The Afterglow

Chapter Three: The Job

* So in the next few chapters or maybe even after that if I decide to continue, There will be some mention of "modern" music which basically means music that exists now. I wanted to explain before the chapter because I'm aware that the show takes place in the early 2000's and I didn't want it to be confusing. I also love Taylor Swift so a lot of songs mentioned might be hers and may be labeled as "someone else's song" but all rights to her songs go to her, this is solely for the plot of the story. Thanks!xx.

This past week has been one of the hardest weeks of my life. I worked so hard to keep up with Chilton and I knew I had to work even harder if i wanted to maintain my grades. Luckily today was Saturday and that meant I had some time before I had to worry about school again. I woke up that morning with an unusual amount of energy, brushed my teeth, and pulled on my green sweater and wide legs and left for Lukes. It was refreshing to be alone , for the last 6 months all I've heard were condolences and apologies and looks of pity and I was so sick of it. I took a deep breath and took it all in. Sleepy Stars Hollow. It was only 6:30 am and I was positive that the only other person awake in town was Luke.

I walked into the diner and was relieved to find it empty. " Hey Luke!" I said while serving myself a cup of coffee.

"What are you doing up so early?" He said.

" oh you know, just trying to experience some calm before the chaos"

"Yea ok" he said, regretting he asked me that question, " If I put your coffee in a to-go cup will you go away?"

"Absolutely!" I agreed... Annoying Luke had quickly become my favorite pastime.

I decided to go to the bookstore next, there were so many books that were on my TBR that I had just been dying to read. I spent roughly 4 hours at the store. There's something about books that just completely captivates me. I am amazed at how I can enter a whole new world and forget about my worries for a while , with just a few words.

I went back to Luke's for lunch, trying to think of what I should do next. I saw Dean sitting at a table alone , we made eye contact and he motioned for me to come over.

" Hey Anya, come sit"

I happily obliged and sat down. " So what have you been up to? It's been a while since we talked, enjoying your job at Dosee's?" I asked.

" uh yeah its ok I guess, a pretty good source of money for now but I'd like to do something with my hobbies you know?" He said.

" What kind of hobbies?" I inquired.

" Well.. uh I've been playing the guitar for years now and I would just love to put it to some use." he replied.

" Do u sing?" I asked, wondering how exactly he would get a job just playing the guitar.

" What? No I don't", he said, quite confused.

" Dean I don't mean to be critical or anything but how exactly do you expect to book a gig without a singer?" I felt bad for criticizing but it had to be said.

" Actually, um, I was hoping you would do it." I really was NOT expecting him to ask me that.  I thought I had closed that chapter in my life for good. I hadn't sang for almost a year but I was ready to start again. It seemed like something was missing from my life and starting music again seemed like the perfect distraction.

" Sure, why not Dean." I said. He looked shocked that I didn't question him about how he knew I sang, he just sat there and said nothing.

After a long pause he said " where?"

"What?"

" where would we perform, It's not like there are any places in town where it would work."

Just as he said that, the perfect place popped into my head.

"Here, we can do it here!" I exclaimed.

"I'm sorry what?" He asked.

" Look" I said, walking over to the small empty space near the stairs to Luke's apartment. " It's perfect , It's even raised like a real stage would be. Now, don't worry about asking Luke, I'll ask him and he has to agree because he can't say no to this face." I explained as I made my exaggerated pouty face.

After loads of negotiation and several held-back curse words, Luke agreed to let us play there every Friday afternoon for ten dollars a gig. He also said that If the music was bad he would pound our heads in, which I decided to overlook.

When I went home that night I was overwhelmed with anxiety and positively giddy with excitement.

Meanwhile, I hadn't heard from John in a while. I wasn't sure if he was ignoring me or if he was just busy, but he felt like a huge weight, pushing  me down. I picked up the phone and called him. He actually picked up this time, he said " Hey, what's up?". I really don't know what went through my mind in those last few moments. I replied, " I'm sorry, I can't do this anymore." I heard the machine click, and that was that.