Always You - 3
1146 Words
After a couple of upbeat songs, with the lights turning bright neon and dancing among the crowd, they dimmed again as Chad gave a short dedication.
"This next song is the first song I have ever written, also our first hit, and it's because of her. It's called I Found You. Nic, I hope this brings back some happy memories of us."
He smiled and started to strum his guitar and sing the words he wrote for Nic years ago.
I Found You
I thought I got it figured out,
I never thought I'll ever doubt,
That love is something I can live without,
I found you and my heart began to shout.
I need you
I want you
I can't be without you
I never yearned for love
Until I found you
***
Chad kept going back to the spot where he first saw her. He did so every day for the next three weeks, hoping to see her again but he didn't.
He searched every building during his breaks and hung around lobbies and corridors for a chance to find her but he didn't.
Chad slumped on a bench, leaned his head against the wall and covered his eyes with his palm. He was exhausted, hopeless and ready to give up.
"This is impossible. Why is this so hard? It's not a big school. Why can't they let me see her records? All I want to do is know where to find her. Security? Privacy? I don't look like a stalker, do I?" He thought.
The sound of someone bumping into someone, books and paper falling on the ground and someone scuffling to pick them up distracted Chad from his thoughts.
"I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry " He heard a soft familiar voice say. Chad's eyes flew wide open and instantly focused on her. "It's her! I can't believe it's her!" He celebrated in his mind.
"Miss, you should really watch where you're going." The guy Nic bumped into said as he helped her pick up her stuff. The guy wasn't really looking at what he was doing, instead his eyes lingered on her face.
"Of course, that's where his eyes would be. She's a beautiful girl. Get a load of this prick." Chad thought with defiance.
He stood up and joined the two in picking up the scattered pieces of paper.
"Hey, babe. I've been looking all over for you." Chad greeted Nic.
She stared at him in confusion.
"It's alright, dude. I got this. Thanks for helping my girlfriend." He told the other guy.
"She's your girlfriend?" The gaped in surprise then quickly shook his head. "Sorry, Chad." The disappointed guy said apologetically.
He instantly recognized Chad. Being one of the richest kids in school with his boyish-good looks, bad boy demeanor, outstanding guitar skills and pleasant singing voice, Chadrick Alders was easily the most popular guy in school and the biggest chick magnet.
"Yes. No problem, dude. You can leave now." He smiled.
"Miss, I'm sorry. I didn't... I'm sorry." The guy told Nic before leaving.
"Why did you say that?" She asked in a small voice.
"I was just trying to get that douche bag off your hair. That guy, Frank, is a player. He's obviously into you and I suggest you stay as far away from him as possible."
"He's into me?" She sounded like she just heard the most unbelievable thing in the world. "Why?" She looked down and finished arranging her books and papers.
"Because you're really pretty, that's why." Chad answered directly and stared at her.
Nic's cheeks turned bright red and she turned her gaze away from him even further. Her hair cascaded from over her shoulder and covered her face.
"That's not true." She replied.
Chad gently brushed away the hair from her face and tucked it behind her ear. She turned to look at him.
"It is. You are very beautiful, Nic." He said as he looked directly into her eyes.
She couldn't understand why but though she didn't believe that she is what he said she is, the way he looked at her started to make her think otherwise.
"I have to go. I'm running late for my class." She said as Nic got up and started to walk away.
"Wait." He said as he ran after her. "Let me walk you to your classroom."
"Don't you have classes to attend?" She asked.
"Not in another hour." He answered.
"Okay." She said and walked quietly with her head down.
"You really should stop doing that, Nic. It's sad that people don't get to see that pretty face. You should be the proudest girl in school."
"You don't mean that." She replied as she spared him a quick glance.
"I actually do. Otherwise, I wouldn't have searched the whole campus for you for days."
She stopped by the door of a classroom and faced him.
"You did that? Why?" She asked as he looked up at him.
"Because your eyes are the most mesmerizing eyes I've ever seen and I wanted to see them again and look at them every single day." He said as he held her gaze in his.
"Chad... I... I don't know what to say."
"You don't have to say anything about it. Just say 'Yes' you'll have lunch with me tomorrow. Please..."
"I don't know about that." She frowned.
"Please, Nic. It's just lunch. I'll meet you at the gate so we can eat out or the cafeteria if you want. It doesn't matter. I just want to get to know you please." Chad looked at her with pleading eyes.
She thought for a moment and sighed.
"Okay. I guess I owe you that at least. Cafeteria. 11:30." Nic said softly.
"YES!" Chad cheered and pumped his fist in the air. "Thank you, Nic. Thank you. I promise I'll be a great lunch buddy." He beamed, fighting the urge to hug her because he was afraid that would scare her even more.
"Alright. I have to go, Chad. See you tomorrow." She gave him a shy smile and waved before entering the classroom.
"See you, Nic. I'll make sure I won't lose you again this time." Chad thought.
Now I know I'm made for loving,
Now I found a reason for living,
Now I see what I've been missing,
I never knew until I found you.
I need you
I want you
I can't be without you
Now I know how it is to love
And I will forever hold you
Now that I found you.
Chad sang from his heart, wishing that his song would somehow reach her.
Nic posed in front of the camera, following the photographer's instructions.
Her smile came a little easier now as the song she heard playing in the background brought back memories of the happy times with Chad.
- Writer
