"Sure." Branalie said while scooting down the crowded bench, making room for him.
"So, tell me about yourself. What was your life like inTennessee?"
"I grew up in normal hicks-ville small town USA. In order for my mom to keep up with all the other mothers who were living their dreams through their daughters, she put me in cheerleading when I was really little. I've never stopped. I've always been the cheerleader."
"What made you decide to come up here?"
"I had to get out. I got myself in some trouble one summer, and rumors flew. I just couldn't stand everyone staring at me, whispering behind my back. What I did, you just don't do in a strict Methodist town. Not in my family."
"Do you want to talk about it?"
"No. Not right now. Not right here, in public."
"It's ok. Anytime you want to talk, I'm here." Ryan brought his hand to Branalie's cheek, leaning closer to her.
"Thanks, I need a friend right now." Branalie said as she gently kissed Ryan back. The sudden flash of a camera broke their embrace.
"What the hell?!?" Ryan exclaimed, standing up.
"I can just see the rumors flying now: 'Ryan dennis has a girlfriend'!" Dan chuckled, waving the camera in Ryan's face.
"Yea Ry, you'll be responsible for thousands on teenies going crazy." Stever joked, grabbing the camera from Dan and starting to run.
"Ok, now you guys are going to get it!" called Ryan, running after Dan and Stever. Branalie sat laughing on the bench and didn't see the shadow walk up to her.
"How could you?" hissed Jon, trying not to attract attention, avoiding the cameras.
"Jon, you know what happened between us during that summer ment nothing."
"Ment nothing? Branalie, we were in love. Remember I said I loved you, and I still do."
"No, Jon," Branalie said as she stood up, "remember who walked out on who? You took advantage of me."
"Wait! Branalie, come talk..." Jon called out after her, but it was too late. She was already in Ryan's arms walking out of the club, and into the black Explorer.
"Honey, what was Jon talking to you about?" Ryan asked, starting up the car.
"Oh, nothing, don't worry about it." Branalie whispered in his ear as she kissed him.
As Jon watched the car pull out of the parking lot, heading towards Ryan's house, Dan and Stever walked slowly out onto the dark sidewalk. "Do you think Ryan knows we know?" said Dan. "No, let's just keep this quiet, until this whole girlfriend-living-at-another-band-member's-house thing goes public. We'll just wait to see the fans reactions," said Stever, as the two walked back into the club, waiting for the onslaught of reporters, ready to inquire about the mystery girl on Ryan's arm. Jon turned slowly and followed them in, muttering something about the summer in Tennessee...
