Behind The Beat

XIII - The Uncertainty

Rozalie sat cross-legged on the floor, strumming her guitar absentmindedly while the others adjusted equipment and fine-tuned their instruments. A playful melody escaped her lips as she started humming, a silly tune that matched her rhythm.

Mike, never one to miss an opportunity to join in the fun, began tapping a makeshift beat on the nearest surface, throwing in exaggerated harmonies at the wrong moments. Rozalie laughed, shaking her head at his antics but continuing to sing anyway, her voice light and carefree.

Val, leaning casually against the edge of the soundboard, watched the scene unfold with a growing smile. She grabbed her phone, already recording before Rozalie could protest.

— Didn't know you were taking requests, Rose — Val teased as she zoomed in on Rozalie's grinning face. — The band's secret weapon, ladies and gentlemen.

Rozalie looked up, smiling.

— Val! — she exclaimed, half-laughing and half-scolding.

— Too late, — Val said, smirking as she ended the recording. — This is going viral.

Rozalie rolled her eyes, waving a dismissive hand.

— Do what you want. Just don't tag me in the chaos.

Val winked, her fingers already flying across her screen. Moments later, the clip was uploaded with the caption: Who knew she could sing this well? The band's secret weapon unveiled.

Rozalie brushed off the moment with a chuckle, returning to her guitar as the rehearsal resumed.

Back in her room later that evening, she hesitated before pulling out her phone. Val's video had blown up exactly as she predicted, the notifications rolling in like a tidal wave. Rozalie sighed and opened the post, scrolling through the comments.

At first, it wasn't so bad. A few kind words caught her eye:

"Wow, she's amazing!"

"How did we not know about her until now?"

But soon, the negativity crept in:

"She's okay, but she'll never be Val."

"Looks like someone's riding coattails to fame."

"Is she even in the band, or just some random backup?"

The words hit harder than she expected. Her fingers trembled as she scrolled further, unable to stop despite knowing it would only hurt more.

A knock at the door startled her, and before she could answer, Val pushed it open slightly, peeking in.

— Hey, Rose — Val said softly, stepping inside.

Rozalie quickly locked her phone and tried to muster a smile, but Val's keen eyes caught the tension in her expression.

— What's up? You've been quiet since we got back.

— Nothing. Just tired, I guess. — Rozalie shook her head, fiddling with the cable still in her hand.

— You sure? You look... I don't know, like something's on your mind. — Val frowned slightly, stepping closer.

Rozalie hesitated, her thumb tracing patterns on the cable's surface.

— It's nothing, really. I just... it's dumb.

— Doesn't look dumb to me. — Val tilted her head, folding her arms as she leaned against the desk.

Rozalie sighed, glancing at her phone where it rested on the bed.