Light Me Up *Sequel- ON HOLD*

I was clueless then, I couldn't understand

6th grade:

I look around the cafeteria, a frown on my face as all the other tables are filled up, but I'm left all alone. My eyes connect to Bailey's as she walks out of the food line. Her expression is unchanging, just carrying a straight line for a mouth. Ignoring my gaze, she walks over to a table filled with the people. It's the fourth day of middle school, & she's been ignoring me. Some of my old classmates have been staying clear of me too, for some reason. I don't understand what I've done wrong.

"Hey Lex," a familiar voice greets, & I look up to see Hunter set his tray down in front of me. He gives me a sad smile, likely noticing my empty table.

"Hey Hunter," I try to smile, but it feels so fake just for me.

"Hey listen," he sighs out, taking my hand in his. I try to ignore the warm tingles that crawl up my arm at his touch. "People have been ignoring you because of Bailey."

"W-what?" I studder, unable to grasp the idea of my best friend being the cause of this. Although she has been ignoring me..

"She's gotten in with the populars, &, well, she's making people leave you alone."

"I- I don't understand. Why?" He just shakes his head, eyes shut for a moment.

"I don't know."

Present Time: Lexi's POV:

"So you're staying for rest of tour? Sweet." Steve grins from where he sits on the kitchen counter. I laugh, leaning my head back against the soft couch. Hunter & I just got back, & to say the guys were surprized would be an understatement. But they all look happy, so that's good. I don't know what I would do if they didn't want me here, taking up their space.

"I guess we can relax now, huh?" Matt asks, peeking his head from behind the fridge door. "No more bad guys?"

"They should go to jail," Hunter explains, but I notice the nervous smile doesn't reach his light blue eyes.

"Should," I state, eyeing him warily.

"Uh, Bailey's mom is a lawyer so there is the slight possibility she'll get her out of it. But I mean, Eric is sure to be doomed."

"Well, the Eric part is good at least. But honestly Bailey is crazy enough to come back at us." He sighs, nodding.

"That, she is."

"& with her dad being a gang leader.."

"I'm sure a big bad mafia leader has more important things to do than waste his time & resources on his daughter's teenage problems."

"See?" Matt chirps. "What are the chances?" I nod numbly, unconvinced. Closing my eyes, I release a big, tired sigh. I should feel safe, but why can't I? Why does it feel like there's still this big target on my back?

All thoughts leave as a hand lands on my knee, squeezing gently. I feel myself light up instantly as I smile at my perfect boyfriend. His expression just says it all: it doesn't matter if things are fine or not, I'll still be right by your side.

I'll never understand how I got to be so lucky.

"Hey love birds!" I blink when I hear a loud clap, & realize that Hunter & I have just been staring into each other's eyes. Looking over, the guys all smirk, amused. "Hunter, we got a show to get ready for," Sam explains.

"Right!" Hunter says with a wide eyed gaze. "Of course. Lex, you wanna come?" Nodding, I accept his hand & grab my crutches. I can't wait for the show!

------------------------

Sitting on a stool on the stage, hidden by the curtain, I watch happily as Hunter & the band play their hearts out with Storm Warning. A cheeky grin remains in tact as I recall his dedication of the song to me.

Looking out to the crowd, I can't help but admire how large the crowd is today. A lot of them being young, beautiful girls.

"Dumb ass..." I whip my head around at the sudden voice. It sounds feminine & oddly familiar, but who would be here? Shrugging it off, I turn back around. "No seriously, you're so stupid. What the hell does he see in you?" I look around once more to find no one, again. Squinting my eyes, I feel my heartbeat stop when Bailey suddenly appears in front of me, a dark, cruel smirk on her face.

"What are you doing here?!" My hand clutches the hand part of the crutch beside my seat.

"Real question is, why are you?" She arches in eyebrow, one hand on hip.

"Supporting my boyfriend," I smile mockingly, knowing it'll drive her crazy. When I see her expression doesn't falter, my lips go downward.

"Well look who's finally feeling confident. Tell me, Lexi. Do you think you're strong enough?" I tilt my head to the side, confused. "Do you think you're invincible? Because you're not." She walks towards me, each step more menacing than the last. Right in front of me, she lowers her face til it's a meer foot from mine. She suddenly cups my face, her skin feeling cold, yet still burns me. "You've never been anything more than pathetic. You weren't even good enough to be my friend. Why do you think I left you years ago?"

"I-" No words can seem to form in my mouth.

"I couldn't be waste my time for a fool like you any longer. No one wanted to be your friend anyway. You want to know why Hunter ever bothered?" I shake my head no frantically, not knowing what cruel answer she'll give. The lump in my throat grows heavier & heavier, making it harder for me to breathe any air in. She smirks. "Because you were easy." She looks out towards the crowd, her eyes analyzing. "But some of his beautiful fans are going to be even easier." Turning back to me, her expression turns into a pitying one. "Enjoy the spotlight while it lasts, because your song is almost up. No encore." Hearing the audience cheer, I turn to see that the song is done. Looking back over, I gasp when Bailey is gone.

I just need to get some sleep, that's all. She wasn't there, she can't hurt me. Nothing she says can do anything to me.....