It’s a fine Monday morning and as usual, I have classes today. I’m stuck with Joanna at first period, waiting for the professor’s arrival. The bell rang, but there’s still no sign of him.

“Fire! We definitely have to go to that concert!” Joanna squealed, distracting me.

I shot her a bored look and shook my head as an answer. She’s been bothering me for days about the upcoming concert tonight and I’ve been trying so hard to ignore her pleas.

She stomped her foot like a five year old girl and held me by the shoulders, interrupting me from finishing my essay in Literature. She showed me her puppy eyes and pleaded.

“Please, Fire! Mom and dad won’t let me go if you won’t be there!”

I groaned. I still have a lot of articles to finish and chores to do at home. I don’t have time to attend a freaking concert.

“No.”

Joanna blinked twice and bit her lip. She looks like she’s about to cry.

Oh, not again…

She slumped back on her chair and sulked. I could see her eyes glistening with tears.

I sighed and massaged the bridge of my nose.

She really knows how to get her way into this. She knows that I can’t stand seeing her cry.

She’s such a kid for using that against me.

She sobbed and made sure I heard it.

I groaned. Great.

“Fine! But we’ll go home after an hour, got it?”

Her eyes twinkled with joy. She quickly wiped her tears and attacked me with a hug. “Yay! But can we make that two hours, please?”

I sighed. “How about I just take back what I said and go back to sulking?”

She rolled her eyes and giggled. “Geez, I was just kidding! One hour is super fine with me!”

“Thought so.”

She went back to her chair when our professor came in. I glanced at my watch. He’s already late. Well, he’s always late.

And I groaned internally when I realized that I’m staying up late tonight.

Wearing my dark faded jeans, striped blouse, and black converse, I patiently waited for Joanna outside their mansion. I didn’t bother going inside since I was just picking her up. Gladly, my twin brother agreed to let me use one of his cars for tonight.

I really thought he wouldn’t say yes, since his cars are high class and expensive. I guess this isn’t his favorite toy.

I opened the door for Joanna when I saw her approaching. “Hi! Sorry for making you wait. You know how my folks are,” she smiled apologetically and tucked a stray hair behind her ear.

“It’s fine,” I muttered under my breath as I rolled down the windows to flash a smile and wave at her parents.

“Hey, Mr. And Mrs. Andres! We’ll be back before midnight!”

They waved back and returned my smile. Behind those smiles I could still see the hint of worry for their child.

“Have fun, girls!”

It’s just seven o’clock in the evening and the concert will start around eight, so we decided to eat at a diner around the corner.

I ordered burger and fries for myself, while Joanna had pasta and a salad.

“Eat half of my pasta, okay?”

I raised an eyebrow. “You’re on diet again? Seriously?”

Joanna’s already thin. She’s about to look like a stick if she keeps this up.

I don’t think I can handle her diet. I guess I would’ve died of hunger if I tried it.

“The dress that Travis gave me has to fit, okay? I’m going to wear it this weekend,” she pushed her plate towards me, encouraging me to eat half of her meal.

I shook my head. “I don’t get you, Anna. Starving yourself for some guy.”

She rolled her eyes. “She’s not just some guy, Sapphire! He’s my boyfriend and I love him!”

I snorted. “Well, does he love you?”

She looks taken aback by my question, but she quickly recovered. “Of course! In fact he’s going to introduce me to his family this weekend. That’s why I want to look nice and perfect, Fire. I don’t want to disappoint anyone.”

I sighed. “If he really loves you, he won’t let you starve yourself. And don’t worry about being a disappointment. You aren’t and you won’t be.”

She crossed her arms and looked away. I just shook my head and finished my meal.

We arrived just in time before the concert starts. On stage, Genesis, the band has their name in big, neon letters. And outside the arena, photos of them were posted everywhere. Those men are attractive. I got it, so I didn’t bother asking why Joanna’s a big fan of them.

It’s probably the looks. Joanna’s not a fan of music.

Joanna’s sitting comfortably in her chair, while I’m not. She hasn’t spoken a word since our conversation at the diner.

“Hey, Anna. About what I said earlier-”

She waved off her hand and smiled. “I get it, Fire. It’s alright. I know you’re just worried about me.”

I sighed in relief. I thought she was mad. I hate to bruise her feelings, but I just don’t want her to end up regretting her decisions.

I hugged her. “Then, don’t starve yourself, okay?”

She giggled. “Fine! Let’s enjoy the night!”

And then she screamed and cheered along with the crowd. Well, the boys just entered the arena.

This is going to be a wild night.