Chapter 15

Lila's POV:

'Lila! You're so stupid!' My subconscious yelled at me as I tripped over myself. I was expecting to fall on the floor but was surprised when I bumped into someone, spilling coffee all over the person. It wasn't supposed to happen, but I got so carried away. Reminding myself that I was still in the hands of the person who held me, I looked up and made to apologize, but stopped while the words were still forming in my mouth, widening my eyes.

It wasn't just an ordinary person I bumped into but Dean himself! Leader of the Sparks band! My throat dried up as I looked into his eyes, which held a mixture of anger and awe. I fought the urge to bite my lips, to hide my nervousness. Oh my world, I spilled hot coffee on Dean!

Eventually he blinked and pushed me back, forcing me to stand up on my own. Some of the coffee had spilled on me, but that wasn't my problem now.

"I… I'm so sorry sir," I stuttered, my voice low with concern. "Are you hurt?" I asked as I made to clean his shirt with the paper towel in my hands. A stupid attempt really. He opened his mouth as if to say something but change his mind in the last minute and closed it. Damn, his lips are so… Lila! Stop drooling! I scolded.

"I'm really sorry, sir. I didn't mean to." I continued apologizing. He just kept staring at me. Shouldn't he be angry or something? Okay, maybe his stares are getting a little creepy. I didn't know what else to do so I just stood there. Eventually he got a hold of himself and held his forehead and sighed. I held my breath and immediately bowed, apologizing again. He scoffed and walked away, not saying anything. That's weird.

I watched him go then stared at my clothes and the sorry cup of coffee on the floor. Now I'll have to get another one. Jeez.

***

Dean's POV:

What's wrong with me? A girl spills coffee on me and I couldn't do anything, not even a word. That's so unlike me. Not wanting to make a fool of myself any longer, I scoffed and left the place, as that was the only expression I could manage. I threw the canned juice in the trash bin and walked back to our dance room.

Still confused, I sat down on one of the chairs and stared at something unseen in front of me, trying to process all of my thoughts. Frustrated, I ran my hands through my hair and stared at my shirt. Oh right, I need a change of clothes. There are lots of extras here at Beamlights, but I didn't want to risk seeing that girl again, so I went to the penthouse instead. And also I needed all the likely burns from that spill. I wore my jacket and left the dance room, going out.

***

Lila's POV:

I finally arrived at the place where the rest of the girls were and gave Mira her cup of coffee.

"What took you so long?" She asked nonchalantly.

"I spilled the first one." I explained.

"Oh my gosh! Are you okay?"

"Yeah…" But I don't think the person I spilled it on is, I completed in my mind and gave her a smile.

"Okay. Be more careful next time."

"Yes ma'am."

"Well, we're done here. Let's head back to the base." The officials said. We lined up to a single file and walked out of the headquarters. I kept thinking about my encounter with Dean. I hope he's okay.

***

On our way back, while we were on the bus, Mira started a conversation. I think by far she's the nicest official we've met. The others just raise their chins high and order around. Little wonder why Chad likes her.

She said something which made all of us laugh as a result I moved my head forward, making all of my hair move to the front. Amidst gulps, I used my hands to put them in place, tucking them behind my ears. Mira glanced at me and momentarily stopped, puzzled. I'm guessing she must have seen my birthmark.

"Lila, what's that?" She said, pointing towards my right ear. I think I guessed right.

"Oh nothing, it's just a birthmark." I replied, but she didn't look too convinced.

"That's a weird birthmark." She commented, and I chuckled, waving it off.

Eventually we got to the temporary base, and we alighted from the bus. The next group, which had Zoey and Paige in it, would go for their tour tomorrow. On our way in, Mira came to my side. I noticed and slowed down so she could catch up with me.

"I'm sorry for bothering you, but if you don't mind, can I take a picture? It's unlike anything I've seen."

I stopped a bit, trying to think it through. Normally I wouldn't allow if anyone requested to take a picture of it because I saw it as something special. But this was an older person and I kind of trust her. But…

"I don't know, ma'am, it's just that…" She cut me off.

"I know, you're scared. Well, there's nothing I want to use it for. Just like, I want to admire it a bit. Even though it looks strange, it's still beautiful." Then lowering herself, she whispered, "Don't worry, I won't show anyone… Well, except my husband and he's an expert in keeping secrets," she said, and I giggled. She chuckled, too.

"Okay, guess I have to trust you, then. You can take a picture," I said, and she brought out a phone. I removed my hair out of it and she quickly took a picture. Then stared at it on her phone.

"Aww, it's so pretty. Shaped like a L," she said as she admired it. "Oh, look at me, I'm already getting carried away. I'll be going now. Take care of yourself," she said as she walked ahead.

I took a deep breath and let it out. I just hope am not making a mistake.

***

(Evening)

After dinner while everyone was returning to their dorms, my phone rang and when I checked the caller ID, it was Chad. A smile immediately crept up to my face, and I quickly excused myself to pick up. Once I got to a more secluded place, I picked up the phone.

"Hello", Chad's voice came booming through the speakers. "What's up"?

"I'm good. What about you?"

"Just chilling around and being lazy." He said, and I laughed.

