Asher tapped on my window, scaring the shit out of me.

"Time's a ticking. Let's go." He said as I opened the door and climbed out, Bella and Isla doing the same. "Bella, Malibu Barbie." He nodded to them as they joined my side.

"Asher, what's going on?" I asked. "What's with the crypticness and why doesn't Chase know we're here?"

"Let's walk and talk, girls." Asher replied as he gestured to a dirt path that he was illuminating with the light from his phone. I rolled my eyes but followed him anyways.

"So?" I prompted.

"Chase doesn't know you're here because it's a surprise." Asher explained.

"Is it his birthday?" Isla asked from behind me.

"No, Malibu Barbie. It's not his birthday." He said, stepping over some rocks.

"Okay, so what?" Bella asked.

"Chase is going to partake in an activity that he specifically told me not to tell Indie about." Asher stated.

"So, then why did you invite her?" Isla questioned as she tripped and grabbed my arm to steady herself.

"A surprise. I just said." Asher turned to face us. "Okay listen, we're just about there. I'm going to take you to where you can sit, and don't move around until I come back"

I glanced back at my friends who looked as confused as I was, before turning around and following Asher once again. A couple of minutes later, and the path opened up to a concrete pad that housed a few picnic tables. To the left was a huge, empty pool. On the other side of the pool there was a makeshift band set up, a couple of amps that were plugged into a small generator. There was around 60 or so people here. I glanced around trying to find any familiar faces but turned up empty handed. Asher led us to a picnic table that was the furtherest back from the empty pool, halfway blocked by a tree.

"Sit." Asher ordered, and we obliged. "I'll be back. Wait here." He walked off.

I placed my bag on the bench beside me, I was sitting on the bench that was facing the empty pool. Bella was sitting opposite me, and Isla was sitting to my right. Bella was glancing around our surroundings with an excited expression, this scene was heaven for her. My eyes drifted over all of the party guests, noticing the guys were dressed similar to how Chase and Asher dress, jeans and hoodies, checkered flannels and vans. The girls were dressed how Bella styled me for the show we saw last week.

"I want a drink." Isla said, nodding to a foldout white table that had a stack of red solo cups, various liquor bottles, and a keg. 

"Me too, but I guess we'll have to wait." I muttered, still throughly confused at the events that were occurring.

"Oh, look something is happening." Isla pointed towards the edge of the empty pool where people were starting to gather.

"Maybe it's like a super secret set from a band from the city." Bella said excitedly.

"Or not." I stated as I saw Asher run to the band set up, picking up the electric guitar and throwing the strap over his shoulder.

"I didn't know Asher played in a band." Bella said, cocking her head, a new found interest in Asher.

"I didn't either." I watched as a guy with a shaved head sat down at the drums, a long haired blonde guy picked up the bass, a brown haired boy sat down at keyboard.

"You don't think..." Bella trailed off and I knew exactly what she was thinking. I found it hard to believe Chase was in a band and didn't mention it to me, however.

"Look." Isla said. My suspicions were confirmed as Chase entered my view, a guitar already strapped to his side. He walked over to the centre of the set, where the mic was standing. I watched with my mouth open, as this Chase was nothing like the Chase I had become familiar with in the last week. He wore ripped jeans, and his signature hoodie layered with an open button up long-sleeve, the hood of his sweater draped over his head. He was dripping in absolute confidence, a bounce in his step, and a cocky grin on his face.

"Thank you everyone for coming out!" Chase said into the mic, his voice like pure velvet, void of the stammering he typically had when he spoke to me. "It's been a while since we played out here. I hope you guys enjoy it. Actually, you're all drunk as fuck, so I know you will." The small crowed started to cheer. He raised his arms up at the crowd, smiling and nodding his head. "Let's get fucking started then."

Asher started playing the guitar first, Chase quickly joining, and the others following into an upbeat song. They played for a few bars before Chase leaned into the mic and started singing.

"I heard you're doing okay, but I want you to know, I'm adic- I'm addicted to you."

I felt my jaw drop, his voice was amazing.

"I can't pretend I don't care, when you don't think about me. Do you think I deserve this?
I tried to make you happy, but you left anyways."

Chase threw his head forward as the beat picked up.

