Disclaimer : I do not own Teen Titans!
Previously on BY YOUR SIDE...
"Richard..?" I had to tell him, I had to... "Richard, I –
"Oh look at the time! We have to go! We're going to be late!" she shouted before I could blurt anything out.
"Did you say something?" he asked. "Oh no, nothing, it's nothing." I replied silently, as we started walking back into school.
Richard was in a horribly happy mood today, which made it worst to break it to him. He kept blabbing on about stuff, and I had known clue what he was talking about, but he was too preoccupied to notice that I wasn't listening.
As I arrived at school, Richard met with some of "his friends" while I went to look for Xavier. I've been avoiding him the whole holiday, and I hope he can understand what I'm going through.
I went to my locker, putting my extra stuff into it. I glanced at my mirror to check if my hair was okay, a habit of mine, I spotted Xavier leaning against the wall through my mirror.
I turn around as he looks at me, with a smile. "Xavier! Hey! How was your holiday?" I asked him casually.
"Okay... you've been ignoring my calls..." he said suspiciously.
"Well... it's not my fault! You call like twice a day! And my boyfriend is getting suspicious!" I said growing closer to him so I wouldn't shout it out.
"Well, it's not my fault that you hooked up with him after you accepted to be in play!" "Okay! I get it, Xavier! It's... it's hard okay! If you had a girlfriend you would understand!" I said crossing my arms.
"But I don't have a girlfriend and I don't think I will for awhile..." he said his tone softening.
I put my hand on his shoulder, "What do you mean?" He turned his face toward me, "Because she's already taken, and she's completely in love with the guy."
"Oh that sucks..." He sighed, as I continued, "So... did you practice?" "No, I didn't..." he said sarcastically.
"So... you didn't break it to him, huh?" he asked, as we both walked around, waving to people we knew.
"No... I don't think I can...I mean I don't know if he'll hate me or just be understanding... I mean during the holidays, you called and... and we got in a big fight. Let's just say he gets jealous real easily...And as much as I want to tell him, if he doesn't get mad at me, he'll get mad at you... and not to mention he would want me to quit play, which isn't possible."
God, too many things... "Maybe you should keep secret for now, if you know what mean, and stay really close to him you know. You love him a lot... if I loved someone that much, I would try to make everyday worthwhile, because you never know when it will end." I looked at him curiously.
"What?" he said seeing my expression. "Wow..." "What?!" he asked again. "Wow...just wow..." I said smiling to myself.
"You better not tell anyone about my what should I call it? Oh yes, my "deep side" or "corniness"." I chuckled.
The bell rang, "Hey, I'll see you later! I got to go!" I said waving bye to him.
He waved back as we rushed to our classes. As I entered my class, on time, I saw Richard leaning on Barbara's desk as he laughs hysterically.
I couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealousy. I sat down, trying to take such bad thoughts out of my head.
"It's nothing...it's nothing..." I thought to myself. In the middle of class, I was passed a note. It read,
You won't be his princess anymore
Stay out of the way
We can do this the easy way or
The hard way
It's entirely up to you
If you choose not to cooperate
Then you will suffer the consequences
I crumpled the paper, for it was obvious who sent it to me. I crushed as hard as I could and silently ripped it to shreds, glaring at her, my rival, Barbara Gordon.
She may look pretty on the outside, but she's a bitch to me, and always will be through my eyes. She wasn't going to get Richard, because not only does he love me, there was no way he could refuse to leave me.
Why didn't I think about it bef—"Miss Anders, do you know the answer?" The teacher said catching my attention. "No..." I said plainly, as she giggled at me.
Class was over and now I headed over to my next class without hesitation. I felt a hand on my shoulder as I turned around to see who it was.
"Hey, wait up!" Richard said slowing me down. "I have to go, Richard..." I said plainly. "Did you forget that I'm in your second period too?" he said giving me a funny look.
"No, I have to go somewhere first..." I was starting to feel a little dizzy again, maybe because of too much people. I wasn't claustrophobic or anything...
I just felt dizzy..."Then, I'm coming with you..." he said kissing me on the cheek. "You can't come with me to the girls' washroom." I said laughing at him.
"Oh... okay... see you then." He kissed me softly on the forehead, as he turned left towards our class.
I turned right to the washroom and sat down on the floor. I was feeling real dizzy like I didn't have enough air.
