Hefting my bag of supplies over my shoulder, I picked up the karaoke machine and locked up. Friday night on campus was nice. It was dry, although cool, and the sparkly lights through the trees for the Christmas decorations kept the sidewalks well-lit. I passed several people, some I knew, some I didn’t, and smiled at them anyway.
I didn’t recognize myself. I was not this happy, outgoing person. Had he really changed me this much? Was Gray randomly smiling at people? The thought caused me to grin wider. No, Gray would probably be glaring at all and sundry as per his normal attitude.
He wasn’t saying anything, but I knew he was devastated that he was losing the rest of the season. Three broken bones and a fracture in his thumb meant he wasn’t catching a ball anytime soon. I wanted to reprimand him for his recklessness, but I also knew why he did it, and I couldn’t scold him for his actions when they were a resultof keeping me safe.
Of course, if I had been honest, would it have happened? Yes. Probably sooner, and he could have been in jail already.
Sighing as I walked, I realized the machine may be portable, but it was freaking heavy. I was only halfway there as well. The theater was on the opposite end of the campus and was in a lovely enclosed green area that gave it a serene and peaceful feeling. It was a gorgeous campus, I realized as I walked and appreciated it. The rows of dorm houses were kept in streets central to the campus, with the teaching buildings scattered throughout, giving the student a real sense of community and belonging.
The campus was big on its landscaping, and everything just felt very natural. Lots of trees, shrubbery, and grass made it pleasing to walk through. I kept that thought up all the way to the turn off for the theater, and then I was looking at the surrounding trees and woodland with a more critical eye. Where the sidewalks and paths through campus had been populated, the path to the theater wasn’t as well-lit and looked a little bit creepy.
Ava had managed to get the theater open, but the lights leading up to it were dim, and not all were fully lit. Glancing back over my shoulder, I checked to see if the girls were heading my way. Maybe I should wait here? What if it wasn’t open? My feet slowed, and I put the karaoke machine down as I thought about it.
After another furtive glance over my shoulder, I shook my head at myself. Gray would be calling me chicken, and I would be furious because he was right. With determination, I picked up the machine and made my way toward the theater.
I told myself I didn’t jump at the snap of a twig, which was probably me and not someone lurking in the shrubbery. As if there would be someone in the bushes? I needed to stop watching TV shows on Netflix.
At the side door, I tried the handle, and it opened easily. Again, I hesitated. Which was worse? To stay outside and jump at imaginarysounds, or go inside the empty building where the door had been left open all evening?
Biting my lip, I considered my options. Firing out a quick text to Ava to see how long she was going to be, I then texted Gray.
Me:Standing outside the theater, alone, in the semi-dark. Do I go into the vacant building or stay out in the dark and wait?
I waited and was frustrated when he didn’t immediately respond. Ugh, I wasthatgirl. I looked at the message and then copied it and sent it to Jett, who answered immediately, which just irked me more.
Jett:Why are you alone?
Jett:Does Gray know?
Me:Waiting for your girl and I dunno, I texted him the same question as you but he didn’t answer
Bitchy much?
Jett:Hang on
I hung. Two seconds later, my phone rang.
“Hey,” I greeted him.
“What the fuck you hanging about in the dark for?” Gray asked me, and I rolled my eyes at his temper. “Why wouldn’t you wait for Ava?”
“Because I told them I would meet them here and I got bored waiting, but I’m not going to lie, it’s kinda creepy in the dark. I mean the door’s open, but I dunno . . . I don’t want to go in. I should stop watching horror movies.”
“You should stop being so impatient,” Gray scolded. “Go in and stay on the phone with me until they get there.”
I instantly felt foolish and childish. “You don’t need to do that. I can hear the team. You’re all together, go be with them. They need motivational Gray to psyche them up for tomorrow.”
“I’m staying on the phone with you,” he told me firmly, and I heard him move away from the others.
“I’m being silly,” I confessed.
“Meh, you were always silly.”
“Is this the kind of motivational speeches you give the team?” I teased as I made my way to the auditorium. Pushing the door to the main theater, I heard him laugh, and the sound made me smile.
“No. I swear a lot, threaten to bust their asses and smash their heads.”
“I completely believe this to be true.” I laughed as I made my way down toward the stage. “This place is huge,” I commented as I looked around. “And really, really creepy.”
