Alice Christine Collin
The audience gave the band a round of applause, but my eyes were still locked to one of the members of the band. He was about to come down from the stage when I saw a girl walked to him and kissed him on the lips. I avoided to see that scene and looked at the other side of the pub.
“Shall we go now?”
Antoinette looked at me in surprise. “What? I thought you want to watch band?”
“Yeah but I’m feelin’ tired.”
“Okay then, let’s go first to the backstage. I’ll tell Edward we’ll go now.” She seemed disappointed but she just walked. We went to the backstage where the Paradise band was in. I was frozen again when I saw the guy I’ve just seen singing a while ago.
“Hey girls, how’d you like our performance, fascinating, isn’t it?” Edward was walking to our way.
“Yeah you did great, Honey. Anyway─”
“Yes. Come on, the group will be having a dinner, you better join us.”
Edward pulled Antoinette to the side where the band was having a good time. Antoinette looked at me apologizing. I did nothing else but follow them. My knees were shaking every time I took steps. I was getting nearer and nearer to the band. Then a pair of eyes caught me.
“By the way, Alice, this is our lead singer and guitarist for some times, multi- talented guy, Matthew, another Matt from the group.” Edward said while patting the guy’s shoulder. He offered me his hand with his smile.
“Hi. I’m Matt, Matthew Miller.”
I handed my hand to him hearing my heart beats so fast. I wasn’t expecting this thing would happen. Matt Miller was in front of me. Everyone around us was gone. Only Matt and I were left alone on the backstage.
“Hi.” He greeted again as another smile flashed on his lips. “Been so long, how are you?”
“I- I’m doing fine. ‘Bout you?” I chocked though I was stammering.
“Fine.”
“You’re staying here in France, aren’t you?” I asked hoping he’ll say no.
“Yes. For three years.”
Three years? For the past three years he was staying here? That’s the reason why I didn’t see him in New York anymore.
Silence.
“Would you mind if I leave now? I’m sorry, I’m not feeling well. Goodbye.” I started walking when I heard him again.
“Alice…” I turned my back to him. “I miss you.”
His eyes looked sincere and serious. He walked to my side when I felt his hand stroking on my face. I closed my eyes to hide the tears that was about to fall. I miss him too. But no, I can’t. I was mad at him. He hurt me before. And I was also thinking of Ben. He was expecting that I would not go back to the past again.
