Red String [h.s] (Completed)

Chapter 6

"I get a little bit nervous around you
Get a little bit stressed out when I think about you
Get a little excited
Baby, when I think about you, yeah"

Amy wakes when she feels the car stop. She opens her eyes and rubs them, adjusting to the light outside. Derek doesn't say anything and just gets out of the car, grabbing his bag from the trunk. Amy notices that he doesn't grab hers too so he must still be mad. He doesn't wait for her and just heads into the house. She gathers her stuff and takes her time walking up to the door, prolonging the inevitable. She reaches into her purse and checks her phone and sees a notification for another email just as she walks into the house. She jams her phone into the pocket of her jeans and looks up to see Derek's parents talking to Derek.

"Hello Amy! Nice of you to come."

Amy smiles curtly at them and notices that Derek's brother is here as well. He waves hello to her and she returns the gesture.

"I'm just going to put our bags upstairs in the guest room," Amy says and reaches for Derek's bag. He mumbles a thanks and goes to join his brother on the couch, who's watching a CFL game.

Amy climbs the stairs and puts the bags down. She immediately pulls her phone out of her pocket and checks her email.

If you insist.

Dear Amy,

I wish you had given me your cell number so we could text and not have to deal with these stupid formalities. I'm terrible at this. And no, I didn't get any sleep. I'm going to do sound check and then try and lie down for a bit.

I couldn't imagine anyone not liking you. And your art is more than just a hobby. It's incredible. I would like to go to one of your shows. I wish you had come to mine. Why didn't you?

Harry

Amy hits the reply button. She probably should wait longer before responding to him but she really doesn't want to go downstairs.

Dear Harry,

I'm envious that you get to lie down later. I may fall asleep at dinner and then, they'll really hate me.

I wish I had gone to your show. Derek invited me and I said no. I didn't want to meet you and be disappointed. I wanted the idea I had of you to stay intact. But then I did meet you. I met you and I wasn't disappointed at all.

Also, you're not terrible at it. You're doing just fine.

Amy

She hits send and then slides the phone into her back pocket again before going back downstairs. Derek, his brother Dan and his dad are all sitting watching football. His mom is in the kitchen making lunch for everyone. Amy decides to try her best to be nice and goes in the kitchen.

"Hi Jane, can I give you a hand?"

"Oh no dear, I'll manage. I know you're not big on cooking." She says it with a smile but Amy can feel the sting of the insult. Derek must have told her that she doesn't cook much.

"Would you like a drink?" Jane offers.

"A water is fine," Amy replies.

Amy graciously accepts the glass of water from Derek's mom.

"So, what's new with you Amy?"

"Well, I'm just getting prepped for an art show."

"How fun!" she says, not fully paying attention. Amy resents her for using the word "fun" as if what she does isn't work. Amy is annoyed at her and can't help herself from saying the next thing.