Author's Note:

Wow, you guys work QUICK! I don't think I posted that last author's note more than three hours ago and I log back in and see "Everything Has Changed" has 107 votes?! You guys are seriously AWESOME! So as promised, here is the first of two updates -- the next chapter will be up sometime by Thursday.

~*~

            “It’s great to have you back in town, Paige!” I heard Mrs. McDonough yell one final time before Toby shut the front door; stepping out onto his front porch with me. We stood there for a few seconds in silence, and it was killing me.

            I shift from foot to foot awkwardly, this silence felt weird for me. Toby and I always had something to talk about when we were together – we never had those awkward pauses. The mere thought caused realization to dawn on me – we would never be the same again.

            Two years ago, he would be running his mouth away about some girl he talked to at school, and how he wondered if she was interested in him. I was the girl he always went to when he had problems with girls – but now that he had a girlfriend, he didn’t have girl problems, and it was almost like he didn’t need me anymore.

            “Sorry about my family,” he explained, finally breaking the silence. His apology through me off guard – since when did he apologize to me about his family, he knew I loved them. “They can get a little carried away.” He continued, stuffing his hands in his pockets.

            I smiled weakly, “It’s fine, they’re great company.” I tried explaining, my eyes darting to every possible angle except his face. Toby cleared his throat, and I looked at him just in time to see him open his mouth to say something. Before he had the chance though, a car horn cut him off.

            Looking out onto the street, I saw my mother’s black Edge sitting at the curb of the McDonough household. “I’m coming mom!” I called out at the same time Toby said, “Hi Ms. Olsen!” he waved to my mother and she returned the gesture. I turned back to Toby, hoping he would continue with what he was saying before he was interrupted.

            “Well,” he sighed, pulling me into a bone crushing hug. “See you later.” I slowly wrapped my arms around his torso, smiling ever so slightly as I breathed in his scent. “Bye Toby.” I whispered into his shoulder. Three seconds later we pulled away, and with one final smile, I made my way down the pathway and walked around to the passenger side of the car.

            Just before we pulled away, I looked through my mother’s window and saw Toby standing there; a smile on his face as he waved while my mom began driving. I only smiled in response before sitting back and strapping on my seatbelt; closing my eyes, allowing my mind to replay today’s events.

~*~

            After logging on, I punched in the ten digit Skype number and sat back on my bed; waiting for him to answer. Not a moment later, the screen came to life and before my eyes sat a boy with curly brown hair; smiling at cheekily.

                        “Hey Brad.”

            Brad smiled once the words left my mouth and waved at me. “Paige! I was wondering if you were going to call.” He jokes, shifting ever so slightly on his office chair. “Did you make it home okay?” he asked, his eyebrows creasing with worry. I couldn’t help but roll my eyes, “Yes dad.” I teased playfully. Brad sent me a look and I know that if I would’ve been there right now; he probably would’ve chucked a pillow at my head.

            “Shut up.” He mumbled, a playful smile tugging at the end of his lips. “What took you so long to call? Didn’t you get home like … three days ago?” he asked curiously. Actually, it was two days ago, but I didn’t bother correcting him. “Yeah but, I needed to take care of a few things.” I explained. Just those words alone sparked something in his brain and suddenly he turned serious. “Toby.” It wasn’t a question, he knew what I had planned on doing once I got back.

            I let out a frustrated sigh, pushing my bangs from out of my face. “Yup.” I answer monotone. He waited for me to continue but I wasn’t exactly sure how. “So what, are you guys like … together?” he asked finally, growing impatient. I smiled sadly, I wish. “No,” I mumbled. “He’s got a girlfriend.” I said.

            Brad’s eyes soften, and he sends me an apologetic look. “Aw, I’m sorry Paige.” He apologizes softly. I shake my head back and forth repeatedly, “It’s fine – I mean, I don’t know why I thought anything was going to happen. We’ve known each other for five years, and nothing’s happened so far.” I explain, more to myself than to him.

            He doesn’t say anything for a while, and I watch the screen as he stares down; his forehead creased in concentration as he analyzes something. “Well,” he starts, and I can feel a corny joke coming on; his attempt to lighten the mood. “Most people don’t realize they like someone, until they’re gone.” He explains softly. My breathing catches in my throat as I realize what he’s trying to get at.

            I had met Brad and his band, The Vamps, within the first few weeks while I was in London. My first time seeing them, I had no clue as to who they were – I can’t help but smile at the thought.

FLASHBACK – 2 YEARS AGO

            “Tell me you love me

Tell me you care,

I know you won’t be there”

            My eyes flickered from my book and I pivoted my head at the sound of someone singing. Across the street, on the other side of the park I was sitting in, a group of girls were gathered around a cement building; each holding some type of recording device, whether it was a cell phone or a camera. The group of girls were packed tight, standing together like a barrier and making it impossible for me to see or understand what was going on. My eyebrows knotted in curiosity and I uncrossed my legs and swung them off the side of the wooden bench. I stuffed the notepad into the inside pocket of my white pea coat and stood up; trudging across the street and over to the group of girls.

            As I neared them, the acoustic guitar became louder as well as the vocals – they sounded good. Even when I was standing behind the group of girls, I wasn’t able to see who was playing; my mere five foot two self being too short. I tried standing on the tips of my toes hoping to get a better view and after a few unsuccessful attempts; I could see a group of four boys. Three of them had blonde hair that spiked in all different directions, but the fourth boy was the odd one out, on his head was a navy blue hoodie but you could still see a mop of thick brown curls sticking out from underneath.

            I tapped the shoulder of the girl in front of me, “Excuse me,” I started. She turned around quickly, her platinum blonde hair nearly hitting me in the face and she cast a curious glance down on me. “Who are these boys?” I asked as politely as possible. The girl’s face seemed to relax and her shoulders slouched down, now more comfortable with the situation. “Oh, they’re the Vamps.” She explained, and with that, she turned back around to enjoy the rest of the performance; myself following in suit.

            “She was the one who got away

            She was the one who never got to say how much,

            I miss your touch

She was the one who meant the most,

            She was the one who I kept close amongst it all

            Just let’s fall,”

            I watched how the Vamps interacted with each other, they were playful and often communicated with each other in the middle of a song. All the girls around me found it to be quite entertaining, thus sparking an idea inside my head.

            I pulled my Nikon camera out of its shoulder bag and instantly began recording the scene in front of me – realizing that this could be the pitch I was looking for.

END OF FLASHBACK

            “Why are you smiling so hard?” Brad’s question nearly knocks me out of my seat. When I come back to reality, I see him staring at me curiously – his brunette curls falling in front of his face. “Nothing,” I pause, trying to clear my head. “I’m just really glad I met you.” I whisper, just loud enough for him to hear. Even though that wasn’t exactly what I was thinking – it didn’t mean it wasn’t true. I honestly was so thankful for stumbling upon him in the park – without that day, I wouldn’t even have the fraction of the courage I have today.

Brad smiles, “Me too.”