𝐈𝐕 - Seeing You Again

The night before felt like a dream as if nothing really happened, when I woke up.

I took a quick shower and made my way toward the kitchen.

"Morning," I said as I took a place at the table.

Hailey's red hair looked like fire in the morning light.

"I fed Milo and made you some coffee, I have to go back to my place and get ready," She said as she put on her shoes.

"Thank and yes, I'll see you there, I guess."

There was something in her gaze that I couldn't describe like she was worried about me?

I'm not sure if she knows something about the phone call or if it's just because I look like crap, but she kissed my forehead like I was a child and left.

~•۞•~

The day passed faster than I expected it to. I didn't receive any news from Ms. Jinn and I didn't see the neighbor when I went out to take my coffee this morning.

As I finished dressing up in a dark blue dress, someone knocked at the door.

"What is it again?" I mumbled. When I opened the door, someone was standing there with a huge flower bouquet. "Miss Blake?"

"Yes, it's me," I said uncertainly.

"These flowers are from Mr. Blake for your graduation. He also asked me to tell you that he's sorry to not be able to attend the event." Obviously, he's not able to attend, he's still somewhere in Spain doing god knows what. The only thing I know is that he never gets to take a break.

I hate to admit it, but that was enough to put a smile on my face. I couldn't imagine all the calls he had to make to manage to send these flowers from the military base where he has been for the last two months.

"Thank you," I said as I took the bouquet.

Ten minutes later after I fixed my makeup and sent a few emails to my teachers about some homework I had handed in a few days ago I jumped in my car and hurried to the ceremony.

I spotted Hailey swiftly. She was standing up, both of her hands in the air, almost screaming my name in front of everyone. Even though seeing her face took a weight off my shoulders I couldn't get what the delivery man had said before leaving out of my head. "He's sorry." My dad doesn't apologize verbally, only in actions.

I took a seat next to her and motioned my attention toward the front of the room, where many teachers and other people that I don't know were standing a couple of students had already received their diplomas so it wouldn't take long until I have to go on that stage and smile.

I hadn't thought it would be a big deal. I mean what's the problem with getting your diploma? I was sure it'll be the easiest thing I'll ever have to do until they called my name I froze. Like, I realized that I'll be done with 'finding' a reason to not go back to Seattle after that.

I wasn't ready to go back, but I wasn't nearly close to being ready to give up what I have there.

"Lexi Blake." Said the man one more time. I took a deep breath and climb the stairs.

Shut the fuck up take that diploma and just like you've always wished that in your life; smile and get out of here.

Good plan.

So I did as I told myself and again like time took speed I was back in my seat.

"Tonight we are definitely going to get drunk and have a lot of fun." Said Hailey as I drove out of the parking lot.

"You don't need to ask me twice."

~•۞•~

It felt like an eternity since I went to a bar and had a good time. I do hate the fact that some men think too highly of themselves and come talk to us like we were into them, but besides that fact, it was good to be out and stop thinking about my life.

"Can you go and try to find us somewhere close to the stage? I have to go to the bathroom."

I nodded as my friend disappeared into the crowd of people.

I found us somewhere close to the stage where we could clearly see everything. She told me the singer was sexy, so I made sure she'll be able to see him.

"From Seattle tonight we have the chance to welcome a band who's known for their song 'Innocence' please welcome Manacled."

Everyone started screaming, and I guess I did too. Everything turned black and a bright light lit up the stage.

Hailey was back beside me, she looked euphoric.

The sound of a drum started pounding, then an electric guitar made my hips move. I closed my eyes for a moment and I could visualize myself on that stage singing out of breath.

"Hell, he's hot." I heard Hailey say.

I couldn't quite see anything, but it was okay because Hailey was so happy to come to this show that I'll let her have a good time, and I'll just listen.

As I started enjoying the beat of the music, the deep and raspy voice of the singer came to my ears. I felt a shiver running down my spine.

That voice.

I used to hear it every morning and every night with a smile on my face. And now - just by hearing the deep vibrations of his voice my smile dropped.

I don't need to see his face, I know it's Aaron who's on that stage, singing a song that I remember composing but never desired to sing myself.

In that mass of people, I felt alone, for a moment. I could picture everything. I could see Tyler playing the drum, Gray, and Luca with their guitar, and Theo, standing next to Aaron, both singing that song.

I couldn't just run away, it was beautiful, they sounded even better than I could remember. Their music was still the same as it used to be, but there was something I can't explain that made it even better.

For the hour that the show lasted, I danced a little and drank more than I wanted from the start. Hailey had gone with a guy to the bar for a drink and since I felt like a third wheel I took my coat and went outside to try to sober up.

I found a place to sit between two buildings, but what I hadn't noticed is that the door in front of me was the door where the artists were exiting and that right now, right in front of me Gray, Theo, Tyler, Luca, and Aaron would exit in a couple of seconds.

When I did notice my mistake it was already too late, the door swung open and one by one they all got out of the building looking at me like I was a beast in a cage.

I didn't know what to say or how to react. I think I just forgot how to breathe for a moment and took a quick look at them.

They had all become men and grown-up as I had imagined them. Theo had had his bottom lip pierced and Gray had cut his hair, which was once long enough to be braided. I was speechless as I looked at them, three years had seemed like nothing, but now that they were all in front of me it felt like an eternity.

"Well, shit." Said Theo as he continued to study me.

My gaze turned to Aaron, the last to leave the building. Our eyes met for a moment and my heart forgot how to beat, or maybe it had just started beating again, but an ache spread through my chest. He wasn't looking at me with disgust, but I couldn't feel the warmth in his eyes anymore, he was just a wall, and I couldn't feel him.

Aaron's lips parted like he was about to say something, but then he clenched his jaw and walked away.

I realized that the sweet and happy Aaron that he used to be had vanished a long time ago. That new version of him will never be able to forgive me, not even if I beg him to understand.

What do you think will happen now that they saw each other again?