Thank you all so much for continuing this journey with me and the 'girls'!!
And…. The journey continues…..
One Line
"That is not one of my favorites, but if you really want to add it to the list, I will just smile, nod and play along" Annabelle said in a sarcastic tone after Jason suggested doing a cover of Pink's 'Please Don't Leave Me'.
"Can we just run through it once? Of course, if there are any subtle changes you want to make, just do it okay"? Jason replied as he picked up his guitar and motioned for Annabelle to do the same.
David began to play a light back beat on the drums to get everyone into the mood of the song. Austin began to pick the melody and soon Jason was facing Annabelle giving her a subtle look to begin the intro vocal run, when she instead just started quietly singing the title of the song a few times allowing the words to flow easily with the sounds behind her now increasing in volume and as she repeated the title one last time, Jason smiled in agreement and began to sing the first verse and the song continued for the next few minutes with various changes here and there that allowed Annabelle to put her stamp on the song, that in her mind was more approachable this way allowing her to not so hesitantly compromise to include this song in their next show.
"Not bad guys" Jason said as he ran his hand through his messy blonde locks.
"Yeah, I think I can stomach this one" Annabelle replied as she smirked in Jason's direction and gave Austin a 'love tap' on the top of his head as she excused herself from the practice session to take a bathroom break.
Before her trek down the hall, she paused for a moment to check her phone that was sitting on the counter and noticed she had a text from Simone stating she would be leaving a bit later than expected but she would text again when she leaves so as not to disturb their practice. Annabelle just smiled widely at the prospect of being able to catch a glimpse of the blue-eyed beauty before the night came to a close and she had to return to her other life as a full time student with its insistence that she remain faithful to the books, papers, and early morning classes. She was hoping for a text sooner than later due to time passing quickly on this night that would now have her only double checking the set list with the boys before packing it in and heading back to her apartment to allow herself one last proofreading session and some much needed sleep from the late nights she had been keeping the last few days either in Simone's company or on the phone with her as she insisted on hearing Simone's voice before her dreams crept in after a long study session with Collins. She had a lot to do before next week's shortened schedule before their built in break for Thanksgiving, knowing she was traveling home to see family and friends, as much as she wanted to spend every waking moment with Simone, she knew she had to remain focused for the next few days and be able to leave with a clear mind.
Annabelle had returned to make her way down to her band mates when she thought she heard that smooth voice that would ring through her head while she was writing in her composition book or would lull her to a peaceful rest on those nights when she lie alone, miles apart from those pools of blue, the gentle caress, the warmth radiating from her lips as she placed one last kiss on Annabelle's hand before she pulled it to her chest, to rest over her heart for the duration of the night.
Annabelle felt her heartbeat speed up just a little as the voice continued to float through the room and the blond who had permanently imprinted herself into Annabelle's dreams, came into view and a smile subconsciously appeared on Annabelle's face as she stepped from the bottom step and joined the new found energy within the four walls that were humming just a few moments before. Pretty soon the room fell silent now that Annabelle had made her presence known.
Annabelle moved in behind Simone and wrapped her arms around her waist and rested her chin on her shoulder and said "Hey".
"Hi" Simone responded tensing a little from Annabelle's contact.
Pretty soon the sound of someone clearing their throats was being heard, and the boys were disappearing one by one without a sound up the stairs and into the kitchen.
"Did you not know it was me"? Annabelle asked a bit puzzled by Simone's reaction.
"Of course I did, but you just startled me a bit" Simone replied unconvincingly.
"Okay, I will let it slide this time" Annabelle stated knowing that Simone was not a huge fan of public displays of affection, even though they were in her own house.
"Oh, well, I am glad I am getting off so easy" Simone responded while trying to hold back a smirk at Annabelle's teasing and went to move past her when she felt her hand being lightly gripped by Annabelle's and then she heard,
"Not so fast, you forgot something" Annabelle stated pulling Simone so close their breath was now occupying the same space.
Simone gently pushed a stray hair behind Annabelle's ear and whispered "Hi" and leaned in a settled her lips onto Annabelle's for a kiss that had Annabelle forgetting about Simone's hesitant actions just a moment before. Annabelle quickly deepened the kiss and pulled Simone in closer so that they were wrapped firmly around each other. Surprisingly it was Annabelle who broke the spell they were both now under, and rested her forehead against Simone's as she breathed out "Hi".
"How was practice"? Simone spoke in a half whisper still catching her own breath.
"Fine, we added a few new songs, so hopefully they will be crowd pleasers" Annabelle replied as she pulled back a little more but still kept hold of Simone's hands.
