Is it love: Peter Bartholy

Chapter 25 - Part 1

Zeva Pov

I'm in my room, sitting on my bed, deep in thought... The days are passing and Peter is still as distant as ever. I can tell he's afraid of getting me mixed up in things if he gets too friendly with me. Throwing a glance at my doodled drawing, I already know it's a little late for that.

It's too late to try to protect me. I live with them and Drogo clearly stated my new link with the Bartholy family...It had been the school most talked about gossip. Samantha of course had made sure it spread like wildfire.

Glancing at my phone on the nightstand, I fight the urge to call Sarah. I wish I could confide or ask Sarah for advice, but I know it's not something I can talk about with her. So here I am, all alone in my room.

I take out my frustrations by crumpling the doodle and I quickly chug it in the trash. I can't help thinking about him, but at the same time, I don't know how to approach him. Peter is like a steel chest, cold and secret, filled with hidden treasures. All I need to do is find the key ...I almost laugh at myself for the thought. Easier said than done.

Suddenly an idea springs to my mind. What if I invited him to a concert? After all, he loves music more than anything. I quickly get up from the bed to pick up my laptop. That has to be a great idea! Intimate yet totally relaxed. Using the search engine I quickly look for whatever might look promising.

My mind is already thinking of ways to invite him. I could tell him that nobody wants to come with me and that I'm afraid to go alone. The smile inside me grows by the minute. He'll have to say yes! I have to at least try to convince him. But what concert should I choose? There were two upcoming concerts that were worth hearing. One was rap and the other was rock. I like some of Joe Kicks rap but I definitely love rock more.

I'd like to get him to step out of his comfort zone by taking him to a rock concert. I think for a moment, weighing the pros and cons before clicking the mouse. It's settled, we'll go see a rock concert! There's a popular band playing this weekend in Mystery Spell... this is my chance!

In my opinion, it's the best compromise between what he usually listens to and what I want to hear. And it'll do him good to hear something other than classical music!

I head to his room, a confident spring in my step but by the time I get to his door I am already biting my lip. Nerves start to gnaw at me as I knock on his door. He opens it immediately. I'm stunned as always by his good looks and his mysterious aura. On seeing me, his gaze softens.

Peter - "Zeva... What can I do for you?"

"I'd like to ask you something.. Please, before saying no, let me finish..."

I bite both m y lips stopping myself from rambling. He raises an eyebrow, waiting for me to say more. At least I have his attention. Taking a deep breath I force myself to start slow.

"Ok. there's this concert I'd like to go to, but I don't have anyone to go with... Since I'm a bit scared to go alone, and I know you like music, would you like to come with me?"

There, I said it! No matter if the last sentence came out a slightly more forced. What matters is that I said it right? I look at him, feeling a little anxious. He seems to be thinking about it and I stand frozen waiting. My whole being going: Please say yes, please say yes....

Peter - "I really can't refuse you anything, can I?... Ok, let's go to this concert. What is it exactly?"

Peter flashes a sweet smile, making my voice squeak.

"It's, um... rock."

Peter looks at me in surprised, then a mischievous smile appears on his lips.

Peter - "Rock? I didn't know you liked that kind of music!"

The way he said that puts a smile on my face.

"I'm sure you'll like it! The band is amazing!"

Peter hides a snicker, interrupting me.

Peter - "that depends... only if they're really good!"

I stick my tongue out at him and it makes him laugh. Inside I am ecstatic. I'm so glad he said yes! And the fact that I made him laugh! This couldn't have gone better.

"See you Saturday at 6 pm then. Shall we go together?"

I chewed my lip nervously, this is it. All or nothing. Peter tilts his head with a smile and my breath hitches.

Peter- "Well, I'm not going to let you go alone. We'll take Drogo's car."

"Great! I can't wait!"

It's all that I can think of saying, lost in Peter's emerald eyes. He seems amused by my enthusiasm, and he can't help but smile. I watch him captivated. It's so rare to see Peter happy that I soak it up, unable to look away. After a few seconds Peter blinked and he furrowed his brow looking concerned.

Peter- "Did you want to tell me something else?"

I blush. I may have been admiring him a little too long...

"No, I just hope you'll like it. I'm stressed out now..."

Peter places his hand on my head stopping my ramble with a smile.

Peter - "Don't worry, I'm sure the rock concert will be nice in your company. "

The way he said company and smiled did not go unnoticed. I blush even more. Did he just admit that he likes spending time with me?

"See you later, then ..."

He gives me a gorgeous smile, his green eyes sparkling knowingly, before closing the door to his room. I lean against the corridor wall, pressing my hand on my heart. It's beating wildly! My heart really needs to stop being on the verge of a heart attack every time I see him ... it can't be very good for my health! But I cannot help myself.

Going back to my room, I'm all excited. He said yes! And he offered to drive! That's what you can call a date, right? Doing a little victory dance I glance over at my silent phone. I wonder, should I tell Sarah?

Picking up my phone I sit down and send her a text. I know it would probably really annoy her to learn that I'm going to a concert alone with Peter. But I would end up feeling guilty if she heard it from someone else... No I'd rather not hide that sort of stuff from her, after all she is my best friend, and that's the kind of thing you're supposed to tell your best friend.

Me:

Just to warn you,

 this weekend I'm going to a concert with Peter. 

Hope you're not too angry..." 

I waited a while but no answer....

I sigh. I feel bad not going with her, but at the same time, it may be my only chance of getting closer to Peter. Just thinking about the fact he said yes has me close to squealing like a lovestruck school girl. I can tell I'm not going to manage to sleep, I'm too excited!

Suddenly the soft, pleasant sound of a piano drifts into my room. The melody is sweet and cheerful, different from what Peter usually plays. it sounds as if he's happy, and so am I. A smile spreads across my lips as I sway myself to the tune. I wish from now on he'd play only this kind of piece; peaceful, serene and joyful. Maybe he's playing for me? I know I shouldn't raise my hopes too much ... but a girl can wish can't she? Nuzzling into my pillow I listen, feeling happy, and before I know it, I've fallen asleep.