The washroom door opened, and Rachael came in. "Kory! Are you okay?" she said sitting beside me and feeling my forehead.
"I'm fine...just a little dizzy." I said. "I can fix that...," she said giving me a smirk. She glanced around to see if there were any witnesses. A black aura on her hand as she touched the top of my head. Suddenly the pain was gone.
"Thanks, I needed that." I said getting up. "Kory, just be careful, you never know what could happen to you and him..." "I understand..." It was obvious that she knew.
I went towards my classroom, as big guys grabbed my arms and pushed me into the girls change room. I turn around as the four of them; Babs, Jade, Karen and Kitten were there. "Nice of you to drop in Kory..." Barbara said in a serious but evil like tone.
"What do you want, I'm going to be late for class..." I said simply.
"We just want to talk... you know just chat..." Jade said, smirking.
"It's about Richie-poo..." Kitten said with her usual high-voice. "Kitten, please don't call him that...it's annoying." Barbara said looking at Kitten.
"Anyway," Babs continues, " I know you received my note during first period, so you must understand what this little get-together is for. I'll have you know that, Richard is like a prince to this school, popular and handsome...unfortunately for you, you don't fit in his world. You just a normal girl no one knows about... the truth hurts doesn't it? So, my point is that either you hurt Richard, making him break up with you and then all will be well..." She said glaring at me.
"And if I don't..." I asked, as her left eyebrow rose. "Remember my note; you will suffer the consequences..." she said with an evil smile.
They let me leave the change room as I quietly went to my class. Luckily, the teacher wasn't in the class at the time, which was chaos in the room. I walk in as no one notices, with paper airplanes flying around, spitballs, etc. I need to talk to Richard...
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX
Unfortunately, for me, Richard was in a rush, and I had no time to actually talk to him. Also, he had no other classes with me after second period.
I sighed, Mr. Spisson called me to his office at lunch. As I entered his office, Xavier was there to standing beside him with his hands behind his back. They heard me come in as their conversation was cut off, as they turn their heads towards me.
"I'm sorry to interrupt, you called me?" I said softly. "Yes, Korinna, we were just discussing about how important play is and how close it is. We only have a month left, and we need to work extra hard to make it perfectly flawless. Also, I was wondering whether or not you would mind dying your hair brown..." He said giving me a serious look.
"I wouldn't mind... I mean Jenn can do it for me." I said agreeing with him. "Good, oh! And while you're at it, I've excused you both from you're two last classes, to practice with me." He said looking at some forms.
"To practice what?" Xavier asked curiously. "Well, we're going to learn how to waltz, you know that part of the play when they have dinner, and Miss Potts sings 'Beauty and the Beast'" I sighed as I was getting more busier than ever.
"You are both are excused." He said not even looking up.
As we both exited the room Xavier said something softly. "Kory, can I tell you something?"
"What is it, Xavier?" I could tell from his hands that he was nervous, you could see a slight blush on his face.
I took his hand, "You can tell me anything..." He sighed, "It's hard, but I have to tell you one way or another." He put his other hand on top of mine, as he grew closer to me.
"I...I...I can't say it, you'll get mad at me..." he said stuttering words as he turns his face away from me. I put my head down as I realized what was so hard for him to say.
"You love me don't you...?" He quickly kissed me, without warning as I stood there without stopping him at first. What am I doing?
Then I broke the kiss as I looked away from him. He quickly turned to me looking deeply into my expression.
"Are you mad?" I closed my eyes.
"No, I'm just... just... I don't know. All I know is that I can't love you."
"But do you feel anything more with me?" I didn't answer.
He pushed my chin up, "That pause says it all, and you do feel something." "I didn't say anything, don't go assuming that I love you." I said coldly to him.
He let go of my hand as he started to walk away. "Xavier..." I called out.
He stopped but didn't turn around. "I love him, you know that, and I don't want to lose you either, you're a really close friend."
I stood there as I waited for him to say something, anything. "Then you won't lose me..." he said as he continued to walk his way.
I decided to go to the cafeteria and get some pizza and fries. I headed towards the girls who were busy chatting away about everything.
"Hey..." I greeted as Rachael moved to the side so I could sit down. "Jenn, could you dye my hair brown?" I asked her.