"I am sure everyone will enjoy anything you guys sing, you haven't had a bad show yet" Simone stated in a low tone as she ran her hand through Annabelle's hair.
"Well, as much as I appreciate that, I think no one would tell us if we did, but it's okay, we know when we bombed a song or were off a bit. There are some songs that I wish I could have done over or changed something before I performed it" Annabelle replied as she pulled Simone down to sit on the couch and finished by saying, "How was work"?
"Today wasn't too bad, just got busy toward the end of the day, that's why I'm a little late, but other than that, I feel like I got a lot done" Simone stated as she leaned on Annabelle's shoulder wanting to feel some sort of contact with her as well as rest her head from holding it up all day while sitting at the computer.
"Okay, so when do I get to see some of your work"? Annabelle asked knowing that this was a 'not really open for discussion' topic.
"If you are nice, maybe next year" Simone said teasingly while she began to rub Annabelle's hand knowing that she had been practicing all night and they were probably a little sore.
"Simone, I just want to see what you have been doing, I know it is incredible, but"- Annabelle was cut off by Simone saying, "Just be patient, okay, soon" as she leaned over and gave her a quick kiss and then stood up, stretched a little and continued by saying, "How much homework do you have tonight"?
"Oh, not much" Annabelle replied as she stood up and mirrored Simone's actions before resting her hands on Simone's hips.
"Okay, well, that's my cue to send you on your way" Simone stated with a little sigh as she pulled Annabelle in for one last goodnight kiss, but as she tried to pull away, she found Annabelle's grip more secure around her lower back as a low moan escaped from Annabelle's mouth, not wanting to have to separate from the lips that had now sent Annabelle's heart into a different rhythm.
Simone was able to gently release herself from this moment that she would find herself cherishing, no matter how brief, like all the other moments she spent with blue-eyed beauty that had without a doubt, stolen her heart. As much as she didn't want to find herself only wrapped in the deficient warmth that her comforter gave during the night, she knew that Annabelle had responsibilities and a more strict schedule to adhere to while completing the last couple of years of her degree.
"As much as I hate to say it, I am kicking you out" Simone said in a somber tone.
"I know, I figured you would say that" Annabelle replied with a small sigh.
"Come on, I will at least walk you out" Simone said as she tugged Annabelle's hand leading her up the stairs.
"Oh, well, I guess that is better than nothing" Annabelle replied, putting her head down at the prospect of her not being able to wake up in Simone's protective arms.
"Bye guys, I will see you Friday" Annabelle said as she entered the kitchen and gave everyone a quick hug before grabbing her things and heading out the door.
They all said their goodbyes and Simone was now following Annabelle out the door and to her car.
"Thanks" Annabelle said as a small smile adorned her face.
"For what"? Simone questioned as she reached down and opened Annabelle's door for her.
"Just thanks" Annabelle said cryptically.
"Okay, you're welcome" Simone said still puzzled by Annabelle's statement.
"Call me later"? Annabelle said in a hopeful tone.
"Of course, once I settle in, I will call you before I go to sleep" Simone responded while leaning on the open door.
"Good. Okay, well, bye, I will talk to you in a little bit" Annabelle stated as she set her things in the passenger seat, then moved around the door to give Simone one last hug, one last touch that would have to last her for at least the next twenty four hours.
"Bye Annabelle, drive safe, I will miss you" Simone breathed quietly into Annabelle's ear that was turning red from the chill in the air but was now on fire from Simone's whispered words.
"You have no idea" Annabelle replied, returning the favor to Simone's ear, leaned back and brought Simone's lips to hers to fulfill her one last need for the night, before she returned to her empty room and notebooks.
"Thanks" Annabelle stated as Collins handed her a bottle of water to soothe her throat and cool her off a bit due to the warmth circulating around the coffeehouse with the crowd showing their appreciation by filling every inch of the place on this cool Friday evening.
"You're welcome. I think someone is looking for you" Collins replied as she leaned in for some privacy while giving Annabelle a much needed warning.
"I know, I have been trying to avoid her all night. I know I have to talk to her at some point, unless" Annabelle said with a pleading look toward her best friend.
"You don't even have to ask, I will take care of it" Collins replied with a smile knowing she was getting the go ahead to run interference between Annabelle and her 'permanent' crush Lita.
Annabelle finished her water, climbed back onto the place where she would join her band mates for one final round of tunes that would have those in attendance standing and demanding more after each song was complete. She had decided to take one last look around the coffeehouse until she felt a warm sensation flood through her body at the sight of the blue eyes that had pierced her heart, just enough to allow the words to form themselves into a response to those eyes, a response to her warm smile, a response to her heart. A smile placed itself on Annabelle's face and when she looked around at her band mates for the cue to begin playing, she found Jason, flashing that knowing expression as he walked over to her and said "She is going to love the last song".
