This Love

Chapter Twenty-Four- Cozy Bars and Singing Angels

Then I felt Kyla's hands pressed against my back pushing me. Next thing I know, Rico was gripping my hand and pulling me up the stage.

WHAT ARE THESE CRAZY PEOPLE DOING? I screamed in my head. Rico passed me his mic while Matt handed him another.

Oh god. It was quite embarrassing. There were like fifty pairs of eyes looking at my awkward stance and tomato face on the stage. Even the screaming girls on the front were confused. I knew exactly what these 'awesome' friends of mine were planning. I shot Kyla a glare but all of them were just giving me mischievous smiles.

I took a deep breath and searched the crowd for the perfect pair of hazel eyes I can stare at forever. When I found them, I decided.

Here goes nothing.

           Tonight...

           We are young

          So let's set the world on fire

          We can burn brighter than the sun 

Those who were dancing got back to their happy dancing. Those who were drinking went back to their happy drinking.

I guessed I didn't sound that bad after all. My eyes were set on Michael's surprised ones. His lips moved up to a corner as I sang the next lines.

          Carry me home tonight

         Just carry me home tonight

        Carry me home tonight

        Just carry me home tonight

I found myself smiling. We both realized a private joke between us with those lines. Rico joined me on the next part making me break eye contact with Michael. We finished the song and the audience rewarded us with applause. I smiled and took a quick bow. Just as I was about to walk down, Rico pulled my hand again and leaned into me.

"One more, please. I missed this." he whispered and I looked up to him. He was begging me with his eyes. Before I could even respond, he was already yelling and introducing me to the entire music bar.

One more song wouldn't hurt. I thought and tightened the grip on the mic.

A few chords from Matt and I immediately knew what was next on their set list. I never realized how much I've also missed this.

Singing. It was the only way I could express myself willingly. It was the only thing I'd do without being called by my full name or be Gracie-forced. Singing was my thing.

I swallowed hard, squared my shoulders and raised my chin. Like the first song, I searched for Michael's eyes.

        We're a thousand miles from comfort

        We have traveled land and sea

        But as long as you are with me

        There's no place I'd rather be

After a third song, my throat felt dry but I wasn't tired with all the singing and dancing I did on the stage. If you called jumping, dancing, of course. Nonetheless, I climbed down the stage after saying a 'thank you' to the band and the crowd. Michael was standing and waiting for me. I don't know why but I ran and lunged myself into him. His strong arms caught me for a warm embrace.

There I was. In his arms. My safe special place.

"You never told me you can sing." Michael broke the silence between us.

Oh, if he only knew all the things I keep from him. Things he'll never know. Things I'll never tell.

I dismissed the sad thought. I had a great day with people I care about and I didn't want to end it with my past hunting me. But for how long will I keep doing this? Trying to forget, pretending I was strong?

Shoot. Where are these coming from?

"I guess it was my turn to surprise you." I boasted with droopy eyes. "I'm thirsty." I mumbled on his chest.

He sweetly kissed the top of my head before. "And sleepy too. Let's get you water so I can take you home."

*****

"Did you mean what you said?" Michael questioned as we rode his car.

After getting a glass of water, Michael and I decided to leave the bar as I was exhausted. Kyla and Rico promised not to get wasted and assured me that they'll all be home safe without anyone going home with a stranger. Michael asked David to drive them home to make me at ease.

Kyla was being crazy pulling me to the side and lecturing me about surrendering my V—card to Michael. My jaw dropped in shock. Where the hell did that come from? I left them at Deandra immediately dismissing the thought.

So now, here we were inside Michael's car. "What did I say?"

"More like sang." he glanced at me before setting his eyes on the road again. "You want me to carry you home tonight?"

"Uh... No. I'm sleepy, not drunk."

"So? I carried you sleeping once."

"I remember. I never heard the end of that from Kyla. She teased me a lot when she heard you calling me 'Angel'."

He chuckled. "You are my Angel."

His angel. Why does hearing that make me want to jump for joy and run of fright at the same time?

So sorry for the late update and that this is a short chapter. Remember when I wrote before that I was going through a huge change in my life? Well, that meant flying to a new country for a job. New place, new people, new everything. I'm just glad everything is working out! Praise, God!

Hopefully, once I'm settled with my new job, I could go back to my weekly update and post longer chapters. Not making promises but praying I'd be able to update as often. Just for you! :)

PS: Thank you for the 6000+ reads, 200+ votes and 100+ comments making it #227 on ChickLit. How awesome, right? Every read, vote and feedback means so much to me so big thanks to everyone who takes time to read, vote and comment. Shoutout also to those who added this story on their reading list! Love y'all. Stay awesome! :D