As all of the girls dropped whatever they were eating and stared at me. "It's for play..." I said reassuring them.
"Oh, I thought meant permanently!" Terra said as she sighed in relief.
"Where are the guys by the way?" I asked looking around.
"Oh, they went out for lunch, just them the guys." Toni said.
"Kory, are you okay? You look stunned." Rachael said her concerned voice.
"It's Xavier, he confessed that he loved me... just now..." I said softly.
"He what!?" Terra said looking at me strangely. "I said he—" Terra cut her off, "I know what you said I just can't believe it!"
"But it makes sense doesn't it, Kory's gorgeous and he would be an idiot if he didn't fall for her." Jenn reasoned as she continued flipping through her magazine.
"Of course, it's just he knows that Kory has a boyfriend. He might... never mind." Toni said looking down.
"I really don't want to talk about this right now..." I said in a very sad tone. I finished my food quickly, "I'm going to go, see you later..."
I slowly walked out of the noisy cafeteria and headed towards my locker. It was unfortunately on the 3rd level.
My locker number was 3022, as I turned the lock, two times around clockwise to 18, one time past zero counterclockwise to 59 and then straight to 11. I unlocked it, opening my locker.
A little note was in my locker.
Kory,
I'm sorry about what I said today,
I shouldn't have told you.
I hope you forgive me.
After the play
I'll leave you alone...
I hope everything works out with Richard and stuff.
Just remember if you need anything
You can always come to me.
That's entirely up to you.
If he finds out the wrong way, I hope
He can find a way to understand.
Xavier
I reread the note a couple of times, the words striked me, 'If he finds out the wrong way I hope he can find a way to understand'. I doubted it, yet I hoped he would understand one way or the other.
I looked at my magnetic clock, it's time to go to practice. I closed my locker and headed to room 118 which was an extra dance room.
As I walked in, no one was there yet. I walked in looking out the window, the sky gray, with clouds ready to burst with salty rain. I watched, as the clouds were moving slowly changing it's form. I heard footsteps behind me, I turned around, "I got your note...".
"I meant it." "Xavier, I don't want it to be weird between us, so let's just say that it never happened." I said softly.
"Agreed." He headed over to the sound system playing a nice waltz tune.
"I forgot that you knew how to waltz...,"I said giving him a nice smile.
I headed over to him as we got into position, his right hand on the upper part of my back, his left hand on my right hand and my left hand on his shoulder. The song was past the intro, as the singer began to sing.
We started gliding softly in beat with the music. Going backwards, forwards, a step to the right then a step to the left. Then near the end of the song he dipped me slowly, then spins me to finish off.
"Bravo!" We both turn our heads to the source of the voice. It was Mr. Spisson, clapping with delight.
"Why didn't you two tell me you knew how to dance, I wouldn't have excused you both..." he said still clapping.
I blushed as I looked at Xavier, who was blushing as well. "Well, we wanted to know what you wanted the dance to look like." Xavier said.
"You both did it marvelously, but that wasn't what I had in mind... Positions!" he said as me and Xavier went into our positions.
Oh boy, I thought.
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX
I closed the door behind me, as I threw my keys into the bowl full of different keys. I sighed, I'm home.
I was so tired, and I needed a break. I headed to my room and fell on it. I checked the window if Richard was there. Unfortunately, I couldn't see through the wet windows, it finally started raining.
I went up closer to see, at first I just saw Richard. Then I saw Barbara heading towards him, then kissing him. I thought I heard something snap, my heart hurt...
The tears were already streaming down my face before I could stop them. I looked back at them, as I saw Richard kiss her back.
"God!" I shouted as I leaned against the wall, shaking my head. This is not happening! Good God! I can't breathe. I slid down the wall as I cried aloud. I felt so much pain then and there. Not now...
Richard...
I woke up as if I just had a nightmare, but then I realized that I wasn't in my room, this couldn't be happening... It was all real! No! How could he do that? How could he kiss her back...? He had feelings for her? No, this can't be happening! I can't take it...
The days passed as I refused to get up. I was miserable... I didn't know what to do now... Everyone came over, greeting me, cheering me up, but I ignored them, as if I was in a coma, I hear them talking but I don't respond.
I was not only sad but I was angry with him. I told them not to tell Richard of my state. They promised me that, I didn't want him to know just yet, I wanted to confront him myself.
