Chapter 21

"Oh, I love the spring," Jessi said happily as she twirled around outside the second week of March.

"Jessi, you need to be studying," Taylor scolded from under a nearby tree.

"I know, but it's just too beautiful. Come on, Taylor, let's go rollerblade."

"Jessi, you have a test tomorrow."

"I can study tonight. Please?" Jessi asked as she looked into his blue eyes.

"OK, OK," Taylor gave in.

"Oh, thank you!" Jessi said as she gave him a quick kiss.

"Let me go get my rollerblades," Taylor said. Jessi watched him leave. Things were going great. She and Taylor had spent alot more time together. Taylor still left a few times, but usually only left for a couple of days. She sighed happily. "Why did you sigh?" Taylor asked as he walked out of the house.

"I'm just thinking of how happy I am."

"I'm glad," Taylor said, then muttered, "I've tried."

"What?" Jessi asked.

"Nothing, come on," Taylor said as he held out his hand for Jessi and helped her up.

* * * * * * * * * *

Later that night, while Jessi was studying, the phone rang.

"Hello."

"Hey, Jessi!"

"Hey, Judy, what's up?" Jessi asked.

"I hope you're sitting down."

"What is it?"

"You know the fair Friday?"

"Yes," Jessi said, completely clueless.

"We've been asked to perform!!"

"You're kidding!" Jessi exclaimed.

"No, I'm not."

"Oh my gosh," Jessi said as she collapsed in her chair.

"Yeah! We're going to have practice every day after school."

"OK."

"I'll talk to ya later."

"Bye, Judy."

"Bye, Jessi."

Jessi couldn't believe it. They finally had a performance. Maybe they would have a record company want to sign them. They had a single out and were mentioned in a few magazines, but they were still considered just a local band. Hopefully that will change soon, she thought as she picked up her pen and began writing again.

* * * * * * * * * *

The next two days, Jessi practiced for their performance. One afternon, Taylor showed up. Jessi stopped in the middle of her dance and smiled at him.

"Take five!" Judy yelled impatiently and cut off the radio.

"Hi," Jessi said as she gave him a sweaty hug.

"You're hot," Taylor said as he hugged her.

"I know, I've been practicing for an hour," Jessi said as she wiped her forehead.

"No, I mean you're HOT," Taylor said shyly.

Jessi blushed and then smiled at Taylor. "Thanks," she said.

"When is the performance?" he asked.

"Friday," Jessi said. "Luckily we're out of school for staff development."

"Are any record labels going to be there?" Taylor asked.

"We hope so," Jessi said.

"Hey, Taylor," Judy yelled, "are you actually going to show up for this one?"

"Judy!" Jessi snapped.

"Sorry."

"I'm so sorry, Taylor," Jessi said.

"It's OK," Taylor said. "I deserved it."

"No, you didn't," Jessi said sincerely.

"I need to get going," Taylor said. "Can you come over for dinner tonight?"

"I'd love to," Jessi answered. "Bye," she said and kissed him. Their kiss was much longer than expected.

"Come on! You're making me sick!" Judy yelled. Jessi parted and laughed. She and Taylor kissed one more time and only parted when Judy pulled her away.

* * * * * * * * * *

Jessi woke up Friday morning to the sound of the phone ringing.

"Hello," Jessi said groggily.

"Hi, Jessi, I'm sorry to wake you," Taylor said.

"Taylor, I can barely hear you."

"I know, it's because........I'm in an airport." Jessi sighed unhappily. "Jessi, I am so sorry. It was a last minute thing," Taylor said.

"I know. It's OK," Jessi said as she tried to hide her unhappiness.

"Jessi, I need to go. I'm so sorry. I'll make it up to you, I promise."

"OK," Jessi said, not believing him. "Have a good time."

"I love you, Jessi."

"I love you too, Taylor."

"Bye."

"Bye."



Chapter 22

Back to Hanson Fiction

Home

hanson_stories@hotmail.com