The Story of Steps

The Journalists

Faye:

The audience bursts into cheers and applause, deciding that this song was simply great. And so do I. This performance was splendid. It wasn't a performance of our own though but 'The Rockers' were invited as a guest act; a perfect way to promote the album they're working on at the moment. For them it's a real honor; they don't just invite random bands and you actually need to prove yourself as musicians. Travis said he wants me to come along and when asking him if the others could join, his response was 'If you want' - and so, I told the band to join us. They weren't excited at all, so it's even more nice that they indeed came along. We do a lot of things together, but mainly it's just Lisa and me who go partying - alongside Lee or sometimes the boys in general. Claire isn't the kind of person who does a lot of things with us, except for rehearsals and filming. So it's great that we do something as a band together which isn't about band stuff, or at least not about our own band.

The band are walking off the stage, welcomed by our applause. True the others don't really like rock music, still seeming to enjoy it though. The best thing if that we're allowed to be backstage, being able to perfectly watch all these singers from our places. "That was so amazing! You all were great, the audience loved you!" I say happily.

"I know." Travis answers sharply, not minding about the frowns he earns.

"I definitely liked it, are you playing anything else?" I add curiously. They're still such a great band after all and their songs are just splendid. 

"We were just a guest act, I already told you."

"Speaking of singing, how's your band going?" James asks us, sensing an odd atmosphere.

"We'll release a new song soon, we already filmed the video." H says proudly. "Are you guys listening to our music?"

"Sometimes, it's okay music I think." Travis says, sounding uninterested. 

"It's good music despite it's no rock." James adds, trying to act like a real rocker. "Any plans for a new album after this song?" he continues and we all seem a bit stunned at his interest in our band. I mean we don't mind about his interest but he's from the rock genre and well, we're doing pop music.

"We're planning, yes." I reply shyly. "We're at an event soon with other bands and-"

"Excuse me, why are we talking about your band on our concert?" Travis interrupts me with anger.

"Sorry. He just asked and I thought- nevermind." I say, annoyed with myself that I couldn't just be quiet. No wonder he shouted at me before the concert.

"Good. Now we can listen to the other bands - or go celebrating." Travis explains, turning to his bandmates. "What do you think guys?" 

"Celebrating, of course!" they say simultaneously and with an amused laugh.

"Very good decision. And what about you?" he asks, probably meaning us all, but only focusing on me. 

I tense at his expression, my little confidence disappearing. "Well if- if you want us to, we can go with you but-" I reply, looking at the others to see if they would agree with that. They don't look impressed at all, probably they thought we would just go to this concert and that would be all. Lisa flashes a look at me as if she wonders what's wrong, not being used to this behaviour.  I look away, knowing that I would cry otherwise. "But we- we also need to rehearse a lot, s-so maybe we should-"

"Could you come with me for a moment?" Travis asks, taking my hands to take me aside. We walk to his dressing room and he closes the door, making me tense slightly. "Did you told anyone about my behaviour?" he asks, slamming me against the wall. I deny, tears now rolling down my cheeks as he lets go of me. "Then stop acting the way you do! Don't you realise that my bandmates wonder why you're so shy?" he snaps. "Besides, I don't want to go celebrating with you or your band. Stop annoying me, for real."