What If I Can't Forget You?

{4}

We were early, but it's not like I minded waiting. We entered a huge concert room that was filling up quickly. I dragged Jesse close to the front.

The stage was set and dark, and a large banner was painted with the girl on the Collide With The Sky album cover. Jesse waited patiently, but I could hardly stand it. I'd never driven to California to go see them because it was simply too far and I was simply too busy. Now, I had my chance. I bounced on the balls of my feet, anxious for the show to start.

People filed in faster, and the room was still packed. I found myself nestled in between Jesse and a beautiful dark-haired girl.

Like, this girl was stunning. No joke, I think I drooled a little bit. Is that creepy? I don't know. But wow.

She was oblivious to my stare, glancing around curiously and patiently. She seemed really comfortable here.

I had to talk to her, I had to know her.

"Um, hello?" She said, a goofy smile on her face. She had caught me staring and was staring back.

"H-hi." Smooth.

She laughed. She had a beautiful laugh.

"Take a picture, it'll last longer." She said, winking. "I'm Alex."

"Ian."

"Well, Ian, are you a big fan?"

"What?"

She rolled her eyes.

"Of the band? You know, the one you paid to come see tonight? I assume so, we have the same shirt on."

Oh, right. I'm an idiot.

"Yeah! Yeah. I've been waiting to see them on tour since A Flair For The Dramatic in high school."

"This is my third show I've seen on this tour. I've been following-"

"Wait. Your third? Are you stalking them?" I found myself really comfortable talking to her, for some reason.

"Yes! I'm a big fan."

"I wish I was that lucky! They haven't been close enough for me to drive."

"Oh, that really sucks. They put on a great show."

"So I've heard."

"Do you go to college here?"

"Yeah, I study music at UNLV."

"Seriously? That is really cool. What do you play?"

"Guitar, bass, mandolin. Really, anything with strings. I also sing." Why did I tell her that? I never tell anyone that.

"Well, maybe you could play for me sometime." She flashed a gorgeous smile.

"Anytime, beautiful." I'm flirting?? Since when do I flirt?? I don't talk to girls. I don't talk, period!!

What is happening? She giggled, pulling out her phone.

"Here." She said, extending it to me to put in my number. I did the same for her.

Then, the lights went out. Alex grabbed my arm, pulling closer.

May These Noises Startle You In Your Sleep Tonight started softly. The crowd went wild, jumping up and down, screaming for the band that was sure to come momentarily.

A light flashed quickly against a black backdrop, creating a shadow of a figure with a guitar and a SnapBack. Vic.

Then, one with a guitar and spiky hair. Jaime.

Next, another with a guitar. Tony.

Last, a figure with two long, skinny drumsticks. Mike.

"If you wanted to set me free..." Came a distant voice. Excitement swelled in my chest. My favorite song was coming fast.

Vic finished the verse and the lights slowly rose to reveal the band on the stage, waving, smiling.

They launched into Hell Above.

I moshed the whole concert, singing along to my heroes' songs, loving every second dearly.

At the end of the insanely awesome night, Alex pulled me into a long hug.

"Call me tomorrow." She said, looking genuinely sad to leave me.

"I will." I said. And I would.