Darrian's point of view
_____
The first part of David and Darrian's second show in Chicago had just ended.
The fifteen-year-old pulled out his microphone as they walked backstage together and grumbled, "This shit is so tiring."
They had practiced for two days straight, their bodies aching and their voices hoarse. The last-minute decision to cram in extra rehearsals without their input had left them both resentful and exhausted.
"I know, bro," David sighed, rubbing his temples. "I'm gonna head outside for some air. I'll be back."
Checking it out the day before, Darrian and David knew there was a sizable wooded area in the back of the stadium. It was Undoubtedly creepy at night but not enough to deter him.
"I'll go with you," Darrian droned. He was exhausted but didn't want to leave his friend in an unfamiliar place by himself. They've done concerts in Chicago many times, but this place was brand new to both of them.
"No, it's ok. Go get some rest, I'll be fine." The sixteen-year-old said in a reassuring tone, taking note of his eye bags.
"We don't know this place well so there's no way I'm doing that. It's not safe." Darrian argued.
"I'll get a guard so I won't be out there by myself. I know you're tired." David argued back.
Despite Darrian's many protests afterwards, his friend stood steadfast in his decision.
"Fine." The fifteen-year-old finally agreed. David gave him a tight hug and said again that he'd be fine before walking away.
Darrian watched as David walked further and further away, suddenly feeling the urge to stop him. He started to walk forward to catch up with him.
Then a hand grabbed his shoulder. Startled he stopped in his tracks and turned around.
"Hey—Are you alright?" His friend Tyler asked, concerned.
Darrian exhaled a breath he didn't realize he had been holding, "Uhm-Yeah."
"Durk asked for me to come get you, my guess is he wants to give you something. Where's DD?" The seventeen-year-old questioned.
Darrian's gaze flickered back to where David had disappeared, his heart pounding with conflicting emotions.
"He went out for a bit, he said he'd be back later," Darrian explained.
"Mm, ok." Tyler took Darrian's arm and wrapped it around himself before saying, "let's go."
As they walked to where Durk was, Darrian couldn't shake off the alarming feeling buzzing through his mind.
"Can you please go see if he's alright? I just...I dunno." He asked.
"How about we go together after we go see durk?" Darrian agreed, recognizing the slight worry etched on Tylers face, and they continued walking.
The worrying feeling got even worse but he decided to shrug it off. They were at a stadium for gods sake. Nothing could happen here?
Right?
