Stowaways (ON HOLD DUE TO LACK OF INSPIRATION)

Chapter 4: Aspen Knyx

Can we just take a moment to appreciate this AMAZING new book cover chimerly made for Stowaways?? I have no idea how she does it. Thanks so much for the cover, and making my story look like a real book ❣
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I can't tell if Aspen was looking at me or just in my general direction, but it seemed like we were staring at each other for a good 5 minutes. But that's not likely considering his song was barely three minutes long. I break the tension going on in my mind by looking back down at my cinnamon roll that has only a small bite out of it.

Stop being ridiculous Vale, Aspen has been going to the same high school as you since 9th grade. Of course he's going to know my name. He is so popular, he probably knows the name of every girl in the school. I quickly glance back at him when his song ends. Look back down, look back down.

I start playing around on my phone, when I decide to text Kiera the current situation I am in. What will I do if he comes back inside? Do I speak to him? Or do I pretend I don't care... Of course I don't want to come off rude, but I also don't want to seem desperate for his attention.

He probably won't walk in, let alone speak to me. But if he does what will I say? "That was some mighty fine strumming you had going on over there!" What even, no. Do NOT say that. Keep it simple. "I really liked your music." Good. Just make sure to say hi first.

Oh who am I kidding, he's not going to come in. I see him packing up his guitar and music sheets out of the corner of my eye, and thanking those who listened to him play. And what does he do? He walks in! He walks inside holding his guitar case in one hand. I didn't even realize I was staring at him, until he quickly glanced at me. LOOK DOWN. I averted my eyes as fast as I could without looking obvious that I was looking at him.

"Hey Elle I'm heading out. Thanks for letting me play again!" Aspen directs to Elle. Pretending I'm not listening, I text Kiera. She actually responded to me in less than an hour! She told me to talk to him, and I responded by saying I was too busy talking to her.

"Thank you, for your music! You seem to be getting pretty positive feedback. Was that a new song I heard?" Elle chimed back.

"Yaaa, just something I've been working on. It's just a first draft." He said shyly as he scratched the back of his head. I think his head turned slightly in my direction again, but I can't really tell.

"Keep it up. Later you'll have to tell me about that little lady in the song." Elle said with a smirk.

"Ah you know I always make them up for the sake of the song" he laughed. "I'll catch you later."

"Bye Aspen!" As I try evermore harder to stare at my phone, I can see him walk towards me. Is he walking to me?? Or is he going somewhere else? Stay cool. Why am I freaking out? I let out a small gasp as I am startled by the man that took a seat at my table.

"You know... I never did find any button in my drink." He says teasingly. I begin to blush profusely. And before I think about what to say, my mouth starts talking.

"Oh? Must've been someone else's drink then." I tried teasing back. He let out a light laugh.

"Why a button?" He genuinely questioned.

"Well I left my ring at home so, the only other option was the button from my cuffs I guess." What am I saying? Stop being weird.

"Oh that makes sense. You on your break?"

"Mhm. I've got another 10 minutes or so" I said quietly. Are we really having a conversation right now? He is just sitting there smiling. Am I supposed to say something? What was I going to say if he came up to me. OH mighty fine strumming! Er, no that wasn't it... Ah yes I remember. "I really liked your music you were playing. I didn't know you played guitar."