26. Attack

CHAPTER 26

 

 

 

 

Attack

 

 

 

 

 

     It’s been a week on going to school without ever speaking to him. I watched him change table in lunch time every day, and the last table he had shared was Mitch’s. I guess he’s better off with them that with the best liar.

     Three days ago, Jeff left. Stacey and I drove him to the airport, and that’s why my stay had been back to normal. I’ll only have a week left, and I can’t wait to leave. For the past weeks that Jeff was here, I never felt so at home. When I had concerts, he would wish me good luck and would sit in the front row. I almost wished moving in to his suite, only if Zoey would approve. Stacey and I were always in his suite, and it felt like Stacey made place for Sophie for a while.

     I went home from school, not caring if I went in with the wig or not. I already told the others about it, saying it was my mom’s plan, again, like what I said to Stacey and Justin two months ago. They understand it quickly, and I didn’t need to explain any further. Troy was not there, and the truth is, I haven’t seen him around, other than in school, and if he wants to go home while I’m still awake, I can have a glimpse of him.

     I didn’t go to school today, since my concert will be in three hours from now. It’s a beautiful afternoon that I decided to take Jasper for a walk. I was putting Jasper’s leash when I heard a huge impact drop on the ground. I walked out the door letting go of his leash though as Japer still followed me.

     “Paulo!” I shouted as I ran toward him. He’s lying on the ground with blood running down from his lips.

     “What’s wrong with you?” I shrieked to Troy.

     “I only went here to pay for the money you lent me,” Paulo gave me the money and before I could speak, he left.

     “Now what? You’re gonna go to that guy’s side?” he took a pause for a second then continued. “Well, of course you will!”

     “What’s wrong with you!” I repeated. “Now what, you’re just gonna beat people up?”

     “You know what? I was about to forgive you for lying at almost about anything, but I didn’t know that you’re still seeing that guy!” he raised his voice that I was even terrified for a second that he’ll hit me too.

     I breathed and counted to ten before I spoke. “Look, I’m sorry that I lied to you or hid to you that I am Lauren. But you know why? My first motif was to get close to you, not because I wanna play or hurt you, but because I wanted my best friend back. I want our friendship to be back to the way it should be, even if I’m not in my real self. When I told you that I love you, I think that’s the only truth I said part from all the lies you heard from me. I wasn’t lying even now. So, what else did I majorly lie about? Paulo? The only reason I talked to him before was because he needed the money, and before you say how I can do that, simple, you do realize that the baby has nothing to do with it, right? Fine, call me an idiot, superficial or anything else, I’m just sixteen and naive... there, heard that? I am naive, I admit it. Now, what else? The reason why he went here today? To pay me back, nothing else. What else do you want to know?” I breathed. “When the hell will I leave your sight so you don’t have a pain in the a*s? Don’t worry, it’ll exactly be four days until I leave this city and I’ll be back to Chicago where I belong, right?” I didn’t let him answer and just headed back to their house and took my phone.

     Stacey texted, saying that I should go to the concert hall now, to have the meet and greet before the show. Justin picked me up with his convertible, with Stacey in the passenger’s seat.

     “So, aquamarine or tamarind?” Stacey asked as I stepped in the backseat.

     “Aqua seems good,” I murmured as I looked back to my schedule. I already put it in my phone so that I wouldn’t lose it.

 

 

     The meet-and-greet flew swiftly as my concert did. This is my last concert and I tried calling my mom to say that I want to go home already, but she’s not answering my calls. I tried to call her ten times, but I guess she turned her phone off.

     Stacey invited everyone to play bowling, since this will be our last day of the tour. After this, we’ll be taking a short break of two to three months. Well, most of them are resting, while I’ll be shooting my movie; unless Troy backs out of it. Well if he does, it wouldn’t be problem at all, since I heard Ian Somerhalder can replace him. A lot of people, though I’m not one of them, say that they have a few resemblances to each other, though I don’t notice it.

