Chapter 3

Riley

“Over here, Riley!” Eve waved at me from where she stood waiting outside the concert hall.

I rushed over to her, if she hadn’t texted me, I would have complete forgotten about the concert because Carl was back and that was all that matters now.

“You said you were going to be here as early as possible, but now the front row is already crowded, all that’s left is the back.” Edwin frowned at me.

I shrugged. “It doesn’t matter, really.” I told them, and they both looked at each other in confusion.

“You just lost the front row and you are grinning from ear to ear, is it really funny to you?” Eve asked.

I shook my head. “Let’s just go in, all that matters now is getting his autograph, I don’t care if Karl Jade sees or notices me in there.”

I walked in, humming in my head. Right now, I can’t wait to get his autograph and hurry home.

“Are you sure you are okay with not being seen by him?” Eve asked when we sat down, the seat was really far from the stage.

“Yeah, definitely,” I nodded.

“You’re really unbelievable, Riley!” Edwin shook his head, crossing his arms over his chest. “If we didn’t have to wait for you we would have been up front, what caused the delay?”

The music had already started, but all that filled my ears were the sound of Carl’s voice saying he was here to stay, his voice was like music to my ear.

“Let’s just listen to the song, okay?” I responded.

I wish Carl was here with me, but it was fine, since he returned today, he had better get rested. I am going to surprise him with Karl Jade’s autograph, and he would hug me for giving it to him and perhaps kiss my lips for the first time.

Just the thought of Carl kissing my lips made my heart flutter. I just have to get that autograph. I understand the reason Carl likes Karl Jade so much, his voice was beautiful, their name sounds similar as well, and he songs has great lyrics and make hearts flutter.

I couldn’t stop singing along although my voice was hoarse, I wasn’t great in music, and would not be in this concert if not because of Carl Walsh.

“Let’s go closer!” I told Eve and Edwin when the concert ended, the crowd were reluctantly leaving, I pushed forward near the stage, as I watched the security team guide a few lucky fans towards the backstage area.

“Are you staying for the meet and greet?” A voice asked and I looked up to see a staff member wearing a headset.

I quickly nodded.  “Yes, I am.”

“Come with me.” he said with a smile, and I followed him with few others.

Eve and Edwin were behind me as well. We were led through the backstage and into a small room where a lot of fans stood waiting.

“There are quite a lot of fans here.” Edwin said softly.

“Yeah, he is popular, what do you expect?” Eve responded and just then the door opened, Karl walked in with a smile, and I couldn’t help but blush, this was different from watching him from stage.

“Thank you for coming tonight,” Karl said, shaking the hands of his fans, taking photos and signing his autograph. I waited patiently for my turn.

I wiped my sweaty palms multiple times on my dress before reaching out to take his hand when it got to my turn.

“Hi,” his voice was warm to the ears. “What’s your name?” He asked.

“R...Riley…” I stammered.

“That’s a beautiful name.” He smiled at me and I smiled back, handing him my poster.

“Your performance was incredible.” I complimented, and he glanced at me with a grin.

“Thank you, Riley. I am glad you enjoyed it.” He signed on my poster and handed the signed poster back to me.

“Can I get a photo with you?” I asked him, I needed to show it to Carl, he would be so proud of me.

“Of course,” He stepped closer and a staff member took the shot. I beamed and thanked him before leaving to let the others get their moment with him.

“We finally succeeded in getting his autograph.” Edwin said when we stepped out of the concert hall. “Should we sell it for money at school tomorrow, a lot of people would be dying to pay huge money, we could….”

“See you both at school tomorrow, bye…” I quickly waved at them as I hailed over a taxi.

I couldn’t wait to get home, hopefully, Carl will be staying for dinner, and I will show him the signed poster and get my kiss.

“You are running off again, thought we planned to go for a drink after the concert…” Eve called out.

“Plans changed, enjoy the drink with Edwin… I love you both.” I got into the taxi and the driver zoomed off.

Clutching the signed poster and my phone, I rushed into the house, glancing around, I saw my mother and father, but there was no Carl.

“Dad, where is your friend, has he left already?” I asked slowly.

“Yes, he had something to do.” My father responded.

I pout, trying to conceal my disappointment that he wasn’t here.

I wanted to go to by room, but stopped when I caught a glimpse of my father’s worried expression. His brows were furrowed slightly as he glanced at the screen of his tablet.

“Dad, is something wrong?” I asked, concerned, glancing from my mother who sat across the table, back to him.

I had been so concerned about finding Carl that I didn’t notice the expression on their faces until now.

My mother glanced at me. “Have a sit, Riley.” She gestured at the sofa beside her. “There is something we have to tell you.” Her voice was low, and it frightened me, it was the first time seeing them this way.

I sat on the sofa next to hers, their silence stretched like they were contemplating who would speak first.

My mother exhaled sharply before turning to me. “Riley, your father and I have to go on a business trip in France,” I blinked in surprise when she said it. “It’s important, and we will be gone for three months.”

“Three months?” I repeated, it wasn’t a week trip, or a day that my father goes most times leaving me with my mother, or vice versa, now they were going together.

“You are leaving me alone for three months?” I glanced at my father for answers.

“No, of course not,” He responded quickly, leaning forward, he took my hand and held my gaze tenderly. “That’s why we have made arrangements.”

“Arrangements?” I blinked in confusion.

Was I moving with them? Carl has only returned.

Are they planning on taking me away with them? What about school? My mind raced.

”You mean like quitting school and going with you?” I asked, searching his eyes, terrified.

I can’t go with them, Carl was here, he was back, this was my chance with him, I can’t leave…

“No,” My mother shook her head and I turned my gaze to her, a little bit relieved.

“Then what arrangements?” I raised my brows.

My father exhaled softly, resting his elbows on his knees, I turned to him and he held my gaze. “You will be staying with my best friend, Carl Walsh.” He revealed.

I couldn’t tell how large my eyes were now, but it dilated.

“Carl Walsh!” I blinked