"I'm trying to forget that I'm addicted to you.
But I want it, and I need it. I'm addicted to you.
Now it's over, can't forget what you said.
And I never, want to do this again.
Heartbreaker. Heartbreaker. Heartbreaker."

I glanced at Bella, who was watching with a bewildered expression. My eyes quickly moved back to Chase, it was like seeing his alter ego come out. I couldn't believe it.

"Since the day I met you
And after all we've been through
I'm still a dick, I'm addicted to you
I think you know that it's true
I'd run a thousand miles to get you
Do you think I deserve this
I tried to make you happy
I did all that I could
Just to keep you
But you left anyway."

Chase had his eyes closed as he dropped his guitar and brought both of his hands to clasp the mic. If I thought he looked passionate about photography, this was a whole other level. The guests were clearly loving it, as they sang the song with him and danced as Chase sang the chorus again.

"How long will I be waiting?
Until the end of time
I don't know why I'm still waiting
I can't make you mine."

I found that I couldn't tear my eyes away from him. Sweet, quiet Chase from photography class by day, rockstar by night, apparently.

"I'm addicted to you, heartbreaker."

The song started to end, the notes trailing off.

"You guy's loved that shit, right?" Chased purred into mic, in a low voice that was oozing sex appeal. "Alright, thanks for coming out, guys. We appreciate it."

The band started to peel their instruments off them, as the girls from the crowd flocked to the makeshift stage. I watched as Asher joined Chase, pulling him in for once of those bro-hug things that guys do, as they greeted the girls. Chase looked at ease with all the attention, laughing with the girls and returning their hugs. He wrapped one hand around the shoulders of a girl with red hair, smirking down at her as he spoke to her.

"Indie, snap out of it." I heard Bella's voice say. I quickly gathered my attention and turned to her. "I said, what the fuck was that?"

"He seriously didn't mention it?" Isla asked. "I mean, I get that maybe it didn't come up, but you would think with your dad being John Adams, he would have said something." My dad used to be the lead guitarist in a once extremely popular band.

"He didn't even hint to it." I said blankly.

"How hot was that though?" Bella said, wiggling her eyebrows at me.

"Extremely." Isla agreed.

"It's just so weird, it was like he was a completely different person." I said, my eyes trailing back to find him. He was standing with a Asher, a beer in his hand, looking like he didn't have a care in the world.

"I guess you've only really known him for a week, though." Bella said, her eyes following mine until they landed on Chase and Asher. "Oh. Wait. Look."

I watched as their conversation seemed to take a serious turn. Asher was awkwardly scratching the back of his neck as Chase deadpanned to whatever he said. Chase lifted his head to the sky as he brought one hand up to rub his forehead. He shook his head as Asher pointed in our direction. Chase snapped his head towards us, his confidence seemingly drifting away. I raised one hand in small wave as he made eye contact. He only looked at me for second before turning back towards Asher, giving him a small shove and walking off.

"Oh." I felt my face drop. "Seems like he doesn't want me here." I watched as Asher turned and darted towards us.

"So?" Asher asked as he approached us, his face in a wide smile.

"You guys are awesome!" Isla exclaimed. "Why didn't you tell us you were in a band?"

"I was under strict orders." Asher said, winking at me.

"Asher, you look hot when you play the guitar." Bella purred at him, leaning over towards him. Asher's eyebrows shot up, as he turned towards her with a smirk.

"Well, well. Miss Bella. Would you care for a drink?" He placed his hand out towards her, which she eagerly took, standing up. As he led her towards the beverage table, she turned around to shoot us a wink.

"Well. I guess Jake is officially out of the picture." Isla giggled. "Should we get a drink?"

I nodded, standing up, as Isla grabbed my hand. "Hey. Don't worry about Chase. He probably had something to do. I'm sure there's not a specific reason he doesn't want you here." She said as we approached the table.

"Yeah. Maybe." I muttered as she poured herself some vodka. I served myself some soda, as I was driving.

"If it isn't the princesses of Lakeview High." We turned to see a group of four guys approaching us. "What brings you to the hole?" The blonde one at the front of the pack said.

"Asher invited us." I said warily, unsure of how this conversation was going to.

