Rock on

Chapter 21

Lapis' POV

I locked the back door of the restaurant behind me. Today went slower than a snail, and I was fed up with the rude customers. But one thing keeping this day from being a total bust was spending the night with Peridot and her band. I wasn't too sure about the thought of Jasper being there, but she is still part of the band. I just have to stay away from her and keep Peridot away from her. I checked my phone for the time; it said 5:13. Peridot should be here any minute. Aquamarine took my bike and loaded it into her car so that I won't have to come back for it; she will just drop it at my house anytime she wants to, or when I need it.

I walked in front of the restaurant; most lights in the streets were off, and all the surrounding buildings were quiet. I was the only one standing next to a pole with a lantern at the top. I know it's dangerous, but knowing Peridot for the time I do, she would make it on time. Speaking of which, I saw a green car drive up from behind the street corner at a slow pace. It parked in front of me as the window rolled down slowly. Peridot sat there with her elbow hanging out of the window. "Need a ride?" she asked as her own greeting. I giggled in return as I walked to the other side of the car and took my seat. "You could have just waited in the restaurant; I would have come to get you. It's dangerous outside this late at night," Peridot said with a concerned smile as she lifted up the window. "Nah, I'm sure I would have been fine either way," I said as I buckled my seatbelt. I looked at Peridot for a second, admiring her eyes, and for some reason, Peridot was eyeing me the same way. I quickly snapped my train of thought and changed the subject. "So, how's your eye doing? And I see you got new glasses," I said as I reached to slide my finger across the rim of her glasses. Peridot smirked. "The black eye is fading well, and I got these glasses from a friend who works at the Ophthalmic Laboratory," she said proudly as she pulled away from the curb.

I sighed, leaning back in my chair and resting my eyes before Peridot spoke. "Long day?" she asked with a sincere and careful voice. "Very, but at least I might have some fun for a bit," I said as I tilted my head, eyeing Peridot from the side with a smile. "Sure you will, you can listen to us perform, and if you'd like, you can join us for practice," Peridot said with a smile, but not looking at me as she was focused on the road. "What? I can't practice with you guys? I'm not in the band?" I said as I sat up straight, my head now turned towards her in a confused yet surprised manner. "W-well, it's just for tonight, and I can assure you, Lazuli, you have a delightful voice," Peridot said with a nervous stutter but reassuring tone. "Oh yeah? How would you know?" I said with a smirk, folding my arms and leaning towards her. "I heard you sing on the way back from the bar the other night," Peridot said plainly. My eyes widened, not exactly sure how to respond to that type of statement. "Oh," I said, sitting back in my normal position, my hands now tightly across my lap. "But like I said, it was beautiful," Peridot said quickly, as if she wanted to not make me feel uncomfortable.

I had a little blush across my face hearing those words from Peridot. It's always nice to hear someone say something beautiful about you, even if it's your voice. And coming from a famous singer, I'd say it's a pretty big compliment. "Thanks," I replied softly as I brushed a little hair strand at the back of my hair. It was a few silent minutes before we arrived at Peridot's house. It was huge! Everything looked so modern and technologically advanced. There were a few cars already parked in front of her house. I'm guessing it was the rest of the band members. "We're here," Peridot said softly as she got out of the car. I followed behind her. As we got to the front door, Peridot typed in some sort of passcode, and the door flew open by itself. "Woah," I said in admiration. "Pretty cool, huh?" Peridot said softly as she looked over her shoulder towards me, giving a small grin. We stepped inside, but there was no one. "Where are the others?" I asked in confusion, glancing around the living room in search of the band members. "They would be in the basement; that's where we keep the instruments," Peridot said sharply as she threw her jacket on the couch. "Come on," Peridot said as she grabbed my wrist gently, dragging me towards the basement door. Another blush crept onto my face as I felt Peridot's grip around my wrist.