Chapter 9
"I don't know why he dislikes me. He said he didn't hate me but... I don't know... I wish I knew why..." I said to my late parents and little brother. I had a spare hour so I decided to come.
"You know you always said that hate is another form of jealousy. You have what they haven't. Does that mean he dislikes me because I've got the headliner? That would make sense but that can't be it can it? It would be nice if he put that aside so we call all get along. Also because of what he says I get sympathy. I don't want that. I don't need a pity party I'm fine on my own. That way I can't get hurt." I said. I sighed. I wish I had a response on what to do. But whatever is meant to be will find it's way right?
"Anyways I've made a friend. Her name is Trisha she's nice and she stands up for me I can't ask for anything else can I? I don't think anything bad could happen to us. She isn't exactly my best friend. She's observant too. She wants me to take the stilettos off and be free. But happiness doesn't last very long and as I said before I don't want a pity party. I guess I'm stuck in them." I said. I traced my fingers over my mother's gravestone.
"It's her launch party today remember when I told you about mine? I hope this goes well for her. She's really talented and her band." I said. I slipped my phone out of my pocket and checked the time. It was reaching midday and I needed to get back.
Shane had finally agreed to do what I said. My idea was that to pair everyone up and sing. You know since there are 12 people all together and then at other parts of the song like the chorus and the bridge more people can sing. Like a duet and then other people sing as well.
It reminded me of the song We Are The World by Michael Jackson, he and a load of other people did something similar. That song was for people in Africa, the campaign was the USA for Africa. This is Galaxy records for Families United.
"I miss you Mum, Dad, Benjamin. I wish you could see me now. And Ben you would've been a great kid. I just wish I could see you grow up more." I said. I wiped a stray tear from my eye. Ben was only 9 when he died. He would've been 12 right now. I sighed I guess I couldn't see him grow up like my parents couldn't see grow up. But wherever they are now I hope they are happy.
I got up from my kneeling position and had one last glance at the 3 graves. First, it was my Dad then Mum then Ben. I then walked out of the Cemetery and got into my car. I jammed the keys into the ignition and drove off to the boarding house.
The only reason I took my car was that I didn't have to answer questions regarding why I didn't take it. I parked my car beside Mark's car and entered the house. I walked to the studio- guitar in my hand.
"Where did you go?" Mark asked me.
"Oh, just out I wanted some fresh air," I said simply. It wasn't a complete lie but it wasn't the truth either.
"Oh okay, then we better get started before Shane over there decides he doesn't like your idea anymore." He said and gestured to Shane who was strumming his guitar. he seemed deep in thought. I also noticed Trisha and Johnny flirting at the other side of the room so I decided to approach them.
Note for later: Remember to ask Trisha on what he thinks of Johnny.
"Hey, guys. I can see that Johnny, you haven't stopped with the flirting... Are you going to give up any time soon? I don't think you'll get anywhere." I said.
"I'm not going to give up. No one can resist Johnny." He said stubbornly.
"Actually Lizzie seems to resist you just fine." Trisha pointed out.
"When I first met her she was kind of my boss and she doesn't let anyone in. I've never seen her with a guy apart from us and her brother," He said.
"Really? Well anyways you better give up Johnny it's not going to happen," she said.
"I will get you one day Trisha don't worry." He vowed. I rolled my eyes at him. He would not stop until he gets her so I think Trisha should get used to him and his constant flirting.
"Okay, enough of this I think we should actually getting working we have 4 weeks left. And at this rate, we are not going to get nowhere." I said. They agreed. We got everyone's attention and we started to work.
"I think we should change it from a C to a C sharp." Shane inputted. Johnny looked at him like he was crazy.
"Do you think that would work?" He said.
"There's only one way we would find out," I said. I played the tune first with the C then the C sharp.
Shane was right, it did sound better.
"I'm going to have to agree with Shane it sounds better. We are trying to get it lighter we don't what it too low or upbeat remember." I said.
"Who exactly is going to be playing the instruments on the single and in the fundraiser?" Mark asked. I shrugged.
"We are going to have to think about that because we all need to be doing something at the same time." Trisha inputted.
"I agree with her. I don't just want to stand there." Jacob said.
"Well, we are going to have to think of something," I said.
"You know we have to have our sound check before the launch right?" Charlie said. I glanced at the time and it was edging to 4. Woah, that whizzed. I guess we were too busy to realise that the time flew. But at least we have done the 1st verse.
*
"Lizzie, Lizzie, Lizzie you need to have your makeup done!" Trisha said to me and looked at me disapprovingly. I groaned.
"I'm fine Trisha! Plus it is your launch party, not mine! So you are going to have to look your best not me. The spotlight is going to be on you!" I protested.
"That doesn't matter! Plus imagine the look on Shane's face if he sees you..." She trailed.
"Oh my gosh, Trisha! Tell me you are not thinking that! As I said yesterday he doesn't like me!" I said.
