Beau's POV

"...welcome to the stage the FORKKKSSS!!!!!"

I froze at the sound of that band name and quickly turned on everyone. Completely caught off guard by what the announcer said. "the FORKS?! the FORKS!! Are you fucking kidding me?! I thought we agreed yesterday to change the name!!!"

"We missed the deadline remember? I told you guys before but no one listened to me" Allen shrugged as the curtains started to open.

It was Friday night and I had counted all hours leading up to this moment. I didn't think the entire school would arrive to watch the show. So many people were all gathered in this room and I was definitely feeling the pressure now. My arms were shaking and my legs felt wobbly. My face was blooming with red splotches all over and my heart was pounding in my chest. I glanced out at the sea of people to see if Edythe was here, but I didn't see her anywhere. Maybe she didn't come? Why would she come, she probably had better things to do. Maybe she did go on a date with that other new kid named Ryder. A new kid arrived 2 weeks ago and from what I could tell he was all over Edythe. He was not afraid to go up and talk to her. He even tried to sit with her and her siblings during lunch (which was funny because royal scared him away) He was arrogant and annoyingly good looking. He was the typical guy that all the girls wanted and all the guys hated. I overheard him asking Edythe out on a date, but I quickly left before I could hear her response. I didn't want to feel the pain in my heart if I had heard her say yes. I shook my head and brought my self back to this moment. Maybe she's with hi-oh shit! I immediately froze when I caught the gaze of a certain redhead in the front row. Oh shit. I cursed again. Edythe was here. She looked amazing and perfect as always and next to her was her super strong sister Eleanor and fashionable brother Archie. She actually came!! But why?! I was always under the impression that she hated everyone here. Is she here because of me? Nah, I need to change the delusional hope that I feel, she's here to watch the other acts, not you Beau. I tried to not look at her immediately so she wouldn't notice my pathetic eagerness. The music started playing as I tried to push away all nerves. Ok beau you can do this, you got this. Determination settled over me, confidence I had never felt was written all over my face now. I loosened my muscles, took a deep breath in and immersed myself in the song and the beat. I wanted to impress her and this was my chance. It's now or never rock god.

...

"WOOHOO!!! That was awesome!!! We killed it out there, good job guys!! especially you Beau, you were on fire!" McKayla said to me while tightly hugging me from behind. "Uhhh McKayla hey, how did I do? Did you see how I threw my drumstick in the air and caught it right before the finale" Jeremy said hoping to get a compliment from her.

I tuned out their conversation, my head was still buzzing from what just happened. I literally just performed in front of the entire school and most importantly in front of the girl I loved. I didn't realize the extent of my feelings for her until I actually saw her tonight rocking out to the music, smiling at me when I sang to her. It was one of the most exhilarating and nerve wrecking moments of my life. She in someway acknowledged me...she looked at me with her perfect face and her infectious smile shined brightest than any sunshine. Maybe I do have a chance with her? Up onstage I felt that same magnetic pull but 1000x more intense and intimate. It's like we're both swaying flowers on a delicate green field. The energy around us was unlike anything I've ever felt. It was pure bliss and yearn for one another. This night could be my last chance to change her mind, I need to go after her. I quickly grabbed my jacket, said bye to the band, and ran out. I felt the urgent need to see Edythe, I wanted to talk to her even if it was for a moment. I saw her and her siblings exit out the doors and I ran off to catch up to them. It didn't help that I tripped on the door stop on my way out but I quickly got up and ran turning red from embarrassment. I also happen to notice the new kid Ryder was also here and was watching Edythe walk away. But thank goodness that Colleen brooks stopped him to ask him out. I stopped running but I was power walking to catch Edythe before she left, her siblings were in their car already. Alright beau be cool and calm. You got this. I said to myself to ease my nerves.

She seemed to notice someone following her, she quickly turned around and looked at me with the most beautiful dimpled smile I had seen. Her bronze hair was up in a high ponytail tonight-holy crow-she even had on red lipstick-that's a first-and her golden eyes twinkled in the twilight. She looked absolutely stunning and all I could do was smile weirdly like an idiot.

