Ghosts {L.P.}

9:30

Ｇｈｏｓｔｓ ＆ Ｇｉｒｌｓ Ａｌｉｋｅ
Ｗｉｌｌ Ｓｔａｎｄ Ｔａｌｌ

▶︎ •၊၊||၊|။||||။၊|• 1:18

The lights on stage flickered on while Riya walked steadily across the polished wood flooring, boots clicking with every step.

The spotlight followed her, initially blinding Riya under their glow while they guided her towards the lonesome stand with the even more lonesome microphone, the only other company on stage being the empty piano Julie was supposed to occupy.

Riya dared a peek at the crowd, trying to spot her father for reassurance, only to realize it was too crowded to even distinguish one person from the other, let alone find a singular person among the sea of human beings.

She had never felt so alone on stage, but she'd still push on.

"Hi, welcome to the Orpheum, I hope you're excited tonight," The crowd rose into loud cheers which made Riya wince, their roar had nearly shaken the entire theatre and made her stumble, she steadied herself by holding on the microphone practically glued on its stand.

"My name's Riya Williams and I'll be your singer for the night," She chuckled, gaining a couple of pity laughs from the crowd but overall silence in general. Riya cleared her throat.

"Um... I'd like to begin by dedicating this song to some very special people in my band's and my lives. To our fathers out in the crowd, who have stood behind our every step and pushed us on to continue, thanks Dad, and thank you too, Ray." Finally, she saw someone raise their hand in a wave from some seats pushed against the corner, there was Riya's dad waving happily with Carlos and Ray clapping along, still looking proud even if Julie wasn't on stage.

As if they were one big family for all.

"Another couple of people I'd like to thank are sadly not present with us anymore, but I know wherever they are, they are both looking down proudly at us," Riya turned towards the ceiling, closing her eyes against the spotlights, feeling their warmth cast along her face. "I hope we've made you proud so far."

"And most of all I'd like to dedicate this song to all of my friends who have changed my life in unimaginable ways, I wish I could thank them all individually and let you all know of their greatness, but I know you didn't come out here to know of these amazing people who I wish I could thank in more ways than just words..."

Riya backed away from the microphone, clearing her throat while feeling tears rise again. The dam was filling with cracks, trickles of water pouring down the sides while she tried steadying herself once more.

She felt a palm press against the small of her back, Riya immediately glancing upwards as she felt the microphone in her hands being turned away to the side. Julie was back, the same look of determination from Riya's face plastered on her face as she held Riya in a sideways hug.

"This song is for anyone who's lost their way. Step into your greatness. Don't give up," Julie neared the microphone so it was positioned between both girls, pressing their faces together to speak into it at once. "Stand tall."

The crowd cheered even more, defeaning Riya more than she thought possible, somehow she didn't care. Instead, Riya didn't even bother holding back her excitement and enveloped Julie in a tight hug, the lights dimming around them while they readied for the song.

"Ready?" Julie muttered into Riya's ear before pulling away from the hug, jumping on the balls of her feet, while Riya was careful not to accidentally crush her guitar or hit Julie with it.