Between Chords and Paragraphs (Polin fanfic) EN

Chapter 9

Colin

The beer disappeared down my throat, but it hadn't managed to calm the whirlwind in my mind. As I watched Penelope walk away arm in arm with that blonde man, it felt like the ground was crumbling beneath my feet. It was as if a part of me was fading with her, taking away any hope of fixing what had broken between us.

I turned around, ready to go back to the bar and lose myself in another beer, when a firm hand stopped me by the arm.

-Hey, excuse me, do you have a minute? - said a man with a kind look and a smile that I almost didn't notice at first.

-Sorry? - I replied, still lost in my thoughts.

-I'm Tom Anderson. I work for an independent record label here in London. I saw you on stage a moment ago, and I have to say, what you did up there... wow.

My thoughts were still on Penelope, so the man's words took a moment to click in my head. But when they did, the world seemed to flip upside down. I looked at him, trying to understand if he was serious or if this was some kind of cruel joke.

-Me? - I asked, my voice full of disbelief.

-Yes, you. That song, the way you performed it... There's something in your voice, an honesty... - Tom looked at me with intensity, as if he genuinely believed every word he was saying.

My heart started to race, disbelief giving way to a spark of hope I hardly dared to feel. Singing had always been my refuge, my secret dream. But when Anthony told me that making it in music was practically impossible, I let those words hold me back, burying that dream deep inside.

-I don't know what to say... This is... - Emotion surged through me, my throat tightened, and my eyes began to fill with tears I couldn't hold back. I had never thought anyone would truly hear my voice, that someone would see something more in me than just a hobby, someone other than Penelope.

-Look, Colin, I don't want to pressure you, but I think you've got what it takes to do something big. If you're willing, I'd love for us to work together, record some tracks, see where this can take us. - The enthusiasm in his voice was palpable, and I realized this wasn't a dream, that this was really happening.

I felt a mix of emotions so intense I could barely process it: fear, hope, pure and overwhelming joy. I thought of all the times I had sung alone in my room, how I had dreamed of moments like this but never believed they were possible.

-Yes! - I said with an enthusiasm I couldn't contain, my voice trembling with emotion. - I want to do it. You have no idea what this means to me.

Tom smiled, shaking my hand firmly, and I knew this was just the beginning of something new, something I couldn't have even imagined. For a moment, I allowed myself to dream again, to think that maybe, just maybe, I could be more than I had always thought.

As Tom started talking about the next steps, about plans for recording, I could barely hold back my tears. I knew this moment was life-changing, and for the first time in a long while, I felt filled with hope, with a happiness I hadn't felt in years.

Penelope

The cool night air hit my face as I stepped out of the bar, but it did nothing to calm the whirlwind of emotions tearing through me. Tears streamed down my face uncontrollably, and the pain in my chest was almost unbearable. I couldn't believe Colin was there, singing that song, just as I was trying to move on. It was too much. I felt that if I stayed another second in that place, I would completely fall apart.

I ran down the street, trying to get away from everything, but I didn't get far before a hand gently stopped me. It was Alfred.

-Penelope, wait, - he said, with a mix of concern and calm in his voice.

I turned to look at him, tears still streaming down my cheeks. I didn't know what to say, so the only thing I could do was throw myself into his arms and let out everything I'd been holding in. Alfred held me, without questions or judgment, just letting me cry.

After a moment, when my sobs had subsided a bit, Alfred gently pulled back and looked me in the eyes.

-Is everything okay? - he asked with a softness that only made my guilt worse for dragging him into this mess.

I took a deep breath, trying to think of an excuse that didn't sound as pathetic as what was really going on in my head.

-It's... it's just work. I've been under a lot of pressure lately, and... it got to me a little. - I tried to smile, but I knew I wasn't convincing him.

Alfred studied me, his gaze full of understanding, but also something more, as if he knew there was more to the story.

-Penelope, it's okay. You don't have to tell me now if you don't want to. But when you're ready, I'm here to listen, okay? - he said, squeezing my hand gently.

-Thank you, Alfred. Really... - I whispered, feeling a comforting warmth from his support, even though I knew I couldn't tell him the truth. I didn't want to seem like a silly girl, caught up in unrequited love.

-Hey, how about we go grab something to eat? - he suggested, smiling as if nothing was wrong. - I know a great burger place not far from here. I promise, after a couple of bites, any problem will seem smaller. 

I nodded, not trusting my voice to speak. Alfred offered me his arm, and I took it, trying to focus on his warmth instead of the whirlwind of emotions Colin had stirred in me.

We walked in silence for a while, until we reached a small burger joint lit with warm, welcoming lights. Alfred ordered for both of us, making sure to pick something he knew I'd like, and we found a table in a quiet corner.

-You know, - Alfred began as we waited for our food, - there's a theory that eating burgers releases endorphins, which is scientifically proven to improve your mood. Although, of course, I made this theory up, but I trust it really works.

I couldn't help but smile at his comment, even though my mind was still wandering in other thoughts.

-You might be right. - I returned his smile, appreciating how he was trying to make me feel better.

The conversation flowed easily after that. Alfred was good at making me laugh, at keeping the talk light and pressure-free. We talked about silly things, movies, funny stories from work. Gradually, I found myself laughing more and feeling less overwhelmed by everything that had happened. When we finished eating, I felt genuine relief. Not because everything was okay, but because, at least for a moment, I could forget about the pain.

-Thank you, Alfred, - I said, looking at our hands on the table. I squeezed his hand, feeling a deep sense of gratitude.

We stayed like that for a moment, our eyes locked, and I felt the atmosphere shift slightly, as if an invisible force was drawing us closer. I could feel his breath, the warmth radiating from him, and for a second, I thought I might lean in and...

But I couldn't. Because, even though Alfred was kind, funny, and everything I should be looking for, he wasn't Colin.

I gently pulled my hand back and broke eye contact, trying to hide the sadness in my smile.

-I'm sorry, Alfred. I think... I just need a little time.

He nodded, his smile free of any reproach.

-You don't have to apologize, Penelope. Take all the time you need.

We stood up, and as we left the restaurant, the weight of the night settled over me again, but somehow, I felt like I could face it. Because, even though my heart still beat for Colin, there were people around me who supported me, and that, at least, was something.