La Luna - His Future || Bruno Madrigal Fanfic || Book One

Surrender - Part 1

The sun had slowly started to set, casting an orange glow over everything. Candles flickered on the tables, adding to the already beautiful atmosphere.

We all gathered around the stage as Calida finished her song. She sang a favorite. One that our group often requested from her. It suited her voice and style so well.

Isabela and Camilo were still standing front row watching. Completely glued to every little thing that was happening on stage. But I noticed Isabela's attention had shifted somewhat. Her eyes wandered to Arthuro playing, as he strummed his guitar, blissfully unaware that he had a fan. It was cute. If Isa made the first move, he'd possibly stand a chance, I thought smiling. Camilo seemed deep in thought as he watched Benji. It was hard to tell if he was simply enjoying his singing and playing or if there was more to it. I don't think I've seen Camilo approach Benji yet, I dug through my memories, trying to recall. I shrugged it off for now.

A sweet voice pulled me away from my thoughts.

"Mamá?", Mateo tugged on my hand.
"Mijo? What is it?", I kneeled down to him.
"Can I go next?", his blue eyes pleading. Putty in his hands, I stroked his hair, "Sí, mi niño. Go tell Benji then."

He ran off to the stage, waving to get Benji's attention.

Julieta and María stood to my left, with Bruno to my right, along with Félix and Pepa. Agustín sat at a table with Mirabel and Abuela. Actually, Abuela had sat there the entire time, mostly talking to people from town that came up to her. I didn't want her to feel unwelcome around us, regardless of what had happened between me and her. I felt a ton of shame and regret over how I handled that situation and planned to make amends. But that's not what today was for. I searched the crowd some more and spotted Dolores with her arm candy at the very back. They were listening to a few of my group members, probably telling them stories. I grimaced, hoping they weren't scaring them with some of the more brutal stories. Ciro was with them so I had faith that he'd steer the conversation and keep it lighthearted. Of course Luisa made friends with our guards, I smiled.

The sound of a small voice clearing itself on stage came and Bruno squeezed my hand. Mateo was stood there nervously as Benji spoke to him with a smile from just below. No doubt giving him some encouraging words. I squeezed Bruno's hand in return.

"He'll be okay.", I tried to ease Bruno, who was possibly more nervous than Mateo.

"We like to take turns going up to sing. Teo's only been up once before but I'm sure Echo will help him.", I ran my thumb over the back of his hand. "He'll be okay..", I told myself.

Echo took Mateo's hand and he nodded at her. He wanted to be brave, like Benji I'm sure. My free hand came up over my heart. Echo let go of his hand and stepped slightly off to the side. I wasn't sure what song Mateo had picked but he didn't have anyone playing instruments on stage with him.

A cheer from Lo sounded off from the side of the stage and a few others hollered little praises, puffing him up. He locked eyes with mine and I nodded to him, giving him a bright smile.

He cleared his throat again, pushing his nerves aside and started.

His sweet voice echoed out. No other sounds. Just him.

"I walked across an empty land
I knew the pathway like the back of my hand
I felt the earth beneath my feet
Sat by the river and it made me complete

Oh simple thing, where have you gone?
I'm getting old and I need something to rely on
So tell me when, you're gonna let me in
I'm getting tired and I need somewhere to begin"