Chapter Text
I was running late. Hopefully not too late. This was probably the last chance I had before my life would be forgotten and left to painful nostalgia—Lost to time, lost in his eyes. Nothing but stardust glitter and meaningless memories. Fuck.
It was, aggravatingly, difficult to navigate the labyrinth they called a venue. It was a smaller space, and flights of stairs seemed to be scattered haphazardly. Without signs, it felt like I was walking in circles.
I took a breath between flights of stairs. I was hurried, but nobody needed to know that. Nobody needed to know how urgent this was. I had a VIP lanyard wrapped around my neck, marked with a star on top. The cheap plastic marker meant I was allowed to certain areas blocked by crew members and security officers. I was going to see him again.
I wiped the sweat from my brow, and looked around the lobby. I was on the third floor. Front or back? Who knows. But I did know one thing— there was a star on one of the double doors, and I heard laughter. Instantly recognizable. There he was.
I was quick on my feet, darting past eager guests and security, lanyard flapping from side to side, and then behind me. Until I was there.
Out of breath, I managed to push out, “Sorry, I thought I had more time.”
“That’s okay. You’re here now, and luckily he’s been held up with a group photo. These girls will not settle down for a picture.” The security guard chuckled. I breathed out, relief.
“Come on in. Around the corner you’ll find the line. Just make sure you stay on your side, and not in front of the camera crew.”
“Okay, thank you so much.”
I flashed a nervous smile, and as the doors opened, I hurried inside. The crowd was smaller than I expected, but that would make for an easier appearance. I stood in line and waited and waited just like everyone else, but it never used to be this way.
_____ _____ _____
The wound that was our relationship was still fresh in my mind, a bruise that wouldn’t heal. I had told myself to let go, to fucking let go, but there was always a string tied to my heart—tangled, knotted in the softest parts that ached and cried out throughout my body anytime I thought about him. Any time I thought about US.
What I needed was closure, a stitch to end it once and for all. Sharp scissors to snip the last remaining crimson string, and maybe I could finally let go. Maybe my soul could take a break, and let my body rest.
It was incredibly selfish of me to possibly ruin an entire night. But this was for me; No, it was for us. A moment away. A dream I could grasp. I wasn’t sure how he would react. My muscles tensed at the thought.
_____ _____ _____
All that was between him and me was a thin tri-fold divider. It honestly didn’t hide much; I could hear his voice, and see the large camera equipment peaking from over top. It hid only his frame, and the guests that were with him, until the cameras flashed and their silhouettes appeared only but for a moment.
And then it was the next guest, and the next, and the next. My heart raced with anticipation, excitement, dread. It crawled up to my throat, and the string pulled it back down. My body shuddered, nerves getting the best of my intent. It was my turn. Shit, it was my turn.
My eyes burned, and I realized I had forgotten to not only breathe, but blink. My hands were tingling, my heart racing. As I was pointed around the tri-fold, all I could see was a tall, smiling figure. His face was blurry, most likely from the nerves, partially from my eyes being dry.
He waved goodbye to the guest before me— a young tanned skin male with dark hair and dark eyes. I hadn’t even gotten a chance to look to him in line. He was wearing dark jeans and what looked like a handmade bedazzled tank. It was a decent look put together with the dark hair and smooth gait.
I blinked, and looked up. The knot was tight in my chest, but I was able to choke out,
“Hi Adam.”