Between Chords and Paragraphs (Polin fanfic) EN

Chapter 11

Colin

The days had passed in a whirlwind since I signed with the record label. It had been an easy decision; I knew I was ready to take the next step, though the reality of what that truly meant was just beginning to settle in. I found myself in the meeting room, with the hum of London's city life in the background, when the head of the label, a gray-haired man with a deep, resonant voice, turned to me with a smile barely containing his excitement.

-Colin, we have some exciting news, - he said, interlacing his fingers over the table.

I felt my heart skip a beat. I couldn't imagine what could be more exciting than the launch of my album.

-More exciting than signing a record deal? - I replied with a mischievous grin.

He chuckled, shaking his head.

-That's right. I want you to be the opening act for James Cavill on his upcoming European tour.

My mind went blank for a moment, as if the world had come to a standstill. James Cavill was one of the biggest artists out there right now, with millions of fans across the globe and a level of success that seemed endless.

-You're... you're joking, right? - I finally managed to say, my voice a mixture of disbelief and excitement.

-No, Colin. This is real. You're going to be on tour with James, opening for him at venues in Spain, Italy, France, England, Germany, and Greece.

A wave of adrenaline surged through me, leaving me breathless. My smile stretched so wide that my cheeks hurt.

-This is incredible! I exclaimed, jumping out of my chair and pacing the room. - It's more than incredible... it's... it's insane!

The head of the label smiled, clearly pleased with my reaction.

-I knew you'd be excited. This is a huge opportunity, Colin. I'm sure you're going to shine.

The following days blurred together in a frenzy of preparations. Every detail had to be perfect: the setlist, the rehearsals, the outfits. I was two days away from leaving on tour when suddenly, a realization hit me that I had been avoiding.

I hadn't spoken to Penelope.

The thought had lingered at the back of my mind for weeks, but with everything that had been happening, I had kept it at bay. Now, however, it refused to be ignored. I couldn't leave on tour, cross an entire continent, without seeing her, without telling her how I felt.

That day, London was engulfed in a storm. The rain fell in heavy sheets, and the sky was shrouded in dark clouds that seemed to mirror the turmoil of my thoughts. It didn't matter. Nothing could stop me. I grabbed a thick coat, wrapped a scarf around my neck, and ran out into the storm toward Penelope's building, my heart pounding with every step.

I arrived at the entrance, drenched to the bone, water dripping from my hair and my clothes clinging uncomfortably to my skin. I didn't care. There was no time for doubts, no room for second thoughts. I was determined.

I pressed the buzzer, anxiety bubbling inside me. A few seconds passed, which felt like an eternity, before I heard her voice crackle through the intercom.

-Who is it?

Her voice, even distorted by the speaker, was like a balm to my nerves. I took a deep breath, trying to sound calmer than I felt.

-It's me, Colin.

There was a brief silence, and I could almost imagine her blinking in surprise.

-Colin... What are you doing here?