So today's the day. Last few chapters and I'm posting them all today.

23. Careful Planning

I told Cale what I had realized the next day. He agreed to help me.

"Told you so," he smirked as I opened the door.

"Shut up and get in," I replied with a smile.

Cale and I talked for hours. It felt like we were talking about an entrapment operation instead of getting Jake to talk to me again. Well, it was close enough.

The Forks High concert was getting nearer and nearer. I was pacing back and forth in the house again, waiting for Caleb.

Then I heard the soft purr of his car. He's coming. I pretended to sit down on the couch and tap my foot.

He was up the steps . . .

"How did it go?" I asked as soon as I opened the door, waiting for the door bell of course.

"Phase one completed," he replied, smiling. I breathed a sigh of relief.

I practiced the song for plan B with the band next day. I told them it was just for an emergency.

Then came the concert. I sang "Come Back to Me" for the opening and explained the exact purpose of the song and the whole album.

After that, I sang "Don't Forget," "Teardrops on My Guitar," "Now You Know," "and "Why Me."

Then, phase two of the operation.

"Now, the next song, Goodbye—" I was cut off by much shrieking. "—tells a vivid story about regret. Well, it's actually for one of the many persons in my life."

The band began playing and I scanned the crowd for Jacob.

"I can honestly say you've been on my mind

Since I woke up today

I look at your photograph all the time

These memories come back to life

And I don't mind

I remember when we kissed

I still feel it on my lips

The time that you danced with me

With no music playing

I remember the simple things

I remember 'til I cried

But the one thing I wish I'd forget

The memory I wanna forget

Is goodbye

I woke up this morning and played our song

And there were tears as I sang along

I picked up the phone and then put it down

Coz I know I'm wasting my time

And I don't mind

I remember when we kissed

I still feel it on my lips

The time that you danced with me

With no music playing

I remember the simple things

I remember 'til I cried

But the one thing I wish I'd forget

The memory I wanna forget

Suddenly my cellphone's blowing up

With your ringtone

I hesitate but answer it anyway

You sound so alone

And I'm surprised to hear you say

You remember when we kissed

You still feel it on your lips

The time that you danced with me

With no music playing

You remember the simple things

We talked 'til we cried

You said that you wish I'd forget

The one thing you wish I'd forget

Is saying goodbye"

I had been keeping my eye on Jake the whole time. My eyes were welling up with tears.

"Goodbye

Goodbye"

After the song I had another short break. I just had to break down.

But another crisis was waiting for me.

"What are you doing here?" Dad growled at Jake.

"I was just about to leave," he growled back. I ran up to him and held his wrist before he could go.

"Stay," I whispered. I looked at Dad. Please, I thought. He nodded once and went back inside the dressing room. "Jake, please, I need you here."

"I'll only stay as long as it's best for you," he replied, not looking at me. I turned his head to make hi8m look in my eyes and kissed his cheek.

"Stay," I whispered again. One of the stage directors called me. I let go of his hand hesitantly.

The audience welcomed me back with much more shrieking and banner waving.

"Tonight, I have a very special guest," I announced. "He's worked with me with my first album and now, he worked alongside me in the second album." The crowd shrieked as they realized who I was talking about. "Please welcome Caleb James!" The audience screamed and clapped as he came running to the stage. Jacob was clapping along with the audience, his face hard.

"The song Caleb recorded with me was actually a team effort," I explained. "My Mom gave the main idea, someone special provided the first line, I came up with the rest of the lyrics and the melody and Caleb lent his voice. Here goes."

The audience grew quiet when the band started the intro.

When the song was finished, they cheered and I hugged Caleb, whispering "thank you" in his ear.

I looked back at the audience and Jacob was gone.

Moving on to the next chapter...