     We reached the bowling alley by seven. The first thing I saw when I stepped out of Justin’s convertible was the two familiar cars parked across us... the Ferrari was the most familiar, and I know I had seen the Porsche somewhere else.

     “Stacey, I don’t think I can come. My head hurts,” I lied.

     “We’re already here. Do you want me to drive you home?” she offered.

     “No. I can stay in the van and sleep,” I tried to smile weakly.

     When everyone stepped out the car, it’s the exact timing that Jerry walked in the parking lot and headed to Troy’s Ferrari and took a large black bag. He turned around and smiled when he saw me then went back inside.

     “Headache, your head really hurts, does it?” Stacey said sarcastically. “What are you worrying about anyway?”

     I sighed. “Nothing,” I murmured “Fine, let’s go.” I looped my arm around hers as if for support.

 

***

 

     The whole time we were there, I was mostly taking a video. Stacey won, striking every pin, and Justin came second. He could’ve won if it weren’t for the last, leaving only one standing. I haven’t played bowling for a while, and I’m already happy when I got two strikes. It’s a good thing that all my concerts are done; I’m kinda losing my voice.

     Troy’s crew are amazing and hilarious to hang out with, though Troy and I stayed as far from each other as possible. I don’t know if he’s avoiding me or not, but it’s better to be safe than never.

     I sat for a while and sipped on my strawberry mango smoothie when there’s a sudden stiff on my chest.

     “Stacey, um, I’m just gonna go out for a while, okay?” I stood up, trying to breathe normally, though I’m in heavy breathing already.

     “Are you alright?” she asked her voice distressed.

     “Kinda,” I coughed as my chest stiffened again.

     “Maybe I should go with you,”

     I didn’t pull up an argument as we went out the bowling alley. I headed to my bag and searched for my inhaler. I haven’t had an asthma attack since I was five. It’s a good thing my mom said that I should always keep my inhaler for emergency. I sat on the car for a few more minutes with Stacey looking at me carefully, before we decided to head back.

     When we were about to go back, a lot of people started running out.

     “Justin, what’s happening?” Stacey asked anxiously.

     “A fire started, and the building started to collapse, and we almost didn’t make it if it weren’t for Troy and Jerry,”

     “Wait, Jerry and Troy are still inside?” I shrieked gazing on the building slowly being swallowed by the fire.

     “Taylor, I’m warning you, don’t even...” Stacey said as if reading my mind.

     “But Stacey...”

     “Jerry!” someone called out. I turned to see Jerry going out with a lot of dirt in his face and shirt. I have to go in there.

     “Taylor, stop what you’re thinking! Follow your heart, but you should keep your brain with you!” she caught my arm.

     “But Stacey, I have to,” I shook her hand off and ran toward the door. I tried to open it, but it’s covered with fallen debris. I took the pot on the side and precariously broke the glass door. A few debris went out and made way for me to come in. I tried to breathe normally as possible, though my chest started to stiffen again, and got tighter for every step I take.

     “Troy!” I said my voice breaking already. It’s too hot, I’m sweating hard, and I can barely breathe. Suddenly, the ceiling continued to collapse and a few burning wood fell near me, and dragged my sleeve down. I took off my jacket and felt my arm twisted as I did.

     “Troy!” I called out again. I can’t take another step anymore. I’m in need of air already, and I feel collapsing any moment now. I ripped my jacket and covered the lower half of my face as I struggled to continue.

     Finally, I had a glimpse of Troy, trying desperately to take his shirt off. The sleeve of his shirt was eaten by the cracked wall. I ran toward him trying to breathe again.

     “What the hell are you doing in here?” he muttered still struggling.

