Seven Days In Paradise

A Walk On The Wild Side

Do you know me? I don't think so. Do I know you? Probably not. Yet here we are...

Careful on the broken glass, they're all over the floor. Don't they look like fallen stars to you? Broken... still, beautiful. Wait! Don't leave me. I'm losing blood. I'll be dead soon so please bear with me..

Sometimes I wonder what I'm doing here, in a band that in all honesty, I wouldn't normally listen to. Ballads are not my thing, I'm more of a Jazz woman, and don't get me started on the stage fright. Think I barfed enough gunk to fill a bucket before tonight's gig. As always, I gobbled a bottle of mouthwash and put on a fake smile. "The show must go on" that's what they say.

The night was a blast! I sang my heart out like a boss. The crowd went wild, most of them students from the university. If they only knew I was choking on my liver while my fingers danced on my guitar...

Okay, forget about the stage fright, I'm more concerned about the coke; crack; cocaine; whatever you wanna call it. My manager Gabe hid ten packs in the hollow of my vintage Gibson. He almost had a stroke when I told him I lost my damn guitar. The look on his face -- Priceless! His patrons would just have to wait on the next gig. 'Course I'm bluffing! I like making him mad. It's under my bed, back in my flat.... Shhh! Be quiet, okay?

Call me what you want but I have my reasons. Growing up, I always knew I was different. Not special, just... different. I'm a slob. A run of the mill dreamer but I'm a rebel with a cause. I love the rush of danger, the taste of excitement, the glamour of life. God, think I'm spitting my bile as I speak.

Do you think I want this? Lurking in the shadows? Losing my sanity day by day? Hiding drugs on my person?... Getting shot by my own best friend?

Well, let me spare you the hypocrisy and admit that I like the money as much as any sensible person would let on. It pays the rent so whatever. But sometimes, I don't know anymore. Like right now; I'm lying on my own pool of blood talking to a dumb recorder before I hit the fucking bucket. Real classy.

I wonder where my Mama is... I haven't seen her in years. She has no idea I dropped out from law school. Guess that's what happens when parents force their own dreams to their kids. I tried my best, believe me. But boring courtrooms and endless reading are not for me. All I want is to pursue my music. Why can't she understand that?

Last time we talked she's in Sydney. That was a month ago. Heaven knows where she is right now. As for me, all I have is my band. This is my world now, my dark new life.

God, I feel cold. Why the heck am I still alive? I've been bleeding forever like a busted water pipe! Damn it, I'm staining the cashmere. That bitch better clean this coat or I'll haunt her sorry ass to kingdom come. Pardon the language. I don't usually talk like this, unless I'm reminded of Pearl, my traitor of a best friend who dragged me into this cesspool.

Hey, can I tell you a story before I fall into shock?... No? Haha. Okay here it goes.

Once upon a time, there were four misfits who formed a band. They played in bars, basements, fiestas, food parks, basketball courts, your uncle's garage - name it they've been there. They endured countless rejections, sleepless nights, bruised egos, and empty pockets. But they carried on because music means the world to them. I mean, nothing worth having come easy, right?

Then the drummer, Pearl, met the charming Gabe. They fell in love and the band had an instant manager. However, things got awry when manager guy entered the scene. You have no idea how much I wanted to quit the day Gabe told us about his sinister secret. But why would I leave my best friend in the arms of a crook? So I stayed, and Gabe got us into this double life. In fairness to him, he took care of Pearl and looked after the band like the big brother I never wanted. It wasn't until tonight that I met the monster beneath the man.