Childhood Memories

26

(Hey! For this chapter can you please listen to the song, thanks)

Carson

She continues her verse with a little "mmm" at the end, cueing me in. After that we harmonize and sing the chorus. I look over to her as she beautifully sings the tune with me, she closes her eyes at times but for the rest, our eyes are locked.

When my fingers slip over the last string, we breathe deeply and grin at each other. Praise comes from the audience and our friends chime in their approval, except Kaitlyn of course. She just throws out the flaws and and improvements we should make.

"Thanks." Mae politely gestures and as she's about to get up, one of the little kids, a younger girl, tugs on her dress.

"Are you two girlfriend and boyfriend?" She wonders curiously.

Both Mae and I furiously shake our heads, "no no no! We're just friends." She answers for me.

The girl tilts her head in confusion, "but you look like a couple."

I shrug, "well, we're just best friends. I'm sorry."

Mae and I share a look of misunderstanding, but she gets up and sits by Hunter again.

Why did I feel like more when we sang though?

•  •  •

I laugh with Toby at our table until Christina comes prowling around and steals him. Then, I noticed Mae sitting at a separate table, slumping. Her chin rests lazily on her hand and her eyes sadly watch other people dance happily.

I make my way towards her and sit next to her, "what happened to your boyfriend?"

She smiles, "he went to the restroom, but he's been gone a long time."

"Well then, let's make time fly. May I have this dance?" I dramatically show her my hand and she giggles, playing along.

"Of course, sir!"

We jump up from our seats and start to dance to the rhythm of the slow song on the dance floor.

"It's kinda funny how the little girl thought we were together." Mae chuckles.

I laugh along, "yeah, but maybe it's a sign."

"What do you mean?" Mae raises her eyebrows.

"What if this is God telling us we need another chance?" I explain seriously.

She couldn't hide the shock in her eyes, "Carson, you know better. You know we can't be more than friends."

"But cmon, all the signs are there. I still like you I think!"

Her lips form a thin line, "you think. There's a BIG difference between knowing and thinking. Besides, I'm with HUNTER, Carson! I love Hunter!"

We're getting a few stares our way but obviously she doesn't care.

"I know, but please, just think about it." I beg.

"I - I can't do this." She stutters and let's go of my hands.

With that she rushes away and leaves me in the middle of happy couples, while I'm stuck being a loner.

I see Hunter watch Mae run away, giving me glances of confusion but let's me go and chases after his girlfriend.