Chapter 4: Karaoke!

Music Recommendation: I want it that way by Backstreet boys.

Jessie felt irritated with Oswald hovering all around her. She had no issues with him, the fact that he just wanted to talk about how much he wants her at every opportunity was annoying. She really wanted to excuse herself from him and she was only waiting for an opening.

"I don't want you passing a night with Charles and I have my reasons", he said, frustration was written all over his face.

"And what are they? Since when did you become necessary in decisions I take", She asked wondering what gave him the nerves to order her around. The audacity with which he used to tell her to cancel the night stand arrangements was alarming. Many other people had terrible dares, some even had to go on a pretend date, which was absurd to her, but then Oswald's actions weren't necessary.

"Because I care about you", he muttered, "Can't you see it Jessica?"

She felt it won't feel right saying she couldn't see it, it just happens that she really did not see it. Countless times, she had heard people profess love to her which they couldn't hold on to, the smallest things just sent them away so she was not prepared to believe any love talk soon. Not just romantic relationships, it was inexplicable why her parents sent her away and didn't try reaching her ever since then.

To her, she mattered so less to everyone, so she found Oswald's actions disturbing instead of appealing. Mustering some courage,

"I don't know if you care about me but I really can't reciprocate it", she told Oswald, with her eyes faced down and her feet moving like she was scribbling some words.

His face fell at her words, after taking long to gather the courage to tell her how he felt, she gave a reply that was disheartening and heart breaking, he resolved he was not giving up yet. Besides, she didn't spare him a glance, so he felt she had something for him, even if it was really little.

"Why? Or you don't want to give us a chance"

"Us? you really must be joking", Jessie said in her head, 'us' was so weird as she never imagined them together, "can we not talk about this please?", She begged Oswald.

"It's fine, I will try to not talk about it", Oswald replied with a smile.

"Thank you", she said as she excused herself searching for Luciana.

Charles finally got an opening to leave Rebecca, it will be much proper to say he created one for himself. He sent a text to one of his guys to call him and he excused himself using the call. He did not bother about her being alone, definitely she was going to pass it with the next free person available.

As part of the program, there was karaoke. The Karaoke was holding at the bar, a stage was set and the people were to sing along to the music the performer, a random student, chooses to sing. The lyrics of the song will be displayed on a screen and the performer will sing along with the background music.

Jessie comfortably made her way there and sat with Luciana. Few other people tagged along, gradually the place became filled up.

Sophie took the mic and requested for "Be my baby by the ronettes".

The night we met, I knew I needed you so

And if I had the chance I'll never let you go

So won't you say you love me

I'll make you so proud of me

We'll make them turn their heads, every place we go

So won't you please, be my, be my baby

Be my little baby, my one and only baby

Say you'll be my darlin', be my , be my baby

Be my baby now, my one and only baby

The lyrics was displayed on the screen, her friends ran to the stage and sang along with her. Jessie watched her with a smile formed on her face, the lyrics was catchy, she couldn't deny the fact that Sophie's voice was appealing and pleasant.

To Alyssa, Sophie was possibly singing to Raymond, who sadly wasn't there to watch her. She felt Sophie was being Childish and needed to grow up, she was gradually getting on her nerves and soon she won't be able to tolerate her rubbish.

Charles tried searching for Jessie around the room with his eyes, it was hard to see her as the crowd had doubled compared to before when everyone was doing their thing. Sophie was done performing, which got a really loud applause from the audience.

"I want it that way by Backstreet boys", Jessie heard Charles say and a chill ran through her spine. She was certain she had heard his voice at least a hundred times, she didn't just get why it still gave her this chills.

Charles climbed up the stage and took the mic, as if on cue, the lyrics came on the screen. He sang to the rhythm with his deep, husky voice that was not just attractive but seductive also.

"You are, my fire....", He sang to the lyrics releasing this broad smile that went straight at Jessie's heart.

"My one, desire..

Believe, when I say

I want it that way", Charles sang making random finger points to any girl. He finally spotted Jessie, walking down the stage, he crooned,

"But we, are two worlds apart

Can't reach to your heart

When you say

That I want it that way"

Meeting her, he stretched out his hands for hers to roll in. Her lips went apart as she didn't expect his gesture. With her hands on his, he took her back to the stage and did a kind of twirl dance as he sang. In excitement, she danced along with him, taking steps with clap motions supporting it. The usual straight-faced Jessica had a wide grin from ear to ear, who would have thought that his actions would make her that excited.

In pairs, some other people joined them at the stage dancing, what started as a sing along turned into a dance along party.