Chasing time

Meeting Chris

The first time Samantha truly spoke to Chris after arriving back in the past, it didn't feel real. She had planned to say something clever or heartfelt, but the words stuck in her throat. It had been years since she last saw him, yet here he was, laughing with his friends, alive and carefree, or at least he seemed that way. She took a deep breath, holding her notebook tightly as she walked down the hallway. Chris was standing near the music room, his guitar case resting against the wall. He was laughing at a joke one of his band mates had said, his face lighting up in a way that made Sam's heart hurt. This was the boy she had come back to save. Gathering her courage, Sam approached him. "Chris? She said, her voice steady despite the nerves building inside her. He turned toward her, his blue eyes meeting hers. For a moment, she saw a sign of recognition, but it was quickly replaced with curiosity. "Hey, Sam," he said with a friendly smile. Whats up? Sam blinked. He remembered her name. That was a start. I was wondering when she began, trying to keep her voice casual. Are you performing at the talent show this Friday? Chris's smile grew wider. Of course! Eternal Chords never miss a chance to play. Do you still need help setting up? She asked, pretending to be a natural. I could join in if you want. Chris raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised. Really? Would you help with all that boring stuff? " Sure," Sam said with a shrug, trying to hide the excitement in her voice. I don't mind. He laughed, a sound that filled her chest with warmth. You're full of surprises, Sam. " Thanks! " I'll let the guys know.

---

The next few days went by in a blur of rehearsals, small conversations with Chris, and trying not to let the weight of the future overwhelm her. She spent hours watching him and his band practice, taking in the way he led them with confidence and energy. Chris's band mates were Kyle, a lively drummer with an endless supply of jokes, and Mia, a quiet but talented keyboard player, and there was Marcus, the bassist, who came for practice once in a while because he disliked how popular Chris was. Kyle and Mia welcomed Sam easily as they told her that one of them wasn't present. They joked with her during breaks and teased Chris about his new assistant. " He's going to make you carry all the amps, you know, Kyle said one afternoon, grinning as he rotated a drumstick between his fingers. " I can handle it," Sam replied with a smile, though her real focus was on Chris. She couldn't stop thinking about how happy he seemed. To everyone else, he looked like the perfect picture of a young musician chasing his dreams. But Sam had spent years studying his interviews and performances. She knew the signs of his struggles, the way his smile didn't always reach his eyes, the moments he seemed to be deep in his own thoughts. She needed to know more.

---

One evening after practice, Sam found Chris alone in the music room, tapping his guitar. She hesitated in the doorway, unsure whether to interrupt. But then he looked up and saw her, his face lighting up. "Hey, Sam," he said, motioning for her to come in. She stepped inside, her heart pounding. Hey. That song you were playing is new, right? Chris nodded, his fingers still moving across the strings. Yeah. Just something I've been working on. Not sure if it's any good yet. "It's beautiful," Sam said honestly. Chris smiled, but it quickly faded. He set the guitar down and leaned back against the wall. Thanks.

Sometimes, though, I feel like I can't get it right. Like no matter how hard I try, it's not enough. Sam's chest tightened. She wanted to tell him that he was more than enough, that his music had saved her more times than she could count and many other fans of his. But every time she thought about mentioning the future, a strange sensation washed over her, like the air itself was freezing. She shook her head, pushing the thought aside. You're doing great, Chris. Everyone thinks so. Chris gave her a small smile. Maybe. But it's hard, you know? Everyone expects me to keep the band together, to write the songs, to make sure they were good enough to win. Its a lot. Sam frowned. She hadn't realized how much pressure he was under. In her memories, Chris had always seemed so confident, so sure of himself. But now, she could see the hole in his armor. "You don't have to do it all alone," she said softly. Chris looked at her, his eyes searching for hers. For a moment, it seemed like he wanted to say something, but then he shook his head. Thanks, Sam. That means a lot.

---

The next day, Sam decided to try telling Chris about the future. She couldn't keep dancing around the truth, not when his life was at stake. She found him in the courtyard during lunch, sitting under a tree with his guitar. He was humming softly, lost in his own world. Chris, she said, sitting down beside him. He glanced at her, smiling. Hey, What's up? " I need to talk to you about something," she said, her voice trembling. He leaned his head, curious. What is it? Sam took a deep breath. It's going to sound crazy, but I'm here to help you. Something bad was going to happen in the future, and before she could finish, the world around her seemed to freeze. The wind stopped blowing, the leaves hung motionless in the air, and Chris's expression was frozen in place. Sam looked around, panic rising in her chest. What's happening? She whispered. It was like time itself had stopped, refusing to let her reveal the truth. After a few moments, everything returned to normal. Chris blinked, unaware of what had just happened. " Are you okay, Sam? He asked, frowning. Sam forced a smile, her heart still racing. Yeah. I'm fine, Never mind.

---

Over the next few days, Sam tried again and again to tell Chris about the future, but each time, the same thing happened. Time froze, leaving her frustrated and helpless. She didn't understand why she couldn't tell him. Was it the watch? Was it some kind of rule about time travel? Despite her frustration, she refused to give up. She couldn't let Chris's future end the way it had before.

---

By the time the talent show arrived, Sam had become a respected member of the band. She helped set up the stage, tuned guitars, and even ran errands for the group. Chris seemed more relaxed with her around, and she noticed him smiling more often. As they prepared to go onstage, Chris pulled her aside. Thanks for everything, Sam. I don't know what we would do without you. " You're going to do great," she said, her voice full of encouragement. He grinned. Well see.

As the band took the stage, Sam watched from the wings, her heart swelling with pride. Chris's voice filled the auditorium, powerful and full of emotion. For a moment, it felt like everything was perfect. But Sam knew the road ahead was still uncertain. She had come back to save Chris, and she wouldn't stop until she succeeded.