Coming Home (A Ricky Wilson Fanfic)

Chapter 29.

- A year and a half later -

- Jaime's point of view -

This is what I've been working on for the last few months. My first ever big, well big for me, performance at a festival. I had my guitar on my back as I walked towards the artist entrance. Lisa walked a few steps in front of me. I had met her during my time in rehab. She had heard me sing and guided me towards living my dream. "Those boots are made for walking Jaime, step up the pace!" she called over her shoulder. I laughed and hurried over nearly tripping over my own feet. "Jaime Williams at your service madam" I said jokingly. Lisa slightly pushed me with her shoulder and introduced me to the security. He motioned for me to stick out my arm and put a wristband around it. "You'll have access backstage with this wristband. Just show it to the security so they can check" he said. I nodded and followed Lisa through the gates. I was amazed by the change in scenery. To my left there was a small stage with an open tent surrounded by market stalls. When we walked further onto the terrain I saw a small Ferris wheel and several booths to get food, drinks or merchandise.

We rounded the corner and my eyes widened even more. "Amazing isn't it?!" Lisa said, excited to see my reaction. There was a huge mainstage and a smaller tent stood next to it. "Where will I perform?" I asked. "Ehm.. Well, not here." She turned around and pointed at the Ferris wheel. "I'm going to perform in a Ferris wheel?" I asked unsure. "No dimwit, behind the Ferris wheel there's a small stage for singer-songwriters. You'll perform there twice today. But first we are going backstage to find the Kaiser Chiefs!" She jumped up and down before grabbing my hand and pulling me towards the gates that led to the backlot. As much as I loved it that Lisa had booked me this performance, I hated it that the Kaiser Chiefs had been booked on the same day. This meant that I could run into Ricky at any given time. I'd much rather stay hidden in the crowd.

A few hours later I was relieved I had not seen Ricky the whole day, much to the disappointment of Lisa. I was now tuning my guitar. In a couple of minutes I was supposed to be on stage for the second time today. My nerves played up a bit, but the first session went pretty well. I guess I will never be one hundred percent content with what I do. There's always room for improvement. Lisa handed me a bottle of water and I took a few sips. "James, are you ready?" the stage manager called out. "Yeah coming!" I answered quickly. "Give them hell, birdie!" Lisa said, not knowing the impact. "Please, don't call me that ever again." I stomped away. I might have said that a bit too harsh, but being reminded of my past still enraged me to the bone.

"Now for the second time today, give it up for... James!" the stage manager smiled at me as I walked towards the mic. I smiled at the small audience and thanked them for applauding. "This first song is called Sunshine on a Rainy Day." I started singing. Some people left, some stayed and some joined in later. After a couple of songs I decided to improvise. I hadn't played a cover during my last performance but somehow I felt the need to play this song. "A wise man once told me; 'chase your dreams, but always know the road that'll lead you home again'. This man was like a father to me and made sure I pursued my dreams. Without him I wouldn't be here today."