I rear back in surprise. So he does speak. Nothing but nonsense, apparently.
‘I think we “both” know that’s not true and that this is a straightforward case of theft,’ I say lightly, trying not to let my voice falter. ‘I know I grabbed it first because I saw it happen with my own eyes. I was there.’
‘You were there,’ he repeats, like he’s struggling to understand the concept.
‘Yes, I was there. Not to mention I have a height advantage.’
I’m practically stamping my foot with frustration, not unlike a toddler. I suppose I mightnotbe taller than him. Hennie’s tiara might add a few centimetres at best, but we’re probably the same height.
I eye his dark locks again, wondering how much product he uses to make them look so flawlessly, messily tousled. There is also an immaculate curl sitting amongst the locks resting against his temple that makes him infinitely more irritating to look at.
He looks unconvinced as he gives me a once over, his gaze lingering on my tiara. ‘Your crown might give you an extra inch, but you hardly have a height advantage with me.’
I blink. ‘It’s atiara, not a–’
‘Sorry, you definitely didn’t catch this first and I don’t think you can just claim it as yours fairly.’ He doesn’t sound remotely apologetic. ‘Maybeyoucould be a “good sport” and let go though, while we’re exchanging ideas,’ he offers before turning away to face the stage.
I follow his gaze to see the band walking off to the last cheers and claps from the crowd. They disappear behind a blackcurtain, and for a second I can scarcely believe they were even here in the first place.
With a start, I realise that the show is actually over. And I’m still here, despite the lingering traces of anxiety racing through my body.
I’ve done it.
I survived my worst nightmare and wildest dream all at once. I stood in a crowd of people. Stayed. Endured. And I kept my nervous system under control. My chest expands with pride and for a second, I wish I could bask in this feeling.
But sadly, no time. I make a note to myself to celebrate this later and turn back to the more urgent task at hand.
I look down at the worn drumstick: my hand holding one side, his gripping the other. I’m not sure if there is any point in being transparent or attempting to elicit some kind of compassion from him, but I decide I might as well try before I have to consider getting on my knees in front of this man.
‘Listen, I know for a fact that I had a hold of it first and I love this band more than anything so I really, really have to insist that you let go.Please.’ My words come out in a desperate rush.
I’m not above violence, but I’m also apparently not above begging.
I stare into his eyes imploringly, trying to communicate to him without any further explanation that I don’t just want this thing. Ineedit.
I need to keep a piece of this day as a reminder to myself that I haddonethis. It would always serve me as a reminder on the bad days that I know will come, that there is a strength and resilience inside me that I can reach.
And finally, some proof. After months and years of hiding from the world, I could have physical evidence that I had done something. Proof that I had lived. And that maybe I can do it again, if I really wanted to. If I work hard enough.
Although I know it’s a selfish motivation, I can’t let this drumstick go. I will not. Not ever.
His cool gaze holds my own and he sighs with frustration. ‘I’d love to give it up, but you’re not the onlyone who really wants this.’
My attention snaps to Hennie as she appears beside me.
‘Where have you been?’ I ask her.
‘Sorry, someone knocked my phone out of my hand and I just risked my life to get it back. What on earth is all this?’ she asks, gesturing at the drumstick and our hands newly linked together.
‘Your first guess is probably correct,’ I say dully.
‘So… you caught Teddy’s stick and you’re kindly letting this gentleman touch it for a second?’ Hennie asks, casting a befuddled look at him.
‘Nope, he’s claiming we caught it at the same time,’ I say simply, knowing she will understand my predicament.
The crowd around us is slowly starting to disperse, but I can feel the glare of several amused eyes on us as they watch the scene unfold. I swear I even spot someone filming us with their phone. Sensational! With my luck it will go viral.
‘I hope this is a prank, pal,’ Hennie warns him. ‘For your own sake. I wouldn’t be surprised if she makes an attempt on your life.’