Everyone felt pity for me, and stayed with me as long as they could, but Xavier was there all the time except during the day at school. He would talk to me, hold my hand and maybe fall asleep next to me.
I didn't want him to do this, care so much for me. It wasn't right... He loved me more than just friend, and I guess I could understand why he was always with me. I hated to admit it, but at times, I felt really close, maybe even felt like I was in love with him.
It was wrong especially since I was with Richard. But is it possible to love two people at the same time? But if Richard and I were over, I wouldn't want him to be a rebound guy, the guy who you hook up with after you break up.
The pain I felt right now wouldn't go away. I had to fall in love with someone else, if that were possible for me. 'Cause right now I feel like a fool, weak, for still being in love with that bastard. I couldn't explain it.
I knew this would happen but I still wasn't ready for it, it was all wrong. I wanted to tell him, but somehow he ended finding out himself.
Barbara. It had to be her, she wanted revenge and the only way to do that was to black mail me. Tell Richard about the play... She knew from the very beginning but she only told him now?
It was her master plan, for me to hurt his feelings and then grabbing him for herself. Bitch... But, either way, I still hated him, for kissing the slut.
He could have just talked to me and asked me about it, maybe even argue with me. He didn't have to do anything drastic.
Instead he not only hurt me more, I lost it, myself... I could never be the same ever again. It was all his fault! I could feel my pillow get wet, as Xavier woke up beside realizing that I was crying.
"Kory!" he wipe the tears away from my face with his thumbs. I sat up wiping my tears with my sleeves. "Kory, what are you doing?" "I'm getting out of bed..." I said in a raspy, grumpy voice. I walked over to my closet and got something to wear.
As I turned around, I was met by Xavier's chest. "Kory, are you okay?" he asked seriously. "NO I'M NOT OKAY! IT'S ALL HIS DAMN FAULT!" I shouted, as I hit his chest as I was ranting.
The tears started to start up again. Then he embraced me, as I cried into his shirt. "Don't cry... We can get though this." I hugged him back, my hands tugging on his shirt.
XOXOXOXOXXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX
That day I wore a black miniskirt with a red striped camisole with a black off shoulder sweater. Xavier was right beside the whole time as we arrived to school.
People were surprised to see me that day, as I was worried of what they were thinking. I felt very self-conscious of myself as people whispered amongst each other.
I felt Xavier's hand wrap around mine, as I looked at him. He gave me a comforting smile, as I walked with more confidence. I had to talk to Richard, and that's why I went to school that day.
I headed to my first class, leaving Xavier's side, which made me nervous. I then realized how dependant I was on Xavier.
I sighed as I entered my first class, as most of them were chatting away as usual. The teacher was not there, so it made sense that everyone was doing anything they wanted.
Which disgusted me the most was that Richard and Barbara were in lip lock. "You're going to make me sick, the both of you..." I snapped at them, as Richard was the first to talk.
"Just me leave us alone..." he said, noticing his new sunglasses.
"Why don't you get a room? So you can fuck her there!" I shouted as I sat down in my seat as the teacher entered the room. This wasn't going to be easy...
During class, I was scribbling down words on a piece of paper, only to scratch them out.
Richard,
I'm sorry that I snapped at you,
It all your fault –"wait, scratch that..." I thought
I really need to talk to you.
It's really important
I know you love me still –"scratch that..."
Meet me at my locker after school...
Kory
After class, I quickly went to his locker and slipped in through the slit of the locker.
Hopefully, he comes. The whole day was really slow, as I waited until after school. But I felt nervous at the same time.
Hopefully he came alone, damn I should have written that down. Why was my heart beating fast?
My heart still loves him I know that but he's the one who broke my heart in the first place.
The memory of them kissing each other is still engraved in my head. It's in stone, and I couldn't do anything about it. I couldn't eat, knowing that our confrontation was not going to be pretty.
Why did he react so hard, when he found out I was in the play with Xavier? Why did he react so badly?
He could have simply got mad at me or even let explain... but he didn't he went ahead. He kissed her, in his room no doubt. Like he knew I was watching him... I am so confused.
Xavier didn't know what I was going to do, so he got worried. It was like we were already boyfriend and girlfriend.
It felt strange, but my heart didn't seem to hurt as much anymore. We didn't kiss or anything like that, but it was if he was my guardian angel, watching out for me.
