you! With your support we've been able to add a new play center that is handicap accessible; these kids don't have much happiness within these walls and we hope this can give them something to look forward to daily. We were also able to contribute to the research center so that one day we can kick cancer's ass!" Everyone was cheering, as I looked around for once felt happy knowing that as a community we had done something good and I was part of it. She continues, "so now to what ya'll have all been waiting for, our surprise guest....Luke Abrams!"

Shit. I could not get him out of mind and now he is standing on that stage and looking right at me and with burning eyes. I try not to be too responsive as Johnny looks at me with excitement I smile pleasantly. But my insides are burning, I am not sure if its fury or desire.

He comes on the microphone, "Hey guys! As ya'll know I am from this town and honored to have the opportunity to come back and help raise money for the kids." He has not took us eyes off of me. "I am going to play a couple songs, but the first song I am going to play for ya'll was what gave me start in the business and I wrote it about girl who has always meant something to me and does until today." He begins to play his guitar while the band starts in behind him.

she was my first love

already stolen I knew

she held my heart

but never knew

my blue eyed, dark hair secret....

My heart just sank to my stomach. I heard this song multiple times, but I just realized who he was talking about. Me.