On Mute

Chapter 19: Part B

~X~

                      Keep this a secret huh? I clung tightly to my sweater as I pounded the sparkling black gravel beneath my feet. Marc asked me to keep his identity under wraps, which was understandable... I wouldn't want any of the publicity at school either.

                      "Abby, how did you like the concert?" I looked up from the ground to find my eyes landing on Margaret. I formed a bright smile.

                      "It was really great, thanks for inviting me along." She cut her step sharply and began to walk backwards to face me.

                      "You didn't like it, I can tell." I raised an eyebrow. "Don't give me that, I know that when you don't like something you act all polite and grateful, don't lie." I bit my lip. She knows me better than I thought?

                      "So what if I am not all that into the W.R.E.C.K.S., I still enjoyed myself?" This I did mean.

                      "Of course you did," Beth sharply cut in, a spark flashing in her eyes as a car went by. "You didn't take your eyes off of that mystery singer the entire time he played." I swallowed hard, shooting my gaze to the other two as they darted their attention to me. Beth grinned devilishly. "You were in Awe."

                      "Was not." I revolted.

                      "Was too," Cut in Brie, "I saw you, you didn't even clap till half way through because you were too busy staring." I felt a rush of heat come to my face.

                      "S-so what?!" I stopped in my tracks, starring up at the buildings and townhouses that towered overhead. "You guys eyed him too, and screamed like a bunch of fan girls." I spat with confidence, ready to feel the rush of hearing I made the ultimate comeback.

                      "My heart belongs to the W.R.E.C.K.S.," Margaret stated, placing her hand on her heart in allegiance. Beth wrapped her arm around her and laughed, poking her cheek with her finger and twisting it in torment.

                      "You won't be happy till you marry the lead singer, now will you?" She pestered. I grinned at their goofiness.

                      "Hey," Brie fell back in step with me, her eyes sobering. "I was wondering, where did you disappear to when we were backstage?" I didn't even know I was missed?

                      "Bathroom." I blurted out. "Went in search for one, took me forever." Her eyes narrowed, but she nodded without protest. She was silent for a moment but finally came back with a real smile.

                      "Too bad you didn't run into that guy with the sunglasses. I really wanted to get his autograph." I flinched.

                      "Yeah," I felt my brows furrow but I tried my best to keep a straight face. "Too bad..."

                      "Hey, he was real cute eh?" I laughed as genuinely as I could. If only you knew... She looked at me. "Sorry, did you say something."

                      "Nope, not at all." And I plan on keeping it that way.

                      ~X~

                      "I thought I might find you here." I look up from the horizon to see him smiling down at me with a humorous smirk.