Short fic writing trip

Adoption fic 7

The sun had just started to dip into the horizon by the end of the set, and there was still 3 more bands. She knew she should've left by now so no one got the chance to notice her missing, but how could she leave when the energy of the festival awoke her senses in a way she'd never experienced before. The mesmerizing stage lights and special effects, the moshing of the crowd keeping her grounded in juxtaposition to the weightlessness the feel of the music gave her, she never wanted it to end. So all consequence was out of her mind as she welcomed each band with near rabid enthusiasm. The sky shifted from blue to orange to purple to black over the tail end of the festival, and as the last chord rang out she was the loudest one cheering. Slowly people began calming down and dispersing, hoping to beat the traffic if they timed it right, but adrenaline still coursed through her even as she stayed with the left over stragglers. Finally she made her way to the part of the fence line she'd crossed and was about to make her trek back to the orphanage when a familiar voice called out.

"Hey, did you like the show? I saw you down there rocking out. Can definitely say you payed off that pass pretty quick." Frank smiled at her, and she couldn't contain her excitement.

"That was amazing! You guys were so cool and sounded so good, I loved hearing it live for the first time! I can't wait to come back tomorrow!" She bounced on the balls of her feet as she spoke, she hadn't been this excited in years, she wasn't even sure she'd been this excited ever. Frank's smile grew and he laughed a little at her childlike enthusiasm.

"Glad you liked it, kid, I hope to see you front and center tomorrow, and hopefully no security issues this time." He paused and looked up at the sky as if he'd just noticed how dark it'd grown in the hours it'd been since he was on stage. "you should probably head home before your folks start worrying, don't want you grounded out of a free pass."

Her smile wavered a little, then she let it fall rather than keep it up. She didn't know what possessed her to keep talking, perhaps the leftover adrenaline made it harder to keep her guard up, or because Frank was so nice to her, but soon her troubles were spilling out like a sputtering fountain coming back to life.

"I don't actually have any folks. I live at an orphanage, my parents were arrested when I was little and I don't know if they're still alive or still in jail or if they got out and just forgot about me, but either way they're not around. And I'll probably be in a lot of trouble and get a few of Harrowood's punishments for this, so I'm in no rush really. Though you're still probably right that I should get back, I at least need the sleep so I can be back early tomorrow."

Frank's face fell and a mix of sadness and concern washed over him, but he seemed to hold back whatever was going through his mind. She mentally kicked herself for saying anything, it wasn't his problem to deal with, she had no right to burden him with her issues.

"Sorry, I don't know what came over me, you don't have to worry about any of that. Just pretend I didn't say anything. I'll head back now and get some rest, and I'll be back tomorrow. Thank you again so much for everything, I promise I'll make full use out of this pass like you said to." She waved a little goodbye and started her journey back. Had she stayed just a little longer she might've seen the look of confused, saddened concern still left on Franks face, and the moment he decided this very much was his problem to deal with now.

*******

The next day played out fairly similarly, but the pep in her step caused her to be quite the spectacle for the rest of the children. She woke Sierra up today and while she didn't say anything, she was happy to see her big sister happy as well. Tommy and his best friend Ryan poked her thighs to tell them what had her so cheery, and not even Lucinda's harassing could wipe the smile off her face. She made sure to keep her face neutral and not make any snarky comments to Ms. Harrowood (to her face at least), and held back a proud smile when Cay quipped at the director in her place. She waited until the strict woman was long gone to pat Cay on the back for it. She used every ounce of will to keep herself rooted in her seat until breakfast was dismissed, and definitely didn't run to her room the second she was free to go. She packed her bag earlier with her pass, phone, and the little stack of spare cash she had saved up during her time here. She'd always said it was for an emergency, but an emergency is just as once in a life time as this festival, so she didn't feel too bad about taking it. She wore her favorite Three Cheers t-shirt with a Black Parade jacket to make sure she was representing her now top favorite band, for who else can say they got a free pass directly from a member of a band they love? Everything was ready for her to head off, and so she did, hopping out the hallway window and making her way to the venue.