He truly deeply and madly loved me, but I didn't want him to go unrequited... Unrequited love...
I still loved Richard, I felt bad that I couldn't love him fully, but my heart was still with Richard unfortunately.
He hurt me so much that at times I wish I didn't meet him at all, but then I regretted ever thinking that. I loved him way too much... He would always say that he would never stop wanting me, or even loving me.
I shouldn't have believed him, but I did. He was the one who broke my heart, not the other way around, if I was in his situation, I would be mad, but not so mad that I would kiss another guy to make me jealous... that's pathetic...
I thought over and over, why did he do this? Then I realized that the bell rang, I had to go my locker to meet him. I felt a hand on my shoulder, "Kory, where are you going?" Xavier asked.
"I'm going to my locker..." I said. He followed me as everyone was trying to get out of school. It got really crowded at times, especially on the third floor.
Since I was smaller than Xavier, I managed to escape, hoping I lost him. I needed to talk to Richard alone. I didn't need any support, for I could support myself.
I was in a good shape, not some depressed emo girl. I was over that phase...
Then the halls were empty, as I turned to right toward my locker. He was leaning against my locker looking up. He straightened up, looking at me with his sunglasses. "You wanted to talk... you better make this quick I have to meet Bar—"
I cut him off, "Why did you to do it?" I asked him getting all sentimental.
"Do what?" he looked at me funny. "Why did you kiss her Barbara? I saw you, through my window, Why did you do it? You have no idea how much you hurt me!" I shouted, as my eyes watered.
"You're the one who hurt me!"
"How did you find out?" I asked trying to wipe the tears away.
"Barbara sent me a video of you two kissing, not to mention I saw you kiss with my own eyes... I can't believe you lied to me! You said you had no relationship with him, and then you're making out with him!" He shouted as he hit the locker and placing his head against it.
"I knew it... Barbara black mailed me...I can't believe you trusted her, more than me! Instead of actually talking it out, you just wanted to kiss her to make me jealous? That is pathetic!" I said, turning him to face me.
"So, it's true then? Xavier and you?" he said as I saw a tear on his cheek. "No, we were never together..."
"Liar!" he shouted turning away from me. I ran over to face him,
"We were kissing because we were in play! I am Belle and he's the Beast! Barbara didn't tell you that did she?" I said lowering my face.
"You still lied to me, you were hiding something from me...," he said pushing my face up so that I could look at him. I ripped his sunglasses off, revealing the sad eyes but familiar eyes.
"I auditioned for the play way before we were together... I knew my part, I couldn't back out... I wanted to sing and act... I didn't tell you because, I was afraid you would break up with me... I loved you..." I said gasping in between words.
"Then how do you explain the time in the hall that was definitely not practice!"
"HE KISSED ME! I DIDN'T KISS HIM OKAY!" I said getting angry.
"BUT YOU KISSED HIM BACK! I SAW YOU! YOU CANNOT DENY THAT YOU DIDN'T FEEL FOR HIM!" He said gripping my shoulders tightly.
"I...I... I felt something, but that didn't mean I cheated on you... I loved you! I was going to tell you that morning but you cut me off... But I was too late, Barbara got to you before I did..."
"YOU MADE ME FEEL SO STUPID! I LOVED YOU AND TRUSTED YOU! So I did what you did to me, I kissed Barbara... in front of you so that you could feel the pain that I was feeling!" I fell apart... I fell on my knees.
It wasn't Richard's fault at all, it was Barbara's she told him part of the truth but not all of it. She made him think that I was cheating on him...
"DAMN IT...I can't believe it... IT'S ALL THAT BITCH'S FAULT! SHE TORE US APART..." I yelled.
"DON'T YOU DARE BLAME HER...AT LEAST SHE SHOWED ME THE TRUTH AND BE A TRUE FRIEND!" I winced as I felt my heart break another piece.
"You trusted her more than you trusted me..." I looked up and he was picking up his backpack getting ready to leave.
"Richard...wait!" I shouted. He turns around. "I had... had..." "Kory, I don't have time, spit it out—"
"I had miscarriage..." I looked down, seeing the little drops of my tears. I heard his backpack fall. I saw him fall on his knees.
"You what?" he said softly, like he was going to cry. "I was pregnant, and I lost him...our son... because you kissed her... I was in the hospital and then they told me I lost him... I was going to tell you but I was afraid to tell you... I would've loved to hold him in my arms but he's gone... I was imagining a little boy who looked like you... I had a reason for you to stay with me...I was scared of everyone's reaction especially yours but once I felt him kick I wanted him in my life..."
The tears were really falling faster, as my vision was blurred. I stayed in that position and looked up realizing that he was gone.
I heard steps, it was Xavier, he ran over to me. "Kory! What happened? Why are you crying?" he asked. I didn't answer him. He carried me bridal style home.
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX
I cried myself to sleep that night. I missed him, Richard and my unborn child. It was hard enough that I broke up with my best friend and boyfriend. But as they say the show must go on. Right now, I had to concentrate on the play...
Jenn dyed my hair a light brown which made me look like a totally different person, but then again I felt like a different person.
Richard and I never talked, but we would pass each other in the halls and see each other in class. It was better if we didn't talk.
Xavier and I became official since I had to let go of Richard. Xavier made me happy but it felt totally different compared to Richard. Sometimes, I would remember the times with Richard, but things are just fine with Xavier too.
Karen Beecher who was now the 'gossip' of the school is pregnant, which means Victor is the father. Rachael was healing and I could tell, she's found a new hobby that keeps her really occupied, and that's babysitting.
Strange right? She babysits little Julian after school, she's grown to love him, she's like an aunt to him.
I hear from an overjoyed Terra that she and Gar are officially an item.
Toni is probably the most dedicated person I know, she's probably one of the smartest students at school.
Roy is still unfortunately with Jade and Richard is with her, Barbara, but now I'm over it, I really don't care about what he does anymore.
Jenn and Wally are doing well too, totally in love with each other as always. I was getting more nervous everyday, the play was coming and I am so nervous!
"Did you hear?" Wally asked to all of us at lunch. "Hear what?" I asked. "There's a new girl at school." He said pointing her out over at the table far down to the left.
"And why is that so shocking, you better not do anything I wouldn't do, Wally..." Jenn said as she started fuming. "You know I don't find anyone hotter than you!" he said kissing her lips.
"Get a room!" Xavier shouted as he sat next to me kissing my cheek. "Hey. Where were you?" I asked him. "You don't want to know..." he said laughing.
"Who's the new girl?" Terra said as Gar wrapped his hand around her. "It's Rose Wilson...they say she's rich." Toni said as she was studying for a test.
"Rose Wilson...she looks lonely." I said looking at her sitting alone at her table. I stood up from my seat, "Kory, where are you going?" Xavier asked me.
"I'm going over there, just to say 'hi', there's no harm in that. " I said as I skipped towards her. She was leaning on her hand on the table, like she was bored. I sat next to her, as she looks up to see who it is. "Hi! I'm Korinna Anders, but you can call me Kory." I smiled to her.
"I'm Rose Wilson." She gave me a nice smile. She was gorgeous, silvery hair, tanned skin and dark blue eyes. She was different but she was very beautiful.
"Come sit with us, my table is over there." I said pointing at the table. She picked up her food and backpack and we headed over to our table. I introduced everyone, as they made her feel welcome.
"I'm having a small party, with just a few friends, nothing big. Do you guys want to come?" she asked innocently.
"When is it?" I asked. "I'm not really sure yet, I have to plan it out and tell my dad." she replied. Everyone nodded with agreement, as her face lit up. I looked at the time,
"Oh! Xavier, we got to go, Mr. Spisson wanted us to practice again. See you all later, nice to meet you Rose." I said getting up with Xavier behind me as we walked towards his room.
"She's nice isn't she?" I asked Xavier. He didn't answer. "Xavier, are you okay?" I asked. "Oh, it's nothing." "Okay..."
The day of the play...
"Kory, calm down!" Jenn said as she was trying to put make-up on me. My hands were shaking and I had butterflies in my stomach.
I was real nervous, I mean I can sing and act in front of some people, but not the whole school.
"I'm sorry..." I said apologizing.
"Kory, really you got to calm down... when you're up there it's so dark, that you won't see anyone except for the other people on stage. Pretend that you're actually Belle and that no one is watching you. You wanted this, to sing in front of people because you love singing, and you're damn good at it!"
