Are You Afraid of Musicals?

Chapter 4: Please don't hate me

...1

Dani's pov:

-Cause you like me and he was dancing with me, and you know that you can't do that because you're too afraid of what people might think.-

The moment those words leave her mouth I'm left speechless, frozen for a moment as my brain try to process what she just said.

I feel awfully exposed.

My defense mechanism takes control and my body works on autopilot. I chuckle as I cross my arms, taking a defiant step forward as my expression turns into a disgusted mid-smile.

-You're fucking crazy if you think...-

-Don't even try Dani.- She cuts me, her voice tired. I'm about to snap but she keeps going. -You told me.-

And with that I feel my whole world crashing before my eyes. For a second my facade goes down and my expression betrays me, my breath catches and I feel completely trapped.

With all I got I'm able to snap out of it, but my brain keeps rushing through all of my moments with Gabby, unable to find the one she's talking about, the moment I would say something like that, but then it finally clicks.

I turn my head to look at Gabby, finding her already looking at me, regret and worry flashing in her eyes when she sees my expression.

-Wow...- I breathe out, looking directly at her eyes to then turn to the side and laugh when I'm met with my reflection on the mirror.

There's nothing funny about that laugh. It's one of disbelief, almost cynical, of betrayal.

-Dani I...- She starts, but when my eyes leave the mirror to meet hers, she's shut.

-And here I was, thinking that you were different.- I say mostly scolding myself, my voice mocking and disappointed.

-Dani please...- She tries again, tears filling her eyes and regret painting her features, but it's too late.

-No Gabby.- I cut her again, nearly shouting and not breaking eye contact with her. -How many times I asked you about what happened that night?-

I see her flinch at my shout and my heart drops. A painful memory flashes through my mind making me feel like a horrible person for a moment, but the feeling fades when she answers.

-You said it while you were drunk!- She desperately shouts. -What was I supposed to do, throw it to your face?-

-And you throw it to my face now?!- I immediately ask in disbelief and frustration, my shout pounding in my own ears as I look away, shaking my head.

The silence that follows is defeating, unbearable, but I only let it last for a second unable to hold my words back.

-You know what?- I say, getting her attention and looking back at her, a bitter laugh leaves my lips as my expression hardens. -I was right, you're not like other people. You're worse.-

And with that, I can't take it anymore. My legs start moving almost unconsciously, knowing that I need to get out of there.

-Dani I...- She tries when I pass by her, but I don't want to hear her.

I see tears forming into her eyes as I storm out of the bathroom trying to hold back my own, but the moment the door closes behind me, I can't do it anymore.

-Dani wait please!- I hear Gabby say as she steps out of the bathroom behind me, but I don't stop.

I keep walking towards the exit as I forcefully wipe the tears that are running down my cheeks away. I hear Gabby call, beg for me to listen to her, but I can't.