You Take My Cares Away

Chapter 6 - Second Chances at Coachella Part 2

(Faith's pov)

April-20th-2018

California, Coachella 📍

Faith's thoughts: "I don't think I'm ever going to get used to all of this; fuck, I can't even think with how loud the music is." I walked and wandered backstage.

The last time I was in an environment like this was when she took me on one of her first performances for yours truly. Strolling the chaos back here was a slight reminder of those concerts as I looked around, hoping to spot Ariana or Courtney back here. The sound of music and the chatter of the crew was a cacophony that was as thrilling as it was overwhelming. It was like trying to find a needle in a haystack, except the needle was a pop star and the haystack was a bunch of burly roadies.

Doug: "She's going to kill it out there with that performance; I don't know what has you so nervous. It's not like this is her first time on stage."

Fredo: "Fair point, but have you noticed she's been acting a little more distant? Something is bothering Ari, and that's going to affect her on stage in one form or another. All I'm trying to say is that I don't want her to screw this performance; she's been talking about this song for months, and it's supposed to be a new chapter in her life for her."

Doug: "Now that you mention it, she was a little off when I was with the girls. But Ari, I wouldn't doubt her too much. Give her some credit where it's due; nothing is going to bring down her confidence, so stop worrying so much and enjoy and be proud of her."

I overheard what seemed to be her friends talking about Ariana around the corner. The conversation was a mix of excitement and concern, echoing my own feelings. The two of them were leaning against a stack of speakers, one with a headset around his neck, the other with his phone in hand. I recognized one of their voices, but the other one was new to me. They were discussing her performance tonight, which only amplified my need to find her.

Fredo: "Bro I'm always proud of her; just something feels off, and I can't shake the feeling you get me."

Doug: "It kind of feels that way, doesn't it? Give it some time; it's probably just one of those stage jitters before someone performs; in an hour from now, she'll be on stage singing her heart out. You just relax and support her like the rest of us." He pats his friend's shoulders.

Fredo: "Maybe, I just hope she's okay. She's got so much riding on this performance. You know how much she's put into this new song; she's like a different person when she talks about it. It's like it's her baby, and she's about to introduce it to the world for the first time."

Doug: "Well, if she was going to have a mental breakdown, it's a little late for it now, isn't it?" He tried to lighten the mood with a chuckle, but it was clear he shared my concern. "She's probably just running through the lyrics in her head and getting her vocal cords on point. And I mean, she's told me one too many times how much of a hassle those checklists are before performing. Let's go and find her, make sure everything is okay and it's not just us overreacting, and maybe have a nice talk and laugh to calm down her nerves."

Fredo: "Alright, let's do that. She's probably in her dressing room, right?"

Doug: "Should be, but it's worth a shot to check near the far end of the stage first, just in case she's doing some last-minute vocal exercises or something. Follow me; I know the way."

Faith's thoughts: "Should I follow those guys? They sound like close friends to Ariana. Or should I go to the dressing room instead?"

Then my phone buzzed with a text from Courtney being very concerned about where I was. I never made that promise. I wasn't going to stand around and wait for her; she should know that about me, but she doesn't know me like we used to.