Crash and Burn

32. Valentine's Day

Things were going as good as they could be. My single came out in the first week of the new year and it climbed the charts. It definitely helped that Demi posted a story on Instagram about it. The money came rolling in and I was soon signed for an album. To say I was stoked would be an understatement. After going through my finances with me, Demi practically begged me to move into another apartment in a better neighborhood. Like always, I couldn't say no to her and we went apartment hunting together in a few of the many times that we hung out. She was still with Henri and he was even there a few times that we hung out. It was crucial that I put aside my differences so I wouldn't affect my relationship with Demi, and also because I wouldn't be the awkward asshole feeding off his cigarettes. Mel is now in the second semester of senior year and she was expected to graduate as the valedictorian, just like I was. I knew most of her teachers since they taught me when I was in the school and I was afraid that there would be some pressure on her. But it was all for nothing because she was born a genius and skipped junior year.

With how great everything was going, I was constantly getting inspired to write new songs but the last few have been about heartbreak. Even though I was falling deeper and deeper in love with Demi, I felt like I was losing her. It had been about three months since she had gotten together with Henri and I was getting increasingly worried. We call each other everyday and for the past week, she'd gush about him almost half of the time. I believed for the longest time that her heart still belonged with me and never let myself get too bothered if they shared a kiss in front of me but now, it was different. She was slipping right through my fingers and I couldn't grasp on.

It was Valentine's Day and I just finished up in the studio. Working on Valentine's Day. Sad, I know. "Thanks again, John. You're the best. Say hi to the wife for me." I gave him a hug and left hurriedly. He had taken the next few days off to go on a trip with his wife but I pleaded with him to give me his morning when I found out that his flight wasn't until late afternoon. He complained a few times about how I ruined his breakfast in bed surprise but I made it up to him by promising to pay for a nice dinner with top notch service at the restaurant that I was still working in. Even though I had some income, it'll take a long time before my album comes out and I couldn't just bank on my single making continuous good money.

I pulled out my phone when I felt it buzz on my ass.

'Come join me for lunch. I have good news to share with you.'

Mel's lunch period was at noon and it was only already 11. I hopped into my car and started driving to her school. Due to lunch traffic, it was already 11.30 when I got there and I cursed under my breath when I saw the full parking lot. Private schools mostly meant rich parents, which also meant most of the kids here having their own car. When Mel turned 16, she got her license and I bought her a car. Besides from getting the new apartment and myself a better car, it was one of the first things I did after the money came in from my single release. I finally found a parking spot and rushed towards the school. I still had to sign her out if I wanted to take her out for lunch.

"Alexandra, my dear. It's good to see you again. What brings you here today?" I smiled wide when I saw the familiar face of Mrs Jenkins. She's the office lady of the school and we got close in my junior year. It was that time when my parents changed and I was questioning my sexuality, so I always got sent to the office whenever my teachers got worried and she was the one that had comforted me, given me advice and convinced me to see the school counselor. She made senior year and the loss of Charlotte much easier. "I'm actually here to sign my sister out for lunch. Melissa Johnson." I cringed. It felt weird to say her full name. She smiled and started typing into her computer. "I haven't seen you in years! Tell me, what have you been up to?" I sat back down on the familiar chair and started talking to her, just like the old times.