CHAPTER TWELVE - Gallows of Heartache

Well, this is fun. The bitter thought passed as I propped my elbow up on the table and with the other hand, swirled an almost empty cup of fruit punch, hypnotized by the motion. You're pathetic. I let out a sigh and looked up at the dance floor.

Intermingled within the crowd, I saw all my friends, all swaying to the same tune, all being held close by a significant other. Even Amber was resting her head on Nicky's shoulders.

They'd all deserted me.

I slumped over in my chair, feeling not so pretty anymore. I'd spent the whole afternoon getting ready for the Homecoming Dance with the girls and the night came down to this: solitude.

Solitude wrapped in a splendid blue dress.

I wanted to go home.

I pulled the sheer wrap tighter around me as I stood up to leave.

"Charlotte!" Someone yelled out. I turned and was blinded by a bright flash of light. It took me a few moments before I could get my bearings straight.

"Simon!" I said through gritted teeth, once I realized who the crook was. A grinning Simon Jacobson lovingly hugged the camera in his hands.

"Just doing my job, Char," he replied. "Besides, you get last pick anyway. You don't even have to use it in the yearbook. Although, I may just keep my own copy and post it all over the Internet." His grin grew wider as I made a face.

"Very funny, Simon," I said, my voice thick with sarcasm.

"Ooooh, touchy," he teased. "Not having much fun tonight?"

"Just not with you."

I turned around at the sound of the voice that took the words out of my mouth. I hadn't noticed, but Byron was standing behind me. I'd seen him earlier that night, but hadn't really talk to him.

"Char, you promised me a dance, remember?" he said, ignoring Simon and looking down at me.

I tilted my head, looking at him inquiringly. He shot me a look and winked.

"Ohhh... Rrright," I replied, getting the point. "Yeahhh, I remember now. I almost forgot." I smiled and turned back to Simon.

"It's been a pleasure, Jacobson, but as you can see, my dance partner has been waiting." I took Byron by the arm and led him out onto the dance floor.

We made our way through the crowd and by the time we were out of Simon's sight, I turned to Byron.

"Thank you for saving me," I said gratefully, with a small laugh. "That kid is freakin annoying. Ten times worse when he has a camera in his hand." I exaggerated a grimace. "But hey, I'll see you later, okay?"

"Hey, wait a sec..." He pulled my elbow gently as I motioned to turn away. I looked up at him, confused. "You're not going to dance with me?"

I raised an eyebrow. "Uhh.. wouldn't that be a bit... weird?" I asked slowly.

"Why so?"

"Because..." I stopped when I spotted the goofy grin on his face. Leave it to a guy to easily play off something I've been obsessing about for the past two months...

I smiled wryly and shrugged.

Find me here
Speak to me
...I want to feel you
...I need to hear you

The grin on Byron's face softened as he stepped forward, wrapping his arms around my waist, pulling me closer.

You are the light
That's leading me
To the place, where I find peace... again.

Each step was breaking my heart. Each strum of the guitar was a reminder of what I had... and what I let go.

You calm the storms, and you give me rest.
You hold me in your hands, you won't let me fall.

You steal my heart, and you take my breath away.
Would you take me in? Take me deeper now?

Our eyes locked and he reached up to gently trace my jawline with the back of his hand. I closed my eyes and savoured his touch.

How can I stand here with you and not be moved by you?
...Would you tell me how could it be any better than this?

I still loved him.

Cause you're all I want, You're all I need
You're everything, everything.

You're all I want your all I need
You're everything

...Everything.

I blinked back the tears burning my eyes.

"Don't cry," Byron said, his voice barely above a whisper. I stared at him through my tears. He blinked twice as he looked down at my bare shoulder, making me shiver as he ran his hand slowly down my arm. His gaze met mine again and it's when he leans in closer to softly brush his lips against mine.

I pulled back hastily, confused because this was the one thing I'd hope would happen that night.

"Don't," I whispered firmly, after a moment passed. I slowly shook my head. "I-I can't let you do this to me." I pushed him back and covered my mouth with my hand, choking back a cry as I pushed through the crowd.

How can I stand here with you and not be moved by you?
Would you tell me how could it be any better than this?
...Would you tell me how could it be any better than this?

Questions jumbled up in my head. It was chaotic. I was confused.

I didn't have any of the answers.

I don't think I ever did.

A/N: anyone notice a trend here? i OBVIOUSLY like to use lyrics in my fanfic. J that's when my muse emerges. lyrics from this chapter courtesy of Lifehouse. reviews! reviews! i miss getting them! indulge me!