I sat in my room, staring at my biology book, trying to memorize as much as I could. My head was pounding and I couldn’t stop checking my phone for Austin’s texts. He hadn’t talked to me all day. I wondered what was going on. Maybe he had gotten sick of me. I knew I shouldn’t have spent all weekend with him. I just felt like pulling my hair out. I couldn’t study because Austin wasn’t talking to me and I was too tired to care that I was going to fail this biology test. My head fell onto my book as I closed my eyes, feeling sleepy. I reached up and turned off my lamp because the light was bothering me. I was too tired to care about anything but Austin and that was a real big problem.

---

Austin’s POV-
I sat in the studio next to Tino, scribbling lyrics into a notebook that would eventually turn into our next album. Phil and Alan sat in the recording booth, taping some tracks for the record with our manager. I set down my pencil and rubbed my eyes. We’d been in the studio for two days now and I had gotten little to no sleep. I was so tired. Tino wasn’t doing too well either as he’d caught a bug over his vacation in Florida with his fiancée. Our manager, Ron turned to us.
“Austin why don’t you go home? You look tired and I don’t want you to get sick too.”
“There’s so much more work I have to get done… I can’t leave it all on the guys.”
“We can handle it, Austin,” Tino laughed. “Go home and spend a little time with Pandora. I’m sure she’s missing you.”
“Pandora,” I frowned.
“What? Are you two not together anymore?”
“No, we are… I just haven’t text or called her in two days. I haven’t seen her since Monday night.”
“Why not?”
“I’ve been so busy… I think I’m in work mode now. I guess I block other things out when we’re in the studio.” I looked to Ron. “Mind if I take a few minutes?”
“Go ahead,” he smiled. I stood up.
“I’ll be right back.” I walked outside and leaned against the side of the building, pulling out my phone. I dialed Pandora’s number, waiting for her to answer. She pick up almost immediately.
“Hi Austin,” she seemed relieved. I frowned as she cleared her voice, trying to not sound like she’d been waiting for my call.
“I’m so sorry for not you calling, baby,” I apologized, rubbing the back of my neck. “I’ve been in the studio for the past three days, working on our new record. I’ve just been so busy,” I sighed.
“It’s okay, Austin, really. I’ve been busy with school.”
“I know… I just feel bad. I don’t want you to think I’m sick of you or anything. I’ve just been really tied up with the guys.”
“Austin everything’s alright. I understand that you need to work. Don’t worry about it.”
“Alright… I gotta get back inside, but I’ll talk to you soon, alright?”
“Sounds good.”

---

Pandora’s POV-
I sat on my couch with a can of Dr. Pepper, watching Netflix. I put my phone down and sighed, laying my head back. I had been waiting for his call this whole week. I was worried maybe I did something wrong. It was nice to hear his voice though. It felt like it had been forever since I’d heard it. I had to get used to not hearing from him. He was a touring musician. He’d be gone for months on end, sometimes close to a year. If I didn’t get used to it now, I never would. I remembered the letter I had received in the mail this morning from my brother. I dug around in my backpack, ignoring all the homework and exam that I had to study for. There really was no point in studying. I was going to fail and I already knew it. I pulled out my brothers letter and ripped open the envelope, unfolding the neatly written on piece of paper.
Pandora,
It’s not been very active here in England; just mostly rain and cold weather. I haven’t heard from dad for a while, but I heard through Uncle Ben, that he has a new wife. He’s not yet told me, and I’m sure he never will. Charlotte misses you like crazy and wants to come to the states to visit you sometime. She’s growing up so fast, Pan, it’s ridiculous. I swear one day she’s learning to ride her bike and the next she’s tying her shoes and writing out her name. You’d be amazed at how intelligent she is. I’m convinced she’s related to Albert Einstein. Anyways, I hope you’re healthy and doing well. How is the man you’ve been seeing? Is he treating you right? He better be. I’ll be up there soon and if I hear he’s been mistreating you, he’ll be in a world of hurt. I also hope that you’re taking care of yourself and taking the proper steps to treat the war going on in your head. I visited mom’s grave today and took Charlotte. We decorated it with flowers and bought an angel statue to put in front of the potted plants. Just thought I’d give you a little update about life here. Call me if you need anything or if you move and get a new address. Love,
Your big brother, August

I closed my eyes, and let out a sigh, remembering that at any time I’d have to pick up and leave. Leave Austin, leave his love… leave our relationship. It was something I didn’t want to deal with when the time came. It was all too complicated and messed up to tell Austin. He’d just have to see for himself, although telling him and having him experience it were both not great options. Maybe I’d lost them and they’d never find me again. I’d never have to move again or change my name. Everything could stay where it was now and I’d live a great life with Austin. If only all of that had a possibility of happening. I lie down and let my body relax, remembering Austin’s gentle voice. He called me baby. He’d never done that before. My heart fluttered for a second before feeling a warm sensation. It was amazing the amount of trust I had in him. I’d never trusted a man before Austin came around. I dated people but cut them off when I felt we were getting too close. All of them let it happen, but Austin. He insisted I stay around and give him a chance. He made me feel comfortable with the idea of a relationship. All of it happened while I was blind. I hadn’t noticed the change until after it happened. I closed my eyes and let myself fall into the darkness, drifting off into a dreamy state.

Notes