***Chapter Forty-One***
I was happy to go back to my dorm room and collapse into my bed after the argument with Drew yesterday. Everything about it felt icky and my mind had enough of thinking about it. I’m not sure what’s going to happen now between Drew and me, but as of now, we weren’t on good terms. It stung at me so badly that the next day my brain couldn’t focus ongoing from class to class. There was also no sign of Drew anywhere and that only made me worry. Though I should not have been, I hated whenever he would disappear. One could only hope that he was ok.
Later in the day, I’m able to take my mind off it a bit as Dre got into the auditorium to practice. I didn’t know how they were practicing something without Drew, but Dre said he would show up. In the meantime, Dre and Cameron showed Keegan the notes he needed to play for the song to work. I’m willing to bet Drew’s absence had a lot to do with the fact that Keegan was here, but maybe he’ll surprise us all.
While they were teaching Keegan, the girls and I, mainly Juliana, decided that we should work on our Halloween costume. Juliana found the right jumpsuits at her little boutique she took us to last time. I thought the body suits and heels would be enough, but no, we had to add rhinestones to them as well. Not a lot, but enough to make them sparkle, according to Julie. I can’t believe I’m allowing myself to do something so ridiculous. It’s better than spending a holiday indoors, though.
“Julie, how many of these do we need to put on here?” Dillon asked, almost regretting agreeing to this.
Juliana rolled her eyes. “Just enough to really see it sparkle,” she implied. “Now Dillon, you take the black ones, Anna the silver, and I’ll use the gold.”
She handed us each a bucket with small rhinestones in them. I felt repulsed and lazy looking at how big this bucket was. “We have to do all of this!” I screeched.
“No, silly. I told you, just enough. Now don’t put them so close together.” She pointed out, demonstrating how she wanted it.
It definitely wasn’t my idea of fun, but we were doing it, anyway. It was annoying to work with such little jewels and such little objects to handle them. You had to make sure you didn’t overdo it on the glue, but you couldn’t put too little either. As tedious as it was, I found the task cathartic. It’s not the first thing I would think of to calm my nerves, but it sure was working out well. For once today, I felt at peace and intended for things to stay that way. Letting idle things bug me wasn’t the way to find release. Though it was short-lived once Juliana brought up Drew.
“Do you think he’s going to show up?” She asked Dillon and me with worry in her tone.
I tried not to wince at the thought of him, but I was also worried that he wouldn’t come either. “It’s hard to say,” was all I could get out as I focused back on the jewels.
Dillon had little an answer to console her. “I’m sorry, I can’t help with this one either, Julie.”
She sighed, still working on her body suit. “I know I’m harsh sometimes, but it’s only because I care about him. Maybe I pushed too much this time.”
Or maybe it was I who pushed too much instead of being understanding. There I was scolding him for not supporting me, but I wasn’t supporting him. Drew’s situation was different to mine, that much was obvious. I still don’t agree with him bombarding my date, but things could have gone differently. My words weren’t as influential as I thought they would be. Instead, we argued and fixed nothing all at the same time. If he didn’t show up, could I be to blame for it?
Decompressing, we all continued to do our thing, laughing and joking with one another, including the boys. We stayed doing that for about 20 minutes before we heard the door open. The echoing sounds filled our ears as we all went silent, watching Drew walk in. My heart pang in my chest knowing that he was ok. Well, from what I can see, he was ok. It’s no telling what Drew was thinking, but he wasted no time getting up on stage with the boys.
Dre and Cameron greeted him in their usual way. “I knew you’d show up,” Cameron said with a bright smile.
Drew laughed, holding his fist out to Keegan, who gladly responded. “You all know the song?” He asked them before they got into motion.
The girls and I put down our costumes to watch patiently at their performance. Dre counted them in and off they were. Dre playing the drums, Cam on bass, Keegan on the main guitar, while Drew sang with his beautiful voice. The song was just as impeccable as when he performed it himself. Only it sounded so much better with all of them together and the backing vocals provided by them all. If they didn’t win this talent show, I’d scream. They were too good and blended so well together that it’s impossible for them to lose. Everyone at Western University would talk about them.
