It Stays As It Was Left

1991.2014

September 27, 1991

Stevie stood on stage, looking out at the largest crowd Sula has ever played for, and took a deep breath. This was the fifth large crowd that she had played for, and she still wasn't used to it.

"Hey," She said. "We're Sula. Do you guys mind if we play a few songs for you guys?"

Instead of the usual cheers and encouragement, the girls were met with boos. Taken aback, Stevie finally realized what exactly it was that she was doing. Her band was opening for one of the current biggest music sensations, and the crowd came out to listen to them, not four girls from Tennesee. She took another deep breath and felt Becca's eyes on her.

"Too bad," She said mockingly. "We're gonna play anyway."

Ignoring every instinct telling her to run off stage and find the nearest garbage can to barf into, she began Chemical Kids. Becca let out a laugh next to her and the girls were able to get through the first minute of the song before the boos began again. The girls ignored it until they finished the song and Stevie looked at Becca helplessly. Becca stared back at her with flaming eyes but didn't say anything. She knew that Stevie had to be the one to do something, or else Becca would leave the stage bruised and bloodied. Stevie nodded and looked out to the angry crowd.

"Well," She laughed out. "Seems like you guys hated that one."

The boos increased and Stevie forced another laugh.

"Chill out, you guys," She said. "We're only gonna play a couple more songs, and if you hate them, that's fine."

The crowd went quiet, wondering where the woman was going with this.

"Because there's no way you assholes are gonna boo us off stage."

The crowd went crazy, lurching forward as Becca threw her head back and laughed.

"Anyway," Stevie said with a toothy grin. "This song is called Diamonds and Why Men Buy Them."

Thankfully, the crowd seemed to calm down and the girls got through the rest of their set, quickly running off stage and allowing the techs to get the guy's instruments ready. Kurt rushed up to them, anger painted on his face.

"Are you guys okay?" He asked as Krist and Dave flanked his sides.

"Actually, I feel pretty good," Stevie said. "I've never been that brave before."

Becca slapped the girl on the back, letting out a loud laugh.

"No you haven't," She said. "At least something good came out of that shit show."

"They're gonna pay," Kurt said in anger.

"No," Stevie denied. "It's fine. They calmed down after the first song. It's no big deal."

"Fuck yes it is!" A female's voice interrupted the room. "There is no way we can let those fuckers get away with that!"

Kurt's girlfriend, a fiery blonde who was known for speaking her mind and doing her best to invade the rock space to make room for more women.

"Just because we're girls doesn't mean that we can let those assholes step all over us! This is our space too and fuck anyone that thinks otherwise!"

Becca laughed again, grabbing a beer can from the cooler next to the stage.

"Couldn't have said it any better."

Camila and Jenni nodded solemnly and Stevie let out a groan, clearly outnumbered.

"Okay," She relented. "But I can't be around for it or else I'll feel bad."