Here and Beyond

Life Lately

CHAPTER 5
Life Lately

"Is it really okay for you to hold a concert, babe?" Elle asked me. 

Falling into deep thought, I keep on caressing the back of my hand with my thumb, humming the same tune over and over again. In moments like this, I take my time to make decisions, but for some reason I have been having this dream and feeling of holding a concert. Even just a little show. 

"I figure out it would be fine for me. That way, I could express my gratitude to those who streamed my album," I said. For the past few months, my album garnered a lot of attention. There were celebrities, singers, and even musicians who expressed their opinions about it. So far, I've been getting good feedback, something I am very proud of. 

Elle tilted her head to the left, looking at me with confused expression, "But aren't you planning on releasing another album?" 

She brought up the topic I have forgotten for weeks. Since it's better this way, gained fans and praises... I thought it would be good to release its sister album. I believe that the whole thought of my heartbreak and how I overcame it wouldn't be wholly complete unless I put it out. One of our rooms in our England family home was refurbished and reconstructed for my studio. My ever-supportive parents never failed to show, once again, their love for me. I, now, live in Oxford, but I took my time and travelled to Birmingham with my team, the producer I chose to work with, and my friends. 

Basically, I recorded another album in the middle of completing my requirements for my graduation that will happen this year, too. 

I look back at Elliana, "Yeah, I'm planning to release it on my graduation day." 

She looked surprise and happy with my answer, "Oh! So cool. I'll put it on my calendar, wait," for someone who travels so much, she has this calendar where she marks down important events in her life... and apparently, for her, my album releases are one of the most important things. 

"Do you think they would like it, though?"

Elliana Kirsten Collins gave me a small smile, "Of course, they would," she paused. "But we cannot forget how people reacted to your first one, what do you think they would feel and think if you put out more? More news about you. Praises, yes, but you'll gain hate too." 

It was now my turn to smile at my friend, "I don't really care about hate, for all I care. I know who I am, I know what I did." 

"That's the spirit," she winked at me while saying those words. "If you think you could handle it, then do so. You're already aware that Nyla and I supports you with everything." True to her words, I already know. I have long known of their love and loyalty, so much that I'm not scared of voicing out my thoughts nor expressing who I truly am and what I am thinking. 

The conversation Elle and I had opened my eyes to possibilities, but it also prepared me for the backlash I might and could receive once I announce it. However, it does not stop me from doing so. 

Strange thing is, I move too fast. I do not know if it was a common thing for me or because I have been chasing after time for a while now. A rest is all I need yet I would not seek it. I do everything. From my thesis to the photoshoots for promotions, recording new songs, and planning for the little concert, all while I am busy living through the ache I cannot dispose. 

I pulled out my phone and open my inbox for a certain group message I am a part of: