Lay Me Down

Part 1

The crowd cheered as I stood backstage crossing my fingers that tonight would be another good show. This was my sixth one and so far they kept getting better and better but for some reason my nerves still got the best of me. For a singer, I had severe stage fright and it was only when the show was over and I knew it went well that my nerves would go away.
'Adele, we're ready when you are.' Adam, my stage manager, called out. With one foot in front of the other I made my way to the stage and saw six thousand fans screaming my name. I could feel my palms starting to sweat but I tried my best to ignore it and listened for my cue as the band started the first song. After three songs and with my nerves calming I started to get comfortable with the audience. I told them the inspirations behind some of the songs and stories that I knew they would find funny. Before I knew it the show was over and I hurried off stage relieved that another show was successful.

I spotted my best friend, Laura, coming out of the dressing room and made a mad dart straight to her. 'Oh Laura, thanks for coming. I was so worried something was going to go wrong.' She wrapped me in a hug and handed me a cup filled with wine. 'You idiot. You did amazing and I'm so proud of you. Drink this so you can calm down and celebrate.' I tried not to drink when I was performing but I did have the next two days off so there wasn't any harm in just one cup. Laura and I gathered up my belongings and then we got into our chauffeured car to head back to my flat. As much as I loved touring it could be very lonely going from a room full of people to going home by yourself. This made me so much more thankful that Laura was able to come tonight and I would have some company. 

Once we arrived back at my flat we got into our dressing gowns and curled up on the sofa to watch a late night movie. With my schedule as busy as it was and Laura getting more successful as an author it was hard for us to hangout and not worry about the things around us. Unknown to her though I was having problems with my voice and worried that I would soon not be as busy due to canceling my tour. Besides my doctor and my manager, John, nobody knew about my struggle I was facing and I couldn't bare to disappoint anyone. Let alone my best friend. I felt bad enough at  the mere thought of having to cancel shows that my fans paid good money to see and that alone kept me up at night. Hopefully with a good amount of rest the next couple of days everything would be okay and then I just have about five shows left before I go on break for a few months.

The next morning I woke to Laura making pancakes with her favorite Disney songs blaring in the background. That was my favorite thing about our friendship. No matter how old we got listening to Disney songs and baking was something that we always did. I pulled my dressing gown over my pajamas and slipped on my white slippers before making my way into the kitchen. 'Good mornin' darling. I figured no better way to start off the day than some good ole pancakes.' Laura handed me a plate stacked high with delicious syrup covered pancakes and I placed it on the table next to a warm cup of tea. 'Thanks for breakfast. It looks and smells amazing!' She joined me and we both started eating as we talked about our plans for the day. 'I have to go meet Daniel to look at a house and then I have a meeting about a new book this afternoon.' Daniel was her husband and they had been married for about a year. They were the definition of a perfect match and I only hoped I would find someone as wonderful as he was. 'I have an appointment around eleven and then I think I might just come back and relax for awhile.' Laura looked relieved that I was going to take it slow especially after doing six shows with only one day off. 'I can come over later if you like?' I shrugged in protest. 'No, that's alright. I think I'll just order a takeaway and catch up on some shows.' Laura smiled and we finished our meal.

After cleaning up from breakfast, Laura left and I hurried to get ready. I had thirty minutes before I had to leave and didn't want to be late. That was one of my biggest pet peavies; someone being late. While I was finishing the final touches before walking out the door I received a text on my phone. 'Hey! Are you free for lunch later? I have a friend that I want you to meet.' The message was from my friend Eddie and as much as I didn't feel like being social after my meeting I always had a good time with him. 'Is around 1:30 good? I have a meeting at 11 so it should be over by then.' A few seconds later another message appeared on my phone. 'Sounds good. Does the Italian place we always go to work?' 'Perfect. See you then.' I grabbed my purse and headed out making sure to lock the door behind me. My driver, Michael, greeted me like usual and once in the car, he drove me to my destination.