"Wish I could do some of that right now."

"Why can't you? What's stopping you?"

"Well… Your call, I replied, and I heard an 'o' in the background.

"Sorry about that."

"Apology accepted."

"Actually, I don't feel so good." I said sincerely.

"Why? What happened?

"I met with Dean today… And I spilled hot coffee on his shirt," I said despondently.

"Wait… What!?"

There was silence for a while and the next thing heard was laughter. What's so funny?

"Wait, you were the one who spilled coffee on him?

"Yeah…?"

"Oh my gosh! This is crazy!"

"I'm so worried, Chad, what if he tries to arrest me? I could go to jail!"

"Oh, he wouldn't dare. Don't worry yourself, we've already sorted it out. I've called the doctor, and they have treated the burns he must have sustained."

"He sustained burns!?" I exclaimed, horrified.

"Just teeny tiny ones. He won't die. Thanks anyway. His ego needed to be drained a little. I still can't believe it. You were the one who poured coffee on him. Where did you meet?"

"At the headquarters. We were there on tour."

"Oh…" He trailed off.

"Since you said I shouldn't worry, maybe I'll sleep well tonight."

"Do sleep well. And dream of me." He said, and I chuckled.

"I have to go. My roommates will be looking for me now."

"Yeah. Have a goodnight."

"Have a goodnight too. Bye."

I said and hung up, putting the phone in my pockets.

"Hmm, looks like someone is talking to her crush." I heard a voice say behind me, and I turned. It was Zoey and Paige! How long have they been there and were they listening the whole time?

"What are you girls doing here?" I asked, as I walked closer to them.

"We didn't see you in the room so we looked for you and here you are, talking to what's his name again? Conner."

Thank God, they said Conner. At least they still believe my lie.

"Well, as you can see, I'm through. Can we go to our rooms now?"

"Sure, lover girl." Paige said and Zoey giggled. I tried to frown but failed woefully. These girls, what was up with them?

***

Chad's POV:

I dropped my phone and continued with the work on my laptop. Just then Dean walked into the living room and I glanced at him. Remembering what Lila told me, I started chuckling.

"What's so funny?" He asked, a frown on his face. He was shirtless, so the wounds inflicted on him would heal quicker.

"Nothing." I replied, but I continued chuckling. Eventually, I calmed down and stared at him.

"Do you know who poured that hot coffee on you?" I asked, and he stared at me.

"No, why would I?"

"Well that's Lila. I was planning someday that you could meet her properly since you didn't get to. But you've already done your introductions even though it's not the best way to meet."

"Wait…" He began and trailed off, then his voice came back stronger. "That's Lila?"

"Lila Walker. Yes, that's her. We just spoke and she told me all about you. Well I guess you can leave me alone now." I said and stood up, taking my laptop and phone with me to my room, left Dean in the living room.

***

Mira's POV:

After a long day at the company, I arrived home feeling completely tired. I had seen my husband's car in the garage, so I knew he was home. Thinking about him, I smiled to myself. I still can't believe I got married to my high school sweetheart. When we were younger, I had almost thought it would be a fling. But it's proven it's not.

I climbed the stairs and pushed the door open, walking in. Ellen, the housekeeper came to welcome me, requesting my purse.

"Not thanks. I can manage. Where's my husband?"

"He's in his room, ma'am. He just arrived not too long ago."

"Oh… What about dinner?"

"I've got it all prepared ma'am, I'm about to serve it."

"I'll join you in that. Let me go change."

"You don't have to." Ellen protested gently.

"I want to, don't worry, I won't be long upstairs. Just give me a minute." I said and walked up to the stairs. Darren was just coming out, and he had already changed to casual clothes. He saw me and his face lit up. I smiled back.

"Look who's here. Good evening." He said and descended, planting a kiss on my forehead.

"Good evening to you, too. Didn't know you would come home early."

"There was practically nothing to do at work. So I came home. How was yours?"

"Fine but exhausting. Let me go change, will be downstairs in a minute."

"Will be waiting." He said and walked downstairs. I got to our room and after closing the door, I sagged behind it.

I'm so tired.

***

Dinner was served, and we began eating while having small talks in between. Once we were down to desserts, I remembered the picture I took earlier.

"Oh Darren, wait a bit. There's something I want to show you." I said and brought out my phone. Going to my gallery and clicking on the picture, I passed it to him.

"What's this?" He asked as he collected the phone from me.

"It's a picture I took on the body of a girl in the training session, right behind her ear. She said it was a birthmark."

"This is unlike any birthmark I've seen."

"I said so when I saw it."

"Weird but… Beautiful." He muttered and passed the phone back to me. I collected it.

"That girl must be lucky to have such a strange birthmark." He said and continued eating. Just then, Ellen came out from the kitchen to fill our basket of cookies that were already going down. As she got to the table, she saw the picture.

"What's this?" She asked as she filled up the basket.

"Oh, it's a picture I took at work."

"May I see it?"

"If you want to." I replied, and she nodded. She dropped her tray and took the phone, staring at the picture. I looked away to concentrate on my food.

"I can't believe this…" I heard her mutter and glanced at her.

"What is it?"