Chapter Forty Three

"Hi."I'd stared too much. He had to repeat himself.

"Hi"I replied coldly.

"I'm Henry." He said. "I love your song."

"Thanks."I forced a smile. He smiled back and I finally made a decision to keep my sanity. I looked the other way.

"Do you sing in a band?"

"No."

"Ehm."His eyes darted around for a while. "The concert at Queen Mary's tonight, will you be there?"

"No."

He gave me that "what the hell is she staring at?" kind of look.

Unfortunately, bro, I stare at nothing but nothing.

"What if I invite you?"He said. "Please be there."

I had to face him again. "Are you asking me to go with you? Or what?"

I felt like I'd said too much. But why am I seeing Damien, not Henry?

"Kind of. I'd like you to play for us. Sorry, I didn't mention I'm a member of the school's band."

Big turn off. I really do not want to be involved in anything in that school.

"I'm sorry, but I can't."

"Okay. What about you just come and watch the band? Chill off and have fun?"He pastered.

"You really want me to be there?"I arched my brow 

"Yes."He smiled. I looked away.

"Okay then."I said tactlessly.

He stood up. Same height!

"You didn't give your name."He was staring at me. I felt like I was going to disappear into that tree in a moment.

I pursed my lips, controlled my breath. He might be a ghost. Or might not. "Paige, Paige Kam."

"Nice to meet you."He took my hand and kissed it.

I froze.

Wait wait wait!

That guy isn't Damien, got it?!

*

"Lisa, can I talk to you about something?"

She was dressed up, ready to party, as usual. 

"What again, Paige? How do I look?"She turned around, showing off her laps and the skimpy gown she wore.

"You look good. Will you listen to me?"I was frustrated, deciding whether to go or not. Besides, I felt insecure about the whole thing.

"Sure. What's up?"

"Is there a concert at Queen Mary's tonight?"

"Sure, that's where we're going. You know Sandra would not miss that show for anything."

I was quiet, thinking of how to put my question without sounding insane.

"Would you like to go?"

"Do you know a guy named Henry, he's a part?..."

"Oh my!"She shrieked. "Have you met Henry? Sandra!"Sandra rushed out of the dressing room.

"Did I just hear Henry?"

"The newbie seems to have met him,"Lisa said.

I regretted it.

"Who's this Henry Guy?"

"Well, I won't blame you for not knowing him. He's the leader of the CREST band, the best in the school. They're performing tonight. Tell me, did you really meet him?"

I realized he was the same guy that Sandra would die for and that Lisa liked but had called gay. 

I didn't know what to think. I suddenly felt eager to be at the concert.

"No, I just..."Lying isn't this easy. "I just heard of the name. I saw the advert too. I'd like to go."

"Baby girl, I'm off. Can't wait for you."Sandra walked to the door.

"You had better reserve our seats."

"Sure thing."She left.

"Hurry up baby girl. I wouldn't like to be late. And we'll go in your car "

"Sure."

*

I told myself I was there to enjoy myself. Sandra reserved a front row seat as usual and I was able to see the stage so easily. I watched as each performer sang his own song. Fortunately, I was happy and I got lost in the music. It's always been music anyway, it's always been my life and that night I allowed myself all the fun in the world. I practically forgot about the guy with Damien's face for a while.

Until he came up on stage, which was towards the end of the concert. And he sang, eyes fixed on me. Or maybe an optical illusion on my part, but really that's what I see. His song, I wouldn't have to describe it because it was way too perfect. It brought back memories and I saw my PTSD smile on my face.

See Paige, you should not have come here.

What did the psychologist say again?

Stay away from your damn triggers!

I'm out of here.

I picked up my bag and left the hall, tears dripping from my eyes as I left.

It would have been better if he had not chosen to be a clone of my light. How dare he?!

I thought I'd have fun. Why can't I just have peace?!

I locked myself up in my car, reminiscing on Damien's words, I wiped my tears. This isn't it. You've gotta be strong. All these will pass. Just live Paige.

Fortunately, I had my guitar in my car and to help myself I played it. I wrote a new song that night.

How lonely it can be

When you ain't by my 

Side, feels like life's

Been gone again.

Your presence makes me free.

Lord may I find rest

In your embrace

Lord of mercy, fill my

 Life Again

Your presence sets me free.

...

Maybe he'd stood there for long or not. I was startled by a knock on my tinted car window and when I whined down, I saw Henry.

Wasn't he on stage just now?

Really I thought no one saw me when I walked out.

"Hi " he said.

I kept my guitar and song book in the back seat.

"Hi. That was great."I said.

"Hm thanks."He smiled. "Yours is better. We don't have a lady in our band, Paige. I'd love you to join us."

"I'm really not into this band thing. I hate publicity. I'm sorry I can't." I turned on the ignition key, forgetting Lisa and Sandra. I just needed to stay away from this guy.

"Okay. Not the band now. I'd like to sing with you."

"Some other time. Maybe."I wasn't thinking.

"Your digits?"

"Not necessary."I drove off.

I'm never gonna sing with him. Aargh!