When We Love - Page 22/36

She is standing in front of me, uncertain of herself and I have a million emotions and sensations rushing through my body at the same time, but I manage to remain indifferent.

Anne is talking to me, but I hardly hear her. I want to speak to Chrissie, but I have no idea of what I should say.

Mercifully, the bell rings, and we walk out of the Music Centre, ahead of Chrissie.

I walk with my friends, but it feels as if something is chasing me, so I walk a little faster than they do. Just before we turn the corner, I look back and into the eyes of Chrissie. Immediately, I repeat to myself to stop this foolishness.

That afternoon, while we are practising in the Music Centre, Sabrina walks into the room. Sabrina, is Mr. Jackson's daughter, and at times she can be pompous and arrogant. She seems to be more than interested in me, and she is beautiful.

I decide there and then she would be the perfect antidote to help me get over the pathetic feelings I seem to have for Chrissie. Impulsively, I ask Sabrina to go to the V-Ball with me, and she accepts.

The night of the V-Ball, I drive to her home to collect her. Mr. Jackson is happy to see me and he seems to approve that I have shown an interest in his daughter. Sabrina comes walking down the stairs and, to be honest, she does take my breath away. What I realize, though in those brief moments, watching her, is that Sabrina is no comparison to Chrissie, and I would never be able to substitute her.

Sabrina talks without end and I smile politely every now and again to acknowledge I am still listening to her monologue. I am relieved when we drive through the security gates of the school, and I park the car in the student parking lot.

I walk around my car, taking a deep breath and then I open the door for Sabrina. She steps out of the car elegantly, and then she hooks her arm into mine possessively, as we turn to the hall.

I notice Chrissie immediately across the lot. She is alone and I suppose it is her dad dropping her off. She seems to hesitate nervously and then she leans into the car and lightly touches her lips to her dad's cheek, smiling sweetly. She then walks toward the hall and I stare after her, my heart following her.

" Hey, Vincent," Sabrina says softly next to me, following my gaze.

I look at her smiling, and she continues, "Are you nervous playing here tonight?"