"Thanks, Jenn." I sighed, she was right, I loved singing and that's why I auditioned. But it was the play that made me break up with Richard... If only...
"Kory, a few more minutes!" Mr. Spisson told me, as I started to feel nauseous again.
Xavier entered the room, as Jenn went to another person.
"Kory, you okay?" he asked me. I looked at the mirror as I saw Belle make character, not Korinna Anders, but Belle from Beauty and the Beast.
He sighed, "I take that as 'no'". I just need to breathe, it's not big deal, I sing in front of all the actors, I can definitely do it front of people.
"I'm fine, I'll be alright. How about you?" I asked looking up at him.
"I'm a little nervous, actually. But we can do this together right?" He placed a hand on my shoulder, comforting me.
I stand up getting my apron, putting it on and got my basket and my 'book' prop. We both exited the dressing room, as other people were running, full of chaos. I was on stage left at the moment and I heard many people filling into the theater. I exhaled as I felt Xavier's arms wrap around me.
"You'll do fine, trust me." I turn around and kiss him softly on the lips. "I believe you," I whisper into his ear as he kisses me again.
I thought that it would feel weird to kiss Xavier, but it wasn't. It was like Richard and I were never boyfriend and girlfriend, or even met. If I hadn't met him, I would've been Xavier's girlfriend anyway.
Xavier replaced Richard in my life, it sounded wrong but it was true. I needed Xavier, not because I loved him but because he made the pain go away, make it hurt less.
But I knew that I would learn to love him like I did Richard, I didn't want to use him that way.
The play started, as I started to feel the butterflies go away, as the spotlight was on me. Everything went smoothly so far.
The Intermission came, which meant I got a break. "Kory, you're doing great! Keep it up, we still have the other half of the play!" Mr. Spisson said as I passed him.
I smiled, I was not nervous anymore, I just have to sing my best and act as Belle. I saw Xavier, talking to Jenn. "You were awesome, Xavier." I said hugging him.
"You too. We're almost done." He said kissing my forehead.
"Guys, could you do it in the dressing room and not in front me, thank you!" Jenn said, walking away.
"You know you do it too!" I yelled as she chuckled. "I wouldn't mind going into the change room..." he said in a seductive voice.
"Xavier..." I said putting my hands on my waist. "It was worth a try..." he said chuckling to himself.
"Haha, very funny. Do actually think I would make out with you in the dressing room during an Intermission? Wait, don't answer that." I stormed off to Jenn so that she could touch up on some of the make-up.
I felt someone grip my wrist. I turn around and he kisses me deeply. The kiss was sweet but it wasn't his. I wrapped my arms around his neck, kissing him back ignoring the fact that it wasn't Richard. He broke the kiss, "See, that wasn't so bad...".
Before I knew it, we had to go to our places again.
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX Richard's POV
It killed me, watching her kissing him. Remembering each time we kissed. It was unbearable. I wish I never kissed Barbara at all, she was right I should have just talked to her, work it out.
But now, I reacted like an ass and then she was gone, out of my life. Now, she with him that bastard. And to think she was going to have my...my...son... That hurt me even more.
I don't know who I am anymore, I would party and hang out with my popular girlfriend Barbara. I would wear shades, to hide myself, to hide the person I really am, while other people thought it was cool.
I still loved her, but there was no chance that she would forgive me.
I missed her smile, her voice, her presence. Everytime she sang, it broke my heart, knowing that she sang to me with that angelic voice before. That time, I got jealous of Xavier, for calling her.
He must have called about the play or something, but I automatically thought that she was cheating on me. I knew that it wasn't like her to do that, but I still reacted the way I did.
She sang that song... Come what may I will always love her, until my dying day. I wanted to know if she felt the same way, that maybe she was just with Xavier for protection.
It was my fault that she lost our child, my fault that we weren't together and my fault that I broke her heart.
Kory, to me, looked different before. Not counting the brown hair she has now.
But something about her was different. She changed somehow, she was still the cheery Kory I knew but something felt weird about it. I can't explain it...
But ever since we broke up, she seemed different. But now I had more duties than just school. 'Midnight duties' I should say. Bruce's been training me a lot lately, and now it's finally paid off. It's fun but only gives me a few hours sleep unfortunately.
