The Girl

chapter 7

"Are you absolutely sure, honey?" Jess asked

"Stop asking me, it's making me nervous," she replied

"Children of the Lost? You have two minutes to set up, the crew will help." the stage manager informed us.

"Okay let's do this." she said, braver than usual

~~~

"How are y'all doing out there?" Jordan yelled, only to be replied with a thunderous amount of cheers, "That's what I like to hear! We're Children of the Lost, and yes, we may be lost but, while we're here, we're going to entertain you!"

We started off with San Francisco then God Save the Foolish Kings.

We had to make another last minute decision, to change Fall at Your Feet to God Save the Foolish Kings, as she didn't know the chords to Fall at Your Feet. I think it's better for the atmosphere anyway. Fall at Your Feet is a much slower song while God Save the Foolish Kings is faster and upbeat.

It felt like we sped through the first two songs, and she was doing just fine. Beneath her stoic face, I knew she would be having, at least, a little bit of fun. 

During the bridge of God Save the Foolish Kings, I stole the mic off Jordan and decided to introduce the members of the band instead of singing. 

"HEY GUYS THE NAME'S VIOLET. HOW HAS THE SHOW BEEN SO FAR?!" I screamed into the mic all I could hear was more screaming, probably because Jordan running across the stage, trying to pump the crowd up, "That over there, is my friend, Jordan! He's an amazing vocalist, give him a round. Simes on drums, Sam on percussion and he doesn't really help with the vocals but does it anyway," I chuckle, "Now, we have a new member of the band. Usually, Daysha would be on lead guitar, but she couldn't be here tonight. But we do have the pleasure of having another member of our family onstage with us. She's come so far out of her comfort zone for you guys tonight. Introducing, for the first time ever, my very own sister and best friend on lead guitar, LUNA!

Luna smiled to herself, as she received screams of appreciation from the crowd.

"I WANT ALL OF YOU OFF YOUR SEATS! GET UP! NOW COME ON INTO THE STAGE, DON'T BE SHY. NOW I WANT YOU TO YELL WITH ME, HELL YEAH!" In response, I get a chorus of "HELL YEAH"

"HELL YEAH!" "HELL YEAH!" "LUNA!" "LUNA!" "SIMON!" "SIMON!" "S-AM" "S-AM" " AND OUR LAST MEMBER, JORDAN!" I yell as loud as I can as Jordan stage dives into the crowd full of people.

That's when I started the final verse. Sam was backing me up in the vocals. I wasn't concentrating on Jordan being passed around by people, or keeping an eye on Luna, making sure she was having a good time. All I could think about was how one day, we'll be headlining our own show and the dimly lit theatre full of unknown faces will be there for us, and not for a contest. 

Jordan was finally passed back to the stage, with lipstick stains on his cheek, just in time for the final words. He disappears backstage and comes back with chairs for Luna and I.

"We have one final song for you guys tonight," I start, "I think you'll all love it. Luna, what time is it?

"I think it's time for a uke break." was all she replied.

~~~

After finishing up with The Judge, I can say that we were all pretty confident about our performance. We sat in the wings of the tiny stage, in a tiny circle, like all the other bands competing. Luna was still shaking with nerves.

"I can't believe I did that! It was amazing! What if I stuffed you guys up? I'm not as good as Daysha, though." Luna gushed

"Relax sweetie, you did wonderfully. If I dare say so, I'd say that you're better than Daysha. But, you didn't hear that from me." Jess winked

"How was stage diving Jordy?" I asked

"Would not rate, mate."

"Are you serious? I would have killed to be with you in the crowd?" Sam almost shouts at Jordan

"Mate, there was a forty-year-old woman, groping my ass and attempting to kiss me!"

"Did you kiss her back?" Simon asks, "Are we going to all meet her after we win? It's rude to keep secrets from your bandmates!"

Jordan rolls his eyes, "It's not my fault you-"

"The judges have finished consolidating, and we have a final decision, folks. Drumroll please. Coming in third place and winning a total of $250, The Jungle Kids!"

We tense up, knowing that there are only two places left.We all hold hands and unknowingly suck in a breath, as The Jungle Kids jump up to grab their rightful prize.

"Runners up, and winning $500... Is this correct? It seems we have a draw, Forged Paisley and Children of the Lost have tied in first place. As we all know, this rare event always results in an encore, one last song for the bands to woo the judges. Bands, go backstage and prepare for your encore."

We jumped up in delight, knowing we had a place in the contest. We just had to smash out one last song and the title will be ours.

"Looney, it's go-go time. What songs do you know by heart?" I demanded quickly.

"Wonderwall, Ignorance, Centuries, Swea-" Luna starts.

"Centuries it is," Simon decides for us.

"Okay, Jordan, you can replace the angelic voice that is Patrick. Vi, Simes, are you guys cool for your parts?" Jess asks.

We both nod in response.

"Hey but, what am I doing?" Sam interjects.

"You can... clap" Jess replies.

"Is that it?"

"Fine, you can sing backup with Vi."

"Yessss!" Sam mutters in his victory.

~~~

We performed first, all of us each a bundle of nerves. We all thought we did pretty well until Forged Paisley decided to shock us with an amazing cover of Brand New Key, originally performed by Melanie. After their performance, we didn't feel so confident.

Both bands walked out on stage, forming a semicircle looking line around the edges of the stage

"The judges have carefully deliberated and have come to a conclusion. First place and winners of the Battle of the Bands is-" he opens the envelope, "Forged Paisley! Congratulations, to our new winner, going home with $1 000 and a record contract. Now we can't forget our runner ups, Children of the Lost ending up with $500.

"Congratulations to all of the bands that performed tonight and we'll see you at next year's battle of the bands!"

A feeling of defeat lodged itself into my throat but disappeared once I saw how happy Luna was, with our small trophy and cheque grasped in her small hands and a huge grin etched across her face. That was a victory itself.

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okokok i know i said every week but ive been bombarded with school shit im so sorry :( its over now so yay :) 

i hope this chapter is okay tho. 

am not sure if i mentioned all the bands and the songs but here they are if you wanted to give them a listen :)

san francisco - the mowgli's

god save the foolish kings - house of heros

the judge - 21 pilots

anyway, im probably going to sleep now.

much love,

xx boomboxed