***Chapter Thirty-Two***
It took us nearly 15 minutes to get to where we were going. When we got there, I’m confused and bewildered all in one. It was under this bridge and a bunch of people were there. They all seemed to know Drew, which isn’t shocking, but he wouldn’t take me somewhere he didn’t know. His life never ceases to surprise me.
The other thing that I noticed also was the small stage in front of us. Once my eyes landed on that, I knew exactly why we were here. Drew was going to do what I wanted him to do, which is sing! My excitement took over me and I couldn’t wait to hear him. However, it looked like many people were here to perform as well. I’m still lost on what exactly this is and why it’s under a bridge. That part made no sense.
My smile fills my face as my eyes look at Drew. “What is all this?” I ask him, amazed.
A soft smile appears on his face. “Back in high school, at the beginning of 11th grade, I came here to work on my anger issues,” he explains. “Basically, it’s my support group. I don’t come often anymore, but sometimes I like to come to the performances everyone puts on.”
That made sense and gave me more insight into high school Drew. “Wow, that’s so nice of you, but why don’t you come a lot anymore?” I continue to pry.
He chuckled. “You and all the questions. Now come on, I have to get on the sign-up sheet.”
Ignoring my question, he drags me over to where a woman is setting up the stage. She had short hair and a bright smile on her face when she saw Drew coming over. Everyone everywhere loved Drew. I can see why, though. He was someone so special, so unique that you couldn’t get anywhere else. Not to mention how good-looking the guy was. It makes me wonder what he ever saw in Juliana. Clearly, something made them date. It obviously wasn’t anything good from the way Dre was talking.
Either way, we got to the woman who didn’t hesitate to embrace Drew tightly. They looked to have a close relationship. If this is a support group, then I’m positive she’s watched Drew grow and change as a person over the years. He seemed to trust her and I’m happy he had someone that he could trust with his whole being.
“Drew, it’s so great to see you. I did not know you were coming,” she says happily.
Drew smiles, writing his name on a piece of paper. “Sorry, it was kind of last minute,” he says.
She smiles, shaking her head. “Oh, you know I never mind seeing you.” Then her eyes look at me. “And who is this you’ve brought with you? That Juliana girl?”
Drew shakes his head while grabbing my hand to pull me closer. “No, but she’s very important to me as well,” he says, making my cheeks flush. “A very good friend.”
I hated that friend word, but it always sounded different coming out of his mouth. I rather he say something else, but it made me feel good anytime he did. Back then, I wasn’t even considered his friend. Now that I am, it made me just as happy even though there’s more I wanted out of this. For now, I’m happy to be introduced to people as a close friend. Besides, she thought I was Juliana, and that told me everything I needed to know.
That aside, I gladly introduced myself to the woman as Drew continue to make conversation. I zoned out, looking around at everyone here. There were lots of people and they all looked like they had a story to tell. That much was proven once the show started. You can hear how much thought went into everyone’s craft. It was tantalizing to see and I’m thrilled Drew brought me here to witness it. I wouldn’t have been invited otherwise.
Now it was time for Drew to perform, and I waited with fainted breath. Anytime I ask him to show me something, although it takes time, he does without question. Now I’m getting to see what makes Andrew Tate just that. Something else to add to the long list of reasons I like him so much. The talent this guy possessed never ceased to amaze me. I think everyone here knew that as well because as soon as Drew took the stage, they couldn’t stop cheering.
Laughing, Drew adjusted the microphone before he strummed. My eyes stayed glued to him as I waited for words to come out. Once they did, my heart nearly melted at the sounds. Not only was he good, but his voice was quite angelic with this raspy undertone to it. The combination was perfect and judging by the words; he was singing a love song. Obviously about Juliana, but I’m sure if he sang it to anybody, they’d think it was for them. Hell, even I wished it was about me with the way his eyes found mine. The words of the song made this moment feel all too real, yet I knew he couldn’t possibly have made a song for me. That would push boundaries that shouldn’t be pushed.
