Invisible

Chapter 18 Memories, Old and New

Tiffany pulls me behind her through the dark streets that are teaming with people, even though we're still a good half mile away from the event.

I hate crowds so much, especially with noise, loud noise tends to set me off. Plus my arm is in a sling again from my accident at the rink.

More torn muscles and opened scar tissue have earned me another 6 weeks of time off... Bill insisted. I was going crazy at my apartment, which I finally returned to after threatening Al several times. Bill gave me some paperwork I can do, get the books set up for tax season; I hate math; and I'm going to be consulting on my own, just a few smaller jobs for the company.

By the time I get back to the greenhouse it will be mid April at least. I am okay with that, I'm not sure how I will handle walking back into that building, I'm already considering quitting but I don't know where I would go.

I wince as someone bumps into my arm. "Tiff, I know you're excited but can we please slow down?"

"If we don't hurry we're going to miss it! Come on!"

She's smiling so wide, she really is stunning. Her dark brown hair is curled and her makeup is perfect as it always is. I let her french braid my hair and I have no idea how I will get it out with one hand, she did that thing where it starts on top of my head... I don't understand it, but it looks cool.

I'm glad for my warm sweatshirt under my leather jacket, it's cold out here. But cold doesn't keep the fans away. We are now twisting through a tight sea of bodies and I'm finding it harder to stay calm, we reach the stage, I have no clue how she got us so close. Then the wait begins.

They must be done cuing up, everything stands at the ready. The noise around me rises and I am finding it harder to stay calm and then screams start as the stage grows dark. I can't even cover my left ear to stifle the sound.

The drum beat starts, it pounds in time with my head, my arm throbs to it's rhythm as well and I feel a lump in my throat, tears in my eyes. I need to get out of here!

"No, wait!" Tiffany holds onto me a second before I bolt. "Just give it 10 minutes." She almost screams into my ear to be heard.

I nod, the bravest thing I have done for a long time. Then the lights start going crazy and I lose all train of thought. I can hear music, I can hear shouting, but none of it makes any sense.

I look up and find myself locked in Hunter's eyes. He sings, looking at me, his face takes on a confused expression. I turn and flee, ignoring the weird looks I receive from the people around me.

I'm breathing heavy and I can't see anymore, I'm crying too hard. 'Why did I ever agree to come?'

After what seems like forever I break through the edge of the venue. I duck into the nearest alley and sit on the gutter to catch my breath.

I can't stop shaking and crying. My phone goes off and I pull it out of my jacket pocket with an unsteady hand.

T- 'Where'd you go?'

L- 'Separated, see you at car if not before.' The reply takes 5 minutes, it's hard only using one hand to text, especially the non dominant one. I stand up and exit the alley, turning away from the still loud, music blaring, echoing along the streets. The farther away I am the better.

Almost nothing interesting is open at this time but I keep walking, hoping I know where I am going.

'Bookshelves and Coffee Cups' it's still there. A light shines in the window. I peek in and wave at the man behind the counter. He sees me and stops in shock. Then he hurries to the door and unlocks it, letting me in.