Backstage

Chapter 7

Realizing you feelings for someone who just saw you kissing another guy makes it kind of hard for you to go up and talk to him.
I only just realized my feelings for Aiden, and I can't find him anywhere. After the rehearsal at Victoria's place (which by the way went well; we got half of the first number all learned and mastered) I haven't been able to find Aiden.
A part of me has been trying to see if Luke is alright, and so far, he's been acting really nicely around me, almost as if nothing had happened. That's great for me, but I'm really dying to know if he actually is alright or if he's just hiding it.
Anyway, today is our second rehearsal and it's going to be at the backstage of the auditorium. We have to stay after school, because during the recess we won't have enough time to practice as much as we'd like to.
So when the bell rings to announce recess and I don't have anything planned in particular, I try to find Aiden; but something inside me tells me not to do that. It just might not be the best choice right now. But then again, if I wait all the way to the rehearsal, I may not even talk to him. It's not like I'm going to mention my kiss with Luke and everything regarding the matter in front of everyone.
Now that I think about that... What if I confess my feelings to him?
Would that fix anything at all?
I'm at my locker putting some books away when I feel somebody tap my shoulder.
I turn around and see Luke. His blue eyes look normal, just like he always looked at me. I scan him in less than a second; there are no traces of hurt.
"Hey," he says with his usual smile.
"Hi," I smile back.
"How are you?" He asks.
"Fine," I reply. "And you?"
My heart beats faster in nervousness after the last question I asked.
Luke smiles reassuringly. "I'm fine. Really, I am. Stop worrying."
I smile back at him. "Thanks, Luke."
For about two seconds we're smiling kindly at each other, until I choose to break the silence.
"You want to go get something to eat?" I ask him when I close the door of my locker.
"Sorry, that was just what I was about to tell you," he says shyly. "I have to go study with this guy named Michael to the library. You know, for the biology test. My new teacher is insane."
"Oh," I say. "Yeah, I heard some rumors about how she explains things really complicated and some people are having a hard time with her."
Luke chuckles. "Well, the rumors are true."
I laugh. "Alright then, go study."
"I'll see you later, okay?" He says.
"Of course!" I reply.
He waves at me and then he leaves, with books in his hands and his backpack clinging over one of his shoulders only.
So that's figured out. Luke and I are fine and there is no reason we should be uncomfortable around each other. I find myself looking into nothing in particular. And just then, I see Aiden walk by with two guys and three girls. I recognize them all from math class.
I put aside the fact that the people he's with are more popular and more attractive than I am and start to walk up to him.
"Aiden!" I call.
But there's just one problem... the hall is filled with people at this point and all of them are crazily talking. I really doubt that the noise is going to let my voice reaching. Also, most of the people seem to be walking in the opposite direction as I am, which does not make it any easier to get closer to Aiden.
"Aiden!" I call again, this time slightly louder than last time. But like last time, this time also lacks success.
I rethink things through. Suppose he does hear me; what am I going to say? Should I dive in to the subject of Friday evening? And will it even be easy to get him to come alone with me and leave his friends for a while?
"Aiden!" I call one last time.
His head turns ever so slightly to the side and I see question in his gaze. I try to move closer, and I'm close enough to hear what they can say, one of his friends (a girl) asks him, "what is it?"
Aiden shakes his head. "No one. Let's keep going."
I freeze. He heard me, didn't he? But for some reason, I feel he ignored me. No, without a doubt, he ignored me. Does that mean he feels bad about me kissing Luke or does he just care more about his current plans than the girl who just joined the dance club?
Either way, I can't judge him... and I can't just stand here, looking lost in the middle of the hallway.
I start to make my way back when I crash into someone.
"Hey, sweetheart," Henry says. His brown eyes look at me as if he'd been looking for me during ages.
And next to him, I see Adam. His bright brown hair and green eyes are a combination that stands out in any crowd.
But well, Henry's reddish-brown hair also does.
"Henry! Adam!" I say, trying not to look like a complete idiot. "Didn't think I would literally run into you."
Henry lets out his classic chuckle. "You'll have to forgive me for that."
"It's okay," I say. "Were you going anywhere?"
"We were just going to see the principal," Adam says. "Victoria asked us to verify if the event will take place or not."
"Wanna come?" Henry asks.
"No thanks," I reply. "I'm going to get something to eat."
"Alright," Henry says. "We'll see you at the rehearsal."
The two of them walk on and I make my way over to the cafeteria, and spend the next three and a half hours of the day the way I used to do.
But when the time comes to go to the rehearsal, I arrive a little early. I begin to make my way up the stairs to go backstage, but I stop as silently as I can and hide behind the curtain.
Henry and Aiden are in there alone, discussing.
And I'm the one they're discussing about.

****Aiden****

"Your choice, bro," Henry sits down. "She was mad for you."
I scoff at him. He's always making things up and he thinks I don't know.
"Quit lying," I say. "She's with Luke and there's nothing I can do about it."
"Oh really?" Henry says with a smirk. "So you won't go for her 'cuz she has a boyfriend?"
"That's right," I reply. "I don't even know if she likes me! Besides, she is with Luke!"
"Is that so?" Henry says. "Then how come she hasn't been with him all day? How come they didn't reveal they were dating at the rehearsal?"
I stay quiet. Maybe Erin isn't dating Luke after all.
"Well if that's the case," I reply, "I have to wait and see for myself."
"What's there to see?" He gets up. "She was after you at recess today."
"So?" I ask. "That could mean anything."
"Alright, fine," Henry says. "If you don't want to believe me then fine by me. It'll only make it easier for me to turn her eyes to look at me instead of you."
"Please," I say. "You look ridiculous every time you flirt with her. She's not gonna like you if you keep that up."
"You wanna bet?" Henry smirks.
"Alright," I reply.
He holds out his right hand. I take it and we shake, sealing our bet. I shouldn't worry at all; Henry is never going to attract Erin.