Saving Panic's! Ryan

Chapter 1

It was spring 2004. I walked out of the hair salon with improved confidence as I flicked my now all pink hair over my shoulder. This was the first time I had ever dyed my hair before, and I was loving it already. I would fit right in with the partygoers at the local venue. Speaking of the local venue... I pull out my flip phone to check the time. Shoot! The clock reads 7:30. I rush out of the hair salon, concerned that I'd be late and miss the first band of the night, who begins their set at 8:00.

As I walk to the venue, a message comes through and causes my phone to vibrate. I figured it was my friend, Lily, wondering where I was. I read the message. I was right about one thing, it was Lily. However, she wasn't wondering where I was. She was flaking out on me. This wasn't the first time, and it certainly wouldn't be the last time either. Lily was known for cancelling plans. I wondered what her excuse was this time as I read through her long message.

Abby! I am so sorry but I have to cancel tonight. Something came up and I just can't make it on time this weekend. Don't let me stop you from having a good time though! Show off your hair, dance like you're crazy and sing your heart out! See you next weekend?

I shook my head, placing my phone back in my pocket. She didn't even bother giving me an excuse this time. I really didn't want to go alone to this show. I had never gone to a show by myself before. I was used to Lily bailing on me, but she usually bailed with enough time left for me to invite someone else. This time, I couldn't invite anyone else. Who would be able to go to a concert with less than a half hour of notice? No one. I signed and continue walking to the venue.

I was contemplating just walking home and forgetting about the whole thing, but I promised myself that I wouldn't do that. This was the start of a new era. This is a new Abby. This is no longer the girl who's scared of her own shadow and prefers to stay in her room reading on Friday nights. This Abby was adventurous, fun and now rocked bright pink hair. I smiled to myself. I was proud that I was going to continue with my plans anyway. The old Abby could never.

I wouldn't back out tonight. Besides, I loved this place. I was so lucky to live so close to a venue that hosted all of the local bands each weekend. Some people spent hours traveling to this place, and I was lucky enough to live just a few minutes from it. In fact, it was walking distance from my house, which I appreciated immensely. I checked the time again. It was now 7:46 and I was not happy. I would definitely miss the first band, but I had to remind myself that pink hair was worth it. No one really gets riled up until mid show anyway. The bands who are booked to preform first don't exactly have the ideal time slot. People are usually still wandering around and getting snacks by the time they come on stage.

It was times like these when I wished that my dad and I didn't have to share a car. He was at a friend's house and he would probably be gone until at least midnight, so I was stuck relying on my legs for transportation. My dad always got dibs on the car, but I guess it was only fair considering that it was his car after all. Besides, he wasn't used to me going out on the weekends anyway. This was only the third or fourth time that I planned on going to the local venue, but I had to admit, I was enjoying myself. I liked this side of myself. I'm sure I'd be extra awkward tonight out in the humble crowd considering I was alone, but you know what? That's alright.

I was thinking about my plans for the rest of the weekend. Since I was forcing myself to go out tonight, I think I could give myself a break and take it easy the rest of the weekend. I could use a break from my classes. My dad would be home all weekend and we could just spend the time watching movies together, which we rarely do. When the week began, I could spend the rest of it  just enjoying myself because it was finally spring break and I was beyond ready for it. It sounded great!