Between Love and Music

10- Feelings

I really, really like this chapter. You guys will probably love me, then hate me. Anyways, thank you for the votes and comments. Song [that has nothing to do with the story] on the side! Enjoy! P.S. For those of you who watch The Voice, tell me who you're rooting for in the comments. I'd like to know. Team Juliet Simms all the way! :)

“Yeah! When you guys have those rests, I want Chase to get Hope’s attention, then Hope, I want you to look him in the yes, and give him a big kiss on the lips. Then, the rest of the percussion does a roll and leads you two into your percussion solo.” Mr. Kein face lit up with expression as he shared his idea with us. Chase looked interested, if not a little excited. I, on the other hand, probably looked horrified. Mr. Kein took in our expressions, widening his eyes a little at mine, and rubbed his hands together. “Wanna get started?” He asked.

“Sure!” Chase said before I had any chance to refuse the offer. I watched as my thin band director excitedly grabbed a snare drum and some sticks so he could play the other part. “Okay, just pretend to play, and I’ll play the other part.” Chase nodded and I stayed glued to my seat. “Hope, you might need to move to your spot.” Chase whispered in my ear, sending shivers down my spine. I swallowed the lump in my throat and slowly stood, making my way to my spot beside Chase.

He started the count and I pretended to play my part, humming the tune. When our part ended, I heard Kein remind Chase that he needed to get my attention. Chase gently grabbed my cheek and made me turn to face him. “Smile at him!” Mr. Kein yelled. I forced a sweet smile onto my face. From that point on, everything seemed to be in slow motion. With his hand still on my face, I stepped towards him and our lips met.

Something inside me stirred. There was a movement in my stomach; a twisting and rearranging. It was like I stuck my finger in an electrical outlet. Shocks ran through my body and warmth reached all the way to my toes. Now I knew. Chase was the one. This is what love feels like.

He pulled away too soon, and our eyes met. His green eyes had softened a little bit, and there wasn’t a smirk playing on his lips like usual. Instead, he looked thoughtful. I tore my gaze away from him and looked down at my feet. Mr. Kein clapped me on the back. “Good job guys! This should give us an edge on Winchester!” Somehow I knew that this meant so much more to both of us than to beat Winchester.

[***********]

That night, I lay in my bed a pondered the day. What happens now? Do I tell him how I feel? What if he doesn’t feel the same way? I knew he thought I was pretty and stuff, but was he even interested? As I put headphones in my ear, I decided to listen to people sing about love. Maybe now I could relate to what they were saying. After listening to Christofer Drew be lovey-dovey for a few songs, I decided I would tell Chase how I feel tomorrow. Maybe I was stupid, but I wasn’t about to let anyone else have him before I do.

The next morning, I found myself dressing up again, but this time I knew why. I guess I’ve had feelings for Chase for a while, I just didn’t realize it. I wanted his attention and band shirts and ripped jeans weren’t gonna get it.

After dressing, fixing my hair, and applying light makeup, I went downstairs. I found Jeydon in the kitchen. He was eating a doughnut and reading a text on his phone. I ruffled his hair and grabbed a doughnut from the plate in front of him. He smiled at me and went back to texting. I grabbed my bag and left the house, chewing on my doughnut. Besides the fluttering going on in my stomach, I was feeling pretty good.

Pulling into the school parking lot, I saw Ryan leaning up against her car, talking to Alex. “Hey guys!” I greeted cheerfully. Ryan gave me a smile. “Hey stupid.” I laughed. Yep. This is our friendship. Alex spoke up. “Well, I’ll see you guys. I need to go finish a test.” She said, with a grimace on her face. We waved goodbye to her.

“So why weren’t you in fourth period yesterday?” Ryan asked.

I smiled to myself. “Kein wanted Chase and I to have a little romance thing going on. No big deal.” Ryan shot me a questioning look. “Yes it was. I can tell by the way you’re smiling. What happened?” I wanted to say everything happened. Instead, all I said was, “You’ll see.”

[**************]

First and second period went by in a blur. Before I was prepared, it was time for third period. I made my way to the band room quickly, trying to get there first. When I made it there, I realized I was alone. I set up in the percussion room, knowing Chase would be there and we could talk privately. In about five minutes, Chase walked through the door, giving me a breathtaking smile. My stomach did flips. His hair was ruffled so it looked like he had just woken up. His eyes held that intensity that always captured my attention. “Hey Chase. I need to talk to you.” He smiled. “I need to talk to you, too.”

Was he about to admit feelings? “You first.” I said. He smiled again and grabbed my hand, pulling me out of my seat. “Remember what I told you on the beach about that girl?” I recalled back to him describing a girl he liked. I nodded. He pulled me into the main room of the band room. “Well, I’d like you to meet her.” My stomach dropped as he stopped in front of a petite girl with curly brown hair. She was wearing cut-off shorts and a tribal print, off-shoulder top. She was pretty, with tan skin and hazel eyes. “Hope, meet my girlfriend Jane. She moved here from Winchester to be in our color guard. She also plays flute.” Jane gave me a shy smile and stuck out her hand for me. I shook it, giving her a polite smile. “I’m super excited to work with this band. Chase tells me how good you are at snare.” She said in a sweet voice.  I looked at Chase and he blushed a little. I thought back to the kiss. Did she know? If she doesn’t know now, she’ll know later at the rehearsal. I grimaced on the inside. I’d hate it if my boyfriend had to kiss someone else. The more I listened to her talk, the more I realized it was impossible to hate her like my head was encouraging me to. Every time I glanced at Chase, he was looking at Jane with a loving look on his face. And that? That hurt.

“So what did you need to tell me?” Chase asked. With knots tied in my stomach, I replied with, “We’re out of tape for our sticks.” Chase looked like he didn’t believe that was the real thing that I wanted to say, but he didn’t push it. I guess I’ve found the bad side of love.