Faults, Scars, and Guitar Strings

Chapter 24

Chapter 24

We almost got to David's house when they blindfolded me. "Is this really necessary?" I asked. "Clearly I already know we're going to your house David."

"Of course," Lolita said, "this has to be perfect."

"But blindfold? Really?" I said.

"Yes now stop complaining," she said," and I'll lead you inside."

It took five minutes of Lolita pulling on my arm and leading me through the house. There was a lot of noise going on, which made me even more confused. Anastasia was next to me saying things like "wow" and "this is amazing!", and Lolita tried her best to get her to stop talking. Obviously it didn't work. I already heard her anyway so there didn't seem to be a point in trying to keep her quiet. Her comments did not help me guess what the surprise was.

"Okay," Lolita said, "Take off the blindfold."

I slowly removed the blindfold and my mouth dropped. I wasn't in David's house anymore, I was at a concert. His abnormally large living room had a stage in it. There was a lot of glitter and confetti everywhere and a ton of people. There were dancers on stage rehearsing a choreographed dance of some kind. The girls were in purple sequined dresses and the guys were in all black. There were two large screens on both sides of the stage and the cameras in the audience were videotaping the stage. In the middle of the stage, high on the wall, was a picture. As soon as I saw it, I screamed.

"That picture!" I yelled.

Lolita started laughing, "That's right!"

"No way!"

"Yes way!" Lolita yelled back.

"Ahh!" I screamed, making Lolita and David both laugh.

"You deserve it," David said, "I talked to some of the people who gave me my record deal and they loved your music video."

"You mean the music video that you secretly made for me?" I laughed.

"I couldn't resist," David said, "but you have to admit, it turned out great."

"I love you guys!" I said hugging them both.

"Now go up and sing!" Lolita said.

"Okay, but what song?" I asked.

"I heard you love my music?" Lolita said. "Pick one."

"Would sing with me?" I begged to David.

"Of course, you're my sister!"

"Let's go!" I said heading towards the stage, making sure to pull him along with me. He is definitely not getting out of this. If they want me to sing then I am making him sing too.

When I got on stage I recognized all the people in the audience. It was the school, minus the bullies of course. All the students and the teachers, and my friends were right in the front row. Even Maria made it. I was so happy I was crying. I leaned over to the band and told them what song I wanted to sing. They all nodded their heads and started playing right away.

"What song are we singing?" David asked.

"Just wait," I smiled.

The music started and I kept my eyes on David waiting for him to recognize the song. I didn't choose a Lolita song after all. I chose one of his. He smiled over at me and ushered me to start first.

"It's your life, whatcha gonna do?" I started singing, "Let the world control you?"

David joined in, "Walk past the entrance, luggage in tow. Afraid to go forward, but scared to go back. One last look as you get on the gate."

Then we both sang together through the rest of the song. I could tell he was having fun, and so was I. I never performed with David before. Now I know how he feels when he's on stage. I understand why he loves it so much.

Time to move on,
get control of your life.
Lift off,
cuz it's time to fly.

It's time to fly.
Time to step it up,
Buckle up
Fake a smile
Time to be you.
It's time to fly.

Highest tree floats out of sight,
Gray cloud overhead.
You're running away,
but the storm won't stop.

That's when you know,
It's time to fly.
Time to move on.

Step it up,
fake a smile,
get your strength again.
Because it's time to fly.

It's your life,
still your life.
Whatcha gonna do?
Time to stand up and fly.

When the song ended everyone went crazy. I looked back up at the picture behind me at my first song cover. I was actually going to be a singer, a real singer. I couldn't believe it. David smiled at me and hugged me.

"You deserve this sis," he said, "It's all you now. Show 'em what you got. There's room for both of us in this business."

"Thanks David, for everything. I love you," I told him.

"I love you too," he said before getting off the stage.

I put the microphone up to my mouth and addressed the crowd, "Thanks everyone for coming. I can't believe this is happening. It was a total surprise, but an amazing surprise. My journey to get here has been tough, but it was all worth it. I wouldn't trade anything that has happened to me because it means I wouldn't be here having this completely incredible moment with all of you."

Everyone started clapping, except for my friends in the first row who were all cheering as loud as they could. They started chanting and the music began to play the song I first covered. It was a lot easier to sing this time because I've had it stuck in my head for days. I downloaded it on my phone and listened to it all the time. I completely rocked out to the song. It is actually one of the few songs that I'm obsessed with that's not by David or Lolita.

The party was the best time I have ever had before, especially performing. Lolita did an incredible job decorating the place. Confetti and glitter were flying and falling from the ceiling. Everyone there was dancing and having a great time. Once I was done singing, Lolita got on stage and started singing. Lolita! I got in the front row and wouldn't stop cheering for her. I started fangirling like crazy because I have never seen her perform before. After a couple songs, she stopped to say something.

"This next song means a lot to me, and I want to dedicate it to Kayla. She is my biggest fan and also my best friend. We have been through similar situations and I love how she completely understands me. This is for you Kayla. It's Stay Strong."

She sat down at the piano and started playing. With tears in her eyes, and mine, I listened. She is singing my favorite song; the same song that helped save me.