Alone Awaken

Chapter 18: Colton

I pack up the sheet music I printed from a couple of Billie Eilish's songs. I picked some that will work well together, at least enough for Remi to appreciate. This idea I planned out may work and it may not. Her reacting to how I called her music choice depressing, seemed to have been a trigger. I don't want to upset her but I'm just so desperate to know what caused her depression. I want to be able to help her and figure it all out. When she stormed out of the music room I nearly panicked. I thought she was going to leave me forever and that life seemed empty. I honestly don't remember what I even said to her to make her anger go away. But I do know, we have a date tonight.

I rub the back of my neck. I can't believe she agreed to it. I'm usually not that smooth.

I export my music and remove the thumb drive. The computer clock says 4:30pm, Roccos's should be open by now to make a reservation. I put my thumb drive in my backpack and remove my phone. I quickly search for the restaurant's number and book a 6:00pm dinner. I'm actually pretty stoked to eat there. I always hear good things. Being the only romantic-ish restaurant near campus, I'm not sure it has much competition anyways. I send Remi a quick text letting her know the plan and when I'll pick her up. She just responds with an "ok" and my stomach sinks. She seems slightly distant than her normal texts to me. I really hope I didn't fuck things up already. I really want to be with her.

I make it back to the soccer house with about a half hour to clean up. The house is pretty quiet and most of the guys are watching tv in the living room. I B-line to the stairs so no one can stop me.

I shower quick and head down the hallway to my room, when Josh comes out of his room simultaneously.

"Hey man." He says nonchalantly.

"Hey." I nod back at him and open my bedroom door.

"You going somewhere tonight? Usually you're making dinner by now."

How does this kid know my night-time routine? Am I that predictable?

"Uh yeah, I'm eating out tonight." I tighten my towel around my hips.

"You and Tori? Nice bro! After she told me you guys made out last Saturday, I was sure she would be in your bed every night this week. But I get it, being a gentlemen." He winks at me with a disgusting smile.

Why the fuck would Tori tell Josh that I made out with her. Is she crazy?

"When did she tell you that?! It's not fucking true! She jumped me and I rejected her. I haven't spoken to her since." I shake my head and punch the door. I never get angry but for this chick to lie about me.. I've never had someone spread a rumor about me before. I've never been anything but nice to people and gave people respect. Then it hit me. What if Remi hears about this? She won't speak to me again, she will think I'm playing her.

"Did you tell anyone!?" There's a slight desperation in my voice.

"I didn't, but everyone in the house knows. She practically announced it when you left with that Remi-chick." Josh turns and starts walking towards the stairs to leave.

"Well it's not true... and I'm not with her! I'm with Remi." This stops Josh in his tracks and slowly turns around.

"You're with her? Like dating.. you're actually dating her?" Josh tilts his head trying to understand.

"Yeah." Lie. Or is it?

"Huh, well I wish you all the best." Josh pats me on the shoulder and leaves without looking back.

If Tori try's to ruin this, I'll destroy her. Destroy her? Dude, chill out.

I shake away the anger. Why am I so angry? Is it because I'm scared to lose Remi? If she finds out about Tori kissing me, will she hate me? It wasn't even my fault. But she's a girl above all else and usually girls are quick to react and don't stop to listen. Remi is different though, she would listen to me. She would believe me. Will she?