The Gray Zone

CHAPTER 32

/Alexis' POV/

Just minutes later a small guy came on stage and spoke into the microphone. "Good evening to all of you! Here at Olli's Assembly, we are all about supporting local groups so as every Monday, one band will play right now. Please welcome the Neighbourhood!"

Everyone began to clap and I looked over to Madison one more time to see that she was just as excited as I was, before I turned around to the stage again, where five boys just walked on, everybody going to their instruments and Jesse set down on the stool right before the microphone. His eyes scanned the crowd while speaking with a smile. "What's up? We're the Neighbourhood and the first song we're gonna play tonight is called Sweater Weather!"

My chest bumped so hard and while the other, older costumers began to talk again my eyes were fixed on my boy. He wore a plain white shirt, his leather jacket and skinny jeans with old Chuck's. Just his typical style but there was some kind of atmosphere that made him even more attractive and he even seemed more confident than normal (if that was even possible). I snatched out of my thoughts when Bryan began to play a simple beat, accompanied with the guitars. After a matter of second's I heard Jesse's voice and couldn't really believe it.

All I am

Is a man

His voice was so high and unbelievably clear, yet somehow rusty. He sung with such ease.

I want this world

In my hands

Now, mixed with the music, it sent shivers down my spine and he half closed his eyes. I'd never have thought that he was such a good singer, but he definitely was. It was almost a bit unreal, as he went on with the lyrics.

I hate the beach

But I stand

In California

With my toes in the sand

Now Jesse opened his eyes fully and searched the room again. I was wondering if he was looking for me but also then I realized how perfectly the rest of the instruments fitted, giving that kind of dark but also pop vibe. It's hard to explain, but amazing to listen to, so I just focused on the music and let it wash everything else away. During the bridge, Jesse's eyes met mine through the dim lighted room and I swear to god I saw a pleasant grin on his face. As if he wanted to ask me, if I was enjoying what I saw. But in that teasing way which I absolutely loved. For the rest of the song he almost didn't looked away before he sung the last lines.

'Cause it's too cold

It's too cold

The holes of my sweater...

After the last note was played I began to applaud them enthusiastically, just like Madison. It was like the music had taken me to a whole other place.

"They are more than awesome." I breathed out and Madison agreed.

"They really are."

Then the next song already begun and I focused on them again and oh boy, I'd never have thought that one could look so hot while singing. Jesse's hands moved up and down the microphone, he made gestures, raised his eyebrows, stamped his leg to the beat, it was interesting to see how much he was moving. During the next songs he starred at me from time to time, often grinning and I grinned back and blushed, while they continued to play their amazing music.