●ACELIN●

"In summary, you got declined." Cole teased, proceeding to rest on the sofa "I guess there is a first time for everything."

"Shut up, I don't care about it alright ?" I scoffed.  "It was just a spur of the moment thing."

Jace took the remote and switched channels. "I guess Acelin doesn't get everything he wants."

Why I continued to tell these assholes anything remains a mystery to me.
We were in Cole's apartment, doing absolutely nothing.
I told Camille that I'd be leaving and I'll probably stay out late too.

She gave me a nod.
A fucking nod.

I decided to hang out with Jace and Cole. My only regret now was telling them how I tried to kiss Camille last night and how she shrugged me off.

Cole's apartment was smaller than mine, but very simple and had this modern thing about it.

The apartment is very angular and artistic with modern elements such as brushed nickel light fixtures and light wooden accents.
With the furniture being comfortable and overstuffed with soft curved lines and little ornate detailing.

"In Acelin's defence, he probably looked like a complete douche in that fancy suit and tie." Jace laughed.

"Maybe she has a boyfriend" Cole insisted.

"I don't think so, she'd have mentioned it." I add "Either way, it doesn't matter."

Jace turned around to look at me. "If it doesn't matter Ace, why are you tightening your fists?"

•CAMILLE•

"Why don't you shout that louder so the whole mall can hear you" I roll my eyes, sarcasm laced in my words.

"If that's what you want. EVERYONE MY VIRGIN F-"

I interrupt him by shutting his mouth with my hands "You need Jesus and a gallon of holy water."

Kade licks my hand, causing me to scream "You're horrible."

"Well, the ladies don't seem to think so." he laughs, pointing at a group of girls sitting at the table right across us.

"Well, they probably don't know you're a complete douche with a tongue piercing and tattoo." I retort.

He grabs his drink from the table. "Two tattoos actually. I'd say get one, but you're boring and never try new things."

"In my defence, new things don't like me. Remember the one time I tried to kiss a random stranger then he proceeded to barf all over me." I cringe as the image flashed through my head.

"In his defence, he had too much to drink and you have bad taste."

"I guess it's drag Camille day huh?" I laugh.

"That's every day." he grins "More importantly we need to do something today."

"I need to look for a job." I facepalm "I can't ask you to buy me tampons"

"I can get those for free at the magic condom shop." he laughs

"Stop it, Kade! I'm being serious" I sigh

"Okay okay. Let's do something fun today then we can go look for a job tomorrow after class. Deal?" He says, stretching his arm out.

I hesitate.
I want to get this job as soon as I can but time out with Kade always helps me feel like less of a bum.

That is when he isn't being a complete dickhead.

"Fine. Only because I may be avoiding Acelin." I say, receiving his hand.

"Whatever, we're going to have the craziest Karaoke night. You have to let the world hear that beautiful voice." He says, taking a swig out of his soda. "And you're avoiding Acelin because you think you want to get in his pants which is understandable my virgin friend."

"Oh shut up, let's go"

"Okay, right after I get the waitresses number. I can tell, she wants me."

I roll my eyes at him.
Of course, she does.

Bright lights, the clattering of glasses and alcohol.
We were at the karaoke bar.
Tables surrounding the stage, the bar was dark but at the same time very well lit.

Everywhere looked so close together, like everyone here knew each other.
But that wasn't it, the people here were just nice people bound together by singing.

The stage was small, but it served its purpose considering it was just right for one person and a small group of people to perform.

The air smelled like soda, alcohol and the minty air freshener they always sprayed.

Kade and I picked an empty table and seat. "Trust me Camille, you'll love it."

I scoffed "Maybe I will, as long as I don't have to sing in front of this entire audience. I'm good"

"But you said you would" Kade whined. "I'm going to get us drinks, think about it okay?"

"Okay" I mumble, as Kade leaves me to get drinks.

I tap my fingers rapidly on the shiny wooden table, getting accustomed to the annoying sound and earning stares of people passing by.

Maybe I should text Acelin.
I don't want him to worry.

No. I can't.

I don't want him to think I'm mad at him for trying to kiss me.