     “Oh, I don’t know, maybe I just want to get myself burned. What does it look like I’m doing? Of course I’m trying to save your effing life!” I said sarcastically. I tried to pull him, but his sleeve was too stuck. Unbutton his stupid shirt! The voice shouted in my head. I followed it until I got to the last button, and I felt my hands weakening as my whole body did. I can’t breathe any longer. I’m too suffocated. I crouched for a little while, covering the lower half of my face with the ripped jacket, but it’s no use. I can’t get a better air with the smoke covering everywhere. My eyes shut slowly and I had no idea what happened next. My mind went blank and I didn’t hear a thing.

 

***

 

     I woke up as the stroke of light hit my face. I haven’t opened my eyes yet, though I can hear a low murmur, like on the other side of the door. I opened my eyes slowly and saw that I’m inside a white room. It took me a second to realize that I’m lying on a bed; the hospital bed. There are no tubes attached to me, so that means I’m fine; well, except for the arm cast on my right arm, probably cause of the time when I took my jacket off. I looked on the mahogany couch to see my mom reading an Allure magazine.

     Wait, my mom is here? I didn’t need to speak for her turn around and see me awake.

     She stood up and stepped toward me. “How are you feeling, sweetie?” she asked her voice calm.

     “I’m fine,” I smiled though my voice cracked. I guess I haven’t retrieved my voice yet.

     “The doctor said that you have asthma and a fractured arm,”

     “Yeah, I kinda figured that out last night,” I sat up straight.

     “Are you hungry?”

     “Yes.” I said candidly. I don’t know what time it is, but I know I’m starving.

     She walked back to the couch and retrieved the box of pizza. “Well, I bought pizza and cream puffs... and lemon juice.”

     “Thanks,” I smiled again.

     “I’ll just call Sophie, okay? I’ll be back in a few minutes,”

     “Sure.” I said as she walked out the room. I took a slice of pizza, with turkey, ham, onions and pineapple as toppings, and quickly finished it, and took another, then took two cream puffs. Troy was right, I eat like a pig. But what can I do? I’m starving. Wait, Troy? Where’s that guy anyway? I drank my lemon juice and took another slice of pizza as my mom came back.

     “Jeff will be here a little while later. I thought Sophie was the one coming, but change plans,”

     “Jeff? Great,” my voice got huskier with every word. “Did he really graduate already?” I finally asked.

     “I honestly don’t know,” she smiled as the door opened.

     “Hey Mrs. Torres,” Troy said with his endearing smile.

     “Hello Troy,” my mom said then looked to her phone again. “I’ll just go down for a while and wait for Jeff. You take care of my daughter, okay?”

     “Sure thing,” he said as he took the guitar on his back and put it down.

     My mom left the room again as Troy stepped forward and sat on the chair beside my bed. “So, are you okay?”

     I looked to him with wide eye. “My asthma is back, I have a fractured arm, and my voice is cracking and I don’t even know if you forgave me already, and you ask me if I’m okay?” I said sarcastically.

     He smiled my favorite smile again. “Why should I forgive you again? I’m the one immature, right? I thought about what you said yesterday, and I figured that there’s really no reason for me to be mad at you,”

     “Good you know,”

     “Oh yah, I found this in your drawer this morning and�"”

     “You looked in my room!” I shrieked.

     “Stop shouting, your voice is... barely bearable,” he chuckled as he took my song notebook from his bag.

     “But I still can’t believe you...” I muttered.

     “Fine, fine...” he breathed. “Well, I kinda noticed that you haven’t finished “Love is on its way”, so I kinda finished it for you,”

     “Oh,” I looked on the lyrics to see how effortlessly he did it.

