DANCING WITH A DANCER'S HEART (2) (DISCONTINUED)

Chapter Eighteen: He Knows (2/2)

CHELSEA'S POV

"I'm so proud of you. Whoever threatened you two will be out of the studio before I can say snap when I find out." I hug Amber. I've never seen Sam and Amber so happy before and I was glad they had each other.

"Thanks, Chels. I need to-" Bryce rushes over, skittishly.

"Hey guys, you excited for the last music video shoot?" My eyebrows furrow in confusion as Amber gives Bryce a cold glare.

"Bryce, I'll meet you in the dressing room, okay? I just need to talk to Amber about the threats towards your sister and her girlfriend. Whoever did is revolting. I can't stand to be around people so inconsiderate and manipulative." I thought I saw Amber smirk, but before I could double check, it disappeared.

"Chels, come-"

"Bryce. I need to-"

"Come on, Chels." He interrupts again. I could feel myself grow agitated as he kept ignoring my answers. "Let's go, Chel-"

"Bryce!" I yell, annoyed. "You should be concerned for your sister. I need to talk to her!" I grab Amber by the hand and lead her towards Joelle's. "Can you tell me what's going on with your brother? He's acting crazy!" I watch Amber's eyes grow sympathetic and sorrowful as she sighed.

"I didn't want to be the one to tell you this." I could feel my body start filling with anxiety. "Harrison bet Bryce that if he could get you to kiss him by Internationals, he'd get something in return. That's why Sam was threatened. Harrison was scared that she'd tell you." Protecting me from Carson, volunteering as my duet partner, being my friend... All of that could be just a lie. "Tonight, he'll give you a flower and kiss you." I fight back tears as Amber pulled me into a hug. "My brother's the worst." I finally calmed down and walked back into the rehearsal room.

"Are you ready to dance?" Bryce asks with a goofy grin. Now I know it's fake. I force a smile and silently nod as we start.

LATER THAT NIGHT

"Chelsea! Bryce is here." I heard Laura yell from downstairs. I double check my outfit before sighing. I didn't want what Amber said to be true because Bryce was the greatest guy I'd ever met. I hated him so much before, but now, he was one of my best friends and I didn't want to be hung out to dry by his 'old' self. I give myself a half-attempt at a reassuring smile before walking downstairs.

"Wow." I heard Bryce say. "You look amazing." I felt a blush grow on my cheeks.

"Laura, when Mum and Dad get home, tell them I'm out with Bryce and I'll be back around ten." My younger sister nodded, giggling.

"Don't worry, Lily and the girls coming over. We'll order some pizza and watch some movies." I kissed her forehead before walking out the door. I hopped into Bryce's pickup truck.

"Where are we going?" Bryce smiles cheekily.

"It's a surprise." I chuckle and continue to chat. "Okay, now close your eyes," Bryce exclaims.

"Bryce, I swear if you're going to-" I cut myself off with a gasp. We were in the local park, trees lit with fairy lights and a blanket with a picnic basket lying there.

"Do you like it?" I wrap my arms around his neck and pull him into a tight hug.

"This is the perfect first date," I mumble into his shirt and he chuckles before grabbing my hand and leading me onto the blanket. He hands me a burger and I grin. Bryce pours some lemonade into a pair of plastic wine glasses before holding it up.

"From non-dates to real dates, let's make it last forever." I bite my lip, trying to bite back tears. I don't want this to be fake, I don't want it to end like this.

"Cheers," I state quietly as we clink cups. We drink and eat and laugh until we're finished.

"May I?" He asks for my hand after turning the radio on. I giggle, grabbing his hand. We jump around and dance before slowly easing into a few slow songs. I rest my head on Bryce's shoulder as we slowly sway to Ed Sheeran. Bryce pulls a white rose from behind his back and I start laughing. I laugh manically until I reach tears of agony.

"I knew you were too good to be true." He frowns in confusion.

"What are-" I cut him off with a pathetic attempt of a scowl.

"God, you thought I wouldn't find out about the bet?" I watch Bryce's face drop.

"Chelsea. I-"

"No! I get it, I'm the pathetic, know-it-all dance captain. Does not mean I deserve to be treated like shit. I'm just another girl you can cross off your list. You win, Bryce. I wouldn't be surprised if this is on video right now." Bryce pulls me towards him and kisses me. I feel this strong urge to kiss back, but I feel like throwing up. I pull away as fast as I can and throw a fist at him. He grabs his left eye. "I can't stand to look at you. I was never weak, I never will be." I wipe my tears furiously as I start to walk home. I grab my phone and click on Aunt Emily's contact.

"Hey Sweetheart, how are you?" I can't hold back a sob as I try to speak. "Chels, hun. Where are you?" I check the street signs.

"Baker Street." I manage to mumble before hanging up. I sit at the bus stop, lonely and with makeup streaks dripping down my face, I knew that I would never here the end of this tomorrow.