"Oh word? Asher is our boy." He smiled as he filled his cup from the keg. "I didn't know you guys were... acquainted." He smiled at us.

"Asher's been holding out." I recognized the drummer say.

"It's recent." Isla said, as she brought her cup to her lips.

"Ah. Well, it's a good time here. I'm Noah. It's nice to meet you." He said genuinely as he extended his hand to me. I shook it quickly before he did the same to Isla.

"Indie Adams." I smiled at him.

"Isla O'Brien." Isla introduced herself.

Noah introduced the other guys to us. The drummer was Nate. The other boys were named Elijah and Lucas.

"So then Asher and Chase ran down the street, butt naked, because they had locked the keys in the car with their clothes. It was classic." Noah was telling us about their last party. Isla was clutching my shoulder as we were both huddled over in laughter.

"Indie." I heard Chase's voice say. I snapped my head up, and found him standing next to me.

"Chase! Hey." I smiled at him.

"Hey, man. You know Indie? I was just telling her about the last time we were here." Noah said to Chase, raising his hand for a fist bump.

"Yeah, I know Indie." Chase snapped at him, ignoring Noah's fist completely. Noah dropped it with a confused look on his face, and I awkwardly glanced between them. "Indie, can uh- we talk?"

I looked at Isla, who nodded and gave me a thumbs up before following Chase who had already walked over to a unoccupied picnic table. I sat down beside him and smiled at him.

"You were amazing, Chase. I didn't know you could sing like that." I told him.

"I didn't know Asher was going to invite you." He said awkwardly, giving me a half smile.

"Yeah, the whole thing was very secretive. I hope it's okay that I came though." I noticed the nervousness in my own voice, I really hope Chase didn't mind I was here.

"Uh, yeah. Yeah, it's fine. I just didn't think this would be your scene." He said, gesturing to the rest of the party.

"What do you think is my scene?" I asked him genuinely curious.

"Ah, I don't know. A house party in some mansion, with the other rich kids, probably." Chase stated.

I frowned at him. "Oh."

"Not that it's a bad thing." He hurried out.

"No?" I looked down at my hands. I wasn't feeling great about this conversation. Even though he wasn't outright saying it, it felt like he was implying that I was a snob.

Chase studied my face, staring at me for moment before he placed his hands on my shoulders and smiled. "Let's start over. Hi, Indie. I'm glad you're here."

I peeked up at him. "You are?"

Chase titled his head, he slid his hands down my arms, resting his arms on the tops of my legs and gripping the underside of my elbows. "Of course I am."

I smiled back at him. "Well, I'm glad to be here. So, why didn't you tell me that you were in a band?"

"It's just for fun. Not really a big deal."

"No way. It's a big deal. You guys are really good." I told him sincerely, and watched as a genuine smile crept onto his lips.

"You think so?" He asked.

"Of course. How could I not?" Chase didn't answer, he just continued to look at me.

"Why are you staring at me?" I asked. If Bella didn't blend my makeup properly, I'm officially going to kill her.

"You look really pretty tonight, Indie." Chase said calmly. I smiled as I felt the blush creep onto my cheeks.

"Are you going to introduce me Chase?" Lauren said as she plopped onto the bench opposite from us. She smiled at me.

"Lauren, right?" I smiled back at her.

"Indie Adams knows my name? I am so writing this in my diary tonight." She propped her elbows on the table, resting her head on her hands.

I giggled. "Yeah, Chase told me earlier this week."

She raised her eyebrows towards Chase, who chuckled. "She asked if you were my girlfriend."

Her face morphed into a look of disgust. "Ew. No offence Chase, but.. Blurgh." She made a gagging noise before she turned and pointed to the bassist. "That's my boyfriend, Tommy. Going on three years." She turned back to face us, giving Chase a look I couldn't read. "Besides, Chase only has eyes for one girl."

I raised my eyebrows at Chase, who suddenly let go of my arms and leaned down on the table in embarrassment. "Oh, do tell." I teased.

Lauren laughed, patting Chase on the back, who lifted his head to shoot her a warning glance. "All I'll say is, she's closer than you think."

***

AN:

The song Chase sings is called "Addicted" by Simple Plan. It's a great song.