As amazing as they were, though, I couldn’t help but notice the small glimpses Drew was making to Juliana as he sang. I knew the song was for her, but I won’t lie and say it didn’t make me feel hurt. When he sang it that first time, it was just me there that he could look too. It made it feel like secretly he was talking to me. That wasn’t the case and I’m happy Juliana had someone that would do all these romantic things for her. However, unbeknownst’s to me, at the last line of the song I could see Drew glance at me before anyone else could notice. It made me shift in my seat as he looked away. What was that about?
As they finished, they all looked pleased with themselves as we clapped for them as well. Juliana wasted no time running up to Drew, hugging him tightly. It was cute for what it was worth, but still didn’t make me feel good. Luckily, I had Keegan who I could hug and have my worries melt away. I’m surprised he picked up his part so well. It sounded amazing for sure.
“Drew, it’s beautiful!” Juliana gushes. “Did you write that for little ole me?” Her eyelashes bat. I admit, that was funny.
Drew scratched the back of his neck out of nerves before smiling at her. “Yeah…I sure did.” He didn’t sound confident when he said that.
Thankfully, Juliana didn’t pick up on it. “You guys are going to do great at the talent show.”
“What are you going to call yourselves, though?” Dillon asked them.
It was a question that seemed to stump us all, as no one thought about that. They needed to come up with a name. They couldn’t just go out on stage without a proper introduction. What could they call themselves that wasn’t already taken though? What would make people want to see them play? There were so many options that we could toss out there, but the name had to be just right. Thankfully, we had someone like Cameron and his beautiful brain.
“It may sound cheesy, but how about The Hive?” He suggested.
I crossed my arms, amused by his suggestion. “The Hive? What makes you suggest that?” I’m interested to know.
Cameron shrugged. “We’re kind of like a hive, right? Why not tribute something to our friendship?” He had a point there.
Dre nodded, getting his point. “It’s quite a genius idea. When we get big and have to explain the name, they’ll eat that up.”
Drew laughed, not interested in becoming famous. “Let’s focus on the talent show before thinking we’ll get famous,” he rolled his eyes, but then smiled. “I like that name, though.”
“I’d say it’s settled then.” Keegan smiled.
I’m not too enthralled about the name, but it works for a talent show. Dre is also right that when and if they make it to the big leagues, that the meaning will surely have people swooning. It’s a smart business strategy and hopefully we could see this play out how we’re expecting. Of course, Juliana had to get the bright idea for us to make last-minute shirts for the talent show. With Kayla, she wanted each of us to have a shirt with the band name on front and one of the boys names on the back. I was cursing I knew with all her wacky ideas. First the costumes, now this. When will it ever end?
As much as that haunted me, what got me going even more was Drew walking over to Keegan and I. I’m thinking he wanted to speak with me, but he actually wanted Keegan. It confused the both of us, but if they were going to be working together, then it was only right that they clear the air. If that is what Drew was doing. His intentions weren’t very clear, but Keegan never shied away from confrontation. Hopefully, it wasn’t anything bad because I couldn’t handle anymore drama.
“What could they possibly be talking about?” I thought out loud.
I hear Cameron behind me answer my question. “I don’t know, but it makes you sweat, doesn’t it?” He whispered, making me jump.
My hand grabs at my chest as I look back at him. “How about a warning next time?” I say, frightened.
He bellows. “Sorry, I couldn’t resist.” He says. “Don’t even worry about it. I bet Drew is doing the right thing. If he knows what’s good for him.”
I bit the inside of my cheek, hoping Cameron was right. “Yeah, you’re probably right. You’re always right.” I smile up at him.
He smiles back. “Just being a good friend,” he states. “Now, I believe you have costumes to finish before Juliana has your head on a platter.”
My eyes roll at the thought of those costumes. I didn’t complain about finishing them up as Drew and Keegan came back to practice again. Everything seemed normal for now. Drew and I didn’t talk as usual, but he seemed ok with Keegan being there. They all were giving in their input for what to wear and how to come out on stage for the talent show. All their ideas were good and I couldn’t wait to see the finished product when the time comes. For now, my mind kept wondering what Drew could have talked about with Keegan. He wasn’t the biggest fan of him, but if Cameron was right, he was simply doing the right thing.