AN: Thank you everyone that took some time to check out the story. Please let me know what you all think! I apologize for all the mistakes; I'm trying to improve :)
The concert's almost over. They are actually really good; they have this San Francisco vibe… I spent a few summers there when I was younger and, wow, I mean, I can't find the appropriate words to describe what they sound like, what she sounds like. Mike is equally excited and by the time the set's over, I noticed we've drank about four beers each. Talk about measure.
"Mike, Quinn, what did you guys think?", John's asking while getting off the stage. The other guys are packing their gear and Rachel's getting some water.
"You guys are amazing", I start, "I feel the sound is kinda old, but in a good way. It's a great mix between old, folk music and its vibe and a modern approach".
"Exactly what we're going for", Rachel says, joining our little group, "we've been together for only a few months, but I love working with these geniuses. Did John tell you he did the arrangements for 'This is your song'? Quite a challenge"
"Rach… you're making me blush, so I'm gonna go pack before I get all weird", he laughs and walks away. It is so obvious they all get along really well. Mike and I look at each other.
"I know what you're thinking ", he says.
"What is she thinking?" Rachel asks.
"She is thinking about high school, when we used to sing and dance and steal things"
"Dork", I tell him, "but yes, that's exactly what I was thinking"
"So why don't you?", Rachel asks looking at me
"What? Music? I suppose it's more of a hobby than a career. Granted, I should do it more often, but just as a way of relief more than a way of living"
"Good enough. Let me know if you're ever in the mood for a duet"
"Will do"
"Now if you'll excuse me, I need to go help this guys pack , or we'll never be ready. You guys are coming to the party, right?"
"Sure we are", Mike replies. I stare at him and next thing, Rachel's on stage helping Taylor with his drum set.
"What?", Mike asks shrugging
"Pff, sure we are", I reply mocking him. He never sounds so… sweet?
"I am sorry. I have a fan crush; it'll fade away in about 2 or 3 days"
"Whatever Chang" I tell him. Then I walk back to the bar to get some water. I need to clear my head and get ready for the rest of the night. Mike is catching up.
"Don't whatever me, Q. You also told me you think she's hot. Are you gonna try something on her?"
"Just because she's a girl and she's hot? Who do you think I am? "
"Hey, I think you should go for it"
"No, look, this is not how things work. A) She's straight, b) I don't go after every pretty girl I meet and c) I am good on my own. I don't need the drama"
"Just because you had some drama some time ago, doesn't mean every relationship you're in will be like that"
"Doubtful", I reply sipping my water. I hand him the bottle and check my cell: 1 am on a Thursday night. We're usually falling sleep at this time. We don't mean to, I guess we just make a good team at being boring. My best friend from back home, Santana, always makes fun of me for that, "Come on, Q, you are finally free to live, please meet hot girls". And that's the nicest she is, I don't even want to start thinking about what she usually says. San Diego is lucky o have her, though. And I miss her.
Once they're done packing, we all head to the party. It's only a few blocks away and there's a light snow so we all take our time. This night is pure magic. We arrive to the apartment and everyone there is a bit drunk and loud, I see some familiar faces that look very surprised to see us there. Rachel is standing next to me, while the band is propping their instruments on a side of the apartment, which doesn't have that much room to begin with.
"Quinn and Mike out on a school night?", Rob, the guy from one of our classes Mike starts asking.
"Yes, yes, here we are", Mike replies. They are busy discussing how boring we usually are. The little brunette listens amused.
"We are not that dorky", I explain to her, "just because we've been secluded for a long time, doesn't mean that we never go out"
"It's cool", she replies, taking a drink John is offering, "we don't go out that much either, well at least I don't. Between classes, the band, classes, the very few friends I have get all my attention, and that usually means tea and a movie"
"That sounds good to me", I agree.
"Yes, but hey, we do go out there into the world at least once a week"
"May be I'll try that"
"You should, it'll enlighten your spirit. Hey, we're about to play a few songs, feel like singing something with me? Could be anything, I'll let you choose"
"If I were you, it'd take this opportunity", John teases. "She usually doesn't let people pick a song".
"Alright, let's do it", I comply.
My legs are shaking and my palms are sweaty, I sip on my beer again before handing it to Mike. He's cheering and being a bit louder than usual, but I think we are a little buzzed by now. Probably, otherwise I wouldn't be able to do it. Rachel gives me the other mic, she smiles and whispers something in my ear: "just enjoy". And I will, I do. The music starts and the notes to 'Don't you want me' strum along in the air. I am smiling and just singing, without thinking too much. I can see Mike and the guys from class looking at me and nodding. Some other people are singing as well, some are laughing and I just feel so good. By the time the song ends everyone's cheering and clapping, Rachel looks at me and smiles, "you're great!" I manage to say, and then she hugs me and says to my ear, "we should do this more often". I feel even more buzzed, but this time it has nothing to do with alcohol, it's something about music, people, the song and her warm breath close to my ear. "Come on, Fabray", I tell myself, "enough with the daydreaming… or dreaming". May be I should have chosen something more like Green Day. Whatever. I go back to the party and the band is playing again. Something like Coldplay. I go and mingle, until I find this hallway that leads to a closed door. I open it. It's the owner's room; I go in and see a little balcony. Of course I want to take a look. It's a nice view, I get to see some more snow. I am drinking something else Mike gave me sooner and then I hear some steps.
