You Light Up the Sky Like Lightning

Chapter Forty Four

Chapter Forty-Four

Scooter and I walked out of the backstage waiting room. He didn't say anything until we reached the actual side of the stage. I could see Justin from where I was, and it brought an involuntary smile to my face.

"Landry," Scooter started, bring my attention back to him. "Thanks for coming back."

I furrowed my eyebrows. Was that sarcasm? And that's what he wanted to say? That's it? Where’s my “I’m sorry you were raped,” or “I’m sorry for splitting you and Justin up”?!

"Uh, you're welcome . . . ?" I said, turning to watch Justin, who had just started 'Baby.' That's his last song of the concert. 

I heard Scooter sigh from next to me. 

"Landry," he said. "I'm sorry about the whole Cameron thing. I really didn't mean to do that."

"Yeah, well, it's a little too late for that," I snapped. "Just be thankful that I didn't get pregnant from him."

"But," he said, ignoring my comment. "Yeah . . . you shouldn't have come back."

I stared at him. "Oh, yeah? And why not?"

"Because now Justin is only going to concentrate on only you again," he said, folding his arms. 

I rolled my eyes. "That is the worst excuse I've ever heard," I mumbled under my breath.

"Excuse me?" Scooter snapped. 

"I said," I started, but clearly now. "That your whole 'I'm a distraction' card is total bullshit."

Scooter got an angry look on his face, but didn't say anything. 

"Look," I said, pointing to Justin. "You remember how before he knew I was here, he was doing everything lazily and half-heartedly? Well, look at him now."

Scooter still had an angry expression, but did as I said, and turned to watch Justin. 

"I'm not trying to be stuck up or anything," I continued. "But just look. If you can't see a difference in his performance quality, then . . . "

I didn't finish my thought. I just shook my head. Justin's movements were just like they were before I left- perfect. 

Scooter was still watching Justin. His expression softened- as if he realized what I was saying was true- and he turned back to me. 

"Yeah," he said. 

"'Yeah,' what?"  

"Yeah, you're right. His performance improved. So, I guess . . . " he trailed off. Then he said in a mumble, "Thanks for making him do better. It will help him with his career."

My mouth dropped. "That's all you care about, isn't it?!" I yelled. "You only care about Justin's precious career!"

Scooter got angry again. "No! I care about other things, too!" 

"Like what?!" I spat. 

"Like . . . um . . . Carin . . . and you. And-"

"No," I said. "No, you don't care about me. If you did, then I wouldn't have been raped. If you did, you wouldn't have separated me and Justin. If you did, we wouldn't be having this conversation. If you did, you would leave me and Justin alone."

I turned and walked away from Scooter. He wasn't worth my time anymore. 

I walked back to the waiting room and plopped down on the couch next to Pattie. I leaned against the back of the couch and dropped my head back, closing my eyes and letting out an aggravated grunt. I could feel Pattie watching me.