I could feel the excitement building up inside me as the line inched forward. I peered around the person in front of me to see how long I had left to wait. At least twenty people.
I looked down at the ticket in my hand, grinning. I couldn’t believe I had saved enough money in time to buy it. One more day and I wouldn’t be here right now. I felt a tap on my shoulder; I looked behind me to see a girl my age point.
“The line moved,” she said.
“Oh…sorry,” I apologized as I moved forward and looked around. He’s late… I said to myself. He’s always late…
As the line inched forward a bit more, I reached into my pocket and felt a second ticket. I practically had to whore myself out to get the money for it.
“Hey.” I heard. I turned to see a tall young man, well built, with dark hair approach me. I frowned at him.
“You’re late,” I growled.
“So?” he said, frowning back.
“So?! Any later and you wouldn’t be able to get in!” I answered. “I have your ticket and I’m not going to lose my place in line just so you can get in!”
“Why?” he snapped, causing me to flinch.
“Because you don’t even want to be here…remember?” I pointed out quietly.
“Sure I do,” he argued. “You wanted to spend more time together, right?”
“You don’t even like this kind of music…” I replied.
“Fine,” he said and began to walk away.
“Wait! I already paid for the ticket! Please Derek!” I begged. He stopped. I wish I would have seen the sly grin on his face.

We were at the doors now. I gave the guard the two tickets and he let us in.
“How long until this shit starts?” he asked, annoyed.
“Half hour…” I said quietly. I wanted to tell him to fuck off and shut his mouth if he knew what was good for him…but I held my tongue.
“I’m gonna go look around,” he said, walking away towards a group of girls.
“Yeah…whatever…” I walked the other direction and started making my way towards the crowd that already started forming in front of the stage. Everyone was fidgeting with excitement. Suddenly, someone stepped on my foot. I cried out in pain.
“Oh shit I’m so sorry! Are you okay?”
I looked up to see the person who did it. I was about to give them hell but I froze when I saw him.
He was a young boy, my age, maybe a little older. He had long dark hair and eyes to match. He was very…attractive.
“Um…no it’s okay,” I forced out. “I’m alright.”
“You sure? No need for an amputation?” he grinned, causing me to almost melt.
“I think so…” I smiled. “Though I’m not an expert.”
He laughed and reached out, offering his hand. I took it and shook it.
“My name is Mike,” he introduced himself.
“I’m Haylee…” I replied shyly. His hand was soft and warm. I forced myself to let go and he put them in his pockets shyly.
“So who are you here with?” he asked, hopeful.
“Well I—” I began but was interrupted.
“HEY!” Derek growled as he stomped up. I frowned towards Mike, who glared slightly towards Derek. “What the fuck do you think you’re doing?”
“Dude chill out!” Mike chimed in as Derek grabbed my shoulder, pulling me away from him. “We were just talking!”
“Shut up you pussy little faggot!” Derek ordered. “I wasn’t talking to you!”
“Derek…” I began.
“I don’t want to hear it,” he stopped me, dragging me away. I turned back and gave mike an apologetic look. He simply waved sadly, watching Derek carefully.
“What the fuck is your problem?!” I demanded when we got clear of the people.
“My problem?!” he growled. “What’s yours?! Who the fuck was that?!”
“A guy I JUST met!” I answered. “What’s the big deal?”
“Seemed to be pretty fucking friendly for someone you just met,” he said, suspicious.
“WHAT?! Are you shitting me?!” I asked. “Why do you get like this whenever I talk to anyone?!”
“Because you’re a cheating whore,” he answered simply with a straight face. My stomach turned and I gritted my teeth. The fucking nerve!
“Oh my GOD will you shut the fuck up with that?!” I yelled. “I did NOT! How many fucking times do we have to go over this? You really are a fucking idiot aren’t you?!”
I struck a nerve. He raised his hand to slap me but before he had a chance to do anything, I took off running and buried myself in the sea of people. I didn’t stop weaving around other people and before I knew it, I was up against the crowd control bar in front of the stage. I looked up at the stage and my heart skipped a beat. It was him. It was Austin Carlile and the rest of Of Mice & Men. I could hear screaming all around me. Austin looked at the crowd grinning and stopped when he saw me. He glanced at my arms then back at me, frowning. I looked away, ashamed.
When the music started, I began to lose myself in it. I felt a smile across my face and all my problems, fears, and insecurities just fade away. I sang along, completely unaware of the terrible, cruel world around me.

Notes

Haylee finally was able to afford tickets to see her favorite band, Of Mice & Men. Unfortunately, she had to drag along her dick of a boyfriend, Derek. But she isn't going to let that ruin her perfect night.