“There you go.” Chris said, placing the last bandage over the cut next to Terri’s eye.
“Thanks.” Terri said, sliding off the counter. She followed Chris into the main room, and curled up on the couch.
“Do you like anything on your grilled cheese?” Chris asked, rummaging under the counter for a frying pan.
“Tomato, if you’ve got any.”
“Sure, you want to cut a few slices? I like it, too.”
Terri reluctantly stood up and walked into the kitchen area. All she wanted to do right now was go home and sleep, but she was too scared to go back to the apartment without knowing Danica was there. She pulled a tomato out of the refrigerator, and grabbed a large knife to slice it with.
Terri sighed as she looked at the blade on the knife. The metal was cool to the touch as she ran her finger over it. She sliced a few pieces of tomato, before retreated to her corner of the couch. Chris brought over two plates a few minutes later. He set them on the table next to the glasses of iced tea, and sat down on the opposite corner of the couch. Terri picked up her plate and began to slowly eat her sandwich. Chris just sat and looked at her, not touching his.
“What?” Terri asked crossly after a moment. She was tired of being started at like some circus freak.
“I’m just worried about you. The cuts and bruises. The life that was in your eyes is gone. I haven’t known you all that long, but I can tell you’ve changed overnight.” Chris said. He took a deep breath and waited for the reply.
“How would you know if I’ve changed? I told you, I don’t want to talk about, so I wish you would respect that and eat your lunch. I fell, I was clumsy, and that’s that.” Terri spoke in a voice so calm, it was eerie.
“No, I won’t drop it.” Chris knew he was picking a fight, but he had to get the story out of her. “I know Jason had something to do with this, and I want to know what.”
“Chris, please, don’t. I don’t want to talk about this, I can’t. I’m not ready. I need to heal first, and I don’t just mean the cuts. Jesus, I wish you knew when to just shut up.” Terri stood up, wiping a few stray tears away from her face.
“I know I’m pressing the issue, and I shouldn’t, but you need to do something, go to the police, tell someone!” Chris walked and stood behind Terri.
“Please, just give me time. I need to think about everything.” Terri said softly, looking out the window.
“Okay, I’ll drop it for now. But you will tell me eventually. Promise?”
Terri nodded. “Promise.”
A week later, Terri’s face had pretty much healed, and she and Chris were spending almost everyday together. He was worried about her, and she liked having him around, so it worked out for the best.
“What are you doing tonight?” Chris asked as soon as Terri answered the phone.
“Hello to you, too, Chris. And not much, why?”
“We are celebrating tonight, baby!!”
“Oh my God, the meeting was today, with TransCon…you got it?!?!”
"We got it!!!” Chris shouted into the phone. He had finally got his group together, and they went to a small record company, TransCon, to audition.
“Congrats, Chris, that’s so great. What time should I be ready?”
“7, and dress sharp. We’re going out for a night on the town.”
“I’ll be ready,” Terri said, smiling. She could see Chris, dancing around his apartment celebrating.
“Bye, love.”
“Bye.”
Terri hung up the phone and spun around in a circle, squealing.
“So, what did he have to say?” Danica asked, looking over the top of her glasses. She was curled up in a chair, going over papers for work.
“They got the record deal, Nica!! He’s gonna be huge!!” Terri said, collapsing on the couch.
“It’s about time, too. So, you two going on a date to celebrate?”
“We’re going out, but it’s not a date. We’re just friends.” Terri defended herself.
“Right. And the sky is green.”
“We are, Nica. I swear. He’s just not…me, you know?”
“Deny all you want, I see the way you look at each other. You’re hooked.”
“Whatever, Danica. I’m going to go shower and get ready.”
Terri was dressed and ready at 7. She had chosen an outfit for dancing. She knew Chris and his friends were going to have to let off some steam. A short black skirt hugged her lower body while a shiny long-sleeved red v-neck showed off the upper body dancing gave her. She had just pulled her hair back with the doorbell rang.
"Terri, you’re dates here!” Danica shouted loud enough that there was no doubt Chris heard her.
“Shut up, Nica. You’ll pay for this.” Terri hissed as she walked towards the door. Chris was standing there, and Terri could of swore he was blushing a bit.
“Wow.” Chris said, his eyes widening at the site of Terri. He knew she was a pretty girl, but tonight she was a knock-out.
"Thanks,” Terri giggled, giving him a brief kiss on the cheek. “Ready to go?”
“Yup. I can’t wait to get out there and dance. I mean, this whole day has been so amazing.”
“I can imagine…it would be like me getting excepted to the National Dance Company. I can’t wait to meet the rest of these guys you keep talking about.” Terri said as Chris opened her door.
“Well, you met Joe already. The rest of them are awesome, Josh, Justin and Lance. We sound amazing together…the first time we sang, I got goosebumps. This is my dream, Terri. It’s finally happening.”
“I’m so proud of you Chris. This is going to be one hell of a ride.”
Chris reached over and gently squeezed Terri’s hand. “I’m glad you’re going to be along for it.”
“Me, too.” Terri smiled at him as the pulled into a parking space near the club.
“Wow, this was a lucky break. This place is packed.” Chris said, getting out of the car.
“The line’s already halfway down the block. Maybe we’ll meet your friends in it…” Terri mused.
“Well, m’lady, it’s party time. I promise you a fun-filled evening.” Chris said, grabbing her hand and walking to the end of the line.