The Comet Cafe

Chapter~28

It did take long.

Alex said it wouldn't take long. He wouldn't be long. He'd be back to Chicago in no time.

He lied.

He said it'd only be a month. They'd record songs, do a couple concerts or something, and be out of there.

It took close to two months to even tell me he was returning to good 'ole Illinois. He spent all this time in New York because of being busy with the album and everything. They released their first single, Don't Worry, and it got kinda big. I heard it on the radio once or twice, becoming giddy every time the first few chords played.

I finally got a Twitter once Alex had one. The label stressed having social media presence on the boys. I think it helps. Their small, but growing fan base probably appreciates the fact that they're updated on Eric, Zeke, Hunter, and Alex 24/7. I know I appreciate it.

You see, Alex and I kept in contact pretty good once he arrived in New York. We texted almost everyday, and he always found time to video chat whenever he was able. I loved it. It was like he never even left and wasn't 800 miles away.

The constant texts and daily Skypes ended too quickly. For me, at least. The last text he sent to me was, '"single to be dropped in a few days. hope you love it jules(:". Then, radio silence.

I understand he was busy doing rock star shit, but he couldn't text me? I didn't have any contact with him for two weeks. The only time I heard his voice for three weeks was hearing his song. On repeat. Day and night.

I know he didn't forget about me; he said he never would. But, I needed some acknowledgement some time. My heart was aching for just one text. That's all he needed to do.

It came a few days later.

Alex☺: i miss you

This text made me squeal and it was quickly followed by,

Alex☺: shit's crazy. we have interviews all the time and it seems people like the single. i'll keep you updated.

He didn't do a very good job of it though. His text messages were scattered, only hearing from him about once a week. Sometimes it would be about the band and how things were going, but other times, he would send me a dumb joke or just to say he missed me. The small things cheered me up a little from my sadness, but the fact that he might forget about me just brought me back down.

Once I figured Alex wasn't going to keep up with his promises, I became very unhappy. I didn't want to sink back into depression, although it was very hard. I occupied myself with friends and work. I spent almost all of my time at the Comet Cafe. Sure, it reminded me of Alex in a lot of ways, but I ignored it and focused solely on work. I didn't want to get so upset like Alex had made me in the past. He's following his dreams. I shouldn't care if he's not giving me as much recognition. I'm only his friend, after all.

The two week mark before Thanksgiving, my dad and I were discussing what we should do for our dinner. He wanted to invite some of his family and mom's, but Scarlet and I weren't used to large dinners. Mom and him never made thanksgiving at big deal. They'd buy whatever meat was leftover in the supermarket and have a small meal just the four of us. Even though the celebration wasn't huge, I loved it.

I got Alex's first text in about a week and half as Dad insisted he had to get to his job. I waved him goodbye and opened the message.

Alex☺:JULIA I"M RETURNING TO CHICAGO

I stared in shock. It must be a joke, right?

I send a text back, now looking at it in impatience.