Strings of Fate

Aaron 5- Late and leaving

The next week feels very long and I find that for most of it, I’m in a very foul mood. Not that anyone particularly notices since I tend to keep my thoughts and opinions to myself. I have caught Alpha Ryann looking at me strangely a few times though so she might have her suspicions. The only bright side is that I actually did sleep better. Not WELL but better than I have been. I suspect it is all thanks to the recording of Penelope that I have gotten any sleep at all. At the very least I have been able to function at a mostly normal level. Despite no longer being COMPLETELY reliant on going to hear Penelope sing at the club in order to get some rest, I am still ridiculously disappointed when Alpha Ryann asks if I can work late Friday. I know I could refuse, tell her that I have plans or something, and I know she wouldn’t mind. But protecting her is MY job, not to mention she would probably have a lot of questions if I said I have plans and I don’t want to answer them. Missing one night won’t be a big deal, right? It’s not like anyone will particularly care if I don’t turn up.

Saturday I arrive at the club fairly late again. James is at the door again and he greets

me enthusiastically.

“Hey man. I didn’t see you last night.” He comments, curiosity in his tone. I shrug.

“Working.” I say as an explanation.

“Ah, I get it. Still, it’s good you’re back. You were missed, you know.” He says with a wink before turning to take money from someone else trying to enter. What? I barely interact with anyone. How could have been missed? Who missed me? My mind immediately goes to Penelope, but that is probably just wishful thinking. I’ve hardly said more than a few words to her. Why would she care if I didn’t turn up? Although I do think I need to make more of an effort to talk to her. Actually, I WANT to talk to her, to get to know her. I might be reserved, but I’m not stupid. My sudden inability to sleep without hearing her voice isn’t just because she’s a good singer. I don’t go out of my way to talk to just anyone. I’m feeling determined and slightly anxious when I head inside and sit in my usual spot. I expect to hear Penelope. already on stage singing, but she’s nowhere to be seen. It is at least twenty minutes past when she usually starts. Is she not performing tonight? Why not? Is she sick? Did something happen? I’m struck by the sudden need to go track her down. Perhaps I can convince James to give me more information about her, like where she lives. If he won’t talk then I could always

recruit Alex to find her information for me. He would ask questions, but he would do it, even if I don’t answer him. Although I can bet that the Alphas would hear about it. Probably Alpha

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5- Late

his reports to her. I think she

comfortable.

guess she’s okay after all. I may have overreacted a little. I was just… concerned. I’m too distracted to control my expression so my shock must show

would turn up tonight. I didn’t see you yesterday and I was worried you weren’t coming anymore. Did

work.” I explain. I hesitate, should I elaborate further? I’ve never been good at knowing how much to say, so unless I really have something that needs to be said I usually don’t say much at all. But that’s no

really are very quiet aren’t you?” She comments, I nod and then hrug. Damnit. I knew I

nice, at least I know you’re a good listener. I talk way too much. Most people probably wish I would STOP talking so much.” She says the words as a joke

would say that at least

much, or that I’m sure people enjoy conversations with her, that I enjoy conversations with her. But no, I just told her that I appreciate her voice. I study her

much but you always answer. But I had better start my performance. I waited because I thought you might still turn up but I’m running super late now. I just didn’t want to risk you running off before I had a chance to so much as say hi. Oh

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5- Late and