Two Lost Souls
“Hey, umm, Its me. If you could call me that would, uh, that would be great. I-I Love you.” I spoke softly after the beep of his voicemail. A sound that was much to familiar to me. I understood that he had a busy schedule, but it began to be too much after the tenth time calling him in two weeks, and still no reply; not even a text. I spent every night waiting by the phone, praying for once that this time would be different from all of the others. The other nights that were spent crying myself to sleep, and the nights that I got no sleep at all. After I had hung up the phone, I just sat there staring at it. I just wished that he cared enough to actually make an effort. I knew that it wasn’t that you were busy. I talked to your brothers. They told me that you hadn’t been the same since you left for tour, and that even the fans were starting to notice, and if he didn’t change his ways, that they would have to take drastic measures. We would spend several minutes catching up, and when it came time to hang up, every time was the same.
“He still cares about you. We can see it in his eyes.” They would say to me, in attempt to make me feel better, causing me too feel even worse. If he really cared wouldn’t he at least try to show it?
“I-I know. Just, please tell him I love him.” I would say softly, tears falling down my face, causing me to softly hiccup.
“Hey, its alright, don’t cry.” His brothers would say, even thought they didn’t even know if it was alright. They had no clue what had gotten into their brother, but they knew needed to fix it.
“Hey Corinne. We’re coming to town in a couple weeks. If its alright with you, maybe we’ll stop by and visit. Just me and Kevin. Joe can decide for himself if he wants too.” Nick said one night on the phone. I silently prayed that Joe wanted too. I missed Nick and Kevin, they were like my brothers, but everyday that I didn’t see Joe, my heart hurt even worse.
“Uh, yeah. That’s fine. I really miss you two.” I said, trying to hold back the tears that were threatening to fall. I wouldn’t admit it to Nick, but I was scared to death of them visiting. I had always been so tough, and I couldn’t let them see how tender my heart had become. After I hung up the phone, I walked over to the mirror in my bedroom and noticed how much I had changed since they left on tour. My hair was dull, and my face was constantly red and puffy from all of the crying that had taken place in the last month. After staring at myself for several long minutes, I decided, that if Joe did decide to come visit, I was going to show him what he’s missed. After worrying about everyone else, it was finally time to worry about myself.
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I sighed as I sat down on the living room couch. After spending all afternoon pampering myself, and preparing myself for the later that day, all I could think about was Joe. My mind wandered as I sat there. Was this even worth it? Was he going to even bother to come? My thoughts were sharply interrupted by a loud knock on the door. My heart nearly stopped beating when I realized who was on the other side of the door. I hastily got up and walked over to the front door, stopping to look in the mirror before laying my hand on the door knob. I twisted it slightly, inhaling deeply, preparing my self for what was coming next. I slowly pulled the door open and was instantly greeted with a bear hug. A hug that could only be given by one man and one man only. I pulled back slowly and was met with a smiling face.
“I missed you Kevin.” I said, a large smile spreading across my face.
“I missed you too little sis.” He said before taking a step back and looking at me. “Wow.”
“Wow? Is that a good thing or a bad thing?” I asked questioningly.
“Definitely a good thing. You look so different.” He stated with a genuine smiley before Nick stepped in and softly pushed him out of the way.
“You don’t get her all to yourself.” Nick said to Kevin, but still looking me in the eyes, a soft smile on his lips. He opened his arms widely, wrapping them around me as I willingly walk into his embrace.
“I missed you Nicky. It hasn’t been the same without you here to pick on.” I said, pulling away with a small smirk on my face.
Nicks smile grew wider as he dramatically took his hand and slapped it to his chest. “Ouch Corinne. That hurt.” He said, still smiling at me.
I chuckled lightly before I looked around to notice that there were only men on my porch. They both must’ve noticed my face fall when I realized he hadn’t come because they both started ushering me inside, suggesting ideas of what we should do while they were here.
I walked directly over to the couch, not bothering to respond to their animated discussion on whether we should go place mini golf or drive go-karts.
“He doesn’t care.” I stated, staring straight in front of me at a picture of Joe and myself, sitting on the fireplace mantle.
“Corinne. You know that’s not true.” Nick responded softly, looking at me sadly.
“Oh really? Then why didn’t he come? Its not like you guys have someplace else you need to be. He couldn‘t even show one sign that he missed me. Just face it, he doesn‘t love me anymore. But the saddest thing is, he doesn‘t realize how much I still love him.” I said quietly, tears beginning to fall down my face.
“Then show him.” Kevin said simply.
“Excuse me?” I asked, confused my his reply.
