35 ᴍᴍ ꜰɪʟᴍ ᴀɴᴅ ᴀ ʙʟᴀᴄᴋ ᴄᴏꜰꜰᴇᴇ I 🎀 𝒢𝓇𝒶𝒸𝒾𝑒 𝒜𝒷𝓇𝒶𝓂𝓈 [𝑔𝓍𝑔] 🎀

𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝟐: 𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐘 (𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟑) [𝐓𝐖]

ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ 16 [ᴛᴡ]

The backstage area of the concert hall buzzed with activity—roadies adjusting sound equipment, lighting techs running last-minute checks, and the low hum of the excited crowd filtering through the walls. Charlie-Wren sat in her dressing room, staring at her reflection in the mirror. Her debut album had taken the world by storm, and now, a year after its release, she was performing in concert halls, standing in front of thousands of fans every night.

Her heart raced, adrenaline already beginning to course through her veins as she mentally prepared for her set. She had done this before, countless times—back in university, at small gigs in bars and student clubs. But now, it was different. The stakes were higher. She wasn't just Charlie-Wren, the university student playing guitar at The Red Lantern. She was Charlie-Wren, signed to UMG, the artist who had broken into the industry, whose debut album had topped the charts.

She reached into her bag, her fingers brushing against a small pill bottle. Taking a deep breath, she unscrewed the cap, shaking two pills into her hand. It wasn't something she did every night—she had gotten better, after all. But sometimes, when the pressure got too intense, when the weight of expectations felt like too much, she felt like she needed a little help.

Charlie hesitated for a moment, staring down at the pills in her hand. She had already taken one earlier, but now, with the show looming and the roar of the crowd growing louder, she couldn't stop the rising anxiety. She quickly swallowed them dry, her throat tightening as they went down.

Shoving the bottle back into her bag, she stood up, adjusting her outfit in the mirror. The shimmering stage outfit she wore reflected the lights above her, making her look every bit the pop star she had become. But as she looked at herself, there was a flicker of doubt in her eyes—a vulnerability she tried to push away. Tonight, she had to be on. She had to give the fans everything they came for.

There was a knock at the door, and Gracie peeked in, smiling warmly. "You're on in ten," she said, stepping into the room. Her voice was soft but filled with excitement.

Charlie turned, forcing a smile as she nodded. "Yeah, I'm ready."

Gracie studied her for a moment, her eyes flicking to the slight tension in Charlie's shoulders. "You sure?" she asked gently. "You seem a little... off."

Charlie waved her off, her heart racing faster now. "I'm fine. Just... pre-show nerves, you know?"

Gracie's eyes lingered on Charlie for a moment longer before she nodded, stepping closer and wrapping her arms around her. "You're going to be amazing, as always," she murmured, pressing a soft kiss to Charlie's temple.

Charlie closed her eyes, leaning into the embrace for a moment, letting Gracie's warmth ground her. "Thanks," she whispered. "I'm just... it's a lot."

"I know," Gracie said softly, her hand gently rubbing Charlie's back. "But you've got this. You've been waiting for this moment, and now it's yours."

Charlie pulled back, giving Gracie a small, grateful smile. "You always know what to say."

Gracie grinned, brushing a stray lock of hair from Charlie's face. "That's my job."

There was another knock at the door, and one of the stage managers poked his head in. "Five minutes, Charlie," he said, giving her a thumbs-up.

Charlie nodded, her heart pounding. "Okay. I'll be right there."

Gracie squeezed her hand before stepping back. "I'll be in the front row, cheering you on."

Charlie's smile widened slightly. "Good. I'll need it."