His Girl #Wattys2016

23. Abrupt endings.

But I realised I had no one to acknowledge my words. Aaron had excused himself (I hope) while I was busy admiring the stage. He was talking to someone near the foot of the stage and when he caught me looking, he winked at me.

Easy there, my dear heart, I told myself. I watched as he ascended the few steps and reached the center of the stage, stopping all the while to talk to people. He was admired, I could see that in the eyes of those people. He was the kind of person who, despite reaching the stars, knew how to stay grounded. Something I could learn from him. Not that I had reached the stars, yet, but you know what I mean.

I broke out of my trance when I heard him clear his throat. He was standing in front of the central stage microphone, smiling down at me. Involuntarily, I smiled back.

"Guys," he spoke into the microphone. I was stunned by how different, confident his voice sounded. "I'd like you to meet Sarah. She's here to, um, hear us rehearse. So, let's give her the best we've got."

With that, he was off the stage and maneuvering me through the small crowd. It took me a moment to register that he had placed his hand on the small of my back, and I blushed. But I wasn't happy. I didn't know why, but all the happiness I had felt before seemed to be gone. His words echoed in my ears. I didn't want everyone to think I was here to 'hear them rehearse'. I wanted them to know I was there because he wanted me there, because he had made me skip school and brought me here. I knew it was selfish, but I couldn't stop thinking about it.

"Earth to Sarah!" Drake said, casually putting his arm around my shoulder and pulling me in for a hug.

I placed my head against the crook of his neck and sighed deeply. I needed him to tell me I was being stupid, I wanted Drake to tell me this was normal. And before I could stop, I was rambling on. I told him how I felt. How I wanted to be introduced as Aaron's girl and not someone who's there to hear them practise.

When I was done ranting, Drake looked at me with a pitying look. He tightened his grip on my shoulder and walked me to a nearby folding chair.

"You can't expect him to introduce you to everyone as his girlfriend already, Sarah. You know that," he said, smiling slightly.

"Yeah. I know."

And I did know that. But they felt more real coming from Drake's mouth. I realised it was time to quit being a tantrum queen and act. Suddenly, I didn't want to be there anymore. I wanted to go away from there, and make him realise that I want just someone he had brought over. I wanted Aaron to realise that he missed me. In a twisted, sick way I wanted him to know my worth.

God, I suck, I muttered to myself.

Suddenly I remembered something that made me feel less sick. School. Assignment. Physics. Crap!

"Drake, my Physics assignment was due today! Mr Edwards isn't that easy when it comes to homework. I need to be in school."

Because Drake and I had Physics in common, this was my way of tactfully reminding him that he had homework due as well. When the realisation dawned on him, he cursed.

"I should've thought of that!" He said, looking at his watch. "We still have a good hour left for his class to begin. Let's see if we can make it. I hope you've finished your work?"

I nodded. He smiled, and I knew he had his homework ready, too.

"I must've put it in my locker. I hope it's there," he was saying as we made our way towards Aaron.

"Aaron," I spoke before Drake could. "We need to go. Physics assignment due in an hour. Thanks for having us over. Bye!"

And with that, I turned towards the exit. Drake took a moment longer but was by my side when I had reached his car.

"I'll have to bring the car back after Physics. Aaron and Adrian will need a ride," he was muttering to himself.

I had never seen Drake get to serious about anything except me. Even Dylan, his younger brother, didn't come under the list. It was all a new experience for me, seeing Drake get so worked up for someone he had recently met. But Aaron had that effect on people, everyone seemed to want to help him when he was in need.

I sighed and climbed into the car. We kept to ourselves until we reached the school and then I was out of the car before Drake could turn off the engine.

"Sarah!" He shouted from behind me and I stopped. "Listen, Melanie will be there. Are you sure-"

"I've been thinking about this for a while now, Drake. I'm going to talk to her and sort it out. I'm going to change a few things about us, the group. I don't think I need to take a stand for her anymore. You were right, I have been too good to her. I'm going to be good to others now, including you."

I smiled when I was done talking and was glad to see that he was nodding, like he understood. On our way towards the Physics class, we had to stop by the Principal's office and give the secretary our fake permission slip. I was glad when she signed and returned it to us without a word, having been a good student for so long had its own perks.

Mr Edwards was a happy sight to see, as usual. While taking back out homework, he even complimented my handwriting and joked that I should help his girlfriend with her handwriting. Somehow, the thought of him having a girlfriend made me feel better about the tiny crush I had on him. I could rest assured that it was just me, and that was fine.

After Physics, I ran by Melanie near my locker. She tried hard to make an eye contact but I stood away, waiting for Drake and Tasha. When they were all there, I turned and finally looked at Melanie. And smiled.

"Mel, I forgive you. For this, for everything," I spoke in a slow tone. Her eyes lit up. "But this will be the last time. I'm done with you. With us," I gestured at us.

Melanie and Tasha both flinched. Drake was silent. I continued. "Tasha, I won't ask you to choose between us. I know what your answer is going to he and I respect it. Nothing has changed between us, but everything has between her and me," I finished.

"At least listen to her side, Sarah. She was trying-"

I cut Tasha off. "It doesn't matter, Tash. I'm done." I looked at Melanie one last time, "please take care of yourself. Thank you for everything. Goodbye."

***