Page 56 of Ravaged By Lust

And a lot have.

Take the guy on stage right now for example. I think his name is Damien. He’s a year below me and we’ve never interacted before, but right now he’s making a total embarrassment out of himself by trying to do some kind of stand up routine on stage. I guess, knowing he can’t sing, he thinks he can joke his way into Drake’s band. The thing is that, unfortunately and very clearly, he ain’t funny.

And the crowd is laughing. At him.

It’s not just the nerves of auditioning for Drake’s new band in front of – seemingly – the entire school that’s freaking me out, but also what the hell’s going on between my brother and Bishop.

Axel stormed out of the house when I confessed to him about our relationship. I don’t know what’s gone on between the two of them, but both Axel and Bishop have completely cut contact with me over the last few days. In fact, they’ve both disappeared. Even Axel has either been out of the house when I’m there or has locked himself in his room. He’s not spoken a word to me. I have not even seen a passing glimpse of him. And, worse of all, Bishop is not responding to any of my numerous text messages or calls.

Maybe I’ve really screwed things up.

Maybe my relationship with Bishop is truly over.

And that’s the reason why I can’t sleep. Or eat. Or live. Not without Bishop.

The last few days have been hell. But I’m here, aren’t I? I’m pursuing my passion.

I can still make this work.

I was hoping to maybe see Bishop today. Maybe he’s swung by to hear me sing. I was hoping to spot him in the crowd to cheer me on. But, as I wait by the stage, there’s no sign of him anywhere.

I’m all alone to face the worst.

Damien finishes his “set”. He’s practically booed off the stage. The crowd is undeniably vicious.

It should be my turn next.

I’m about to head up the stairs to the stage when I hear Drake speak through the loud system.

“We have a last minute request for an audition. I think I’ll let him on stage. Bishop Hayes, everybody.”

I freeze as I see Bishop emerge from the back of the gym. From the audience. It’s the first time I’ve seen the man in days. He strolls down the aisle to cheers from the audience. His confident swagger making everyone root for him, of course. Bishop knows how to work a crowd.

He carries a guitar. I know he can play it. I’ve heard him. He’s even quite good.

I spot his face as he gets closer. He’s got a black eye, presumably from a fight with my brother. There’s no other explanation. It’s clearly a punch, and only my brother can land a punch on Bishop Hayes.

I want to talk to him, find out what’s going on, why he’s ghosted me, but Bishop just rushes up on stage before I even get the chance.

He steps up to the microphone so blasé. So easily. It’s like he was born to be in front of people. The girls certainly know who he is. There’s cheering and whoops already, and he hasn’t even sung a note yet.

“I’ve Bishop Hayes,” he says to the adoring crowd as he readies the guitar in his hands. “And I’ll like to perform a song I’ve written myself.”

And then he starts singing.

Within a few words, I recognize the song.

It isn’t his.

It’s my song.

The one I wrote for him.

When I see you,

my heart stops beating

How can I live