Aftershow

Just a moment ago, the crowd had been celebrating and applauding, but now a murmur ran through them. Kim picked herself up again and cheered them on. A proper conclusion, but there would be no encore.

Quinn would definitely be annoying later. If Franca turned him down by Monday at the latest.

Normally she would have stayed in the spotlight a little longer, but Franca signaled her to stop from offstage. Kim thanked everyone and excused herself with a little joke.

Her concerned manager took Kim in her arms and questioned her charge. At the door to Kimberly's room, she finally fended off Franca after promising to drink a bottle of water and asked her to give Kim some peace and quiet until her friends arrived.

Another fade to black brought some well-earned rest to the tired music artist.

After dozing off on one of the two couches opposite the mirror, a knock woke Kim up again. She went to the door and opened it. Someone was trying to open the door, but Kim had locked it.

Thirst and exhaustion made it take another two minutes to get up, drink a whole bottle of water and walk to the door. When she opened the door, however, no one was there. But Kim saw Robert and Franca coming down the left hallway.

“Well, well, well, has someone been keeping an eye out for her boyfriend?”

“I thought someone had knocked. Where are the others?” Kim said, blushing and avoiding Robert’s gaze.

“Funny, I actually warned everyone to leave you alone. Pricks, all of them.”

“After Franca said that everything was fine, Blake and Eve left so that it wouldn't be too much for you.”

“I'll leave you lovebirds alone then.” Franca said, already with her back to Robert and Kim.

Kim let Robert in and locked the door again. He sat down on the disheveled couch, which had served as her bed. She approached him. All the energy that had fueled her on stage was spent. Her legs were a little shaky and Robert simply swept her off her feet, placed her on his lap, embraced her from behind.

“I was worried. Did you have some water after leaving stage?”

“Just finished a bottle.”

Kim just let herself fall into him.

“You were great.”

“Sorry it ended like that.”

“You gave it your all and can be proud of yourself. That stumble made it more dramatic than disappointing. Showed that you are genuine. Your fans were charmed.”

“Thank you.”

“For what?”

“Being there. Being here. Holding me.”

Robert's embrace became even tighter and he kissed her neck.

“You didn't mention Abby and Gail at all.”

“Abby didn’t show up. He was pretty upset and went home. Don't hold it against him.”

“That's understandable. Too bad, I was hoping she would take the plunge.”

“What happens next?”

“What do you mean?”

“With us.”

“What? You want to do it here in my changing room?”

Robert pinched her waist.

“Hey! I am unable to defend myself. Not fair!”

He laughed.

“What do you want to happen next, Robert?”

“I want everything to stay the same and for everything to change.”

“Very profound, genius.”

“I want to be with you even after graduation. That wasn't just something I said. I never thought I would fall in love, like other school boys do. I never loved anyone before.”

“Love?”

“What would you call it?”

“You never said it.”

“That I love you? Do I need to?”

Kim looked at him, tears welling up in her eyes again. When had she become like this? A schoolgirl prone to tears. Probably when he had become a schoolboy falling in love for the very first time. He caressed her left cheek, ran his thumb over her lips.

“I love you.”

There would be tears.