Exit Stage Left

1 – Realization

What? How did I not realize this earlier? I always felt it towards him. He never did. Why now? All the hints over the past few weeks. I was so oblivious- but now….

“Billy? Billy?” I snap out of my new found knowledge to Paul’s voice. “Are you coming?”

“Umm. I…” I shake my head, “I…I’ll catch up with you later. Where are you going again?” my mind is fuzzy.

“Sandwich shop across the street. Are you feeling alright?” Joel’s voice snapped me out of my haze even more.

“Yeah, I’m fine- I. I just need some rest.” I say. They leave me alone with my crazy thoughts- and Benji in the back of the bus.

I lean back on the small couch and rub my eyes with my palms. Oh this is weird. Now that I know- what am I supposed to do?

All I have to do is get up off this couch and walk back there. Into the silence.

Why is it so quiet. Maybe he’s asleep. No he only sleeps with the music blaring on- one of his quirks. And its quiet.

Okay so now I'm standing. One foot in front of the other. I can do this.

No, no I cant. Wait I have to. Okay I'm going to do this.

I open the door to the bunk room. Walking lightly by Joel’s, Paul’s, and my bunk- I come to his.

I hesitate. Listening to hear snoring, breathing, anything- but nothing.

I place my fingers around the nylon cord aiming to pull back the curtain.

Slowly gripping the cord and sliding it back.

He’s not there. Must be in the backroom.

It’s so eerily quiet in the bus.

Goosebumps run up my arms, making me shiver.

The bunkroom door behind me squeaks shut causing me to turn and watch it click close.

Leaving the unfamiliar silence again.

I turn back around and stare at the backroom door.

What am I going to say? Heck I cant plan this out. What if I'm wrong?

No, I'm not wrong.

I slowly open the door and peer inside the dim backroom.

There he sits. Headphones on, eyes closed, hands rested on his chest, labret pulled between his teeth, shoes kicked off. He looks completely relaxed, deep in thought.

I take this time to stare.

He is gorgeous. I cant lie- he is gorgeous.

I watch as his facial expressions change. What is he thinking of? They go from a smile to furrowed brows.

I decide this is as good a time as any.

Stepping closer I hit the mute button on the sound system.

His eyes open abruptly and he sits up straight.

He stares into my face and then a smile grows.

“You startled me.”

I smile back, “I’m sorry.”

Next
Chapters