Twisted Every Way: A Haunting Love Triangle

Chapter 12: Aftershock

(Steven's Point of View, Erik Destler)

I pull up in front of Julia's condo and put the car into park. Turning to face her, I say "Thank you for a great night and for letting me honest with you." She smiles "It's always good to have someone in your life who is willing to listen". I lean in and our lips meet, sending the same chills down my spine as last night. "So....I'll see you at rehearsal then" I say hesitating, not wanting to say goodbye yet. "Yea....I'm looking forward to it" she answers, biting her bottom lip ever so slightly. I watch her get out of the car, climb the stairs and unlock the door. She turns back around and blows me a kiss goodbye before heading inside. I take a deep breath and put my head on the steering wheel to give myself a chance to come down from this high I am on. Before I drive home, I plug in my phone to the radio and turn on the Finding Neverland soundtrack. At least she can still be with me in song. Parking my car in the driveway, I check my watch and realize I only have about an hour and a half to get ready for rehearsal. I go inside, tidy up from the events of last night and this morning, jump in the shower and get dressed. Making a quick pot of coffee, I stretch out before hopping on the subway to the theatre. Upon my arrival, I am surprised to see Cameron, Andrew, and Hal onstage alone. As I approach the stage, they turn and their expressions go blank. Climbing up, I inquire "Good morning, gentlemen. Is something going on that I should know about?" Cameron, not phased at all, walks over to me, puts his hand on my shoulder and says "Steve, you should sit down. We need to talk. I sit down in a chair and the others do the same. Hal leans forward and asks me a question that I never thought I'd hear again. "Steven, did you tell anyone about what happened at Les Misérables?" Swallowing hard, I calmly reply "No, why?" Andrew looks at me sternly. "Somehow, Tim Stolle found out, and he is not happy about it."

(Julia's Point of View, Christine Daae)

Steven drives up to my condo and parks the car. He turns towards me and says "Thank you for a great night and for letting me honest with you." She smiles "It's always good to have someone in your life who is willing to listen". He leans in and our lips meet, sending the same chills down my spine as last night. "So....I'll see you at rehearsal then" he says hesitating. I can tell he doesn't want to say goodbye yet. "Yea....I'm looking forward to it" I answer, slightly biting my bottom lip. I climb out of the car, walk up the stairs and unlock the door. Just before I go inside, I turn on my heels and blow Steven a kiss goodbye. Walking inside my apartment, I check my phone and finding over 100 calls and texts from Tim, I switch it off and take a nap for about an hour since I have time. While last night was one of the best nights I've had in a long time, it drained me emotionally and physically. Waking up at 9:45, I take a shower and pull on a pair of jeans and a comfy shirt. I really hope we get to rehearse wishing today; that would be the icing on the cake for me. I grab a water bottle out of the fridge and decide to enjoy the fresh air by walking to rehearsal since I have an hour. As I take in the beautiful city, I can't help but sing the one song that comes to mind. "Start spreading the news, I'm leaving today. I want to be a part of it, New York, New York." I am on cloud nine right now; it seems as though nothing can bring me down. I reach the theatre and take a deep breath. Here goes Day 2; let's hope Tim knows to back off today. Opening the massive door to the stage, I walk inside. I hear whispers from the stage and am shocked. It's Hal's voice, and he doesn't seem happy. "Steven, did you tell anyone about what happened at Les Misérables?" Swallowing hard, I calmly reply "No, why?" Andrew looks at me sternly. "Somehow, Tim Stolle found out, and he is not happy about it." I step back behind the curtain and start shaking. How could this be happening, and why now?

(Tim's Point of View, Raoul, Vicomte de Chagney)

I feel someone standing over me so I slowly open my eyes. Although it isn't Julia, I'm happy to see Kara's face. She looks just as beautiful as she did the night before. I sit up and kiss her. "Rise and shine, sleepy head" she coos, "it's almost time for rehearsal!" My hangover is almost gone which puts me in a much better mood. Kara sits next to me on the cot and asks "So what happened after I left? Did you ever get in touch with Julia?" Sighing, I take her hands in mine. "Honestly, I'm really worried about her. I found out last night that Steven is bad news and has a shady past. The last thing I want is for Julia to get hurt in any way. But I'm nervous that she's starting to fall for this guy and that can't happen, at least not on my watch." Kara squeezes my hand. "I'm sure Julia will be fine, but I don't want to see you get hurt either. Just know that I'm always on your side if you need me. I mean, last night was pretty great. Smiling, I kiss her one more time before she stands up. "I have to run to the dance studio before rehearsal starts. Shall I meet you up there?" she asks. I nod and watch her walk away before taking a swig of coffee and two more aspirin. Much better, now that my headache is almost gone. I can't go into rehearsal looking like I'm letting this whole thing control me. I quickly use the restroom before heading upstairs. The sound of what I hear from Andrew is music to my ears. "Somehow, Tim Stolle found out, and he is not happy about it." It's only a matter of time now.