The band seemed to slowly creep through the last few songs, at least that is how Annabelle was seeing things. She was having a great time, but she was anxious to say what was on her heart, for everyone to hear, for everyone to get lost in the words, as she sang each line, and each note. Regardless of the many eyes that would be witnessing this confession of love, she only needed one pair to acknowledge that they were truly hearing the message, truly hearing the sounds, pouring from her soul.
"Thank you all for coming and sharing tonight with us! We have had such a great time; we hope to see you again soon!" Jason stated as most of the crowd began to settle down, knowing what was coming next, the last song of the night, the last song that always left them feeling emotions that they had not allowed to surface in a long time, feeling just a little bit better, sometimes a little more sorrow, but in most instances, they would leave feeling grateful for having been a part of these nights.
"Thank you for sticking around, I hope you will enjoy this" Annabelle stated as she sat focused on her guitar, when she finally let the notes come alive on the strings she began to move in a slow and steady rhythm as she began to sing:
Do you remember the first kiss?
Star shooting across the sky
To come to such a place as this
You never left my mind.
I'm watching from the wall
As in the streets we fight
This world all gone to war
All I need is you tonight
And I draw a line
To your heart today
To your heart from mine
A line to keep us safe
All through the rising sun
All through the circling years
You were the only one
Who could have brought me here
And I draw a line
To your heart today
To your heart from mine
One line to keep us safe
And I draw a line
To your heart today
To your heart from mine
And pray to keep us safe
Watch the stars now moving
Across the sky
Keep this feeling
Safe tonight
The crowd once again showed their gratitude for Annabelle's ability to reach into their hearts and open them up, even for just a moment. Annabelle shifted her guitar off to the side so she could stand and thank the crowd once again but felt a slight chill at the sight of the empty space that just seconds before had the one person who this song had to reach, so they knew, this night, and always, what was in her heart. She kept a smile stationed on her face for a few seconds more knowing that the full house that stood before her, deserved at least that.
The band gathered themselves in the center of the stage for one last 'goodbye' to the caffeinated patrons and was now giving each other hugs and high fives and then they were soon in autopilot mode, making sure everything was put in its place and loaded up for the journey home so they could begin their ritual debriefing of the night's events while putting each other in 'their places' like close friends are expected to do.
"Hey, I will be right back, don't think I can make it all the way home after that 4th bottle of water I had" Annabelle said as Jason had picked up the last amplifier and was about to head out the door.
"Okay, make it quick or we might forget that you hadn't already left with someone else" Jason replied with a smirk and a slight sigh as he adjusted his hands to get a better grip before moving toward the door.
'Don't wor-"Annabelle had lost the ability to finish her words when she had her motion toward the bathroom impeded.
"Hi" Simone said in a gentle tone.
"Hi" Annabelle replied quickly replacing her sullen demeanor after hearing this simple word that had her heart beating a little more erratically all of a sudden.
"Have I told you how beautiful that song was yet"? Simone stated as she felt her own pulse quicken at the realization that Annabelle was in close proximity.
"No, but I will take that as a sign that you liked it" Annabelle replied as she ran a hand through her slightly damp hair still feeling the effects of the evening.
"I didn't really like it" Simone said with a slight frown as she shrugged her shoulders looking down at her shoes.
"Oh, that's-" Annabelle was interrupted by Simone saying "I loved it" and was soon finding herself wrapped in Simone's arms for an affirmation that her words found their way to the right place. As Simone gave one last squeeze, she continued by saying, "Thank you, but I needed to excuse myself for a moment after you finished, to, well, anyway" Simone trailed off her last words not wanting to let her emotions get the better of her again, especially in a place full of strangers.
"You have room for one more"? Annabelle asked as she was being released from Simone's embrace, wanting to change the subject knowing what Simone's distressed look meant.
"Of course, I will wait for you outside" Simone replied with a grateful smile as she fully released Annabelle to continue to her destination.
"Be right back" Annabelle stated as she continued to look back at the blue-eyed beauty, watching as she gracefully exited the coffeehouse.
"Come on, that girl was totally staring at you all night" Jason stated as Austin was trying deflect the remarks of his band mates before Collins came back into the kitchen.
"Sorry Austin, I have to agree with Jas, I don't think she even noticed there was a whole band playing up there tonight" Annabelle chided as Austin let a slight grin appear showing his minimal agreement at their comments.
