Chapter Twenty Six

I stood by the window of the studio Damien got for us. I was in a baggy pink customer and my hair was plaited. I felt different, for the first time in my entire life I felt like I'd achieved something. We just completed the video shoot for our song and I was in tears. Tears of joy, maybe, maybe not. I haven't done something by myself in a long time, but this song, this whole show, I wrote it. I felt like I've just found a new Paige and I didn't know how to react to her. I knew I was going to love her anyways. Paige, that girl, that me, that musician. I never would have thought. And if someone had said that to me some months ago, it would have sounded pretty awkward, but here I am, feeling like the "eilish queen".

I was too lost in thought to notice that someone had loined me.

"That was perfect Paige."

I knew who it was without even taking a look at him. My teacher, the one who has been so unusually formal with me since I asked him to leave. It seems I'm the only one that still thinks of him. He's worth my whole heart anyway. The former Paige wouldn't be here without him. I owe him my life, gave me a reason to live. He might be stupid by staying away. Well, I asked him to.

"You did well too "I smiled. It was genuine. I was happy. The last time I'd been happy like this would be when I was five, on a family holiday.

"How did you get this studio? It looks expensive."

He smiled. "A friend has a music band that works here. I got a meaningful discount."

I knew he was going to spend a lot so I had planned to give him my share. I forced into his hands a bank card worth some thousands, the remains of the allowance Jude sent me.

"That's my share."

"I didn't ask for it."

"I know. I know you won't ask. But it's our project, you can't take responsibility for everything."

He nodded. We were silent for a while and his eyes were all on me. Why now?

"I'll go help Liam with the packing."I attempted to leave but he stopped me.

"Wait."He held my wrist. "Liam can do that himself. Besides, you've been through enough stress already."

I nodded, then he let go of my hand.

"Do you think we'll get the fifty mark?" I decided to keep silence away.

"Do you know what I think?"He grinned, I tried hard not to look at him face.

"I'm not in your head, am I?"

"I think we deserve more than fifty, more than the marks. We did great!"He paused. "And You look good."

His statement seemed off but it also sounded like he'd been meaning to say it.

"You say what?"

"You look good. Your hair..."

"Thanks!"I shouldn't have interrupted him!

"How are you now?"He was beginning to sound serious.

"What do you mean?"

"Never mind."He winced. "You know, this might sound a bit wierd but I have something to talk to you about. Can we talk a little bit before Liam finish packing?"

I bit my lip. "Sure." We sat at a table in the dressing room. His expressions, I anticipated to read but they were bland, as usual. 

"Okay. I have a question for you. "

"Go on."

"Are you really going to die soon?"

Oh my...

Paige said that.

 I was quiet. There's no way I'm explaining that to him.

"Paige?"He said after a while.

"What did you say?"

"The last time, you said something about death. Is that true?"

"Why do you ask?"

"I need to know. Paige, are you sick or... Do you have..."

"I'm not sick."I snorted. "And I didn't say that. Well, I did but I didn't mean it. You were too clingy and I didn't feel so safe. I wanted you to go. That's all "

I saw a light smile play around his cheek. How sweet.

"Which means, you do not hate me huh?"

"Why should I hate my teacher? Not possible meh!" I'm changing. Being with these two guys had changed ke a lot.

"So why did you ask me to stay away from you?"

I pursed my lips. He's damn straightforward, looks like he's planned his words before asking to talk with me.

"The first time we were seen together, so many bad things happened. I believe it's...bad luck. I'm going to be blunt here cause of my mood. But yeah, you, there something about you" I winced. "I'm always at my worst with you. Do you know how that makes me feel? Lesser! I'd rather parole with my type of persons. You just seem to know all and have everything under control. I'm not the type of person that loves perfection. It scares me. By the way, I would bring you nothing but bad luck if you stay "

"Who told you so?"

"I know so!"

I saw him sigh. I'm an headache, I know.

"What about this? The project isn't only a project but my dream come true and you played a main role..."

"No, you did."I pointed out.

"Well, I do not care about bad lucks. I don't want to be your teacher or a person that makes you feel less. I guess it's hightime I told you."He stopped.

"What?"

"That I like you very much!"He breathed out.

I blushed hard and this time I didn't care if he saw it.

"You are just as good as I am Paige. I might be the top student but you, are the best singer. We both have things we are best at. I don't care what others would think but I like you and would like to be your best friend."

"Best friend?"

Odd...

"Yeah. Or would you like if I say "boyfriend"?"He grinned widely and I smiled back.

"Best friends, yeah. You deserve that from me. "

I didn't know what next and I didn't want to mess myself up due to my over-happy spirit so I stood up to leave.

"One more thing."He shrieked. "There's a party at Davina's place tonight. We're allowed to go out. Will you join me please?"

"Hmm...Sure."