𝓦𝓱𝓮𝓷 𝓜𝓻𝓼. 𝓘𝓷𝓯𝓪𝓶𝓸𝓾𝓼 𝓜𝓮𝓽 𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓜𝓪𝓼𝓸𝓬𝓱𝓲𝓼𝓽...

Chapter 24

I felt so distraught over how things went between me and Nina, I wasn't focused as much at work. I was lucky it was a slow day, but I kept beating myself on what happened and if I was wrong to bring Remington to my home. Where else would I take him if I couldn't take him to the hospital without having him taken to jail? I didn't know where he lived or anyone else at that moment for that matter. I guess I would just have to give her time to think about it and hopefully I can still talk to her without things being awkward between us. I wasn't sure why she asked me if I liked Remington after I told her what happened to me, but I didn't think I do. At the moment, I'm beyond grateful for what he did for me, and I just want him to know I will not take advantage of that and make things better between us. Even if I did, the last thing I wanted was a boy to tear apart my friendship with any girl as sweet and adorable like Nina. I would hate for her to feel alone and unloved. I'm sure there are other people besides me who love her as well or would love her if they got to know her like I did.

When I was finished with work, I picked up some ice cream tubs for me, Remington, and Emerson to eat for our last night together. After that, I planned to help drive Rem and Em back to their home and we'd figure out a way to get Remington those crutches he'll need to walk again until his legs are fully recovered. I put the ice cream in the trunk of my car, and then started to drive home, slightly excited to eat the ice cream. I drove up to the apartment, greeted the lady at the front desk, and walked up the stairs. I got to my apartment, unlocked the door, and walked in to hear something that made my heart stop. Music. But not just any music. The Kinks. I ran to the room and found Remington still laying on the bad and Emerson sitting on the ground and I felt my entire body shut down when I saw what was scattered on the bed and floor.

Records. Records of The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, Pink Floyd, Credence Clearwater Revival, Jimi Hendrix, The Animals, and almost every rock n' roll that exists today and I'm unfortunately in love with. They looked at me with extreme guilt and regret present on their faces, and I was more terrified than upset. I promised myself I would never let anyone in this town know my secret as long as I stayed here, but now that has just been thrown out the window. "Carina...", Emerson whispered softly with a hint of self-pity in his tone, "We didn't mean to-I just-please don't hate us." I shook my head fervently, "Me hate you? Don't you hate me now?" I could feel tears coming out of me and I couldn't make them stop. Emerson stood up and took my hands in his. "No, Carina. We could never, ever hate you. Right, Remington?" Remington had his head hung, and then nodded when Emerson questioned him.

I turned back to Emerson and could feel myself about to have a panic attack. "Carina", he said in a soothing voice while squeezing my hands, "It's okay. We won't say anything. Why are you so scared?" I buried my head in my hands and cried out, "Because I have so much on the line if anyone unlike you guys found out, but I can't live without this music in my life! I can't risk my only chance to finally start the life I wanted because of my controversial taste in music." I heard shuffling on the bed, but I didn't look up. Then, I felt a hand take mine and I raised my head to see Remington sitting on the edge of the bed smiling and holding my hand. "You're not the only one in this town who's madly in love with rock n' roll, Carina." I felt my heart ache, and then he pulled me closer and wrapped his arms around me. I could start feeling the intense fear melting away in his close embrace, and I held him back tightly and buried my head in his shoulder.

"We're so sorry we snooped and found your secret collection", I heard Remington murmured while still holding me, "We noticed you had a record player and wanted to listen to some music, so we searched for something to play. Then we noticed a hidden stack behind the dresser in the wall, and we couldn't believe you had all this music. There's rarely any of them sold here in Querencia since they're illegal. I was so happy someone I knew had the same love for rock music like we do, and I promise on my life that I will never, ever tell your secret." I took my head out of his shoulders, and looked into his deep, brown eyes that were full of honesty and admiration. I smiled at him, and then wiped away my tears and stood back up. "I never thought I'd say this", I muttered hoarsely, "but I love you guys." It brought a smile to Emerson's face and made Remington face flush with I'm not sure what.

"We love you, too, Carina", Emerson replied while giving me a hug. When he pulled away, he looked at Rem and gave him a questioning look and then glanced at me. Rem nodded once, and I was left confused. "What is it?", I asked. Em took a deep breath and then they both looked at me. "Carina, we have a secret to tell you since now we know yours and we want to make it even." I furrowed my brows and simply stated, "Okay, if that's what you want." He motioned for me to sit on the bed, and I sat next to Rem who seemed a little nervous. Em kneeled close to me and looked into my eyes. "The gang we created and belong to, Palaye Royale, is not just a gang." He wait a couple seconds before finishing his sentence. "In reality, when no one is looking, we're a rock n' roll band."

😱😱😱 WTF!?!?! How much of this was a shocker to you? Do you think this makes the story more interesting? What do you think will happen now that their secrets are revealed to each other? Much more to be revealed now that we've come to this part of the story. I can't wait to continue the story! 🤗🤗🤗 If you liked this chapter, please leave a like and/or comment!