Melodies of Redemption

Chapter 2: A New Dawn

Incredible. That is one word that I would use to explain tonight. The band and I are headed to some after party. Our manager said that it is important for us to attend. I really don't know why because I tuned that whole part out. On the ride there I couldn't help but ponder and reflect on how appreciative I am for all the things I have. I know that the road ahead of me will be tough, but I also know for a fact that no matter what; I will always have the ones that I love the most by my side.

"See if you asking me, I think we did an excellent
job with our speeches!" squealed Kylie, I nodded in agreement. I let out a big sigh, "You know... I really loved the way Bill mentioned us in his speech. I mean they won the award, we had nothing to do with it. That was a very courageous thing to do." I finalized. "Yeah, I totally agree! I never really expected that to happen. It caught me so off guard." Eric adds on. We all began to praise Bill and the bands effort to try and make us feel better for not getting that award.

     In all honesty, that is one of the nicest things anyone has ever done to me or even to the band. That small little mention of our names made us feel incredibly special. Not only special, but proud. Proud about the fact that we are also being noticed for our talent by others; who are not our fans.

* ‧̍̊˙· 𓆝.° ｡˚𓆛˚｡ °.𓆞 ·˙‧

Camera lights were blinding my eye sight as I got out of the car. Not only was it cameras but also interviewers ready to shove mics up our noses. I wanted to try and have a conversation, but I am too hyped. I really want to see what really happens in these 'sick' after parties. When we walked in there was music and a lot of people having nice and formal conversations. It is just like how I imagined it.

As we walked around we were congratulated on our awards, to which we would also congratulate the others for their achievements. We would stop and talk and then leave to talk even more. Don't get me wrong, I'm a social person. But my social battery is starting to run low. And being in a huge crowd is making my anxiety way worse.

"Hey guys, I'm gonna go and get something to drink. Would any of you like anything?" I asked. They all looked at me worried. "Uhm not really... are you feeling okay? We can leave. I mean after all it's getting late." Claude insists with a concern tone. The truth is, I did want to leave, but I didn't want to ruin their night of fun. "No.no.no!!! I will not allow that! And I am feeling okay, I think it's because I haven't had anything to drink all day. So nothing for any of you guys?" I say definitely. They all shake their heads no. "Zoey if you don't feel well go ahead and leave and we will meet you at the hotel, sounds good?" Kylie whispers in my ear. I look at her and nod my head.

     As I am trying to make my way through the crowd i bump into someone causing their drink to spill. I hear 'shit' escaped from their mouth. I mentally curse at how stupid I could be, I did the task of slowly turning around in humiliation. "Oh my gosh I am so so so sorry!" I apologized immediately. "I should have been looking at what I was doing, if I was actually paying attention none of thi-" before I could speak further his laughter rang through my ears. "No, it's okay. Mistakes happen." Bill gave me a reassuring smile, which made me less embarrassed. "Gosh..." I began to turn red resulting me to his my face and laugh at my own stupidity.

     "Um... congratulations on your awards by the way,"  I state not wanting it to be awkward. Bill smiles and giggles, "Thank you so much! We were in a tight position on our last one. "Competing" against you guys was tough! I mean you guys are good!" He begins to get excited. I couldn't help but laugh at this outburst. "Awe you are being too sweet! I wanted to thank you for mentioning us in your speech! You really didn't have to." I smile widely at him. "Ah my pleasure! But it had to be done! I mean I couldn't let you guys not have a little bit of pride! So why not share it?!" We both laugh and agree.

     Bill has this soul that jumps right at you. So bright and he is sweet like honey. Everything he does and says shines so brightly. He really is one incredible young man. And his talent does not go unknown.

     "Would you like a drink? I was gonna go to the bar and get something.... But I messed up yours, so why not get another?" I suggested. Bill  agreed and followed me to the bar. "You know. I'm getting sick of these articles that are written about our so called rivalry." I mention, this caused Bill to tense up. "Do you know anything about that?" To which bill responded with shaking his head no. I huffed and gave up right away. There was silence between us. "Okay look. I didn't wanna say anything. But your band was mention in one of our interviews. And Tom had said something which sparked the whole rivalry thing.." he mumbled. This made me choke on my drink.

     "He did what!" I exclaim causing some people to give us looks. I groan at the embarrassment "what did he say exactly. And you can't say "I'm not sure if I should tell you." Because you cannot not say something without telling me the backstory," I ramble on. "Okay okay.. he basically said that you guys are rising in fame which causes competition for us. He said he would like the challenge." My jaw dropped. What the heck! Is he that crazy?! " so?..." Bill waits for a reply. And boy will I give him one.

"TOM IS SO-" I was cut off by a masculine voice from behind me. "Hot? Yeah I know. Thank you for acknowledging that," He comes around and stands next to Bill. I nervously chuckle at the almost cursing session. Completely embarrassed I avoided eye contact. Bill began to speak "Tom this is Zoey, Zoey this is Tom" he cleared his throat. In a respectful manner, I finally look up. He was beautiful up close. The way his tan skin reflects the flashing lights from the dance floor. The way I could smell his cologne mixed with a hint of cigar smoke. I finally stutter out "Nice to meet you"  with  a smile on my face and take my hand out. But I got nothing in reply but a nod. Why is he so annoying? I immediately put my hand down, and now feel awkward.

"Bill we have to go. It's getting late and we have a meeting tomorrow, remember?" He explains. "Alright alright! Sorry to end it here! It was nice meeting you Zoey!" Bill smiles at me. "It was nice meeting you too," I give him a hug and began to leave. "Wait!" He calls out for me. " before you go, can I have your number? I would really like to be friends." He huffs out. "Sure! I would love to be friends. You are an amazing human being." I heard a scoff behind Bill. He hands me his phone which then I put my digits in it. "Bill hurry up, I don't have all night!" Tom groans out. "Hold on Tom!" Bill argues in anticipation. "Okay goodbye for real this time! Text you later?!" He says. I wave goodbye and make my way to my band.

* ‧̍̊˙· 𓆝.° ｡˚𓆛˚｡ °.𓆞 ·˙‧

     "What took you so long? We thought you had left us already." Eric exclaimed. I looked at them with a reassuring look. "Sorry, I bumped into someone and ended up having a conversation with them..." they all looked at me and nodded. "Well we are gonna head out. Let's finish up some goodbyes and be on our way." Kylie said as she rubbed my back. I nodded and we made our way to give our regards and leave.

* ‧̍̊˙· 𓆝.° ｡˚𓆛˚｡ °.𓆞 ·˙‧

As we waited for our cab I turn and look around. My eyes landing on his, this time. I could see a tiny little smile. But not noticeable for others to see. Not only a small smile, by a twinkle in his eyes. We kept the eye contact until I heard a honk. Our cab was here. Bill notices me and waves goodbye. To which I return and blow a kiss. I then turn my focus to Tom and give him on last smile.

A/n: I am sosososo sorry that I haven't been active on writing! I am trying to get back into it! But I am a very very busy person!!!! Hopefully you guys will understand! Please stay safe! Know that you are loved and that you have a purpose on this earth! Mwah, love you lots 💞