Grounded • A Hannie Fanfic

Chapter 4

Hayden's POV:
I sit against the door of my apartment as soon as I'm inside.
I really want to tell Annie how I feel. I do. I just... I'm nervous. I get anxious every time I'm around her now.
I can't let my feelings get over me. But... I want to.
I shake my head and stand up. I walk over to the washroom and splash some water in my face and undress. I shower quickly and hop into bed as soon as I'm done.
Why am I so nervous?
We can't become a thing.
She'll never like you back.
Seriously? 'I forgot'? Nice one Hayden.
Thoughts rush through my head. I scowl and cover my head with a pillow. Maybe if I get some rest I can forget all about this.

THE NEXT DAY

I wake up bright and early to get ready for our last day of rehearsals. I button up my white shirt and slip on the black pants I'm wearing for the concert tomorrow. We don't have to do our hair or anything so I leave it as its crazy form.
Once I'm ready we walk the few doors down over to Annie and Ms. Katie's room. The second my hand hits the door to knock it opens, and Katie reveals herself.
"Hey guys! Hayden, you look great!" She compliments me, and motions for us to come in.
"Thanks Ma'am." I joke.
"I'll go get Annie." She says, and she runs to the washroom.
Annie comes out in her concert outfit. She's wearing a short black dress with long sleeves. It's hugs her body and flares our perfectly on her. She did a little bit of her everyday makeup, even though she didn't have to.
"You look gorgeous in that." I say, my jaw still dropped. Annie blushes and my dad raises an eyebrow at me.
"You're finally my height." I chuckle as I hold my arm out. She slaps me jokingly before she links onto me and we walk out.
The short ride to the new building is silent, except for the voices of the quiet music. Annie's staring out the window, and I'm staring at her. She looks even more beautiful today. Not because of her clothes, but she just gets more gorgeous each day.
By now, I'm not stopping my feelings for her. I like her. Love her, even.

Annie's POV:
Hayden complimented me this morning, and even his dad caught on that he's acting different.
Now that we're in the car I can feel him staring at me. It's not a creepy stare, just.. A stare. Like he's lost in me or something.
Soon enough, the car rides over and we're at the RYH concert building. It's different than the one we were at yesterday, so they must've had to switch last minute.
This building has lots more room than the last one and has a huge room full of seats, a stage, and a backstage, instead of just a room with a platform.
Hayden and I drop our bags in the front row of seats and walk up the stairs to the stage. The spotlight shines on us and the lights dim.
A sound tech comes and hands us microphones and earpieces. We slip on the earpieces and a man speaks into them.
"Okay guys, can you hear me?"
We nod towards him behind the curtains and he does a thumbs up. The music starts and we rehearse.
We practiced for what felt like years, and by 2:30 were finally finishing up.
"And, you're finally done. Great job guys. Tomorrows going to be great! He says as he waves us off. We gather our bags and hand back the earpieces and microphones. I kick off my heels and groan.
"Oh my gosh, my feet." I groan. We crawl to the car with tired bodies.
"Who's up for some celebratory pizza?" Asks jimmy. We all laugh and say 'me!'
We drive over to a local pizza place for some fresh pizza, but decide we want to eat back at the apartment. Hayden and I argue over which pizza is better.
"Pepperoni is way better! Cheese is just boring." He chuckles.
"Pepperoni is gross. It's so dry." I and it, punching Hayden's shoulder jokingly.
"Whatever." He says, rolling his eyes.
"We'll go order. Don't drive away!" Mom says as she and Jimmy run into the small pizza shop.
When Hayden and I finally settle down after our pizza toppings debate, I decide to ask him about last night.
"Hayden... I know you wanted to say something last night." I say. His eyes widen.
"Uh..."
"Hayden, please just tell me. I can keep a secret." I say, placing a hand on his shoulder.
"Well... Annie... I like you. I finally realized that on this trip. That's why I've been so weird." He admits, rubbing his neck.
"Hayden, I-"
In interrupted by the adults running inside the car, pizza box in hand.
"It's pouring, oh my!" Mom pants. I didn't even notice, but it suddenly raining really hard. In L.A!
"What're you guys talking about?" Jimmy asks us as he pulls the car out of the parking lot.
"Our pizza. We decided cheese was better because you can always add to it." He says, rolling his eyes. I think he realized his dad is catching on to his feelings too.
What I wanted to say to Hayden was that I think I feel the same. I've been getting butterflies with him this whole trip, and I've known Hayden for years. I have no reason to be nervous around him.
I sigh and rest my head on the window, watching the rain drops slide down the cold glass.
Hayden has his hand resting on top of mine. He moved it there when we started talking serious. I think it's his way of saying we aren't finished with this. Not yet.

I have somethin juicy coming up in the next chapter or so. Also, can we take a moment to appreciate how adorable today's bratayley vlog was? :)
-m