CHAPTER 3: SEE

You could have just propped me up on the table like a mannequin
Or a cardboard stand-up and paint me (paint me
Any face that you wanted me
To be seen.

- Ben Folds: You Don't Know Me

-X- EPOV -X-

I can't remember the last time we finished the set with an acoustic song, but as my fingers strummed the last chord of the song, I knew it would be something to consider doing in the future.

If it's even possible, the crowd went wilder for that one acoustic song than it did for any other up-beat tune we encored with.

But the roar of the crowd was muted, because I had somewhere to be.

I caught Jasper's eye as I bounced down the stage steps, eager to get outside. He gave me the same knowing look as when he caught me staring at her during our set. I jokingly tried to make him believe that I thought he was giving me some sexy looks, so I blew him a kiss. The fans went crazy, probably thinking it was for a girl. Typical.

This time there were no kisses blow, just a nod of acknowledgment that he had figured me out.

I never did this. Contrary to what the media and paps always said about me, I haven't been with anyone since I left high school. After the band hit off, I was either touring or recording or writing new music or doing interviews to get us out there. There was no time for relationships, even when the loneliness really started to get to me – especially on tour.

In all honesty, it's not like the women in my life were even interested in me by that point. They loved the guy who was portrayed by the media – cheeky but kind, a flirt but a gentleman, mysterious but apparently they all knew me.

When I tried dating, all we'd talk about was the band: what is the new album like? Is it fun being on tour? Can I get free tickets for the tour? By the fourth date, I gave up and realised it was all going to be the same. They only saw Edward Masen, the lead singer of Ellipsis, and multi-millionaire. They saw who they wanted to see and who the media created. They didn't see me.

But this … this feeling? I couldn't shake it. I was a nerd back in high school, and this is the type of feeling that we read about in our Literature classes. That one-in-a-lifetime feeling. I couldn't just let it go.

I somehow managed to dodge all the swarms of girls, eventually making it to the door that led outside.

That led to her.

Pull yourself together Masen. You don't want her thinking you're some kind of creep, following her out to the backstreet …

Good point.

I took a deep breath and pushed open the door

Fuck me, could the creaking be any louder? I'll have to tell Jazz to get some WD40 on this wreck.

Before I even fully made it through the door, she started talking.

"Sorry I had to leave Ali, but I couldn't take another minute at the barrier." Please turn around. Please look this way. "Told you I didn't want to see them – It just got too much so I hope you don't mind I had to slip out."

I guess it was my turn to say something?

"Well I'm gutted you had to leave," I cleared my throat, hoping I didn't scare her. "But I am curious as to the reason you had to leave?"

Please, please, please stay this time.

I think you could be the one to see me.

...

Hello loyal, loyal friends.

So, the good reviewers asked, and I have granted your wish.

I hope this little insight into Edward's head keeps you sated until the next chapter. Do not worry - I'm already halfway through!

As always, leave your thoughts, feelings and suggestions in the reviews.

Eagerly waiting to hear from you all.

Love,

M xoxo