I had some help

Twenty-four

Alex and Michael had written the song "No Caller ID" weeks ago, and the anticipation of sharing it with their audience was electric. They had kept it under wraps, planning to unveil it as a surprise during one of Michael's sets. Both of them were thrilled with the song they had created, and the discussions had already turned to ideas for the music video.

The tour had started a week ago, and Michael had graciously agreed to make time for Alex to sing during his stage time. No one else on the tour knew about this, making it a surprise for everyone, especially Bailey, who was in the crowd to surprise her.

As the night of the concert arrived, the energy backstage was palpable. Alex was buzzing with nerves and excitement, and Michael was his usual calm and reassuring self. They went over the plan one last time, making sure everything was set for the big reveal.

"You're going to do great," Michael said, giving Alex's shoulder a reassuring squeeze. "Just remember, this is your moment. Own it."

Alex nodded, taking a deep breath. "Thanks, Michael. I'm ready."

Meanwhile, Bailey had arrived at the venue, blending into the crowd. He was excited to surprise Alex after the show, having no clue that the real surprise was yet to come.

As Michael's set began, the crowd was electrified by his performance. He played several of his hits, the energy building with each song. Then, as the lights dimmed and the stage fell silent, he stepped up to the microphone with a grin.

"Alright, everyone," Michael said, his voice booming through the speakers. "I've got a special treat for you tonight. A dear friend of mine has written an amazing song, and I thought it would be the perfect time to share it with you. Please welcome Alex Wilson to the stage!"

The crowd erupted in cheers and applause as Alex walked out, her heart pounding. She glanced out into the sea of faces, spotting Bailey's shocked expression in the crowd. She smiled, feeling a surge of confidence.

Taking her place beside Michael, she took a deep breath and began to sing.

"I'm two months deep in therapy
Been finally gettin' sleep
My friends quit checkin' up on me
'Cause I'm back on my feet..."

The crowd was captivated by her voice and the powerful lyrics. Michael accompanied her on guitar, their chemistry undeniable. As the song continued, the audience was drawn into the story, feeling every emotion Alex poured into her performance.

"Here you come again, and there you go
No coincidence, you always know
When I'm movin' on, you move back in
With a half-ass, 'Sorry, how you've been?'..."

Bailey watched in awe, his heart swelling with pride and admiration. He had never seen Alex so in her element, so strong and vulnerable all at once. He knew this song meant a lot to her, and seeing her perform it live was a moment he would never forget.

As the song drew to a close, Alex sang the final lines with conviction.

"So I let it ring, I let it ring
Here you come again, and there you go
No coincidence, you always know
When I'm movin' on, you move back in
Keep your half-ass, 'Sorry, how you've been?'
I know why you do it, you just hate losin'
Here you come again, who could it be?
It's just you, no caller ID
It's just you, no caller ID
It's just you, no caller ID."

The crowd erupted into applause, the sound filling the venue. Alex stood there, breathless and exhilarated, as Michael hugged her tightly.

"You were incredible." He whispered.

Alex looked out at the crowd, her eyes locking with Bailey's. She knew this was just the beginning of something amazing.

Morgan stood on the sidelines of the stage, blending into the shadows as the crowd roared with anticipation. He was just as surprised as everyone else when Michael introduced Alex's special performance. As Alex began to sing, her voice strong and clear, the lyrics struck Morgan like a punch to the gut.

He listened, "It's just you, no caller ID" his heart pounding, and it didn't take long for him to realize the song was about him. The words were raw and honest, detailing the late-night calls and the lingering pain of their past. Each line peeled back the layers of his actions, exposing the truth he had tried to bury.

After his time on 'The Voice', Morgan had moved back home, only to find out Alex was gone. He missed her terribly, and every time he drank, memories of her would flood his mind. The late-night calls he made, hiding behind a no caller ID, where his desperate attempts to reconnect, even though he could never find the courage to speak. Of course, his song "865" was about her, a phone number he could never forget.

It was late, and Alex was curled up on her couch, the glow of her phone screen the only light in the room. She had been trying to unwind after a long day, but her mind kept wandering back to Morgan. They had been broken up for a few months now, and despite her efforts to move on, his presence still lingered in her life, mainly through his incessant drunk calls.

Her phone buzzed again, and she glanced at the screen. Morgan's name flashed across it, accompanied by a photo of him grinning, one she had taken back when things were still good between them. She sighed, already knowing what kind of conversation this would be if she picked up. It would be slurred apologies, declarations of love, and promises to change-all things she'd heard too many times before.

The phone continued to ring, the sound cutting through the silence of her apartment. Alex stared at it, her heart heavy. She was tired of this cycle, tired of the emotional rollercoaster that Morgan's drinking had put her through.

The call went to voicemail, and a few seconds later, her phone buzzed again, signaling a new message. She hesitated, then pressed play.

"Alex, it's me," Morgan's voice came through, thick with alcohol. "I... I miss you so much. I know I screwed up, but please, just talk to me. I need you."

She closed her eyes, the pain in his voice tugging at her heart. But she couldn't do this anymore. She couldn't keep letting him drag her back into his chaos. She had to draw the line for her own sake.

A few minutes later, her phone buzzed again. Another call from Morgan. She picked it up, her finger hovering over the screen. This time, she pressed decline, the sound of the rejected call echoing in the quiet room.

Tears welled up in her eyes as she placed the phone face down on the table, trying to ignore the ache in her chest. She knew this was the right decision, but it didn't make it any easier.

The next day, she woke up to a string of messages from Morgan. Apologies, pleas for forgiveness, and a final one saying he understood why she didn't pick up. Alex read them all, her resolve hardening. She needed to stay strong, for her own well-being.