For You

chapter 41

I'm only on the big stage for one minute and the crowd is already so loud. A loud audience usually means a great show, which is what I need right now. During my first song, I look for Nora and Camilla in the big group of people below me. I spot them in the back and try not to make direct eye contact with them because I know if we even look at each other for a second, I'll breakdown on this stage in minutes. I'm kinda glad they're in the back though, it makes it easier for them to get out and meet me in the alleyway without being to suspicious. I try to forget what's going down after the show and focus on Ruel instead. I mean he is here supporting me, so it's the least I can do.

By the end of my set list, anxiety is running through my nerves. I say my goodbyes to the crowd and thank them for such a wonderful show in the great South Carolina. As soon as I'm backstage, I run over to Jenny and tell her that I need to get something Ruel in the tour bus asap. That gives both Jenny and Ruel an excuse to not follow me.

I carefully open the door and put a rock beside it so I don't get locked out. I feel like I could pass out any minute now so I sit down and lean against the wall. I take a deep breath and lay my head in my palms.

"Hey." I hear Camilla say as she stops short from running into the dark alley.

I put my hair behind my ears and look up to see Nora right behind her.

"Good show tonight." Nora whispers, trying to be as quiet as possible.

I laugh at her. "You don't have to whisper, no one is going to hear you from back here."

Nora nods her head and pulls out her phone. "Are you ready to see the pictures now?"

I quickly take Nora's phone into my hand and when I see what's on her phone a pit in my stomach grows. On her phone is messages exchanged from Ruel and some girl named Olivia. Ruel is telling Olivia how he misses her so much and can't wait to go back to Australia and see her...and hangout with her.

This all doesn't make sense to me. How does Nora even have these messages.

"Wait how do you even have these messages?" I ask Nora, anger filling my tone.

"Olivia is our friend. Me and Camilla are from Australia and when we found out about Olivia and Ruel we just thought we should tell you."

I stand up and shake my head. "I'm so confused, you're friends with this Olivia girl? You followed me all the way to South Carolina to tell me this?"

Camilla speaks this time. "I mean we were always fans of you before you started hanging with Ruel. Because we were already friends with Olivia, when we found out about you're little thing with Ruel, we just wanted to warn you."

My head literally feels like it's going to explode. "So you guys actually like me?"

"Yes!" both girls answer.

"But this still doesn't make sense. I thought you said Ruel was using me? All I see here is him telling some girl that he can't wait to see her again."

Nora's eyebrows crinkle. "Did you not swipe? There's more messages."

She hands the phone back to me and when I say my knees go weak, I almost fell to the ground.