Stitched Up Hearts (HIATUS/POSSIBLY DISCONTINUED)

Chapter 3-Fateful Day

(After Their Set At The Download Festival, Wales)

I waded through the crowd, filled with determination to talk to her. She couldn't leave, not this time. Not without at least knowing her name. I followed that shiny silver-brown hair, the pink tips a startling contrast.
"You," I call, "You, with the violin!"
She didn't seem to hear me, only ploughing quietly and gracefully through the crowd.
Not today.
I pursued her to the lobby of the venue, where, it was just as crowded as the main room. She kept going-and looked back over her shoulder at me. I caught a glimpse of a mischievous smile and that was all the encouragement I needed.
She led me outside, where it was warm and beginning to rain. The sky was completely black, only the occasional flashes of lightning lit things up briefly. My heart pounded faster, following the mystery girl outside, where there seemed to be fewer people. She leaned on the edge of a gate, facing me as I jogged up to her. I felt my heart drop to my stomach looking at her. Neither of us spoke for a good while. I don't think either of us were prepared for a moment like this.
"Hey," she finally said, breaking the silence first, "Whats up?"
"Chasing you," I replied, smirking.
She smiled and leaned back, "Why?"
"Well...why not?"
She giggles, "I don't know, I'm not a hot chic?"
I laugh and lean beside her, "Well I thought about you a lot since our last concert."
She looks concerned, "The one you blanked out at?"
"Yeah. And after that I couldn't stop thinking of you, no one else has ever had that effect on me."

She glanced down at herself and, for a moment, I caught a look of disgust on her face. Silence hung in the air once again. What's with me and silence?
"Hey," I said at last. Almost without my willing it, my hand slid under her chin and tilted her head up so she looked at me. Her beautiful blue eyes-not lined this time-looked at me with sadness, but also some kind of joy.
"You are one of the most gorgeous girls I've ever met," I said, feeling my voice tremble, "I've never been this attracted to a fan before."
At that moment, thunder boomed loud and lightning flashed. The storm had moved over top of us, and just now it was beginning to pour. She closed her eyes and ducked her head as we were suddenly pelted by side-swept rain. The drops may as well have been bullets. the wind threatened to tear this tiny pixie away from me. I pulled her into me as we stumbled through the stinging darkness.
"Follow me," I shouted over the sound of deafening wind and rain. I took her hand and she jogged beside me as we made our way to the tour bus.
I opened the door and let her in first before quickly following and shutting the door.
We breathed hard from our run for a few minutes just staying at the bottom of the stairs. I couldn't help knowing that our whole bodies were nearly touching.
"Who are you," I panted, looking at her.
She took off her violin case and pushed it up beside a couch.
"I-I'm Jen," she stuttered, sitting on one of the steps. Naturally I sat beside her, wanting to put my arm around her shoulders. Instead I stripped my shirt, the fabric already cooling a little too fast. She was beginning to shiver so hard her teeth chattered.
I got back up, "Come with me, I'll warm you up."
She looked up at me and took my hand. I was surprised at just how cold she felt in such short time.
I led her back to the bunk area, passing the bar and kitchen as we went. CC, Ashley and Jinxx all looked up as we passed.

CC gasped, "Oh my gosh you found her!"
I felt Jen squeeze my hand. Happiness and slight anxiety seemed to roll off her.

"Yes," I say happily, gently squeezing her hand back, "This is Jen."

"Hi Jen," said Jinxx happily, "I saw you carrying a violin case."
Ashley just stared in disbelief, as if he just got hit in the head with a baseball bat.

"Nice to meet you all," she replied shyly, "And yes Jinxx, Eddie is like my perfect weapon."
Jinxx smirks, "I see whatcha did there."

"I'm gonna get her some fresh dry clothing," I respond, noting how hard Jen's shaking got, "We'll be back."

"Yeahhhhhh get clothing sure," replied CC smirking. I punch him in the arm and he laughs..
"Shut up," I reply jokingly, leading Jen back to the bunks, "Okey lets see..."

"I-i-it's s-so c-c-cold," she chattered.

"I know. You seem to be pretty temperature sensitive," I say, rummaging through my clothes, "Hey do you like Pikachu?"

"Are you k-kidding, who d-doesn't?"

"A surprising amount of people," I chuckle, pulling out my fluffy Pikachu sweatshirt. I glanced at her legs and blush, "Uh, where's your pants?"

She widened her eyes and lifted her very wet shirt to reveal jean shorts, which showed off her slightly muscular, slim legs, "D-don't j-judge me I w-was in a h-h-hurry this m-morning," she giggles, "This is not n-normal for me."

I breathe and chuckle, "We all have those days."
I lay out the sweatshirt and a normal black T-shirt before going back through for pants, "Would you like sweatpants."
"O-oh, Andy, y-you don't h-have to-"

"Nonsense, that's probably the worst storm I've ever been out in. And you are freezing," I smile, "It's kinda cute actually."

She blushes and hides one eye behind her wet dripping bangs, "N-not f-f-funny Andy!"

I giggle and give her sweatpants, "Restrooms down the hall to the left from here if that's where you wanna change."

"Th-th-thank you Andy I o-owe you," she exclaimed softly before going to change.

Once the coast was clear, Ashley snuck up beside me, "Okay where did you find such a fox?"

I jumped, startled out of my own thoughts about her, "Gah! Oh gosh, Ash-"

"Dude come ooooonnn what's your secret??"

"I don't know dude. I just caught up to her this time and talked to her. I mean, not very long since the dumb storm decided to pee on us but still."

"Not a secret then huh," he asks pouting. I shake my head, "Nah bro."

"Too bad. She's super beautiful."

I frown and look at him, "She's mine though..."

"Did she say that?"

Just then, Jen returned, my sweatshirt and sweatpants looking way baggier on her. She giggled and flipped up the hood, making it cover a good part of her face, "Pika-chu!"

I chuckle at her imitation, "Awe you're so cute," I exclaimed, rubbing the hood. She giggled, sounding bright and bubbly. I felt such a temptation to pull her into me and rub her back.

"So what are y'all doing tomorrow," she asked, sitting on the edge of the bed. She tucked her knees to her chest and wrapped her arms around them, resting her chin in between. Her soft smile really showed off her eyes.
"One more show before we head out. It's another evening show so aside from rehearsal, we got a free day. You and I perhaps could go on a walk i-if you want," I respond, easing next to her, my heart pounding at the words that just lept out of my mouth. Geez I never thought I was that bold-or impulsive.

"I'd like that," she replied, smiling, "I don't have anything else to do."

"What about your family," Ashley chimed in, "Do they know where you are?"

She looked up at him then me, silent for a few moments. Tears seemed to start welling up in her eyes and she hid her face in her knees for a minute, taking deep breaths. I gently rubbed her back with my fingertips, comforting her.

"Don't worry Jen. You can tell me-us," I added quickly, catching Ashley giving me a slightly dirty look.

She sniffled a few times. More silence, besides the booming of thunder and rain relentlessly pelting the bus walls.

Finally she looked up, her eyes were slightly red from the tears, "What family."