Yeah, it was an asshole move but I'm not mad.

It's just weird now because I thought we could be friends.

But, he had to go and ruin everything by trying to lock lips with me.

"Hi, are you okay?"

I raise my head from the table and my eyes meet a guy, that isn't Kade.

His eyes remind me of mine.
Dark shiny eyes.

He runs his hand through his muffled brown hair, tilting his head to the side.

Probably wondering why I haven't spoken.

"Hi" I perk up "Sorry, I was just doing a lot of thinking."

He takes Kade's seat without asking. "I could tell. Want to talk about it?"

I can't help but stifle a laugh. "Why would I tell a complete stranger the wonderful misadventures of my life?"

"Because this stranger thinks you're beautiful and wouldn't mind helping you get off whatever's bothering you." he grins.

"Flattery will get you nowhere." I giggle

"Oh damn, I thought we were getting somewhere." he laughs.

"Well" I feign a sigh "Here's the summary. I'm broke, I need a job and you're sitting on my best friend's seat."

He leans back on his chair. " There are lots of job openings, I'm sure you just have to look in the right places"

"I will. I just haven't gotten around to it yet. Here's my best friend" I say, motioning to Kade, coming over with drinks.

"Am I interrupting something?" Kade asks, handing me my drink. "Doesn't matter, you're the first performance of the night!"

I spit out my drink. "Kade! I said I wasn't doing this."

"Please Camille, you have such a wonderful voice. I think this is what you need as well."  Kade begs.

"What song did you pick?" I ask, already knowing the answer.

"Your favourite. Time with you by Elle Carmen." he replies, taking a hand and running it through my hair "You'll do amazing."

Our bickering is interrupted by the host. "Ladies and gentlemen, who is excited?!"

The crowd erupts into applause and cheering.
"Alright! Today is a special day as you all know. It's our four year anniversary!" The host yells.

"We will be giving out a thousand dollars to the best performance today!"

Once again, the crowd erupts into cheers.

"Without further ado, the first performer today is Miss Camille Ray performing time with you by Elle Carmen" the host announces.

"You'll do amazing, get up there" says Kade, squeezing my shoulder.

The stranger I just met grabs my arm on my way to the stage. "If you need support, just look in my direction. I make the best weird faces" he grins.

I smile and make my way on stage. After this, I will chop off Kade's limbs and ensure I feed it to him. Grilled!

Once I get on stage, I forget how to breathe.
But of course, my body does a reminder by causing me to choke and remember I need to breathe to live.

"Hi everyone." I say into the microphone.

"Hi Camille!" everyone replies, causing me to smile a little.

"Ready?" The host asks "Relax "

I take deep breaths "Ready.''

The music starts and I allow it to engulf me.
The melodies relax the tense nerves.
It feels like I'm in another universe, as I close my eyes and relax.

This song means everything to me.
It triggers nostalgia, happiness and warmth.

I miss the first few lines of the song, getting consumed by every beat, every sound.

Then, I open my mouth.

To sing.

The words come out of my mouth perfectly, not a single stutter.
I was in my element.

I smile a bit as I hear Kade screaming profanities and cheers.
"FUCKING YES CAMILLE. FUCK YEAH"

For me, time means nothing.
Nothing without you.
You're everything I need, oh I love you.
...

I could hear people exclaim when I hit the high notes. Notes I probably couldn't hit.
But I had sung this song so many times, it felt natural.

And soon after, I did it.
I finished singing the song.

The crowd is ballistic.
Screaming, cheering, shouting my name.

I head down from the stage, on my way to meet Kade and the same stranger from earlier runs up to me "You did amazing!"

"Thanks" I say, flashing a toothy grin "I'm glad I didn't pass out."

"I never got to introduce myself." he grins "I'm Ian. Ian Myers"

My face immediately goes pale.

Ian Myers.
I know this name.

"Oh my God, are you th-"

"My dad owns the magazine you're probably thinking about." he laughs. "You're in college?"

"Yes, I am." I reply "English major."

"That's great." he says, dipping his hand into his pocket to bring out his business card. "Show at the office with your resumè and everything. This weekend, at 10 am. See you then Camille."