Zadie’s POV:
The boys all sat on the raggedy couches, seemingly carefree, when Erin, Chloe and I barged in.
“What’s wrong?” I questioned, my eyes darting from Ricky’s lounging form to Jose sleeping on the couch.
Chloe laughed and walked over to Jose, sitting down on his back. He grumbled something, shimmying a little in a motion that threw Chloe onto the ground.
“Oh shit, sorry Chlo.” He said, rubbing his eyes and grabbing her hand to pull her next to him on the couch.
“Are you guys okay?” I asked, confused.
“Yeah, are you? It took you long enough to come back!” David chuckled from his seat on the floor. Erin and Ricky sat behind him, talking quietly.
“We just didn’t want to interrupt you guys at your first big gig.” I told him. Looking around now, though, it didn’t’ look like they had any company.
“You’re never interrupting us.” Ricky chimed in as he stood up. “Actually, Zade, come with me. I wanna show you something.” He grinned and walked over to grab my hand, pulling me with him out the door and into the tiny hallway behind the stage. He closed the door behind him, and then turned around to face me.
“What is it?” I asked. The stress on his face was clear and I could see the tension around his eyes. This wasn’t the normal, carefree Ricky I was used to. He was quiet for a moment, and his silence was starting to make me worried. “Ricky.”
“I’m nervous.” He mumbled, running a hand through his shaggy hair. My heart softened at his confession, and I smiled up at him.
“Don’t be. You guys belong here. You’re going to do fine.” I comforted.
“There’s just a lot of people and I - ”
“Ricky. Stop. There’s a reason they hired you tonight. I’m actually surprised it took this long for somebody to see you’re talent. I saw it that very first day, when you played for us in the garage. Really, you’re going to be okay.” I grabbed his hand, giving it a squeeze as the tension slowly eased off his face.
“Thanks, Zade, I - ” He was cut off by the door flying open, and David’s excited smile greeted us.
“You ready?” He asked Ricky, and Ricky gripped my hand even tighter. I squeezed again.
As we neared the entrance to the stage, we gave them “Good luck” and “You’ll do great” then made our way out back into the packed club. We were just sitting down when a women’s voice washed over the audience.
“Hey everybody thanks for coming out tonight!” A cheery voice says, and I look to see it’s the same waitress who served us earlier.
“We have a new band tonight for y’all! So here’s King the Kid!” She squeals, and then hops off the stage.
The instruments are already all set out on stage so all the guys have to do is walk out, sit down, and play. But after that short talk with Ricky, I’m worried. I’m worried because he’s scared, and I’m worried because he’s never been scared. But then again, the gigs before consisted of playing in a living room full of people, and the occasional school dance.
They walk out onto stage and take their places, all with huge grins on their faces. Behind the nerves I could tell they were all generally psyched, like when Ricky gave me the news.
“Here we go!” Chloe squealed excitedly and Erin and I laugh, sending thumbs ups at them on stage.
“So we’re King the Kid, and we hope you enjoy…what we do!” David smiles onstage, and then gives the signal, and the music starts.
YOU ARE READING
The Direction of Zadie
FanfictionZadie Harper knew she was lucky, growing up with 5 people who she would trust with her life. Ricky, Erin, Chloe, Jose, and David know her better than she knows herself. That's what happens when you've basically know them since...well, birth. When R...