"That was Caroline, she already has a boyfriend, and you um, well, at least from what you have told me, you are taken" Collins stated coolly as she entered the kitchen as if on cue seamlessly entering the conversation that had started without her.
The room erupted in hushed chuckles, then unrestricted belly laughs when Collins sat down next to Austin with her arms folded, feigning a pout, but soon Austin was enveloping her and whispering in her ear "I only have eyes for you" as he kissed her sweetly on the cheek as she relaxed into his arms with a slight smile knowing that his words were true.
Everyone was just enjoying each other's company, laughing and chatting about the night's events and what everyone's plans were for next weekend.
"You know you guys are always welcome to come home with me, just let me know, my mom said that we are going to my grandparent's house this year, so I may have to give them fair warning" Annabelle said with a slight smirk as she leaned on Simone's arm a little signaling that she was coming down from the high of the performance earlier in the evening.
"We are actually staying here this year. My dad will be in town and I finally convinced Collins here to meet my family" Austin said with a sheepish grin while pulling Collins in a bit closer in a sympathetic embrace.
"I hope you warned her about your Aunt Rita" Jason stated with a chuckle as he stood up to clean out the various cups scattered around the table to put them in the appropriate receptacle.
"No, but thanks for the reminder" Austin replied as he started to laugh a little at the thought of his Aunt Rita meeting Collins and lavishing her in her typical way when she meets someone new.
"Should I be worried"? Collins stated in a concerned tone.
"No, just wear a puffy jacket or a lot of layers to minimize the bruising from her hugging you to death, for the entire time you are there" Austin replied as he placed a kiss on her forehead while getting up to get them another drink from the fridge.
Annabelle smiled widely in Collins' direction, truly feeling happy for her best friend in what she considered a sign that was pointing her relationship with Austin in the right direction. She looked up toward Simone and smiled slightly, hoping that this step was not far off for them. She knew how she felt about Simone, she hoped she knew how Simone felt about her, and she just wanted to share this with those who were important in her life. She wanted to show that she wasn't the rebellious adolescent who swam in the sea of hormones with no real command of her actions or emotions. She wanted to show that she had matured into someone who had learned to express herself in a productive way, learned how take charge of her own life, learned how to be a true friend, learned what it meant to truly be in love. She wanted to just feel free to show that she has never been so content and complete in her whole life.
"Some one is running out of gas" Jason said teasingly pointing to the almost comatose Annabelle as she had taken over Simone's shoulder as her eyes were now not allowing her to keep her surroundings in view.
"Yeah, I think it's that time" Simone said quietly as she gently rubbed Annabelle's arm to nudge her out of her quickly deepening sleep.
"What, where are"- Annabelle was interrupted by the suppressed chuckles now circling the room at the sight of her dazed expression.
"Come on, looks like it is past your bed time" Simone said as she eased Annabelle out of the chair and began to guide her down the hall so she could continue her descent into quiet slumber.
"Night guys, Collins" Annabelle said with a slight smile as she became just alert enough to navigate the few steps to Simone's bedroom.
"Goodnight" Everyone said in unison and then returned back to the bantering and comfortable exchanges that would last a couple of more hours.
"Thanks for the ride" Annabelle stated in a hushed tone as she found her way to the place that had been calling her for the last hour.
"Anytime" Simone said with a slight smile at the sight of the blue-eyed beauty making herself comfortable in the warm confines of the space she was going to be occupying with her shortly.
Simone actually took a few minutes to get ready for bed as opposed to Annabelle's haste in retreating to the bed to get a head start on her dreams. Simone returned to find Annabelle resting peacefully as her breathing had already evened out and was firmly wrapped in the comforter toward the middle of the bed, not leaving Simone any choice but to assist the comforter in keeping her warm through the night. Simone positioned herself behind Annabelle's sleeping form and pulled her close, instantly absorbing the warmth emanating from her body as she wrapped a protective arm around her waist, leaned down, placed a gentle kiss on the side of her neck and whispered "Sweet dreams, I love you". Simone let a small sigh fall from her lips as she settled in to join Annabelle in her dreams. She had one thought still buzzing around in her head that would keep her awake for a few moments longer. She was putting off discussing something with Annabelle that she knew would send a flood of disappointment to her heart. She just hoped that once all was said and done, Annabelle would understand and they could just move through the next few weeks seamlessly. She released on last sigh, just to soothe her nerves, when she heard "I love you too" quietly fall from Annabelle's lips as she moved closer into Simone's form and secured her arm over Simone's before returning to her dreams.
I hope all of you have a great weekend!!!
"One Line" is by PJ Harvey (I need to send a 'thank you' to 'DotParker' for the suggestion!)
Peace!!
