Highschool Sweethearts ~BWS~

Chapter 27 - Melody

I climb the steps two at a time, carefully trying not spill the water pot. 

It's another Thursday and once again I'm painting the boy's portraits as they practice. As I finished Tris' yesterday, I can finally make a start on Brad's. When I told him earlier he seemed eager for me to start.

I open the door to the music room and find them already playing. I settle down in the corner with my brushes and paint, keeping an eye on Brad. 

I mix up a light red, combining the pumpkin orange with the crimson shades. 

He wasn't so distant today, chatting with me at Lunch and he was adamant on helping me out in chemistry. He sat next to me making sure I understood how to do the equations, even though I didnt need the help. He kept leaning over and checking every few minutes.

The paint alters into the right hue.  I pick up my largest flat brush and colour the base with the rosy pigment. 

Neither of us have mentioned what happened on Sunday. I was going to bring it up at lunch but thought against it, I didn't really want the others to listen in. Though I don't know why nothing's been said. Unless he didn't like it or maybe he just doesn't like me.

The white sheet now shines red and I notice the simpler, acoustic melody playing in the room. They must have switched. I look up to see James and with an acoustic guitar, Connor softly strumming his bass and Tris quietly tapping the drums.

I smile at them, my eyes gravitating to the centre. Brad's eyes are shut as he sings the lyrics. My hand stops as I pause to listen to the sweet sounding words.

 I'm hoping that someday we can run away-way from it all.

He opens his eyes, smiling at me. I blush, realising that I was staring at him. I hurriedly pick up my pencil to sketch him, breaking every now and then to check his face against the image. This portrait idea is a good excuse for staring at someone for a long time.

As his likeness comes together on the page I listen intently to the song. 

Cause baby there is nothing that I want more, then to hold you right beside me the way I always do,

I smile at the penciled face and look up at the real. He grins back at and watches me trace him.

The song sounds new and as it continues I find myself enjoying its sweet theme. The words are tender, affectionate. I wonder who this was written for, about, if there even was a person behind this story. 

I miss you more than you'll ever know and I'm coming home  

The song ends and I clap. Each of the boys' smile and Tris takes an exaggerated bow. 

"That was good, it's a sweet song," I applaud 

"Thanks, Brad wrote it," Connor informs.

I turn my attention to Brad whos now standing by me. 

"I really liked it!"

"Thanks," He beams. He peers down at the picture next to me. "Woah, that's so cool, it looks just like me."

I grin at his compliment. "Thank you." I pause. "I've only got 2 weeks to finish and send off all the portraits though, I'm not sure I'll get it done in time." I frown at the page and look back up to him.

"Oh, well, maybe I could come round at some point, like tomorrow, so you can finish it so you can prep it all to be sent off?"

I mull over his suggestion as I pack up. I put my brushes away and carefully slide the portrait into my bag. We finish tidying up the practice room and make our way to the bus stop; as we wait I answer Brad's proposition. 

"You know, what you said early, it's actually a really good idea. I'm sure you can come round tomorrow, but it might take a few hours, you may have to stay the night, is that okay?"

His eyebrows raise at my question. "Yeah, that's fine. I'll have to go home after to school and come back but it's good."

I nod and smile. My bus comes into view, pulling up on the side.

Just before I board I turn round to him and wave, calling out, "Bye Brad, I'll see you tomorrow."

~ AN: Hey fun things happening next chapter. I hope you enjoyed this one, I left it sweet and simple. Thanks x ~