Battle of Hearts: Two

Chapter 39

Chapter 39

On Tuesday morning after the first lecture I sent a text to Cameron asking him about his fever. His reply came four hours later when I was in another class.

I'm okay. In fact, I think I can play for the band today. You should come to see us. -C

But, I have to make up for the hours I missed yesterday. I'm sorry, I promise I'll be there the next time. -A

I had missed my shift yesterday while I was at Cameron's taking care of him. And if I wanted to buy a plane ticket back home during summer, I had to start working more. My parents would gladly help me but I didn't like asking them for money unless it was absolutely imperative.

He replied with- 'It's okay.' And we didn't talk after that.

Once the classes were over I went over to the dance studio for the first time. It wasn't like I was scared to meet Tanner again, but I had been too occupied yesterday. And technically, he wouldn't be there, since he was the part of the dance team and practised at a different time slot.

So, I was reasonably shocked to see him on the floor that day. He was dancing there with some newbies like me. He noticed me coming through the large mirrors on the wall. But, he continued the routine until the song was over.

As soon as it was over, he slowly walked over to me while the group led by Chris continued dancing. He came closer to where I was standing and lifted his eyes and was about to speak when I interrupted him, "What are you doing here? I thought you guys trained at night." I tried to be as sweet as possible but the awkwardness was impossible to escape.

"Yeah, I came only to apologize to you. I tried yesterday but you weren't here." He scratched the back of his head and his head hung low again.

"Well, I was quite busy."

His gaze fell on me as he genuinely apologized, "I just wanted to tell you that I'm very, very sorry for what happened at that party... I was drunk as shit that night, and I'm really sorry I tried to make move on you." He kept touching his fingers to the side of his forehead as he explained.

"It's okay," It instantly came out of my mouth because actually I wasn't even mad at him, I was mad at myself. "I understand what happens when people are wasted but try controlling yourself next time." I ended on a light note, vowing to myself to keep distance from Tanner if he was ever drunk in my presence.

"I will, thank you. You are being really cool about this." His eyes narrowed and a grin spread across his lips. "I hope we can still be friends after this."

"Sure." I gave him a closed mouth smile. I wasn't even sure I would see him again because neither our classes didn't match nor we were on the same dance group. But, I guessed that's what everyone says when they are looking to end a conversation nicely.

After that he left the room and I practised with others normally. Just like that our time was over and I was heading out to work. When I passed by the exit, I passed a little smile to Tanner and he smiled back. From our courtesy smiles, I was relieved I would never see him again.

*

I had planned the perfect gift I would be giving Cameron on our one year anniversary. It was a milestone for us since we had several serious fights during this long year. It was even more special for me because I had never dated anyone for more than two months.

I had thought of recording my voice saying all the things that I had always wanted to say to him but never had the courage to say. I knew it would end with me crying. So, I made a list of things I was going to say to him, all set to be recorded whenever I get the room all to myself. I had also bought a greatest hits album of N sync as a gift; he had thing for 90s pop music.