“Show him. Show him how much you love him. Show him what he’s missing.” Kevin said, before standing up and walking over to the door, Nick following close behind. “Were going back to the hotel. And you are coming with us. I can’t stand seeing the both of you so miserable. All you really need is each other, but Joe just might be too blind to see that.”
“I-I guess you’re right. Just please, promise me this is going to work. I can’t stand the hurt any longer.” I said softly, my eyes staring steadily at my shoes.
“I promise you. Everything will be fine. And if it doesn’t, we’re here. We’ll always be here for you, you know that.” Kevin responded, wrapping his arm around my shoulder before leading me out to his jeep where he opened the passenger door, being his usual gentleman self.
After several minutes of peaceful silence, Nick started talking from his seat in the back. “We really missed you Corinne. You’re like our sister.” He said.
“I know. I missed you guys so much. So how is the tour going?” I asked, attempting to start a conversation.
“Oh you know, its all the same. Long nights, lots of driving, and millions of girls throwing themselves at us. Not that I’m complaining about the last one.” Kevin said, chuckling softly as we drove down the street to the hotel.
“I’m sure you guys love it. It really sounds like a ton of fun.” I said, dreaming of what it must be like.
“You should come with us.” Kevin suggested with a small smile on his face.
“No. I-I really couldn’t.” I said softly, even thought my heart was telling me to say yes.
“Well just think about it. It would be fun. But for now, we’re here.” Kevin said, opening his door and stepping out. I looked around to see the tall hotel, shadowing over as if taunting me.
“Well here goes nothing.” I muttered, getting out of the car and following Kevin and Nick up the steps of the hotel.
After the boys were done taking pictures, signing autographs and prying rabid fan girls off of their arms, we finally made it to the lobby.
“Wow. You really weren’t kidding about the whole girls throwing themselves at you thing .” I said, causing both Kevin and Nick to laugh. We walked down a couple hallways before making it to an elevator. I felt the butterflies in my stomach as we stepped into the elevator.
“Kevin, I-I don’t think I can do this.” I said softly, my legs shaking from my nervousness.
“Corinne, of course you want. You’re one of the most courageous people I know. If you can go on that big roller coaster at Disneyland, then you can do this.” Kevin said with a big smile on his face.
“I guess you‘re right.” I said as we walked down a couple of hallways.
“Good, because we’re here.” Nick said softly, causing my hands to get sweaty. I watched as Kevin slowly unlocked the hotel room door. I prepared myself for what, or should I say who was in the room, taking a deep breath.
“Hey Joe. We’re back.” Kevin announced from the entrance of the room.
“H-how was she?” He asked quietly, his back still facing us as he stared out the window. It sounded like he had been crying. I look over to Nick as he reached over and grabbed my hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. My gaze turned to Kevin who was looking at me with a soft smile before turning back to Joe.
“Why don’t you find out for yourself.” He said.
I watched as Joe’s head shot up. He slowly turned around in his chair, his eyes widening as he saw me. My heart started to beat faster as he got up and slowly walked over to me. I glanced behind me to see Kevin and Nick both walking out the door. As I turned back around I noticed Joe was right in front of me, staring straight into my eyes.
“H-Hi.” He said, his voice shaky.
“Hey.” I replied, my voice just as unstable as his.
“Corinne…” He said softly, his eyes filling with tears as he opened his arms. I hesitated slightly before walking into his warm embrace. It was just how I had remember, and it felt so good to be touching him again. I inhaled deeply, taking in his scent. It was exactly as I remember. My eyes began to fill with tears as I clutched onto his body, not wanting to let go. After several minutes, I reluctantly pulled away. I knew nothing would be the same until he explained things.
“Corinne. I’m sorry I never called. I’m sorry I didn’t even attempt to contact you. It just that, I-I thought that maybe if I didn’t hear your voice, I wouldn’t hurt. But I was wrong, so wrong. Everyday I thought about you. I woke up thinking about you, and I went to bed dreaming about you. I dreamed about what it was like when it was just you and me. When we used to lay under the stars at night, soaking up each others presence, but most of all, I dreamed of this.” He said softly before ducking his head down and pressing his lips up against mine. It wasn’t forceful, but more loving and gentle. I lifted my arms up slowly, wrapping them around his neck as his arms drifted around my waist, pulling me close against his body. After several moments he pulled away and looked me in the eyes. “I’m sorry.” He said, his eyes full of tears.
“I know.” I replied softly, pressing my lips up against his again, this time more passionate, as if we both pouring in all of our pain, all of our hurt, and creating something much more beautiful. We had finally found our way back to each other. We had mended two broken hearts, and completed two lost souls.
<3
