Hello? I didn't think I would hear from you today....

I'm frantically trying to formulate any coherent thoughts as his voice filters through my cell phone speaker.  I must be taking too long because he starts again, trying to get my attention.

Shann?  Angel?  Are you okay?  Please tell me what's wrong.

One big sigh and then I begin.

Me: Clarington, we may have an issue.
Hunter: *obviously worried* What? What's wrong? Did I do something wrong?  You're not like, breaking up with me over the phone on Valentine's Day are you? I thought we were cool...
Me: *nervous giggles* God no!! Although it is absolutely adorable that is where your mind went. Your reaction.... Oh my gosh Hunter, how are you so cute?
Hunter: *sigh* Why must you torture me Anderson?  Why do I let you torture me?
Me:  *teasing* Because I'm beautiful and talented and smart and easy to talk to and fun to kiss and you're trapped in my web....
Hunter:  You forgot modest.  But honestly you're right.  You being fun to kiss is what got us in this mess in the first place Angel.
Me:  Sorry not sorry.  Because that is partially your fault too.  If you didn't taste all sweet and spicy I wouldn't want to kiss you so much.
Hunter: *laughs* I'll take that ringing endorsement Shann.  But now I want to kiss you.  I'm still hoping to test out that strawberry flavored theory too.  Sure we can't move our date to tonight?
Me: I'm going to glaze over your blatantly sexual innuendo there.  But you know it wouldn't be very fair to Seb if we did that. Not that any of this is particularly fair for Sebastian. I mean we like ruined a happily ever after, fairytale situation you know that. We are both terrible people.
Hunter:  Completely terrible people.  If the guys here knew that I came between their show choir power couple I would be packing my bags and shipped back home in no time.  I'm already not their favorite person because we dance together.  But if they knew we kiss more than we should, because in their minds we shouldn't.  Wow, they'd die I swear.
Me:  So no one said anything about Saturday night?
Hunter:  Not a word.  Their hostility hasn't changed from the everyday annoyance at my presence.  Although your fiancé has been acting exceptionally moody.  You may want to talk to him about that.  Wait.... Is Smythe still your fiancé?  The engagements not off?
Me:  As far as I know.  He never made that direct statement.  He handed me back his bracelet that I dropped on Saturday night.  But he never asked for the ring back.  So I'm assuming...
Hunter:  Weird....  So you've got a fiancé and a boyfriend?  Naughty, naughty girl.  *teasing* Maybe Angel is the wrong thing to call you...
Me: Hunter, really?!
Hunter:  Sorry Anderson, I couldn't help myself.  You know I love you right?
Me: *softly* Of course I do...
Hunter:  And I don't expect you to say it back, because I know you're still struggling through all of this.  And I accept that fact.  I do know you care about me otherwise you wouldn't be subjecting yourself to all of this, possible ridicule from everyone we know.
Me: *small sigh* You're right...
Hunter:  So what is our issue then Shann?  Because WE sound like we're good.
Me: WE are good. But Puckerman remembers the game. Our not so innocent kiss. I'm worried others might as well.
Hunter: *confused* Which one is he again?
Me:  Mohawk. He said he doesn't plan on outing our little secret. But still...
Hunter: *hums* Well that could be a complication. You're going to need to actually talk to Smythe then. Because him constantly being pouty and shooting deadly glares my way isn't going to help our cause. Funny, you and I are the 17 year olds and he is the one acting childish.
Me: I'm sorry about this Hunt. Really I am. I should have handled myself better, not gotten so carried away with everything.
Hunter: It's okay Angel. Not particularly ideal though because you're too cute to share. If only I had transferred sooner. That we met a little earlier. Then it wouldn't be so difficult. But there is nothing we can do about that now. I'm just enjoying what we have, even if it is sick, twisted and ultimately forbidden. We're in this together Anderson.
Me:  *murmuring back* We're in this together Clarington.  I'll see you tomorrow okay?
Hunter:  Of course.  I can't wait. And hey Shannon...
Me: Yes Hunter?
Hunter:  Happy Valentine's Day.
Me:  Happy Valentine's Day.

With that we disconnect the call.  By this time I've been sitting outside of my aunt's house for at least 10-15 minutes.  If the neighbors didn't recognize my car by now I swear they would think there was just some weird girl casing the house.  Blaine's car is in the driveway but my aunt's is missing. She must be at work or something. I was hoping he would already be out with Kurt but no such luck I guess. Quickly I gather up my bag and head up the front walkway.

As if fate is FINALLY on my side, because it is definitely against me when it comes to my love life, the door opens as I reach the porch.

Blaine.

On his way out.

"Oh hey Shanny-pie! I was just heading out to meet Kurt. Aren't you going to see Bas tonight?"

I give Blaine what I hope is a convincing smile. "We're going to a cute little bistro and poetry reading on Friday. It's okay though. I'm going to call him later." Blaine blinks at me as his smile falls slightly. He reaches out to touch my arm, I think he senses something. "Belle, is everything okay? Do you want me to stay home with you tonight? I'm sure Kurt would understand." I laugh softly and start to push him down the walkway, "Blainey, I'm fine. I swear. We're both just so swamped with classes. So homework and me time tonight. Although I plan on a FaceTime session at some point. So go! Have fun and give Kurt my love."

Blaine gives me a confused look but still heads down the walkway to his car, I'm assuming against his better judgement. I breathe a sigh of relief as I watch him drive away, waving from the front door. Finally I let myself in the house, relishing the alone time to think.

Before I get started on anything else I call to order my dinner from the Chinese restaurant. They give me a 45 minute to an hour time frame for delivery. That should give me enough time to make my next phone call. Finger hovering over his name in my contact list. This one is going to take much more courage than the call to Hunter.

Calling MyWarbler

The phone rings longer than I thought it would but right before I expect it to go to voicemail he picks up.

Seb: *softly* Princess??
Me: Bastian..... I miss you...

(A/N: Need a little help. Anyone have some good ideas for Shann's Regionals solo? I was thinking maybe something like a ballad. Perhaps vaguely referring to her situation with the guys. Happy reading guys and dolls. ❤️ Shann)