over it...

CHAPTER 2: Picnic Tables

Charlotte's POV :
    One week. That's how long it had been since I left him at a table in the middle of Denver Colorado. One week since I ran away for no apparent reason, looking like the biggest idiot and asshole that was ever born. Since then, I had texted him here and there while successfully avoiding him, in person.
    Katie kept asking who I was talking to, but I was having a hard time talking to her, in general. So, I didn't really feel like telling her about this. Plus, Shelby was back, today, hanging off her constantly. I wanted to be as far away from them as possible.
    So, off I set, exploring the venu. Liz had noticed my mood and insisted on coming with. I was upset, but deep down, I loved her for it. She always had my back, no matter what. For the most part, we walked in silence. But, while I was moping about, I forgot to watch out for Vic. And sure as shit, I ran right into him.
    "Hey! Woah!" He caught me, saving me from an almost guaranteed faceplant. "Careful!" His laugh was light and warm.
    "Sorry, I wasn't paying attention," I bumbled, tucking my hair behind my ears.
    "Don't worry, me either. So, how've you been? I haven't seen you in a while."
    "I- good, you?" Why was I so weird around him?
    "Good, good. Living the dream," he motioned around him. Though his tone suggested sarcasm, his face showed that he truly liked what he was doing.
    Liz eyed me up, giving me a questioning smile, which I completely ignored, rolling my eyes. It wasn't what she thought it was. I don't know how long I sat, thinking in complete silence before she cleared her throat, dragging me back to the deafening silence that was my current reality.
    "Oh yeah. This is Liz, my drummer. Liz, Vic." I stumbled through introductions as they shook hands.
    "Nice to meet you, Liz," Vic interjected, politely.
    Liz being Liz shot back a one word answer, "charmed." She smiled, though I could hear the confusion in her voice.
    "So, what're you two up to?"
    "We're just walking about, killing time before we go on," Liz answered him, knowing I was terrible at communication.
    "Sweet! We play right after you guys."
    "Oh!" Liz exclaimed, finally putting two and two together. "I knew you looked familiar. You guys are great!"
    Vic let out a hearty laugh. "So do you guys. Amazing, honestly," he gushed. "Which reminds me, have you thought about the song?" He turned his full attention to me, causing my head to shoot up.
    My eyes went wide, flicking from Liz's surprised face back to his. "I... Yeah, I'm thinking about it." I internally kicked myself, hoping my face hadn't gone as pale as it felt.
    "Alright. Well, I've got to go catch up with Tony," he said before turning on his heel, walking back towards the buses.
    Liz grabbed my arm and whipped me around to face her. "What the hell was that?" Her expression was wild and near impossible to interpret.
    "I.. He..." I took a deep breath, collecting myself. "He wants me to write a song with him."
    "And you said no?!" She looked dumbfounded.
    "I haven't given him and answer. We're really busy and stuff." My eyes drifted to the ground as I drew my arms around my waist.
     Liz poked my chin, bringing my eyes back up to meet her mother-like gaze. She never let me avoid confrontation. I knew she just wanted to help me out, but sometimes I really hated it. "Have you sat down and actually listened to them?"
    I shook my head.
    "Well, you should They're really good. And, it only gets our name out there, more. What are you worried about?" She patiently waited for my response.
    I shrugged. "I didn't want you guys to be mad..."
    "By you guys, do you mean Katie?"
    I nodded. There was no hiding the truth from Liz. She's known me way too long.
    "Oh, forget her!" Liz chirped, stepping back. "She can't control your future or the band's. After we play tonight, hang back with me and listen to them. Okay? Just give them a shot..."
    "Alright."
    "Yeah? Great!" She beamed, knowing her lectures always worked. "Charlotte, we will always stand behind you. Okay? Bassists are replaceable." she spat the last part out.
    I nodded.
    She just beamed that same old beam at me. We'd been best friends since damn near kindergarten. We started BANNED our freshmen year. I was grateful for her pushes, though I would never say that to her face. I knew how she felt about Katie, but we were a band. And that was all that mattered in the end.
    After walking around and talking a little longer, we got changed and headed to the stage. I had thrown on some leggings and a baggy black Marilyn Manson T. I let my messy hair fall around me, not really caring much tonight. Slowly, the rest of us gathered behind the stage. Katie was the last to show, a fresh set of hickies splattered her neck.
    We tuned what needed turning while Liz drummed on her thigh, running through the songs in her head. As tough as she was, she still got a little nervous before every show. We all did. I think it was a good thing, though. It kept us fresh and alert. Or, maybe that's what I tell myself because I knew the nervousness would never go away.    
    Finally, we were given the signal to go on. The rush of the crowd got me every time.A small pang would form in my stomach before the adrenaline took over. I loved it. The way they responded to every little thing we did... Some people would take advantage of their willingness, but those people are shit. These are just kids looking for some fun... some release! They need us to set an example.
    By the time our set was through, I was a sticky, sweaty mess. Not that I minded, though. If I finished a show and I wasn't disgusting, I was doing something wrong. Being on stage... It was the best feeling in the world.
    Liz threw a water bottle at me that I somehow caught.
    "Good job, she snorted, nodding towards the stage.
    "You too," I grinned back.
Liz always always always gave 110%. You could tell she loved what she was doing. I know that was the cause of a lot of issues with Katie. They didn't share the same level of enthusiasm for the job.
    We sat at the side of the stage as the crew set up for the next group. Vic's band... Pierce the something or other was up. He smiled at me as he walked past. I waved, meekly. For some reason, Liz found this hilarious.
    "How's it goin, Ventura?" Vic yeled into the microphone over a screaming audience.
    They started playing. My body shot straight up. They were actually really good. All of them were so energetic and intense. I was sucked in. Liz just watched, not taking her eyes off the stage. She didn't even blink. It was like she was in a trance. But, I understood completely. It was the feeling they gave off. The raw emotion...
    Before either of us knew it, their set was over. The four boys walked off stage. Vic spotted me instantly and walked over, wiping his face off on his shirt.
    "So?" He grinned at us, waiting for an answer.
    "Huh?" I blinked, taken a little by surprise. God, I suck at being alive.
    He laughed, grabbing a water. "The show. What did you think?"
    "It was good."
    Liz added, "She's completely understating it. You guys kicked ass."
    "Thanks! What are you guys up to now?"
    I shrugged and Liz shook her head. "Nothing."
    "We're having a little fire, if you guys are bored," he offered.
    "Sounds fun," Liz agreed. I knew I'd be going, now. Willingly or not. She wasn't leaving me along with my attitude, lately. "We'll clean up and come find you?"
    Vic smiled, directing his answer right at me. "Sounds like a plan." He waved, running off to catch up with his bandmates.
    Liz stopped me on the walk back. "So.. Are you going to sing with them?"
    "They were good." I pondered, wondering what it would be like to play with a group like that. "You know what?" I met her fierce gaze. " I think I will."
    "YOU HAve TO TELL HIM! RIGHT NOW!" She squealed, which was totally out of character for her. '   
    I giggled and shook my head, pulling out my phone. I wasn't sure I could talk to him, face to face, so I just shot him a quick text.