Chapter 7: The Bell, the Beat, and the Pause
The music pulsed through the open grounds, a gentle bass beneath the soft golden wash of lights. The first day of the fest had been chaos and adrenaline—anchoring, cheering, performances, the absurd brick-lifting game Vance somehow won—and now, at last, peace.
Veronica sat on the chair the stage glowing ahead of her. Vance sat right beside her, shoulder barely grazing hers, both silently listening to the mellow acoustic cover flowing through the speakers.
"I swear," Veronica mumbled, half-laughing, "if my sister rings the bell one more time while I'm brushing, I'm reporting her to some noise pollution helpline. 50 rings. I counted."
Vance snorted. "Fifty? Maybe she's trying to summon a demon."
"She is the demon."
They laughed quietly, comfortably. It was one of those rare moments of calm, not interrupted by homework, exams, expectations, or curfews. Just the night, the music, and a shared warmth neither of them said aloud.
"Hey Vero—"
"VERONICA!"
The sudden voice cut through, and both of them turned. Vinnie, one of her friends, popped up beside them, her usual chaotic energy barely contained.
"God, I've been looking everywhere! My phone's dead !"
Vinnie plopped beside her, launching into a quickfire rant about her younger sister and humming high-pitched songs just to irritate her. Veronica laughed—really laughed—and for a moment forgot everything weighing on her.
But only for a moment.
When Vinnie finally ran off to grab snacks, Veronica turned back—Vance was still there, waiting, watching the stage.
"So..." he started, tilting his head toward her, "you were saying something? About your sister's demonic bell choir?"
Veronica grinned. "You were actually listening?"
"Of course I was. That's elite-level demon behavior."
Before she could reply, chaos suddenly broke loose—Andy, Josh, Nero, and Danny started pushing each other, bolting from their seats with shouts of "Last one to the gate pays for drinks!"
"They're children," Vance muttered, getting up slowly.
"They are your friends."
"Unfortunately."
"They are good people"
"Yes they are indeed .Soo what are your thoughts on going down the street to grab a bite with these good people?"
veronica starts laughing"It would indeed be my honour but gotta ask permission from mom"
Veronica's phone buzzed, and she glanced down.
MOM CALLING.
Her face paled."Speak of the devil"
"Give me a sec," she muttered, stepping away.
While she argued in low, tense tones with her mother, the group kept running ahead. Only two figures didn't move—Vance and Andy stood at the edge of the grounds, waiting, watching.
Vance stuffed his hands in his pockets, swaying on his feet. When Veronica returned, face stiff and dim, he raised an eyebrow.
"You okay?"
She shook her head. "Not coming. Got shut down."
Andy whistled. "Brutal."
Vance didn't tease. He just looked at her and asked quietly, "Will you come tomorrow?"
Veronica blinked at him. Then nodded.
"Yeah. I will."
"Promise?"
"Promise."