"That does matter you told me he said he doesn't hate you so you might as well score some points!" She said. I frowned I knew she was going to somehow do something for me to attract attention. Great just great.
It wasn't like I was going to let him in any way.
"Lizzie you alright?" she asked.
"I'm okay," I muttered with a smile on my face.
"Just because a girl says 'I'm okay' with a smile on her face does mean that everything is alright. Is anything bothering you Lizzie?" She asked. I looked at her slightly confused. I was alright now. Perfectly normal. I just didn't like the idea of letting someone in. It wasn't going to happen.
"I'm fine. Plus I don't want no relationship or people staring at me like that." I said.
"Okay, okay but a little. It's mesh with your outfit." She said.
"Okay, okay you can. But only a little." I agreed. And with that, she got to her work.
When we were both ready we looked great. I was wearing a white tank top which had the peace sign printed on it in black. A pair of ripped, dark skinny jeans showing off the shade of my legs. A pair of red converse. My outfit was topped off with a necklace which felt just underneath my breasts and a leather jacket.
My hair was straightened and was left out and I had light make-up which complemented my light blue eyes.
Trisha was wearing a denim mini skirt which showed her legs she was wearing tights s she didn't have that slutty image. She had a loose but hinted what was underneath top which had sequins over it. Her hair was straightened and her make-up was full. She had little hand gloves which completed her image.
"I think we look amazing," Trisha stated.
"Yeah, we look great... Um... So we better get going?" I said.
"Yeah we don't want to keep them too long they'll start to complain. Plus it starts in like... 45 minutes?" She said. I nodded and then we got our pouches and exited her room. She too- being the only other girl got the priority of having her own room.
We walked downstairs and I also held my guitar in my hand. I took it everywhere with me. Just in case I get some kind of inspiration I would always have my guitar with me so I wouldn't forget.
"And the girls have arrived! It took you guys time! But the result was worth it!" Charlie said and wiggled his eyebrows at me. I rolled my eyes at him. He is such a flirt.
"Leave her alone and she is reserved so don't even think about it!" Trisha said. Oh god... Why do I have a feeling she is going to make this even worse for me! I don't want this kind of attention!
"Oooh, really Lizzie? Who is he?" Charlie questioned. I bit my lip. I wasn't sure on what to say. A smirk played on Trisha's lips and I prayed she wouldn't say anything.
"Secret," Trisha said and I sighed in relief. We then walked to the lounge and found everyone there.
"Okay, guys the girls are here let's go," Charlie said to everyone. They all turned their heads to us. I felt like laughing at Johnny he was looking at Trisha as if she was the only girl in the world.
Hmmm... why do I have a feeling that they are meant to be...?
"You girls look beautiful. It's a good thing us guys could protect you from all the guys at the bar right?" Johnny said. I rolled my eyes at him. I noticed that Shane was looking at me. Not in an interested way like he was trying to figure me out. Trying to see what was underneath the surface.
He wouldn't find anything, I was sure of it.
I ripped my gaze from him and turned to Trisha.
"Let's get going then we don't want you to get late," I said. She nodded and everyone else agreed and we all left.
*
"Are you nervous?" I asked Trisha. She looked slightly pale.
"Kind of... What if they don't like it?" She asked anxiously. I smiled, this was exactly how I was.
"You'll be fine Trisha. I was the same way and they like me so they would love you. You are talented Trisha so show your talent to everyone out there! Plus a crowd like this isn't a lot a stadium full of people." I said reassuringly.
"What do you mean a stadium full of people?" She asked. I don't think I should have said that.
"Nevermind that you are going to go on in a few. So just breath relax, forget that you have an audience, surrender yourself to the music. Just think it's you and your band playing you'll be fine and you'll rock the house tonight!" I assured. She smiled at me and gave me a hug. I returned it.
"Thanks for the pep talk! I feel much better now. Where are you going to go whilst I'm on stage?" She said and then let go of me, she only had a slight grip my arms.
"I'll be in the crowd cheering you on. Don't worry!" I said.
"Trisha there you are you need to go on stage now. The rest of Blazing Lights are on stage." Maria said. Trisha nodded and let go of me. She grabbed her guitar and smiled at me before going on stage.
"Good luck!" I said before she was out of my sight.
"Lizzie it's great to see that you are getting along with Trisha I haven't really seen you talk to anyone apart from your band," Maria said to me.
"Trisha's great and I've made friends with her. And I'm glad too that I am friends with her too. I'm going to go out in the crowd." I said. Maria nodded. I went off backstage and to the bar. I stood at the side beside my band and watched Trisha introduce Blazing lights.
"Hey, guys! I'm Trisha Sparks and this is my band Blazing lights. That's Charlie West, Marcus Grady and Jacob Samuels. I hope you enjoy the show!" She said. And with that, she kicked off.