My Weakness.

Holly ran through her apartment, grabbing the last few things she needed before leaving to pick up Allie. She grabbed her wallet, tossing it into her red cross-body bag before slinging the bag over her shoulder. She tightened the belt around her waist and grabbed a pair of white socks. After sliding into an old beat up pair of converse she grabbed her car keys and slammed her door shut behind her, locking it. Holly walked over to her black Volkswagen Cabrio and slid into the driver’s seat, pulling of out her apartment complex.

The drive to Jamie’s house was a mere ten minutes and before she knew it, Holly stood outside of the small, brick home. She rang the doorbell and heard anxious footsteps running to the door. In a second the door thrust open, a tiny and excited Allie standing before her. Allie began jumping up and down before pulling Holly into the house. “It’s here, it’s here, it’s here!” Holly couldn’t help but giggle at Allie’s anticipation. Jamie came out of the kitchen, walking over to Holly.

“I really can’t thank you enough for this, Holls.” Jamie hugged her best friend tightly and sighed. Holly laughed and shook her head. “Really Jamie, it’s fine. Don’t worry about it.” She squeezed Jamie's arm and gave her a reassuring smile.

Allie ran around the living room, throwing random things into her backpack. Holly glanced down at her wrist and checked the time. “Okay, get ready Allie. We’ve got a train to catch.” The little girl squealed once more and finally zipped her backpack up before grabbing onto Holly’s hand tightly. They said goodbye to Jamie and went out to the car, driving to the nearest train station.

Allie skipped around on the platform, waiting for the train to come. An elderly woman walked by and smiled at Holly, coming next to her. “Your daughter is lovely, miss.” Holly blushed and stuttered. “Oh, no, uh, she’s not mine.” The woman smiled and shook her head before walking away. Holly bit her lip and looked at the ground, wondering if she looked like a mother. Would she ever settle down? She was twenty-five. She shook her head, forgetting the useless nonsense and looked back at Allie, just as the train was arriving.

Holly grabbed Allie’s hand and pulled her onto the train. They sat in a row with two seats. Allie took the seat closest to the window and began to watch as the scenery flew by them. Holly closed her eyes for a moment and then turned to Allie. “So, Allie. Tell me about this band.” Allie’s eyes bulged and she had the biggest smile on her face. “They’re the best! They’re from Arizona and their name is This Century. Holly couldn’t help but smile at her excitement.

“You know, Allie, I lived in Arizona when I was little.” Holly watched as the little girl’s eyes grew even larger and she gasped. “What?” Holly chuckled and continued on. “Yeah, I left Arizona when I was ten and then came here to New York.” Allie smiled but then looked down, frowning. “Don’t you miss all of your friends?” Holly smiled and bit her lip. She thought back to the days she spent playing in the hot, Arizona sun. “Yeah, I do miss them. But we didn’t have ways to stay in contact when I was little like you do now. But it’s okay, I have friends in New York.” Allie nodded and still looked a little sad, before turning back to the window.

Holly turned away and stared straight ahead, wondering whatever did happen to her childhood friends in Arizona. She had always wanted to keep in touch, but time had just slipped away. She had grown up, and had probably been forgotten.

The train finally pulled into Penn Station and Holly once again grabbed Allie’s hand to guide her through the bustling crowds of New Yorkers. Once outside, Holly led Allie through the streets of Manhattan, holding her close so she didn’t get knocked over by the rushing people. After about twenty minutes, they arrived at the venue. The line was long, wrapping around a few blocks. Holly let Allie run to the end and was filled with happiness that she could do this for her.

Holly looked over the line, looking at the range of concertgoers. She chuckled to herself, wondering if she was the oldest one present. Girls on the line were singing songs and laughing loudly, filling the area with excitement and anticipation. She proceeded to talk and laugh with Allie, in an attempt to make the time go faster.

After an hour of standing on line, the doors were opening and they started to move up. They went through the motions of getting their bags checked and tickets ripped, before moving into the venue. They moved up the stairs and were faced with the general admission section, merch tables, and balconies. Immediately people rushed to the merch tables, throwing money and making t-shirt requests. Allie held the large smile on her face, admiring the venue.

All of a sudden, girls started laughing and talking loudly, gathering in a large group. They swarmed together and formed a mob around someone. Allie squealed and grabbed Holly’s hand, staring her right in the eyes. “That’s him, Holly! I have to meet him!” Holly laughed and brought Allie over to where the girls were. She stared down at her phone, not really paying attention to the “rock star” in front of her.

She quickly texted Jamie to tell her that they had arrived safely at the venue, while Allie chattered in her ear about what she should say. Suddenly, Allie pulled Holly forward and handed her a camera to take a picture. Holly fumbled with the electronic device and looked up.

She furrowed her eyebrows and held her breath when she saw the person in front of her. He looked up from Allie and stared at Holly, smirking. “Holly Reilly?”