Escaping Lights - A Greyson Chance Fan Fiction

Chapter 14: Choices

Please tell me I wasn't feeling this way. I couldn't be like this. Please no.

     I was laying in bed in my room, staring blankly up at the pale cream ceiling. It was Friday afternoon, and I had officially decided to steer clear of Greyson. Don't judge, but it was my way to strain what I felt. I wasn't sure about anything yet. My emotions were leaving me confused, and I was getting angrier and angrier at myself. Falling in love was never a part of my plan and I wanted to stab myself because I felt like this getaway was driving me towards it.

     But clearly, avoiding Greyson wouldn't solve anything, because 1) I couldn't actually keep myself away from him for we live in the same house 2) it's worthless trying to stop speaking to him because he was mostly everywhere I went, and 3) I didn't want to lose a friend.

   "Ugh, Phoebe, just stop!" I screamed at myself and I turned over the bed, plunging my face on the pillow. Just then, my little tantrum was interrupted by the door flying open. "Hey, Phoebe, we're leaving." It was Maddie.

     Right. Today was The Cruciform's general meeting and we needed to go. Which means I'd be meeting the other members. Technically, we'd be socializing and you know how much I suck at that. I could actually just refuse to go, you know, but I didn't know why I sat up and reached for my sneakers.

***

"Hello, everyone!" Erin announced as kids gathered inside the clubhouse, which was beside her house. It was a wide one-story building that served as the rendezvous of The Cruciform. They held meetings, practices, event-organizing and other club stuff here. I thought the place was pretty neat. There were soft cushions and fluffy pillows everywhere, musical instruments, score sheets, art materials, and surprisingly, food. There was also a little platform where I guessed was where they practiced for choir.

     "So, today, we'd like to welcome back Greyson, who is a very active associate member despite his distance." Erin ushered for him to go in front. He stood before us all gathered sitting on the floor.

     He scratched the back of his head. "Hey, guys, so uh, I'm here this season, as usual. I'm hoping for another successful summer with you again!"

     Some kids called encouraging words to him which made him smile a lot, and then, suddenly, he turned his attention to me. I was sitting beside Maddie at the farthest end. "But this year, it seems like I got a one extra friend with me. She came from Oklahoma, and I think she'd want to help out with the club."

     I was startled at the introduction. "Come here, Phoebe," he said to me. I did, reluctantly making my way to the front. I went beside him and as I stood there, I saw their curious eyes looking back at me. Hopefully, I wouldn't act like a dork.

     "Introduce yourself," muttered Greyson. He gave me a slight push and I stumbled further in front. They laughed at me softly. Talk about first impression partnered with humiliation.

     I cleared my throat. "H-hi," I started. I was clenching my fists unsteadily for my hands were sweating buckets. "I, um-I don't know where to start, but... My name's Phoebe Howell. I'm 14. And... I'm staying with Greyson, Maddie, and Ruthie this summer, so uh, I guess I'd like to, uh, join you this year."

     They all blinked at me. "I mean, if that's okay with you," I added quickly.

     "Of course, Phoebe. We'd love to have you here. The Cruciform is always open and welcome to everyone willing to be a part of this," Erin said kindly. Then everyone clapped lightly. Some were smiling at me, including Ruthie. Maddie seemed neutral, and Jared looked amused.

     Greyson then went back to his spot earlier, and I followed him. After we took our places, a girl stood up from the front, went on the platform and faced us. She was holding an illustration board with squares on it. I realized just then that it was a drawn calendar.