FLAMES

FRIENDS: At A Concert

The Present

Johnny's POV

What I love about music is it's power, what I love about singing is expression.

I have always loved to sing and I've always been a fan of good music. I see music as more of a hobby than a career path for me. When I was younger, I told my dad that I want to become a musician and he out rightly disapproved of such idea, he wanted me to study a professional course. I somehow end up studying Computer Science and working for a gaming company.

As a teen, I tried rebelling against my father's disapproval and I met a friend, Ryan, we created music together and nursed big dreams of becoming music superstars. My dad eventually had his way with what he wanted for me so I let Ryan tread the path alone but we still keep in touch.

Returning from my visit to the gym, I rush in for a shower like fish to water. I settle on my bed for work and grab my laptop, just then the doorbell rings, I am expecting Mickey, he is coming over to spend the night. As I twist the door knob, my eyes open wide and his name escapes my lips before I know it.

"What's up man" he let himself in seeing that I am overwhelmed with shock.

"Ryan!" I punch his shoulders playfully.

"Been a while Johnny" I lead him into the living room. We haven't seen each other for some years.

"How have you been doing?"

"I've been good, I thought to check up on you" he looks up at smiling me and smile back "I'm having a concert this weekend and I would love for you to come" he looks at me with an eye with an eyebrow up, expecting an answer "Are you free this weekend?"

About to answer, the doorbell rings, that should be Mickey

"Give me second" I snap out of my shock to go get the door.

"Hey Mickey, come in" I close the door behind him and return to Ryan. Mickey pauses as he walks into the living room, he looks at me, then at Ryan then back at me.

"Oh, introduction. Ryan, Mickey and Mickey, Ryan" I gesture one to the other and they exchange pleasantries. "I was about receiving tickets to his concert" I said to Mickey while looking at Ryan.

"Of course" Ryan says smiling at my response. "You can bring your friends with you"

"That would be six tickets" Ryan looks at me puzzled and Mickey chuckles.

"I think I could make that work" he smiles at me and we all get talking.

Kookie's POV

Johnny sent a message to our group chat with Ann and the others letting us know that we're invited to a concert of a friend of his and I am free this weekend so I decide to go. The concert is set for 5pm and and I am running late already. Johnny got us VIP tickets so we get to seat in front row.

I get a there a few minutes after five and just in time for the concert to begin. I notice Johnny coming in our direction from backstage and he walks to me and roughens my hair.

"Hey kid" he puts his arm around my neck drawing me closer to him.

"Hi Johnny" Ann smiles at him, her fingers interlocked with Mickey's.

"Ann!" Johnny pinches her cheek gently with Mickey's eyes watching her jealously. "I'm glad you guys could make it. Where's Dave and Esther?"

"Dave went to visit the restroom" Mickey replies, his head surveying the direction of the convenience.

"And S is on her way, she said to go without her so I left her at the apartment" S and Ann stay together at an apartment they rent.

As soon as the music starts the artist comes up stage and the crowd goes wild. Dave returns from the restroom and seats at the space reserved for him beside Mickey. The guy, whose name I learn is Ryan, has a really nice voice and his songs are lovely. S arrives at the end of his third performance and the only seat left is the one beside Dave, she frowns her face realizing it and walks over to me, I am still in Johnny's embrace.