Pulse (On Hold)

Chapter One

Chapter One

*Emerald’s P.O.V*

I look up to the brightly lit ceiling and take a deep breath. The overhead lights cause flashes of red to cross my vision and I feel my body start to sweat from their heat. But there’s no way I’m going to back down tonight. This is my chance to shine and to show the world what I’m made of.

I look out into the small crowd and sigh as butterflies threaten to ruin my self-control. I’m not nervous. I’m petrified! What if I forget the lyrics?

My best friend Renee in the front row offers me an encouraging smile and I somehow find the courage to compose myself. I adjust the thick microphone attached to the grand piano and my raged breathing is projected loudly for everyone to hear in this small pub.

Here goes nothing.

My fingers start off my piece with a sad melody and I hear a few people’s breath hitch. The piano delivers the terrific sound I’m looking for and I feel myself relax into the song.

“Skies are crying. I am watching. Catching tear drops in my hands. Only silence as it’s ending. Like we never had a chance. Do you have to make me feel like there’s nothing left of me?”

My voice sounds powerful, yet pained as I sing this song and I witness a range of emotions play on my audience faces. This is my first real gig and I intend to leave a lasting impression. What could be better than singing a song close to my heart?

“You can take everything I have. You can break everything I am. Like I’m made of glass. Like I’m made of paper.”

My fingers continue to create magic on the piano keys and the more I sing, the more passion flows through my voice. It feels as though I’m meant to be on this stage singing for a cause.

“Go on and try to tear me down. I will be rising from the ground. Like a skyscraper! Like a skyscraper!”

I look up from the microphone and smile shyly as people shake their heads in appreciation for my song. Little do they know that I’m singing not just for myself, but for Renee as well.

“As the smoke clears. I awaken and entangle you from me. Would it make you feel better to watch me while I bleed? All my windows still are broken. But I’m standing on my feat.”

Fury takes over my passion for singing and I find myself belting out the next lyrics for my best friend. Renee is such a beautiful girl. She definitely didn’t deserve what that man did to her.

“Go on and try to tear me down! But I will be rising from the ground! Like a skyscraper! Like a skyscraper!”

I finish my song with a few more notes on the piano and take off the microphone from the stand. I walk confidently over to the front of the stage and curtsy towards the audience to say thankyou for the applause.

“Hi I’m Emerald,” I introduce myself. “I’d like to dedicate that song to my best friend Renee. I want her to always know that she can overcome anything. The world is her oyster and she only has to believe in tomorrow.”

A stray tear trickles down Renee’s swollen cheek and she blows a kiss my way. She didn’t know I was going to sing that song for her. I wanted it to be an uplifting surprise.

A feeling of complete triumph takes over my body as I walk off the stage and head over to Renee. Not only have I concurred my nerves, but I’ve shown Renee just how determined I am to support her through all this. She engulfs me in a warm hug and I eagerly accept her warmth.

“That was truly beautiful,” she murmurs.

“I’ll always be there for you, Renee. Through thick and thin, remember?” I say strongly.