"I'm cold, Richard..." Barbara whines. I sigh,
"Why didn't you get a sweater?". "It's not my fault, how am I suppose to know that the theater is cold?" she said pouting her lips to me. I remember when Kory pouted her lips...I always wanted to kiss them.
"Richard? Earth to Richard?" "What is it now Babs?" "It's nothing, you seem out of it today... Are you okay? I mean, you can tell me anything, you know that." She put her hand on top of mine, massaging it.
"I'm fine, Babs, don't worry about me." I said softly to her as I kissed her cheek.
I continued to watch the play, the part where Gaston dies, leaving the Beast wounded. She tells him she loves him, feeling another part of me falling apart.
She cries over his body, as the smoke forms around her. He changes into his human form, embracing her and kissing her. I clench my fists, as I want it all to stop.
She flashes him a smile, a smile that always took my breath away. Then everyone turns back to human form as they celebrate with joy.
She's by his side, wishing she was at my side instead of his. I wanted to be by her side forever, but somehow I wasn't. I wince as if my heat was being stabbed as they kiss again, and the curtain closes.
I sigh as it is finally over.
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX – Kory's POV
I sigh as it is finally over.
Everyone in the play, went on stage, as we bowed and receive our applause. Mr. Spisson came out, as more people began to whoop at us, he gave me a big bouquet, as I hug him.
"Bravo, you did marvelous," he whispers into my ear. I smile at him, "Thank you..." I mouthed.
Xavier ran over to me and lifted me up, kissing me on the cheek. "It's over!" I yelled as everyone came in with a group hug. I was glad it was over, but it was fun working with everyone.
I spotted Jenn in the group hug. "Hey Jen! Could you take this brown out of my hair, I want my red hair back!" I shouted as I laughed at myself.
She laughed along, "You should be glad it's not permanent!" she yelled.
After I changed back into my normal clothes, school was still on. I walked over to the cafeteria as everyone clapped as I walked in. I cold feel a little burn on my cheeks. I received flowers from all my friends and in my locker I received a red rose, from an anonymous person.
Maybe Xavier. "Kory, was that?" I turned around, Xavier behind me wrapping his arms around my waist.
"I got a rose in my locker, a really pretty one too. Is it from you?" I asked.
He took out a big bouquet of multicoloured flowers. "No, this is from me..." I took it, carefully smelling it. "Mmmm, it smells nice." I hugged him once again.
"I got to, I got an appointment. See you later, I'll call you." He said kissing me softly on the lips.
"Okay, see you!" He walked away as I stared at the mysterious rose I had received. I got a flower from everybody, but who could it b— Richard ...
It has to be from him, he also knows my locker combination. That's very kind of him... I felt someone breathe on my neck, sending shivers down my spine.
"What are you doing here?" I asked suspiciously. "I need to talk to you..." he said in a very low sad tone.
"If you think I'm going to forgive you, well I'm not. I'm not yours anymore..."
"Well, sorry for being nice, I just wanted to congratulate you."
"And I believe that, what do you want Grayson? You've haven't talked to me since we broke up, and why do you talk to me now? Are you tired of Babs? Do you want to get back together with me? Which is it?" I placed my hands on my hips.
"Can't I just say something nice to you for once, without you biting my head off? I just want to be friends, like we use to be. Is it wrong to say that I miss you, Kory? We may not be boyfriend and girlfriend but can't we be friends like before. You said that you didn't want to date me because it would break our friendship. And that's not entirely true, I can be you friend even if we are ex's."
I softened,"But I don't want to feel my old feelings about you... I mean I have Xavier now, I don't want you in my life knowing that my old feelings could distract me. It 's going to feel weird." I turned around closing my locker.
"So, you still feel for me then?" he whispers in a seductive voice, into my ear. God, did he have to have a sexy voice?
"I never said I did...besides you have the oh so popular Barbara Gordon. She has to be better than me right? It was nice to talk to you again Richard, but I really got to go, I'll be late for class." I started walking away from him going to the second level to my class.
As I walked home, it was raining. I had a bright red umbrella and my beige trench coat. I made a little stop at the Oak tree. Remembering, that no matter how many times I climbed the tree, I would fall and be caught be someone.
Mostly Richard. That day, he caught me for the first time, I yelled and struggled thinking it was a rapist or something. He was different back then, depressed and very quiet. But now, he's the most hottest guy in school.
Would Richard and I ever be together again?