Heart on Fire | Noah Sebastian

Chapter 28

"Is this true Noah?" She looked at me. I watched her heart break in that moment. All the light and glimmer in her entire being disappeared like a star imploding into a black hole. Her light was erased in that moment and a dam of dark tears replaced it.

I bowed my head in shame. "Yes, Belle, it's true. I'm sorry".

///

Belle and I made our way down to the venue so that I could make it to sound check on time. Belle was sure to dress in her 'Bad Omens Crew' Shirt again, along with her black ripped skinny jeans and tattered converse. I told her she looked like a rebellious teenager, to which she replied 'Good, that was the vibe I was going for'. She made me laugh.

I guided her through the venue and led her to the back room. I was so nervous to introduce her to everyone. The firefighter in her couldn't help but stop to inspect certain emergency hoses and emergency panels on our way there which made me nervous, but she assured me they were safe, commenting on the accumulation spider webs and outdated codes, but needed updating before anyone else knew. It wasn't in her jurisdiction to advise. I guess we're safe? There's pyro in our sets...

I guided her into the back room and we were excitedly greeted by my band as well as TCTT and CTE. They were all cramped into one large green room, and whilst I'm used to this situation, I was unsure about Belle. I didn't want her to feel overwhelmed by everyone. Everyone would be super excited to meet her and the entire room will be super loud and I'm sure they'll all ask uncomfortable and intrusive questions.

"Belle and Noah are finally here" Folio calls out as we enter the room. We were met with a loud and enthusiastic welcoming, but everyone gave us space. Immediately Andy offered us both a beer and Belle immediately accepted, and I guess so did I. I guess I had a reputation to keep up now. I didn't think this part through. I've been drunk this entire tour, but Belle doesn't know that. I couldn't imagine what she'd think of me if she knew that.

"Hi Belle, I'm Andy..."

"Lead singer of Crown the Empire, oh my gosh it is so exciting to meet you" Belle jumps up and down as she fangirls.

Belle excitedly greeted everyone, commenting on how big of a fan she was of each band, only sad that she never got to see either of them play live until now. Belle blended right in with everyone, owning her fangirling and excitement, immediately becoming a part of the group. It was as if she'd met everyone before. It was so weird to see her like this. I've only ever known her with me and as a professional, not as... a human being. I stood beside her, proud that this amazing human was mine. She intrigues me every single day.

Belle, after introducing herself, took a picture with everyone as every fan does. Everyone asked so many questions about her and she asked just as many back. She explained how long she'd been a firefighter for, confirming that yes her accent is Australian and that's why she's already finished her beer. Her eyes returned to their tropical blue colour and her smile was as bright as the sun. She held onto my side the entire time however. I could feel her shake slightly from nervousness, but whenever I patted her back she seemed to calm down.

"Bad Omens: Sound Check 5 mins" we heard the announcement over the PA. Belle turned to face me and I excitedly guided her towards the stage. No one outside our band or crew has been a part of our sound check. Belle was the very first one.

Belle walked across the stage and marvelled at all the infrastructure. "It's hard to quieten the fire safety within me but this is incredible!" she beams as she crosses the stage. Belle eventually went down to the sound board and inspected that during sound check. She used the in-ear monitor microphone to tell me how 'sexy I looked up on stage' and how much fun she was having.