100 ways to escape you

Chapter 18

My heart is beating so fast I think I'm about to collapse. The room is spinning.

I stumble out of that secluded room in a haze. I have no idea where I'm going, it's just that that small room was suffocating me.

Or was it Adrian that took my breath away?

I crash into a few people and apologize not really seeing who they are.

Luck is on my side as I stumble upon the sofa that Ben is sitting on, still chatting with his buddies.

He looks at me and I quickly down a glass of whatever liquid stands on the table. The guy in front of Ben lifts his hand up to show that it was his, but shrugs it off.

The liquid burns my throat but suddenly I can breathe again. I feel better. I feel almost normal again.

-What's up with you?- Ben is looking at me like he's never looked at me before. He looks concerned. I'm usually the one that's concerned about him and not the other way around.

-No..nothing.- I say trying to find my voice.

-You look...strange.- He finally says still inspecting my face.

I feel strange.

-Do I?- I ask.- It might be the new hair and the clothes. A girl lent them to me since I spilled something on mine.

-Yeah... probably.- he says but his eyes are still inspecting me, trying to solve the puzzle.

-So, Hannah, have you decided to finally join your brother's band permanently?- the guy I stole the drink from asks me.

-Huh?- I say suddenly looking at the man with curly brown hair and a mustache.

-Hi. I'm Jeremy. You probably don't know me, I'm Deathen's lead guitarist. Pleasure to meet ya.- he says with a little southern accent.

-Oh, sorry. I know you, just from seeing. –I say and he smiles a little.- Your music is really.... Intense.

Ben snorts.

-That's a really nice way to put it. Yeah, death metal isn't everyone's cup of tea. Anyhow, I was just asking your brother so I want to ask you too. Don't you think you siblings would be good together on stage?

-Ah no, really, it's Ben's band and..

-She's not really into music. She just covers for me but she doesn't really enjoy it.- Ben says offhandedly and I feel hurt by this somehow.

-Yeah...- I say though I must admit that I don't feel that way at all. Or more like I never thought about a music career. It's always been Ben's dream.

-It's a damn shame.- Jeremy says and pours himself another glass from the whisky bottle on the table.- Your voice is real nice, you know? I've heard you sing once but I think you could give your brother a run for his money. How about... you join our band?

-Stop forcing everyone to join your band. Come on, your vocalist quit again, but that doesn't mean you just take anybody. –I look over at him annoyed. Am I anybody now?- Just focus on finding someone that matches your style.

The man sips his drink and sighs.

-That might be true, but we do gotta eat as they say. Living without music is... bad for the soul. How have you been hanging up? Why the sudden vacation from performing?

-Working on some new sounds.- Ben cover smoothly and doesn't look the least bit uncomfortable lying.

-Well good on ya man, I heard other things.- he says and I look at him angrily.