It was exceptionally chilly, but thankfully, the concert was indoors.Jessica, Emily, and I were waiting in the town square for Marco and a friend of his who I knew nothing about.
My mom was hesitant about letting me go, but she did her best to support me since she knew a parent would be with us.I disliked lying to her, but wasn't that just what kids did sometimes?
I wore a pair of black platform boots that offered little warmth, and my feet were freezing.Marco was always punctual, so I wasn't surprised he arrived right on time.We had arrived early to ensure our plan went smoothly.Emily looked a bit anxious, but I kept quiet, wanting her to feel comfortable with their relationship.
Jessica lit up a cigarette, which I disapproved of, but she insisted it was just for when we were out.
“Why is it so cold today?My hands are turning blue!”Jessica exclaimed, shivering as she tried to take a drag from her cigarette.
“Stop smoking and tuck your hands in; I'm sure they'll warm up,” I replied, giving her a disapproving look.
“Marco's here!”Emily said, her excitement palpable.
I turned to see a blue electric Volkswagen Golf pull up in front of us.Marco was the first to step out of the passenger side, followed by his friend.I didn't recognize this guy; I didn't know him.He had short, light hair, was thin, and wore black-framed glasses.He smiled at us shyly.
“Hey, girls!This is my friend Matteo,” Marco introduced, glancing around at us.
“Nice to meet you all.Well, I already know you, Emily,” Matteo said, extending his hand to me and Jessica but not to Em.Of course, he knew her; they must have spent quite a bit of time together, which I knew nothing about.
I shook his cold hand, and we all climbed into Matteo's car.Jessica squeezed into the middle while Emily and I sat on either side.It was cramped, but at least warm.
The ride was estimated to take about an hour and 16 minutes according to the GPS.The venue was a warehouse outside of Rome, so we could avoid the chaos of the city.
Once we left town, Matteo started driving fast, and while I felt uneasy about it, I tried to trust Marco’s judgment.I gripped my seat during the turns, the loud music blaring, attempting to keep calm.I had no intention of ending my life on the road, at least not before I had a chance to kiss Zane.
I started thinking about how a week had passed without any messages from him.I panicked and didn't respond to his text.Just when I thought I knew what to say, it was already the next morning, and I figured it was too late.
I had trouble sleeping that night, constantly checking my phone, hoping for a new message.I was torn between wanting to reach out and the fear of saying the wrong thing.I felt so insecure and lost.
Matteo seemed to have watched too much Formula One, and I knew I should say something, but I didn't want to be the one to complain.Just then, Marco turned around to check on us, likely concerned about my scared expression, and asked Matteo to slow down.
The music was so loud that conversation was difficult; instead, we all got lost in our thoughts.There were a few close calls on the road, and honestly, I would have preferred if a parent had driven us instead.But kids crave adventure, and I was supposed to come along.
We arrived about ten minutes early.The parking lot was packed, forcing us to walk a distance before reaching the entrance, which had a long line.Waiting in the cold felt like punishment, but we had no choice.As we stood there making small talk, Marco opened his coat and pulled out a bottle of Coke.
“Who wants some?”he asked.Instinctively, I reached for it, just like I always did when he offered.
“I'm thirsty,” I said as I opened the bottle.After my first sip, I realized it wasn't just Coke.“What is this?”I grimaced in disgust, and everyone laughed.
“It's whiskey and Coke.Enjoy,” Marco replied with a grin, as if nothing had changed between us.Was I acting the same?I handed the bottle back to him, and he offered it to Emily, who took a few sips, followed by Jessica, and soon everyone had a turn until it was empty.
Surprisingly, it did help warm me from the inside.After about half an hour of waiting, our conversations became livelier.Finally, we stepped inside, and a wave of warm air enveloped us, prompting me to quickly remove my coat.
People were gathering near the stage, and we found ourselves near the back of the crowd.There were hundreds of people milling about, and I scanned the crowd for Zane, unsure if he'd be here or even interested in this band.I tried to stay composed while my head spun from looking at so many faces in such a short time.
When the band came out, the crowd erupted in screams and jumps.It was wild.I wasn't one to openly express my emotions, but inside, I was ecstatic.For the next two hours, I lost myself in the music, singing along to my favorite songs and trying to capture the moment in my mind.
Then, unexpectedly, I felt someone brush against my hand and my hair.I felt as if someone had taken my wrist gently and slowly moved his fingers down to my palm and then tangled with my fingers.I turned around, but no one I recognized was there; everyone was too busy with their own excitement.
My heart fluttered madly, like a bird dreaming of the sky, as I scanned the crowd: couples, guys jumping, others recording videos.I had no clue who had touched me.I didn't want to sound delusional, even if it was just in my head.I couldn't possibly entertain the thought that it might have been Zane.That seemed impossible; he wouldn't come to this concert.He wouldn't come near me with Jessica standing right in front of me.
I spun around, trying to lullaby my heart.The concert had ended, but I felt more exhilarated than when we first walked in.As we filed out in what felt like an endless line, I desperately searched the crowd but found nothing.Even when we reached the car, I continued to look around, but it was all in vain.
The journey home felt like a blur, faster than before, and I did my best to appear nonchalant.Somehow, we ended up at a brewery bar in the neighboring town.I texted my mom, letting her know we were back but had decided to stop for a chat.She seemed relieved and suggested I go home soon.
I had visited this place a few times before with Marco and the whole gang.The guys ordered beers for all of us to celebrate the concert we had just enjoyed.Finally, I began to unwind, feeling secure on solid ground.
Suddenly, a drunken stranger stumbled up from behind, wrapping his arms around me and knocking my beer over.I turned, confused, as I had no clue who he was.I attempted to shove him away, but his mumbled words were incomprehensible.
