New Girl In Town (1) ✔️

We Keep This Love in a Photograph

Somehow I make it through the school day.  Rachel listened to everything I tried to tell her, we flipped through the album quite a few times.  The more I look at the photos the more I remember, not just about Hunter but my past dance life.  She is completely captivated by old dance stories.  And safe to say it is wonderful to have my friend back.

We set up brainstorming sessions on songs for Nationals.  She still thinks I should have the solo, because it has helped us win thus far. I'm not sure, I'd rather her do it. In the end we come to an agreement, well each choose something and practice.  Ones for her, ones for me.  She thinks we can let Mr Schuester know who is singing afterwards.  I guess that is a good enough compromise.

I'm at home later that night when I find my phone lit up with a few text messages.

I❤️Jeff: Precious we miss you. Please come visit us... 🙁 Dalton isn't the same without you. You're like our mascot.
Nicky's my favorite:  Yeah we hate not seeing you. We're not mad about the whole Clarington thing. We just really miss our friend. 😩😩😩

MyWarbler: Princess, I miss you already. The Tweedles are bugging me about having you come visit. So what do you say? I know you have a free period at the end of the day tomorrow. How about you come watch us practice for our end of the year concert? I'll make it worth your while. 😏😉💋💋💋💙

HC🔥: Anderson is it possible that I love you even more now that all our memories have been restored? I've searched my old photos online and found some you might be interested in. How bout we meet up soon Shay, maybe a study session or something? Or we can make up a list of what we'll need for our place in Cali. Let me know, my Beautiful Dancing Doll. 💋❤️ Hunt.

I finish reading everything and just shake my head.  All of these boys are just too much.

Do I want to take them up on the offer??

I mean I always love hearing these boys sing.  I suppose I could drive out there tomorrow.  So I start with responding to Sebastian.  He's the most important one to get back to at this point.

To MyWarbler:  Bastian, I'd love to hear you guys sing again.  And you're right I do have a free period at the end of the day tomorrow.  I could easily be at Dalton by 3:30 at the latest.  Where would I meet you and would you like me to stay over?

My phone lights up almost instantaneously with his response.

MyWarbler: Of course Mon Amour.  I would love it if you would stay over, I would never pass up being able to sleep with you in my arms.  Just let me know when you get here tomorrow and I'll tell you where to head to.  I love you Pretty Girl.  Please sleep well and I'll see you soon. 😘

Sebastian is the absolute cutest I know. His exuberance is what pushes me on to my replies to Nicky and Jeff.

To I❤️Jeff & Nicky's my favorite: Calm yourselves children. So Sebby asked if I could come watch your rehearsal tomorrow. I'll be there, is that good enough for you?

Both boys send me back giddy yeses and I just shake my head. They're like frenzied puppies I swear.

All that leaves is Hunter.  My hands subconsciously pull the photo album out of my bag as my finger hovers over his name in my phone.  I'm not sure how to compose a text message back.  So before I chicken out I press the call button instead.

It's ringing.

Oh no, it's ringing.

Maybe I should hang up before he answers.

Hello?? Angel??

I shake my head. Blinking rapidly as I hold my phone. Instinctively I grab for Bastian Warbler, holding the small bear on my lap. I should just hang up. Really I should.

But it is the change in his tone of voice that causes me not to.

To stay on the phone and answer him.

It's sweeter.

Softer.

And he's saying something I haven't really heard in almost 4 years, in the exact same way he used to back then.

Shann? Come on Shay-Baby, answer me, please....

The breath I let out is audible. My reply coming out in just a whisper.

Me: Hunter...
Hunt: Hey Shann. Are you okay? You called instead of texting back. And didn't really answer right away.
Me: *sighing* That's because I was contemplating just hanging up. What you said just now kind of caught me off guard. Gave me flashbacks.
Hunt: I said something weird?
Me: Not weird. Just unexpected. You called me 'Shay-Baby'.
Hunt: *awed* Oh wow...... I didn't even realize.  Talk about a flashback...  Are things weird now between us?
Me: Not weird. They make a lot more sense now honestly. Like how we are able to lose hours just talking to each other.
Hunt: You mean how I always seem to be the one you come to lately when you're upset?
Me: *nervous laughter* Yea that too. You know, that invisible thread. Drawing us together despite everyone's opinions or reactions.
Hunt: Kinda freaky ain't it?
Me:  It should be but it isn't...
Hunt: True I suppose. So what warrants the call. You could have just texted me back. *teasing* Or did you just miss hearing my voice that much.

I roll my eyes. We were having a moment and then, poof, gone. He's such a goober sometimes.

Me:  Just when I thought you were going to be all sweet and nostalgic you remind me that you are my same old silly boyfriend.
Hunt: *pouting* Hey....   I take offense to that Anderson. I'm sweet...
Me: *giggles* I know. And you've also distracted me. I was calling to let you know I found my old dance album.
Hunt: And??
Me: Gabe's stories are confirmed. It is absolutely brimming with old photos of the two of us.
Hunt: Super cool. And when can I see these Angel??
Me: Tomorrow.
Hunt: Tomorrow? But I have Warblers rehearsal tomorrow. Maybe I can get out of it though...
Me: No need Romeo, I'll be there.
Hunt: *surprised* What? Really?! You're coming here?? To Dalton???
Me: Sure am. Blame Niff. They practically begged Sebastian to have me come visit.

His voice is small and I know he must have just laid down on his bed, I swear I can hear the springs squeaking underneath him.

Hunt:  Naturally you're coming to see Smythe.  Why did I ever think differently?
Me:  Clarington, don't do that. I was hoping to see you both.
Hunt: Sure you were...  You're staying overnight, yes?
Me:  Well it would be an awful long drive back if I didn't.  And it could be late.  So I planned on doing so.

His voice is curious and hopeful when he asks the question that gives me pause.

Hunt: And who are you staying with Anderson??

Before I called him my answer was obvious.  But now I'm not so sure...