Needless to say, once Drew finished, everyone erupted into cheers and I couldn’t help running up to him. I jumped into his arms, squeezing him ever so tightly. The guy was talented and shouldn’t waste it. Especially not when he could make something great for himself. He already had the popularity, why not capitalize on it?
Smiling, Drew squeezed me back before looking down at me. “Did you like it?’ He asked me, always seeking my opinion.
“Like it, I loved it!” I gushed. “Too bad Juliana wasn’t here. She’d have loved it.”
His eyebrows furrow at my statement. “What?” He asked me, sounding rather confused.
Now I’m lost. “The song? You made it for Juliana, right?” Drew confused me on so many levels.
Understanding, his demeanor changed. “Oh, yeah, yeah I did. You’re right, she would have liked it.” He gave me a tight-lipped smile.
Something about the way he responded to me felt off. It felt as though he agreed with what I was saying just because. Not because he meant it or even thought that himself. I wouldn’t read too much into it because the song was undeniably beautiful. No matter who he made it for, anyone could enjoy it. The rhythm coupled with his voice made for a top tier combo. Why wasn’t he doing more with this?
We finished watching the last of the performances before we said goodbye. Walking back to his car, we held hands strolling along idly. We were in no rush to get back to campus as our time together would, unfortunately, end. In the meantime, I needed to know why he wasn’t using his talents correctly. After hearing his voice, it bugged me he was resting on his laurels.
Looking at him, Drew knew I was going to question him about things, as he was fully prepared. “You have to do something about this singing thing,” I say. “It’s too good to not be shared with the world.”
He chuckled, but disagreed. “Hmm, I’ve thought about it, but I don’t think being famous is an interest of mine.” He politely turned down.
I scoffed. “You may as well be famous already. Everyone loves you.” I had to state the obvious. “You’ve always been mister popular.”
His eyes rolled. “It’s not like I wanted to be,” he admits. “I would have much rather stay in the background, but people are always drawn to me.”
His nonchalant tone made me realize he didn’t know why people were always flocking to him. It’s just something about Drew that gets people going every time you see him. You want to be his friend because of how cool he appears. Not only is he cool, but he’s kind too. The amount of people that looked up to him in high school was insane. It’s like he ran the place without even trying. The biggest thing Drew should take away from this is that he’s simply a good person, despite what he may think.
Luckily for him, he had someone like me who also idolized him growing up. Watching his every move paid off in situations like these. I don’t know if Juliana wasn’t telling him how great he was enough, but I had no qualms about doing so. It may cross into territory I shouldn’t be. Juliana warned me I shouldn’t be getting too close to Drew, but there’s no time like the present.
Stopping us in our tracks, I step in front of him to get a good view of his face. “Because, Drew, you’re the most well spoken, kind-hearted person anyone might meet.” I compliment him.
He chuckles, his cheek turning red as he averts his gaze. “Oh, stop. You only say that because you, too, looked at me that way growing up.” He looks down at me again. “You still do.”
His point was valid, but not true. “I’m saying that because it’s true and anyone would be lucky enough to know you, Drew.” I keep pushing.
That still wasn’t enough for him. “You barely know me, Annabelle,” he says. “At least not who I am and what I used to be.”
This time, I look down as my cheeks flush a little. “Well…I want to get to know you. Flaws and all.” I admit.
Sneaking a glance at him, I can see Drew was staring at me intently, contemplating on what to say. It should have been obvious with all the questions I ask him. I wanted to know him better. I don’t care if he thought it would scare me away. The little things he has told me haven’t pushed me away yet. All I had was what I’ve seen of Drew. Hearing things from both Dillon and Dre, there was more than meets the eye with him. Yet, he felt like he couldn’t be open and honest about it. That didn’t mean I would stop trying, though. I was going to crack Andrew Tate open one way or another.
In the meantime, Drew gave a soft smile before taking my hand again. He said nothing else about it as we made it to the car. I can tell he appreciated my sentiments, but still stayed closed off. Its obvious something was preventing him from opening himself fully to me. Only time will tell, but I’m willing to let him go at his own pace.
***
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