Finding Jemima

Ball gown drama

JEMIMA

"So" William was telling me "we thought we would open with a rendition of California Dreaming" but with lots of orchestra in the background and Peter wants to do a heavy drum beat.  Some long hold notes for you and the choir backing you."

"I was thinking a soft light on the choir and the piano as they start then a dramatic spot light on you, and the rest of the stage pitch black, then when the orchestra Starts up bam we light them up dramatically" Tammy flamboyantly said waving arms in an animated way. I nodded in agreement, but really I was thinking 'why the hell did I just say I would do this I can't do this'. I hadn't been able to perform in public since Steve found out we were doing a gig at a local pub, he walked in half way through and calmly sat watching us drinking his beer glaring at me the whole time, I snuck out the back with Peter but Steve pulled me out of school the next day with a non existent family emergency using mums frail state to cover his tracks. He broke my hand so I couldn't play for months, he told me he'd break both of Matty's hands and make it so he'd never be able to play guitar again ruining his career if he ever caught me performing again. I'd had panic attacks every time I'd tried playing in public since unless I was drunk.

"Peter showed me some of the songs you wrote, I was thinking maybe we could do a few of those as well, the orchestra have already rehearsed most of them." William continued and I shot peter a look as if to say as soon as we we're alone I was going to kill him, he just smirked at me.  "We have to keep it PG though so that narrows down the list." I flushed red remembering some of the profanities and subject matters I had included in my latest songs since the breakup with Felix.

"Oh right yes...yes...sorry about that" I nervously tapped my foot up and down

"Don't worry about it Jemima, we all need an outlet, but I have to say I'm glad your no longer with Felix, I never did like him. You deserve much better." William said quietly while he leaned into me and put his hand on mine giving it a gentle squeeze.  I flushed a deeper shade of red, which I didn't think was possible. What the hell was wrong with me! We went over the other songs they had chosen already and I just nodded along. I knew most of them so technically doing a show in five days wasn't going to be a problem, Peter knew I worked well on tight deadlines.

"Just tell me which ones your not sure of and I can send you over copies to listen to" William reassured me as I put my contact details into his phone for him.  "Here's my number any questions let me know" he smiled as he put his number in my phone.  "I'm staying in this hotel as well, feel free to come and knock anytime. Im in room 457, the pent house suite on the top floor."

"Oh ok....thanks" I hung my head shyly. We gathered up everything and I took copies of the stuff William had given me and we walked back over to Matty and the boys and sat with them.

"All good my little Jem" Matty cheerily asked smiling at me, I glared at him for using my embarrassing nick name in public...in front of William, then just nodded.

"Oh these are like my step/foster/I don't know sort of brothers, I mean they're in a band with my brother....midnight blue.....and we all live together....at their house" I stuttered out "Milo, Ed, Tom and Max" I pointed to each.  William shook each of their hands introducing himself again formally.

"Well I had better get a move on, I've got to go meet my father." William said placing his hand on my knee "um did peter say about the ball tomorrow night?" I shook my head "the young musician company are hosting a ball at this grand house tomorrow, you should come....I mean I would like it if you accompanied me Jemima"