Faded (Rock Star Trilogy)

Mona’s dad doesn’t know, and she doesn’t want him to until after she leaves for college. Besides, people knowing wouldn’t change anything.”
    “And what about the two of you?” I ask.
    Stephan shrugs. “It doesn’t really change our feelings towards each other, Scar. We will just go back to ignoring each other at school. It’s for the best. I really don’t want Mom to know. It would break her heart.”
    “They’re both going to find out once the documentary airs,” I half-shout. “The whole world will know. I think you should tell them now.”
    Stephan puts the car in reverse. “Well, it’s not up to you. And I think you should stay out of it.”
    “Whatever.” I put on my seatbelt and stare out the passenger side window as we drive home. Neither of us says a word the whole way there. He stops the car in front of my house. I unbuckle my seatbelt and start to get out.
    “Wait,” he says before I get out. “I’m sorry. I’m just very confused right now. I went my whole life thinking I was an only child, and now I find out that I have a half-sister. Not that it really does any good, because our father is dead . I just need a few days to process this. I’m sorry that I took my anger out on you.”
    “It’s okay. I understand, Stephan. But you really need to learn to talk to me if this relationship is going to work. You can’t shut me out.”
    “I know.” He sighs. “You’re right. You are the most important thing in the world to me, and I want us to last.”
    I bite my lip, considering his words. “The most important thing?” I echo his words.
    “Yes. And I know we are young, but I’ve never felt so certain about anything in my life… You are the one, Scar .”
    My heart jumps into overdrive once again. “Really?”
    Okay, maybe it’s a little silly, but I need him to confirm his statement. I need to know that he doesn’t regret his words.
    “Really.”
    Please tell me you love me. I need to hear the words.
    “How do you feel about me?” I fish for the words and hope that he bites.
    “I feel like the luckiest guy on the face of the earth,” he starts. “How many other people find their soul mate at eighteen?”
    “How do you know that I am?” I ask, still hoping he says the three magic words.
    “I feel it,” he answers easily. “Do you feel it too?” He reaches out his hand, and traces the side of my arm. “The electricity between us is undeniable.” He then traces his way over my collarbone, and down a little bit. “We are meant to be together.”
    “I feel it too,” I say, hoping that he moves his finger just a little farther down. But he doesn’t. “Stephan?”
    “Yes?”
    “Will you kiss me,” I ask, a little breathless.
    “Yes, but I won’t in the front seat of my car. Can I walk you inside?”
    I know exactly what he’s asking. But I can’t let him come inside, because if he does, I won’t be able to tell him no. And I can’t make love to somebody who isn’t in love with me .
    “No.” I can hear the sadness in my voice. “But you can walk me to the door.”
    He smiles, but I can see the disappointment and hurt in his eyes. I am sure that my own face mirrors his.
    Love sucks.
    Stephan and I get out of the car, and he holds my hand as he walks me to my front door.
    “It’s not that I don’t want you to come inside. I do, more than anything . I just… can’t.”
    He looks sad, and it breaks my heart. “I understand, Scarlett. I will wait until you’re ready.”
    It’s just the opposite! I’m waiting on you ! But I can’t tell him that.
    Stephan kisses me on the cheek. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
    “Goodnight.” I walk inside my house and lean against my closed door. “I love you, Stephan,” I whisper and then slide down to the floor.My chest hurts. So I do the only thing I know how to… I write a song.

 
     
    Thursday, October 30
    6:06 AM
    Stephan’s song
     
    It’s after six in the morning, and I still haven’t gone to sleep, but I have a completed song. I take my acoustic guitar and run into Alec’s room. He’s still asleep, but I poke his face until he wakes up.
    “ALEC! I WROTE A SONG! WAKE UP SO I CAN SING IT TO YOU!” I yell at him.
    Payback is a bitch, unless you’re the one dishing it out.
    He rolls over and attempts to sit up. “I’m up. Stop shouting.”
    “I wrote a song. And I want your opinion,” I say. “I think it could be the song .”
    He now looks awake and excited. “Let me go grab Bridgett!