2 Hands and One Heart

The Outfit

It's been a few months since my birthday, in the which I graduated high school. Now Joshi and I are sitting in the parking lot outside of the arena where Ed's concert is being held. I fidget with the hem of my shirt, looking down at it. "Mel, stop it. You're fine," Joshi says in a soft voice. "I'm freaking out, Joshi. Freaking out! What if he doesn't want to see me anymore?" I say. I'm about to continue when Joshi buts in. "Of course he wants to see you! And before you ask, yes, you look fine. You look beautiful. He'd have to be a fool not to want to see you," Joshi tells me in a firm voice. I smile at him, "Thanks, Joshi."

I'm wearing an outfit my mom bought me for graduation. I've only worn it once before. It consists of a sea-foam green button-up shirt, dark almost-skinny-jeans, and black combat-style boots. I curled my hair in ringlets this morning, so now it has become just a gentle curl towards the bottom. I didn't bother putting any make-up on. I rarely wear it anyways.

Joshi and I get out of his car and make our way to the front doors. There is a small line that is quickly moving through the security gates. When it's my turn to go through security, the guard by the gate looks at me with narrowed eyes. He pulls me aside.

"Your name wouldn't be Mel, would it?" He asks me in a lowered voice. I nod, "Yeah, why?" "This is for you," he says, handing me a slip of paper folded in half. I take it, giving him a questioning look. I unfold the paper and read the message scrawled upon it.

Mel,

Don't leave after the concert. Stay in your seat and I will find you.

-Ed

I stare at the words for a moment, my heartbeat picking up slightly. I look back up at the guard. "Oh. Okay," I say a bit nervously. He ushers me through the gate with a quick nod. Joshi is waiting for me just on the other side. "What was that about?" he asks as we move into the arena. "Oh, um, Ed wants to meet up after the concert," I tell him. I try to sound nonchalant about it, but my voice squeaks a little.

We walk into the arena and quickly find our seats.

***

The concert is over and most of the fans start to leave, excited chatter trailing behind them. Joshi and I sit back in our seats and wait. Joshi slouches, leaning his head back so he's staring at the ceiling. I can't relax. I'm sitting up straight, my knee bouncing wildly in anticipation. I keep thinking of the times he seemed to be searching the crowd, as if he were looking for me. I must have been imagining things, but I can't help but wonder.

After all the fans are gone (finally) I start to get fidgety again. Joshi sits up. "Mel, calm down. It'll be fine," he whispers in my ear, even though we are alone. He tucks a strand of hair behind my ear and smiles at me. I return the smile. Just then we hear a voice, a voice unlike any other and completely unmistakable.

"Mel?" Ed says from behind us. I practically fly out of my chair and spin around. Ed's walking down the isle, a few rows behind us. "Ed!" I squeak, running up to meet him. As I near him, he opens his arms for a hug. I hesitate only a second before letting his arms enfold me. We hug for a few moments before he pulls back, releasing me. He puts his hands on my shoulders and quickly looks me up and down.

"How have you been?" Ed asks. "Great! And you?" I respond. "Good, but a whole lot better now that you're here," he says. I blush. Oh dear. "You look beautiful," he continues, taking in my outfit, "I might even go so far as to say radiant. What you think?" His hands fall from my shoulders as he turns his attention to Joshi who has walked up behind me. "Definitely," Joshi says, stepping closer and shaking Ed's hand, "It's a real pleasure." Ed smiles, "What's your name, mate?" "Joshi," "Hmm, that's an interesting name. Cool. So, do you guys wanna come back stage and we can hang out in my dressing room for a bit?" Ed asks, gesturing towards the stage. Joshi and I nod. "Cool," Ed grins, leading the way down to the stage.

It's off to a great start, so I have high hopes for this. Ed thinks I look beautiful... I never imagined he would. I definitely chose the right outfit today. There is an obvious bounce in my step as we walk. I wonder what Ed meant by "hang out". Maybe he didn't mean anything by it...

For a moment, as we walk towards the stage, my dream from four years ago flashes in my mind. And for a moment, I'm afraid.