Trouble's Favorite

Chapter 18

The reception was too crowded. Thank god we were on the stage. Stage—that’s because we’re performing! I have stage fright and I have no choice but to drink a bottle of beer! Maki and the rest of the girls were doing the same. They said that drinking beer helps lessen our nervousness. But hell it still didn’t work. I’ve been going back to the CR just to pee for the past hour.

     The preparations were done, and this was the moment we’ve been waiting for. After a short break, the emcee finally got back to the stage and started talking… blablabla. Take your time, I don’t mind.

     “…and so, before we formally end this event, let’s all welcome our guest performers! Let’s give them a round of applause!”

     People started clapping their hands and we made our entrance. As I prepared the guitar, I walked toward the microphone. Before we could even introduce ourselves, my eyes immediately landed on Drake and Kean, who were sitting at the table right in front of the stage, it was like as if the rest of the tables were gone and that the only one left was the table in front of us.

     The butterflies on my stomach got worst and my hands began to shake.

     Once we were done introducing ourselves, I cleared my throat and then started strumming the guitar.

     Megan decided that we will sing Demi Lovato’s Heart Attack. She explained to me that she chose this song not because it was nice or something. It was because it fits me and I seriously don’t know why.

Never put my love out on the line

Never said yes to the right guy.

Never had trouble getting what I want

But when it comes to you, I’m never good enough.

When I don’t care

I can play ‘em like a Ken doll

Won’t wash my hair

Then make 'em bounce like a basketball

But you make me wanna act like a girl;

Paint my nails and wear high heels

Yeah you, make me so nervous

That I just can’t hold your hand

This song… reminds me too much of myself. Megan was right. I’m too confused with my own feelings that I get too mixed up and end up making the wrong decisions.

You make me glow,

But I cover up, won’t let it show,

so I’m putting my defenses up

Cause I don’t wanna fall in love

True. It’s not that I hate Kean, or Drake, or Matt. Maybe I was just too scared to fall in love, afraid to get hurt once again and ruin my life. I was just afraid… that explains everything.

If I ever did that

I think I’d have a heart attack

Never break a sweat for the other guys

When you come around, I get paralyzed

And everytime I try to be myself

It comes out wrong like a cry for help

When he’s around, I can’t even think straight. The sparks, the butterflies, the electric waves passing through my body… everything—I feel it when he’s around. I’m just too stupid to realize… Or maybe I was too oblivious on what’s happening…

It’s just not fair

Pain’s more trouble than love is worth

I gasp for air

It feels so good, but you know it hurts

I know it’s wrong, but I can’t help myself. I’m falling for you…

And the song went on… I admit it felt good, in a way that I was able to find my true feelings through a song. It changed me… everything.

Once the song was done, we went to our designated table where Kean and Drake were sitting. Foods were already served and I enjoyed the meal. Just when I was done, an unexpected guest appeared.

     “Hey, guys!” she annoyingly chirped. “And look at what we have here,” she smiled and landed her eyes on me. She has one of the most annoying fake smiles I’ve ever seen in my entire life. I just hate everything about her.

       “What is different from who,” I explained. “Not to be rude or something, but why are you even here?”

     Jazmin gave me one of her what-the-fuck look. “Are you even serious?!” she spat.

     Seriously, what’s she doing here? I swear I’m gonna kill—“I invited her.” Three words… just three words that came out from Drake’s mouth yet they sounded so unreal. I just don’t wanna believe it. I don’t want to. Please take it back.

     “What?!” I surprisingly asked.

     “I invited her,” he repeated. Yes, Drake, I know! But that’s not what I meant. That’s not what I wanted to hear.

     Wiping my mouth with the table napkin, I took my pouch with me and said, “Excuse me. I have to go to the restroom.”

     Walking away, I immediately went toward the CR. I just have to stay away as much as possible. It’s just too hard for me to bear being with them.

     With nothing else to do, I pampered myself and retouched my make-up. In a way, I still have to look appealing in front of others. But honestly, I don’t even care what others think of me, especially when the person who’s the reason for my effort doesn’t even pay attention.

     “Chloe? Are you in?” I heard a voice called outside the restroom.

     I didn’t answer. I wasn’t in the mood. I just want to go home and get away from here, from everybody.

     Megan entered the restroom and said, “Hey, I’m really sorry. I didn’t know Drake was gonna invite her. He just asked me if he could invite someone. And I—I said… yes. I didn’t know. Really, Chloe, I didn’t.” I could tell she was sorry, but I wasn’t really mad at her. Why did I even come here in the first place?

     “I should get going. I still have things to do at home,” I lied. It’s too obvious that I’m lying. I suck at it anyway. “Thanks, by the way. I had fun,” I told Megan, flashing a small smile. A fake one

   “You sure? I could ask my dad to give you a ride h—“

   I slightly shook my head, “no, Meg. I’m fine. Thanks a lot.” I gave her a hug and gave her a sly smile.

     “Yeah, I should say the same,” she told me, giving me a pat on the back.

     I slowly walked toward the exit hall and waved at her. “Bye, Meg! Thank you!”

     “Bye, Chloe! Take care.”

I definitely need a break.