Contemptress

Chapter 17

Melodie's POV

I pull up to the venue with Ryan and Chris in tow, I can't wait to see the look on Cole's face when she sees Ryan! She's gonna flip! Don't get me wrong, she loves Chris too but Ryan's her A1 since Day 1 and I feel like Ryan's pretty smitten too, this is going to be great. I park in my designated parking spot and the boys park beside me as I swiftly get out and Ryan rolls down his window. "I'll text you guys when I'm with Cole and I'll let you know when the coast is clear", I say as my excitement level reaches an all time high, "okay", Ryan replies as I almost jump over his car to hurry into the venue. Time I step foot in the venue I see my best friend standing center stage adjusting the microphone for sound check and I just want to explode with happiness. I let out a silent scream to myself as I take in a big gulp of air and yell her name as loud as I can. "COOOOOLLLLLLLEEEE!!!!!" and as soon as I do Cole let's out a not so silent scream as we run towards each other. We both hit the floor as we tackle each other with a hugs and 'how are yous' and after about 5 minutes we both help each other up. "I can't believe you're here!", we both yell out at the same time and laugh, "of course I'm here!", I reply, "it's your birthday and plus you're staying at my house dummy", I say with a chuckle. "Shut up", Cole says as she playfully shoves me. "OMG I can't believe tonight is sold out!", Cole exclaims, "a sold out show and my best friend? I can't think of a better way to spend my birthday!", Cole says as she wraps her arms around my waist and squeezes me and I hug back. "Oh, just wait til you see your present, you're gonna die", I say smirking, "Can I get a hint?", Cole says all excited as she's called back stage to get ready, "let's just say you're gonna be D-E-A-D horror queen!", I yell as she walks away as she lets out and excited squeal, "Can't wait!", she yells back as she disappears behind the curtain. Soon the crowd starts pouring in so I go sit back at the bar and wait for everyone to arrive so no one could spot the guys and ruin the surprise. As soon as the light goes down and the opener begins I text Ryan and tell him that it's okay for them to come in. I spot them time they step foot in the door, two trees in black hoodies and one with sunglasses and one with a snapback, I roll my eyes as I hold my hand up and wave them over. They both join me on a stool on either side as one of the other bartenders come up to us, "what'll it be", she asks, "a beer", Ryan replies as she nods, "water", Chris says coldly, "a White Russian", I reply gaining a look from Chris. "What the Hell is that?, he says glaring over his glasses, "vodka, coffee liqueur and cream", I reply as our drinks are placed in front of us as if almost on cue. Chris rolls his eyes behind his sunglasses and lets out a frustrated sigh as he leans on the bar and takes a chug of his water. "What?", I say in an annoyed tone, "I just don't wanna have to babysit your ass tonight", Chris says in a harsh tone, "well you won't have to", I say as I down my entire drink in one shot, as I hear the openers set ending. "now if you boys will excuse me, I'm gonna go get a spot up front for my best friend. Hasta la bye bye", I say as I wave and walk off.

Ryan's POV

Chris and I are waiting on Melodie's text for us to be able to come in and I'm gonna be honest, my heart is beating a million miles a minute. I know I've only met Cole once but hearing her talking voice was enough to give me an intoxicating feeling so I bet hearing her sing will be complete bliss and being able to see her smile will be euphoric and Chris better not fuck this up with his little attitude. I finally get Melodie's text and my heart feels like it could fly out of my chest as I unbuckle my seat belt and Chris does the same as I look over at him, "dude if you fuck this up I swear to God I will fuck you up. I don't care what's going on between you and Melodie, it's Cole's birthday and Melodie's worked hella hard on this surprise", I say glaring at him as he just gets out and shuts the door. Just before we walk in we both throw on our hoodies and I put on a snapback and Chris throws on his sunglasses as I look around for Melodie. I spot her at the bar with her hand up as we maneuver our way over to her and sit down beside her. We all order our drinks as my mind floats to Cole. What she could be wearing, where she could be, what her beautiful mind could be thinking about as I'm snapped back to reality as I hear an annoyed sigh from Chris followed by Melodie jumping up and downing her drink and walking away. "Dude what did I tell you?", I say shooting a glance at Chris who just lets out a grunt and sips his water, "fine be that way", I say walking towards the crowd while drinking my beer. I make my way halfway through the crowd as the lights go down and I hear a familiar drum and guitar rhythm as a spotlight appears on a vivacious looking Cole center stage.
"How's it going guys?" She said as the words just seem to float off her tongue. "My name is Cole and we are Goddess! Let's have a good time!"

They try to bend, they try to break me by design

But I am the nightmare that will haunt you in the light

If it's war that you want, then I'm ready to play

And the world's gonna know my name

Cole starts singing our song a million times better than Chris ever could and working the stage more impressive than any other artist I know. We're about six songs in when Cole takes a moment to stop and talk. "How you guys doing?", she says out of breath as the crowd and I scream in response as she goes and sits behind a keyboard. "For this song I'm actually gonna have my best friend come up and help me. Melodie get your ass up here", I'm kinda in shock, I had no idea Melodie could sing. I can see security pick Melodie up and over the barricade from where I'm standing and Cole help pull her up on stage as one of the stage hands brings her another microphone. You can definitely see the mix of shyness and alcohol courage on her face as she grabs it, "Cole, I hope you know I'm only doing this because A) you're my best friend and 2) it's your birthday", Melodie says as Cole lets out a light chuckle. "Happy birthday!", someones yells from the audience gaining a laugh from both Melodie and Cole, "thank you", she replies as she begins playing a flowy piano melody that turns into The Fighter by In This Moment. This girl is absolutely amazing and when she opens her mouth I freeze as goosebumps cover my arms. There's something about the sparkle in her eyes while she's performing, the way her nose crinkles when she smiles, the way she laughs, the way she looks so fragile but yet so strong. I swear this girl is a witch because she has me completely under her spell and I don't mind one bit.