If You Dare

Chapter 14

Pick of who is going to be Jesse - Jesse McCartney. (:

Chapter 14

I tried not to think about what Cleo had said but I couldn’t keep it off my mind. Maybe that’s a good thing. I couldn’t help thinking that it was the opposite of good.

I showed up to band practice ten minutes late and Liam clapped and whistled when I did decide to join them but Ash, however, was quiet for the first time since I’ve met him. I walked in quietly and sat down on the sofa as far away from Ash as possible. Liam looked at me funny but the others didn’t seem to notice too much.

Ash stood up with his hands behind his back and sighed. “I hate to be the one to say it but if you’re going to be a part of this band you have to show up on time. Are we clear Zarah?”

I shrugged but nodded anyway. “Cleo decided it was a good idea to go shopping. I guess not.”

Liam rolled his eyes. “Give the chick a break dude.”

“Yeah man, I remember last week you were telling us how great she was and now…” Drew shook his head.

I looked over at Ash who was practically glaring at me. I sighed and noticed that his cheeks were tinged the slightest pink. I tried not to smile but it was tough.

“Look whatever man, she’s your girlfriend.” He chuckled. “Punish her however you want.”

The rest of the band laughed and got up off the couch and started playing absentmindedly. I watched Ash pull at his hair and groan before he sighed and made his way over to stand before me.

I looked away. “What do you want?”

“I don’t understand why you’re mad at me.” He spoke evenly but I could tell he was frustrated.

I turned my head to look at him. “I just realised how wrong it was to play people is all. I’m finished with it.”

“Until the next heart you break yeah?” He asked sarcastically.

I rolled my eyes. “Anything else?”

“Why aren’t we friends then? If that’s the only reason can’t we at least be friends?” He asked me.

I felt my heart thump against my chest and flicked my hair. “I don’t want to be your friend.”

He shook his head angrily. “You’re lying, I can tell.”

“How?” I wondered in curiosity.

He gave me a small smile and touched the strand of hair that was dangling down. “You always mess with your hair.”

I touched his hand on my forehead and brought it back to his side and let go. “Do you want to know the real reason?” I asked with a sigh. “Because I’m scared that if we keep hanging out with each other it’ll happen again, I don’t trust myself when I’m around you. So please do me a favour and stay away. Are you happy? Did I tell the truth that time?”

I couldn’t read his expression. He looked away. “If that’s what you really want.”

I nodded pushed my hair back with my hand. “It is.”

He shook his head. “You’re still lying.”

I smacked my head realising that I touched my hair without even realising it.

“Alright guys,” Ash hollered. “My favourite brother’s back in town and you all know what that means. We’ve got another gig.”

A few of the guys high fived and Liam turned to me. “We’re his favourite band.”