I look at Lara and Helena who are holding hands. “Wow, when did this happen?”

“Yesterday,” Helena smiles. She looks so adorable when she’s in love – I’m not really used to seeing her so out of control, so shy. I remember Lara saying she likes shy girls – well Helena certainly isn’t one of those. I guess you don’t hold that tight to preferences when you fall in love. Like Tina who said she was straight and then went all temptress on you. Stop, no Tina.

A quarter of an hour later, Shane and Carmen arrive together. Everyone except me looks up in surprise.

“Wow Carmen, you got over Bette quickly,” Lee dryly says. The others don’t say anything, I know they’re looking at me, wondering why I’m not mighty hurt.

“They belong together,” I say. “Shane makes Carmen happy, that’s all I want.”

Then the others all start talking at the same time.

“I always knew it.”

“You’re a perfect fit.”

“I’m really happy for you.”

Then, Gary decides it’s time to start the practice. He turns to me, unaware of how much I hate him right now because he is about to steal my life, my shot on happiness, my girlfriend. I fake that smile again. I see Tina wincing out of the corner of my eye – she knows how I really feel.

“Bette?” He asks, waving his hand in front of my face.

“Yeah?” I ask confused.

“I asked you if you wanted to sing us your new song.”

“Oh – yeah – sure.” I blush and grab my guitar. I know the song by heart, because it’s written from my heart. I know I told Tina to leave me alone, but it still hurts that she really ignores me. The fact that she respects me so much makes me love her even more.

I clear my throat and try not to think that all my friends and the band are watching me. I start the song and when the time is there, I start to sing.

I can’t deny this feeling, it’s taking over me

I can’t accept that you and me is only in my dreams