Luke's POV
The screams of girls nearly wrecked my ear drums as we stepped out of the van, guitars on our backs.
"Hey what do ya know," Ashton grinned. "I think they kinda remember us."
I shrugged and lightly knocked shoulders with him, anxiety rising inside of me. I had always hated being in large crowds. He grabbed my arm and spun me around.
"Hey," He said in a low but serious voice. "What's up with you."
"They should remember us. We should've won two years ago so what's the big deal?" I spat.
He threw my arm down and rolled his eyes.
"Listen Luke I know you've had a hard time adjusting the past couple of years but we're back. So cut the attitude because it could be what makes or breaks us." I huffed as he walked past me, obviously pissed off.
I rushed inside the building away from the loud noise and shrinking space and sighed. The familiar smell of leather seats and stage smoke swarmed around me and I took in my surroundings. Same old stage, same old bright lights, same old chatter of people organizing Battle of the Bands.
It was hard to believe it had already been two years since we were here, it felt like we never left. I couldn't stop my eyes from lingering over to the left. Seat B9. I felt my chest tighten and my breathing come to a halt.
There were instantly flashbacks.
Her smile.
Hey blue eyes shining.
Her hands in the air.... clapping for me.
I shook my head and wiped away the tear that had fallen down my face.
No signs of weakness.
When I turned to face the boys they were all just staring at me, sympathetic looks and soft smiles being exchanged. I rolled my eyes and walked ahead of them, expecting them to follow. When they didn't I turned back around.
"Well..." I cocked an eyebrow. "Aren't you guys coming?" They all just slightly nodded and walked towards me. We didn't get very far though.
Of course, he had to walk around the corner.
"Well, well, well.... Look what the cat dragged in." A smirk covered the unfortunately handsome face I loathed.
"Robbie." I acknowledged. I clenched my jaw and fists by habit. The rest of his crew walked around the corner, eyes falling on me and they soon stood behind him.
"So you decided not to chicken out this year?" He laughed and crossed his arms over his chest. My heart pinched at the words.
He didn't know.
"Hey man, you have no idea..." I held up my hand to tell Michael to stop talking. These punks didn't deserve to know what I had been through.
"Trying to be a better man I see, no smack talk this year?" He smiled sarcastically.
I shook my head and returned his gesture.
"You're gonna need some serious to help to win this year mate." I put my hands in my pockets and shrugged. "You're inconsistent vocals can't hit the notes you try to sing."
"You got another thing coming Hemmings." His voice got lower and he stepped forward. "Because we got everything we need this year."
"Oh really?" I stepped forward and bit my lip. "Let me see it."
Right after the words left my mouth an angelic voice piped up and made all seven of our heads turn in its direction.
"There you guys are!"
I stopped breathing once again.
She was short, almost a foot below me. Gorgeous blonde waves cascaded down her back, she had bright green eyes that were bright and tan skin that had dimples when she smiled. Very few and light freckles sprinkled her nose. Her natural glow was just beautiful.
She had on ripped skinny jeans, a light wash denim color. A black tank top that hung loosely but still showed off her amazing body and black beat up converse.
Breathe....
She walked over and I eyed her as she came shoulder to shoulder with Robbie, looking up at me. And suddenly it clicked.
Bite back.
I followed my instinct and let a light laugh escape my lips.
"A chick?" I bit my lip. "That's your secret weapon?"
I saw her face fall and fought the urge to apologize. And somehow between her eyebrows pulled togther with sadness and the guilt stirring inside of me, I felt like I had known her before.
"Yeah." She spoke up and looked me in the eyes. "A chick."
I smirked at her fiesty-ness and crossed my arms.
"That's cute." I sneered.
She looked up at Robbie with big green eyes and turned to me, giving me an innocent yet very bitchy stare.
"Let's see if it's cute after we kick your ass first round. Then come talk to me." With one more flash of a insincere smile she turned and walked away. The two punks followed and Robbie gave one more sarcastic wave before doing the same.
I turned and the boys still had their eyes locked on her.
"Whoa...." Calum muttered.
"She's so hot." Ashton stated in a daze. "How did a douche like Robbie get that."
"Who said she was taken?" Michael piped up. "I bet she's free game."
I cut in immediately.
"She's competition." I said very sharply. That got their attention.
"Oh, so now you care about winning?" Ashton said and rolled his eyes.
"I refuse to lose to that dick. He doesn't know shit about us. Neither does she." I grabbed my guitar and swung it over my shoulder. "Now let's go."
I started walking away and Ashton caught up to me and swung his arm over my shoulder.
"There's the Luke I know." He laughed lightly and sqeezed my shoulder. "It's good to have you back, mate."
