Her heart pounding in rhythm with the bass thrum echoing through the walls. The crowd's roar was a living, breathing entity, surging with anticipation for the man about to take the stage. Her father was moments away from beginning the sold-out show for Pearl Jam's latest album, Dark Matter. It was their twelfth studio release, yet the energy in the room was as electric as if it were their first. At 23, Kai had grown up with the heartbeat of rock and roll in her veins. Music was more than a backdrop to her life; it was the foundation. She watched as her father, now in his late fifties but as vibrant and commanding as ever, prepared himself for the spotlight. His hair, longer than most men his age, framed a face lined with both the wear of time and the wisdom of experience. The intensity of his gaze never failed to amaze her, especially now as he glanced back, and their eyes met. They smiled at each other, and he approached her.
"I'm so glad you're here." He kissed her forehead.
"And where would I be?" Kai smiled showing the same dimples he still had. "How could I miss a show of my favorite man." Eddie giggled and the two held on tight. "Of course I'd be here, dad." She whispered.
"I'm hardly your favorite man these days." He strayed and pointed out a finger at her. "Those days are gone."
"You'll always be my number one." Kai held onto his neck and kissed his cheek.
"Where's Keith?" Eddie then asked her.
"For Christ Sake's dad!" Kai giggled. "You scare him every time he shows up."
"I do not!" Eddie frowned.
"You do to." Eiry appeared, wrapped her arms around his waist and kissed his lips.
"Oh!" Kai groaned. "You guys are gross." She smiled seeing her father's arm wrap around Eiry's shoulder.
"Yeah... yeah..." Eddie pinched her nose with his other. "You've been telling us that since you were eight."
"Keith is coming a little later, dad." She responded. "But please, do not pick on him. Just today." Eddie smiled at her pleading eyes.
"I like Keith." He kissed her cheek.
"We have to go, Ed!" Jeff warned him. "Hey Eiry, Kai!" They both waved.
"I have to go..." He kissed Eiry's lips. "Let me be gross one more time..." He kissed her again, making Kai smile tenderly.
"I'm nervous!" Kai squealed.
"Don't be." He kissed her cheek. "I guess I'll see you from up there."
"For sure." Kai smiled. "I'm your number one fan!"
"You have to dispute that with your mom." He grinned.
"Let's go, mom." Kai started dragging Eiry away but not without looking back at Eddie one more time and wave.
"I love you, dad."
Eddie smiled, a silent reassurance that always settled her nerves. That smile, with its familiar creases and undeniable warmth, was a touchstone in her life. She thought back to the countless nights he'd tucked her in with a song or the mornings filled with laughter and guitar strums at breakfast. It was a smile that had comforted her through every scrape and scar, every triumph and tear.
The energy inside Seattle's venue was electric, a palpable force that seemed to vibrate through every beam and floorboard. The sold-out crowd pulsed with anticipation as the opening chords of "Alive" began to reverberate through the space. Eddie, standing at the center of the stage, felt the familiar rush of adrenaline mixed with a profound sense of gratitude. His eyes scanned the sea of faces, searching for the one person who anchored him amidst the chaos of touring and performing. When he found Eiry, standing not far from the stage, his heart swelled. Their eyes met, and a smile broke across his face, one that mirrored the warmth in her own expression. In that moment, it was as if they were the only two people in the room, sharing a private, unspoken conversation.
"I want a man that looks at me the way dad always looks at you mom." Kai said in her ear.
"He looks at you the same way." Eiry smiled tenderly at her. "You should see the first time he held you in his arms."
"You know what I mean." Kai winked.
"Keith looks at you that way."
"He does, doesn't he?" Her blue eyes looking deep into her mother's almond ones. Eiry nodded. "I wish dad would cut him some slack."
"Your dad likes him." Eiry affirmed.
"I know..." Kai smiled turning to the stage once more.
The song came to an end, and the crowd's applause washed over him like a wave. Eddie stepped up to the microphone, his voice steady but thick with emotion.
"Thank you..." He began, his gaze flickering back to Eiry, who stood proudly, her smile firm. "You know... my wife and I go way back in time..." He smiled. "1988... yeah..." He nodded. "We met those many years ago." The crowd cheered loud, and he made a pause, smiling and sinking in the sea of faces in front of him. "We knew we're gonna be together for the rest of our lives." More clapping. "We've had our ups and downs but love always wins." He faced Eiry there. " Those many years ago, we planned our daughter. We didn't know if she was going to happen, but she was wished for, hoped for, and when she arrived, she brought more joy than we could have ever imagined." The crowd's cheers softened to a hum of anticipation as Eddie continued, "This next song is dedicated to her. It's called 'Something Special. "
As he strummed the opening chords, Eddie's eyes sought out Kai in the audience. She was beside Eiry, her face a picture of emotional rapture. Seeing them swaying together to the rhythm of the music, singing along with him, filled him with an overwhelming sense of pride and love. Kai's eyes glistened with tears, her emotions raw and visible as she watched her father pour his heart into the performance. The connection between them was more than just blood; it was a bond forged through shared moments, laughter, and support. Eddie had always been her best friend, the one who understood her in ways no one else could.
As the song soared to its climax, Eddie felt a tear slip down his cheek, the weight of his love for his family almost too much to bear. The sight of Eiry and Kai, his two greatest loves, singing and swaying together, was a vision of everything he held dear. The song drew to a close, and the theater erupted in applause.
"My daughter and her mom..." He pointed out and the crowd cheered.
"We love you!" Kai yelled.
Eddie stepped back from the microphone, his heart full.
THE END
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The prequel of this story is published:
Origins of Us
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Divine Affinity
FanfictionTheir bond was magical and their love was intense. Meanwhile, the music scene in Seattle was flourishing, emerging as notorious. Eddie, a boy living in San Diego, had a dream of becoming a musician. His entire world changed when he received a music...
