35 ᴍᴍ ꜰɪʟᴍ ᴀɴᴅ ᴀ ʙʟᴀᴄᴋ ᴄᴏꜰꜰᴇᴇ I 🎀 𝒢𝓇𝒶𝒸𝒾𝑒 𝒜𝒷𝓇𝒶𝓂𝓈 [𝑔𝓍𝑔] 🎀

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟖: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐞𝐰𝐬

ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ 8

Charlie-Wren and Gracie walked side by side through the familiar streets. The air between them was light, but Charlie could feel a low hum of nerves building in her chest. Today would be the first time she's bringing Gracie to meet Rachel and Jackson—her closest friends, bandmates, and the two people who knew her best. She had mentioned Gracie in passing before, but she hadn't told them much. Mostly because she wasn't even sure what to say. Now, showing up with Gracie, she wasn't sure how they would react. Especially since she's going to show up with Gracie as a surprise. 

The sun was setting by the time Charlie-Wren and Gracie arrived at the Red Lantern for band rehearsal.  The place was empty, save for a few workers cleaning up after the day's shift, leaving the atmosphere relaxed. Charlie had been rehearsing here with Rachel and Jackson for months, but tonight felt different with Gracie by her side.

As they approached the pub, the hum of early evening chatter could be heard from inside. Charlie pushed open the heavy wooden door, leading Gracie into the familiar space. The Red Lantern was already dimly lit, its cosy, rustic atmosphere giving off the perfect vibe for a rehearsal. Rachel and Jackson were already setting up on stage, adjusting cables, and tuning instruments.

As they walked in, Rachel looked up from her guitar, her eyes widening in shock when she spotted Gracie. "Holy—" she muttered under her breath, exchanging a quick glance with Jackson, who froze mid-tune, staring at Gracie with a mix of surprise and confusion. 

This wasn't the first time they had seen Gracie, but last time had been fleeting—a brief encounter when Gracie had stopped by the library to try and find Charlie. Back then, they hadn't thought much of it. But now, seeing Gracie here with Charlie-Wren, it was clear there was something more going on.

"Uh, Charlie," Rachel said slowly, blinking as if she were trying to process what was happening. "Is that...?"

"Gracie Abrams?" Jackson finished, his voice low with disbelief. He exchanged a quick look with Rachel before turning back to Charlie and Gracie, a slight smile tugging at his lips. "No way."

Gracie smiled politely, used to this kind of reaction but also slightly amused by it. Charlie, on the other hand, felt her stomach flip. She hadn't prepared for this level of surprise. "Yeah, um," she started, scratching the back of her neck nervously, "this is Gracie. We've been... hanging out."

Gracie gave Charlie a look, puzzled by how she addressed their relationship but also giving her that look. Charlie stood there awkwardly, knowing her word choices weren't the best. And that she will probably get confronted by Gracie if she makes a mental note. Especially with the hesitation in her voice, she just knew that her friends were going to want answers.

Rachel's eyebrows shot up even higher as she slowly set down her bass. "Hanging out?" she repeated, glancing between Gracie and Charlie with a pointed look. "Like, hanging out-hanging out? Or just... you know, hanging out?"

Meanwhile, the drummer could not hide the massive grin on his face. Jackson chuckled, stepping forward to shake Gracie's hand. "I think we know which kind of hanging out this is, Rach," he teased. "It's nice to meet you, Gracie. Big fan."

Gracie shook his hand, smiling. "Thanks. It's nice to meet you both. Charlie's told me a lot about you."

Rachel, still looking slightly bewildered, glanced at Charlie before gesturing towards the bar. "Hey, Charlie, can I talk to you for a second?" Her tone was casual, but Charlie could sense the underlying curiosity—and concern—in her voice.