"Hey there rockstar" her tone was so soft and silky but with a hint of teasing to it. "I saw you perform tonight you were great" I started blushing all over, I could feel the red forming again through out my body. My stomach was feeling butterflies from her compliment. She actually liked it! And best of all she was looking at me with that perfect smile. She was here and I wouldn't change this moment for anything. I wanted to enjoy the few minutes I had with her.

"Oh wow umm, uhh-thank you so much, I wasn't that good tho, I was just lucky and I had no idea what I was doing if I'm honest." I nervously said while putting my hand on the back of my neck...compliment her you idiot.

"Umm you look really beautiful tonight. Well I mean uh you always look beautiful of course. You should uhhh wear more makeup it looks great." Wow beau, you idiot. Great compliment. I need to crawl under a rock now...

Instead of getting upset she graciously smiled and giggled. "Why Thank you Beau! I'll definitely keep your consideration in mind." She impishly smirked at me, never taking her eyes away from mine. "You actually look quite nice yourself. And don't say you don't because I could see how many girls were checking you out tonight. I even overheard Taylor say that you looked hot in those jeans." She smirked at me and fluttered her long eyelashes, I turned a bright red and nervously chuckled looking down at my feet. If I didn't know any better I would say she was flirting with me but then again she could just be giving me a compliment. Either way I was very fortunate to be speaking to her right now.

"Uhh no I don't think so but thank you again for-"

"Hey baby cakes whats up! It's your favorite stud muffin. You look great tonight baby, what do you say we get out of here and go somewhere quiet where we can be alone.."

Ughhhh why?!

"Sorry Ryder but no thank you and I think it's very rude of you to interrupt my conversation with Beau. Besides I'm heading now anyway." She said to him politely but with a sound of irritation in her tone.

Ugh! of all people who had to ruin my moment with Edythe, it had to be Ryder. I mentally facepalmed myself as I stood there awkward not knowing what to do. I watched how he got too close to her...way to close for my comfort. He tried to grab her hand but she quickly evaded his advances. She was calm but in her eyes I saw the feeling of discomfort and a hint of anger. Could this jerk not read her body language? She didn't want to speak to him.

"Oh come on baby relax, the night is young. No need to get so angry...in fact I have something right here for you that'll calm you down." he vulgarly roamed his hand on his crotch moving even closer to her. Something inside me snapped, my heart started pounding, adrenaline was rushing through my veins, my eyes were seeing red, and my body reacted before I could even think. I quickly got in between them and pushed him back hard. The look of shock was registered on both their faces. I know Edythe is more than capable to defend herself but I just couldn't stand by and watch this monster disrespect her like that. I would never allow anyone to act so rudely and impolite towards her.

"I don't know if you're too deaf or too stupid but she said no and don't you dare touch her again without her permission." I angrily said as I glared at him with the most intense death glare I could give.

I felt my fists getting tighter, ready to punch this guy if he didn't walk away. Don't do it, don't get near me. I hoped he wouldn't get near me because in this moment I was ready to wipe that cocky smirk off his face. All the pressure and power pumping to my fists, I could feel the heat exuding off my body, I felt steam coming out through my nose and ears. If I were the hulk I would've been close to phasing.

"What if I don't rock boy? What are you gonna do huh? Punch me? Hurt me? Ha-ha!! oh no I'm so scared of you Beaufort."

Ryder smugly stated to my face, pretending to be frightened. I was so angry by the way he was treating her, she didn't deserve to be spoken to like that. I've always been drilled by mom and dad since I was little to take the high road, to leave, instead of giving in. But I couldn't stand by and allow this happen. In any other occasion I would've walked away without a second thought, lowlifes like this Ryder dude didn't deserve the time of day, but this time I had to stand my ground. It seemed that he wouldn't back down, his smug face inches away from mine, but little did he know that I wouldn't either...