Rhythm of the heart | Rick Savage

Chapter 15

26th July 1990

I lay in my bed, staring at the ceiling thinking about life. Where did I go wrong? Why me?

It's been a couple months since everything happened, I took time off of work, which was advised by Mr Thompson himself, I think he actually feels sorry for me, never thought I'd say that in my lifetime.

I've been A-wall for the last couple months, I've ignored everyone's calls, the only person I talk to is Jenny, we'll because I live with her.

She says I need to get out of the house and stop sulking, but I can't I loved him. I thought he loved me too, maybe he is telling the truth, maybe he does love me.

Suddenly, there is a quick knock at the door. Which I hear faintly over the whispered sounds of the record playing in the background.

I pull myself out and up to the door, slowly walking over to see who would be wanting to speak to me.

"Lisa?" I question as I stand face to face with her.

"Hi, Jocelyn. Before you say anything, I just want you to know that I am truly sorry, I know I hurt you. I wanted to give you this, I know it's not enough but I think you should really think about it" She says handing me a white envelope that is sealed with a sticker of a white rose.

"Thanks, Lisa. I don't know what to say" I reply taking the envelope from her,

"You don't have to say anything" she replies, we say our goodbyes before I close out the world once again.

I gently open the envelope, attempting to not tear the sticker that is holding it closed. I look inside and pull out a small piece of paper inspecting it. It's a ticket for...

Def Leppard.

It's been exactly a year since Sav and I met for the very first time. They are playing at the same arena, in the same town, on the same day. And by the looks of it, it's a one off show.

I'd be insane to pass up on this opportunity, even if I do have issues with their bassist. I'll just make sure that he doesn't see me.

Later that day, I stand at the back of the crowd, my heart conflicted, as I watch Def Leppard perform on stage. Memories of our past, both joyful and painful, flood my mind.

"Why did I even come here?" I whisper to myself.

As the music fills the air, I feel a tap on my shoulder. I turn to see Jenny and Lisa with hopeful smiles.

"Jenny, what are you doing here?" I ask her genuinely confused.

"This is a one off show, Jocelyn. I'm not gonna pass up on that" she said with a smile.

"You should come closer! It's a great show!" Lisa spoke, she and Jenny grabbed onto my hand and pulled me closer to the stage.

"Don't look so terrified. Just enjoy yourself" Jenny said encouragingly.

I take a deep breath and decide to take their advice. We slowly make our way to the front of the crowd, as we are drawn to the magnetic energy of the band's performance.

Midway through the concert, I spot Sav on the stage. He looks over and locks eyes with me, a flicker of hope crosses his eyes. He exchanges a subtle nod with Joe, and a plan unfolds.

As the music reaches its peak, the band abruptly stops playing, and the crowd falls into a hushed confusion.

"Ladies and gentleman, I'd like to introduce you to our bassist. Rick Savage. He has a couple words that he'd like to say" Joe addresses the crowd.

They murmur, unsure of what's happening, but their attention is focused on the stage.

"Hey, everyone, I hope you're having a fantastic time tonight!" Sav speaks into the mic.

The crowd cheers enthusiastically, and Sav glances over at me once more.

"Tonight is extra special for me, though, because someone very special to me is here" he continues earnestly.

I look around, feeling a mix of anxiety and anticipation. I look over to Jenny who is smiling to the heavens, then I look over to Lisa who was looking at me with her innocent look. They planned this.

"Jocelyn, could you come up here, please?" He asked gently.

My heart skips a beat as all eyes turn towards me. With a mix of hesitation and curiosity, I slowly make my way to the stage where Sav stands waiting for me.

"Sav, what's going on?" I ask him nervously.

"I need to do this, Jocelyn. I need to show you how much you mean to me" he says with determination.

The crowd falls into a hushed silence, they must be sensing the depth of emotions between us.

"Jocelyn is the most incredible person I've ever known. She has shown me what real love is" Sav speaks adressing the crowd.

He turns back to me, his eyes filled with sincerity.

"I've made mistakes, and I'm sorry for the pain that I've caused you. But I can't let this moment pass without showing you how much I truly care" he speaks softly.

The audience holds their breath, captivated by the intensity of the moment.

"Jocelyn, I want to make things right with you. I want to be there for you, to support you, and be the man you deserve" he reaches out to me.

I feel my eyes glisten with unshed tears, my heart torn between the past and the hope of a better future.

"Can we try again, Jocelyn? Can we work through this together?" He asks tenderly.

I take a minute to compose myself, feeling the weight of his words and the sincerity in his eyes.

"I... I want to believe you, Sav" I whisper.

"I understand, and I promise to prove myself to you every day, if you'll give me the chance" he speaks softly.

Without hesitation, I take a step forward and wrap my arms around him. The crowd erupts into cheers and applause as we embrace.

In that moment, surrounded by the music that brought us together, I feel a sense of hope and a willingness to give our love another chance.

"Ok, Sav. Let's try again" I say teary eyed.

Our eyes lock, and a genuine smile forms on Sav's face. He leans in and we share a heartfelt kiss, stealing our reunion.

The crowd cheers louder, celebrating not just the concert but also the triumph of love.