"What now? Running away from Rob and those guys from class?" I ask.
"What are you talking about?", Rachel responds. I laugh and turn around.
"Sorry, I thought you were Mike. He always walks on me like that. He thinks he still surprises me". She smiles again.
"Are you two like a thing? I can't tell for sure", she inquires.
"No. We're friends. And we did try to date once, when we were 15. It was a mess, but at the end of high school we became really good friends. Then it turned out we both got into NYU. He's a major in art and a minor in English. I am a major in English and a minor in Art, match made in heaven"
"Yeah, I got the feeling you two were close, but I couldn't read into your relationship very well"
"I guess it's odd. But we really are good friends"
"Sure something must still be there, somewhere, I mean you guys dated"
"When we were 15", I dismiss.
"But still… when you're 15 everything's pure and you're discovering relationships and feelings"
"And yourself", I interrupt, "while Mike was really good to me, and I am sure we were in love, I couldn't feel anything else. And there was a good reason to it, but it took me some time to figure it out".
"What was it? Were you in love with someone else?"
"Something like that", I fluster a little, it's still hard for me to come out all the time. But someone's got to do it, "what happened was that I realized I was gay"
"Oh", she says, sips her beer and looks at me, "I see. I mean, I have two gay dads and… for the love of God, I am a musical theater major. So I get it. I just didn't see that one coming"
"What about you?"
"Oh, no I'm not gay"
"No", I laugh a little, partially entertained and partially disappointed, "I mean, are you seeing someone?"
"Sorry! I shouldn't have assumed. Thought I should tell you I find human sexuality very complex and diverse. I'm not big on labels… anyway, I ramble sometimes. But no, I am not dating anyone at the moment, nor I have since high school"
"Wow"
"Says the junior that never goes out"
"Hey! That's for academical reasons"
"Same here"
"But you mean you haven't even been on dates?"
"Well, of course I have, and stuff… one has needs, but nothing serious". I think she blushes a little by admitting to this.
"You're freezing", I tell her. She has her hands wrapped around her stomach.
"I'm not and I quite like the conversation"
"Let's go back in, we can talk some more in there"
"Alright", she complies, "you know, I'm usually the one that calls the shots", Rachel continues.
"Sorry, that doesn't work for me", I reply smiling and I make her laugh. Damn. I can't like a straight girl. I try not to really look at her, I am kind of afraid to see what I might find, what she may find. It's not a good time to fall in love really, let alone fall for a straight girl. Open minded, yes, but straight at the end of the day.
We are entering the living room, when I see Mike on his knees surrounded by other guys, chugging… is that whine? It's horrible to watch, funny, but horrible at the same time.
"Please tell me they're not playing drinking games", I tell Rachel.
"Then I don't know what to say to you"
"I think John's also playing"
"They're just 21-year old boys". We laugh and proceed to pick up my drunken friend from the floor. He's acting funny and trying to high five John.
"Q… listen, I have John's number now, so he's gonna let me know about all of their gigs and stuff, so we can go and listen to them and listen to R…R…Ra"
"Mike", I start, "let's go home". The guy from class, Rob, sees us struggling.
"Guys, here, I'll help you. I brought my car"
"Dude, you own a car? In NY?", Mike's attempting to ask.
"Yeah, well, home isn't exactly near campus… and whatever dude, let me give you guys a ride". He starts moving Mike, who thank goodness is cooperating.
"So, we're going home", I tell Rachel who is now taking care of John.
"Yes, I hope we're doing the same in a few minutes"
"May be we can get Rob to drive you guys as well"
"No need", she replies with half a smile, "you guys go, Taylor is getting us a cab I think and I know Leo went to get some water for this drunkie here".
"Yeah, well, Mike says he has John's information, so maybe I'll see you soon"
"For sure. It'd be cool to see you… both"
"Right, well, bye"
"Bye".
I turn around and start walking towards the door. I feel like I should turn around and ask for her number. We can be friends; I'll get over my crush and we'll hang out and talk about life and music. We'll go to see her play and then watch movies on the weekends. But I don't turn around; I close the door to the apartment, walk down the stairs and get into Rob's car. That's it. We drive to our dorm.
"Hey, Q", Mike blurts, "did you get her number?"
"No, Mike, I didn't ask for it".
Thank you for reading. Review?
