What The Heart Wants (Stereo Kicks/ James Graham)

Chapter 51

The next few days went by awkwardly. Casey and I haven't talked since Saturday night after I got sick. It's already Wednesday afternoon. Robert called me earlier to remind me I didn't work tonight since it was gay night at the club. I actually have a free night. What to do, what to do? I was currently sitting in my room by myself, like I've done every afternoon since the week started. I pulled out my phone and sent a group text to Meg, Brittany, and Kirsten. It read: Hey guys. I know it's short notice, but how does tonight sound for our girls night? I decided that I could use a little female association. Meg was the first to reply.

Meg: Sounds great. Are we allowed to come to the house or no?

I didn't think about where we would hang out. But then I had an idea.

Me: Actually can you meet me at Holiday Inn, room 22 at 7pm?

We can just steal Cadens room for the night. I'm sure he won't mind. I quickly sent Kirsten and Brittany a text telling them where to meet me and what time. They both replied that they would be there and they couldn't wait. I have to admit, I'm kind of excited. I haven't been around normal girls in a long time.

***

Caden agreed to lend me his room for the night as long as I promised to clean up afterwards. "Have fun. You deserve it." He smiled and pulled me in for a hug before handing me the key. I hugged him back, grateful that he was here. Normally I would confide in both him and James but right now James doesn't know how to act around me. He doesn't know what to say. He wants to know about what I do every night but I don't want him to know. Ever. "I'll talk to them Aria." Caden said as I pulled away and looked at him. "No--" "Don't worry, I won't tell them anything they don't need to know. I won't tell them about mom or what we do for money. I don't exactly want them to know that I'm a drug dealer. That's not really a great friendship starter." He chuckled. "Ok. Just...be careful." I hugged him one more time before we both went our separate ways. Me to the motel, and him to the house with the boys.

***

When I got to the room it was 6:30pm. I brought my bedding and some movies with me for the night, and Kirsten said she was bringing the junk food. Half an hour later and Brittany was the first to show up. "Hi." She smiled when I opened the door. "Hi. Come in." I gave her a quick hug then moved out of her way. We talked a little bit while we waited for the other girls to show up. We were just talking about her future plans when Kirsten and Meg showed up. Kirsten with two bags full of food. From what I could see there was Nutella, chips, ice cream, pop, and more. It was about to be a good night.

***

Two hours in to the night and the girls and I were sitting in a circle around the bed just talking and eating. "So what's it really like being the only girl?" Brittany asked me. "It's good for the most part. The boys are a little immature at times but you get used to it." I shrugged my shoulders. "Do you have a favorite?" Meg asked me. "I love all of them but James....James is my favorite." I said and I couldn't help but smile. "Uh oh. I know that look. Are you guys like, secretly together or what's up with that?" Brittany asked. "We're together." I confirmed. The girls all 'awwed' in unison and I just laughed at them. "So who's your least favorite?" Kirsten asked me. "I don't have a least favorite. They're all like my brothers. I can't choose who I like least." I answered. "Fair enough." Brittany shrugged her shoulders and we changed the subject.

****CADEN'S P.O.V.****

I walked into the house and upstairs where the boys were all in James' room playing FIFA. "Hey Caden, what's up?" Chris asked as I walked in the room. "Nothing much. Just got done talking to Aria." I said. I noticed all of their facial expressions falter slightly at the sound of her name. I sighed and walked over to the TV and turned it off. "Hey!" Tom complained. "I need to talk to you guys." I looked at all the guys. They set their controllers down and looked at me expectantly. "It's about Aria." I looked from Casey to James. Casey looked annoyed and James looked worried. I'm so happy Aria chose James, just at the mention of her name his face lights up and he immediately pays more attention. "I know you're all confused and a little disappointed." I started. "Try extremely disappointed." Casey rolled his eyes. "Casey, if you're just gonna sit there and talk shit the whole time you can leave. I'm not about to try and explain her actions to someone who doesn't want to understand why she's doing what she has to." I glared at him. He was really trying my nerves and unlike Aria I'll speak up and say something. He just looked at me. I knew that he wasn't going to interrupt anymore. "Ok. You guys don't know this, but things are really bad back home for us. All I can tell you is that the reason Aria has to leave every night is because she has a job. I can't tell you where she works or what the money is for. I just need you guys to understand that when she leaves, it is absolutely necessary. She will tell you guys everything when she's ready, just please, give her time." I sighed. That explanation pretty much sucked ass but it was the best I could do without telling them everything. "So what are you saying?" Barclay asked. "I'm saying, stop looking at her like she's a stranger. She hasn't done anything wrong. She got sick and had to leave stage. Was it due to her lack of sleep? Probably. But she's just doing what she has to do. I've seen you guys around her this week and if this is how you react to the fact that she has a job, I can't wait until she tells you what the fucking job is. You guys are a band. You need to be there for her. Especially when I leave and I'm not here to take care of her anymore. James, I'm mainly talking to you. She trusts you just as much as she trusts me. Don't treat her differently. Believe me, she will tell you guys everything when the time is right." I finished. "You're leaving?" James asked me. "Sunday night after the show." I nodded my head. "Does Aria know?" James looked at me. "Not yet. I didn't want to upset her. Especially when she doesn't have the support of you guys." I accused. "Well don't worry. We'll be better. We'll give her time." James promised. "Thank you." I nodded my head. "Casey. You were one of her best friends. She needs you on her side." I looked at him. He nodded his head, but didn't look at me. "Don't worry Caden. We'll take care of her." Tom stood up and gave me a reassuring hug. I hugged him back and then joined in on the FIFA game.