What The Heart Wants (Stereo Kicks/ James Graham)

Chapter 42

Monday. Day 2 of no sleep. The boys and I just got done with choreography for our new song this week. We're singing a mash up of Let It Be and Hey Jude by The Beatles. The choreography this week is so much cooler than anything else we've done. After being in the bottom two last week we know that we have to go out there and smash it this Saturday. There is no other option. It's 2:45pm and we just got home. I slowly made my way to my room and sat down on my bed. I was preparing to go to sleep when Caden called me. "Hey." I answered.

"You sound like shit."

"I feel like it too. I haven't slept in two days. I'm literally so tired I could sleep with my eyes open."

"Why are you so tired? Is it because of the competition?"

"That, and work."

"Oh yeah. How's work going?"

"It's...work. Nothing special."

"How are the customers?"

"Good. They pay well. Which reminds me, I'm gonna cash my check today and mail you the money."

"Ok. How much did you make this week?"

"Roughly twenty five hundred."

"You made two thousand, five hundred dollars in one week?"

"I told you, they pay well."

"Well keep a few hundred for yourself. You deserve it. Go out and buy yourself something nice."

"Like I have time for that. Hey, I'm gonna take a nap before work. I'll call you later. I miss you. Love you."

"Alright. Miss you too. Love you. Bye."

With that, I hung up and set my alarm for 10pm. I took my shoes and my jacket off before laying down and closing my eyes. Before I could fall asleep, someone knocked on my door. "Can I come in?" It was Casey. I nodded my head yes and he shut my door before coming to sit next to me on the edge of my bed. "So...how are you?" He asked. Why did he look so uncomfortable? "I'm fine. How are you?" I asked curiously. "I'm good, thanks for asking." He paused. "Aria, I have to tell you something." He admitted. "What is it?" I was worried. "I uh...well, you never told me what you wanted from me, and it had been like a week since we talked and I wasn't sure where this was going and..." he stopped and I waited for him to continue. "And I hooked up with someone." He finished. It took a few seconds for the words to register in my brain, but once they did, I became extremely confused. I expected to feel sad and angry, but instead I felt guilt and relief. Guilt because I couldn't tell him how I felt, only because I didn't know how I felt. And relief because I no longer had to worry about hurting him. I was glad he moved on. "Good." I grabbed his hand and he looked up at me, confusion clear in his face. "Good?" He repeated. I nodded my head. "I'm glad. I mean, it sucks, but I'm glad you found someone who can actually commit to you. I can't do that right now, and you're a nineteen year old boy who deserves to have fun." I told him. He looked at me incredulously, but after while smiled and said, "if it's any consolation, I really liked you." He stood up and looked down at me. I stood up in front of him and wrapped my arms around his neck. "I liked you too." I whispered. "Friends?" He asked as he pulled away. "Friends." I confirmed before he turned and left. I was just about to get back in bed before someone else knocked on my door. James. Well I'm just miss popular today. "Hey you." He smiled from my doorway. "Hey." I smiled back and motioned for him to come in. "What are you up to?" He asked as he made his way to my bed. "I was just gonna take a nap. Why? What's up?" I asked. "Nothing. I just feel like I haven't talked to you in forever." He shrugged his shoulders nonchalantly. "I know. Our schedule is freaking crazy." I sighed. "It is indeed. So hey, I have a question." He said. "What?" I asked. "Would you wanna go to a movie sometime?" He asked me. "Just the two of us?" I looked at him. "Yeah. I mean we don't have to if you don't want to, I just thought it might be fun to get out of the house." He didn't sound as confident as he usually does. "Like...a date?" I questioned. "What? No. I mean, yes. But if—" "James, shut up. I'd love to." I blushed. "Really? That's awesome. I mean, cool. I'm glad." He stuttered. "That was sooo not smooth." I giggled. "Oh shut up." He rolled his eyes. His phone vibrated, and he read the text he just received. His face lit up like a Christmas tree and then he stood up and extended his hand to me. I looked at him confused, but he just waited for me to take his hand. He pulled me up from my bed and led me down the stairs and outside. "Where are we going?" I asked. "I have a surprise for you." He answered excitedly. I noticed he was leading me to the park across the street. "Why are we going to the park?" I asked him. "Just be quiet and wait." He persisted. Finally, after we reached the park, he led me to one of the benches and sat me down. "James what's going—" "Shh. Close your eyes." He interrupted. I looked at him for a second but closed my eyes. "No peeking." He said. "I won't peek. Will you just tell me what's going on?" I groaned. "I don't need to. Open your eyes." He said calmly. I opened my eyes and I couldn't believe what I was seeing. Standing next to James was a tall, skinny boy, with sandy blonde hair, fair skin, and the most beautiful eyes I had ever seen. "Caden."

OMG CADEN IS IN THE UK!! :D I KNOW THIS CHAPTER IS REALLY SHORT BUT I WANTED TO GET ANOTHER ONE UP BECAUSE I DON'T KNOW THE NEXT TIME I'LL BE ABLE TO UPDATE. I HOPE YOU LIKED IT! TELL ME WHAT YOUR GUYS' THOUGHTS ARE ON CADEN AND ARIA BEING REUNITED! AND DONT FORGET TO VOTE ♡