 

We know each other better than anyone else

You know everything about me

And I never been comfortable

Like I did with you

 

I never thought I’d feel the way I’m feeling lately,

When everything you seem to do

Just drives me crazy

Lonely, I believe that you will find me

And together we might really see that

Love is on its way

 

We may not be together

Or most like before

But that doesn't change a thing

I still love you the same

Lonely, I believe that you will find me

And together we might really see that

Love is on its way

 

And in case you haven't notice

So many years before

Then I'll take this chance to say

That I love you more than

You'll ever know

And I believe that love is on its way

 

Now you're in my head like a song on the radio

Every time you stare

Makes me wonder if you feel the same

Is it just me or will you find me too

And together we might really see that

Love is on its way

 

It's been years

And everything changed

We're not the same kids playing hide and seek

But my feelings never faded

Now I’m here lying on my bed

Staring on the high ceiling

Secretly wishing you would notice

And that love is on its way

 

Moments pass, people change

But I believe that love never fades

Time might had separated us

But I believe that what's meant to be

Will always find its way and that

Love is on its way

 

Lonely, I believe that you will find me

And together we might really see that

Love is on its way

I'll open your eyes and make you believe

That love is on its way

 

     “I guess I finished it quickly because that’s just how I felt right now,”
     “Please sing it.”

     He took his guitar and started playing the song. His voice fits the song very well, his angelic voice never been as soothing as ever.

     “Thanks,” I smiled when he was done. “Troy,” as much as I don’t want to think or say it now, I have to. “I’m leaving tomorrow,”

     “Oh, well that’s okay. We’ll still see each other, right?”

     I hate it when he says that. The last time he did, everything was changed.

     He put his hand on top of mine and rubbed his thumb. “Don’t worry, nothing will change. And we’ll probably see each other every day because of the movie, remember?”

     “Yeah... I hope this time that’ll be true...” well, he was right; shooting the movie means seeing each other every day.

     “Here’s to prove it,” he craned his head and pressed his lips to mine. He stood up a little, not letting go of my lips as I seized his face. Okay, I believe him.

     We both let go when someone cleared his throat. I looked to see my mom and Jeff; I didn’t even notice them come in. Troy pressed his lips together and stood up and ran his fingers through his hair.

     “So, that’s how you take care of my little sister,” Jeff scoffed.

     My mom elbowed Jeff. “So, when do you prefer to go home? Today or tomorrow?” she asked changing the topic.

     “Tomorrow,”

     “So, we’re just gonna go down again,” my mom said taking Jeff by the arm.

     “No, I’ll talk to my little sister for a while,” Jeff said grinning.

     “No you’re not,” my mom said pulling Jeff out the door.

     “So, where are we again?” I chuckled.

     He sat on the chair again and just smiled.

     “Got trauma?”

     “Kinda,” he said and took his bag again. He dug in to his bag until he found a pentel pen. “Can I?” he motioned to my arm cast.

     “Sure,”

     He started to write something, facing him, and when he’s done, I tried to read it slowly; okay, I can’t.

     “Remember? Live, Love Life to the fullest... never find love; it’s on its way,” he smiled my favorite smile again. I can never get tired of that.

     “Of course,” I grinned, taking the necklace he gave me.

     “You still have my heart even after what I did to you?”

     “Do you want me to throw it?” I chuckled. “Look, even on how huge you’d been a jerk, I still kept it. Remember? Even two months ago. Anyways, even a few years ago... because this is my only memory of the Troy I love when I was a kid,”

     “So you don’t love me now that I’m older?”

     “Yes. You’re much more adorable when you were younger. Your cheeks were chubbier and you’re too cute,” I grinned.

     “No I’m not! My cheeks are not flab!”

     “Now...” I grinned finishing for him. “But no kidding, you’re much adorable before,”

     “I’m not fat...”

     “I know. Just your cheeks,” I laughed.

     “You’re mean,”

     “Is saying ‘you’re cute’ being mean to you?” I laughed again.

     “Yes”

     I craned my left arm to cuff his chin. “You’re really adorable when you were a kid. Now you’re just plain drop gorgeous,” I smirked.

     “But for the record, I have a lean body when I was young,” he took my hand and kissed it.

     “I know,” I giggled.

 

Reviews

[elyza0926]

i love the part where jeff interfered.. lol :D