It Started With a Song [editing]

Chapter 4 - Preparations

CHAPTER 4

After a smooth, successful sound check, all six of us went off to get ready for tonight. Between Niall's whining about how hungry he was, Louis and Harry constantly goofing off, and me trying not to burst from keeping my huge secret from my friends, we made a very interesting group. Naturally, Grace took charge right away. 

"Alright, people, we have a concert to put on in exactly three hours. In that time, we have to eat, get the boys' hair and makeup done, and get the band set up. Also, Lyla, we have to talk. Diana, Scott, and Olivia, if you want something to do when we come back you can help the sound crew finish setting up back stage. Sound good, everyone?" Grace finished, looking around at all of us. Having no objections, she dismissed us all, telling everyone to meet back in a half hour so we could go get some food. I followed her towards the dressing room area. 

"So, Grace," I asked, "about tonight...what am I going to wear? I can't wear this!" I said, pointing to my pink T-shirt, blue skinny jeans, and sparkly silver Converse. I had no idea what I was going to do. I mean, I've worn my normal clothes to perform with my band, but I've never actually performed solo before. And I'm opening for One Direction! That alone makes me feel like I should be a little more dressed up. 

Grace smiled at me. "Don't worry, Ly, I've got it covered. Just follow me." Bewildered, I continued to follow her until she stopped in front of a door with an orange star on it. "Here's your dressing room, go on in." 

I shot a confused glance at Grace before opening the door. In front of me was a huge floor mirror sitting next to a portable table with all sorts of makeup and hair stuff on it. I walked in and twirled, looking around the room, then sat down in a huge chair that was placed in the corner of the room. "Wow, Grace, this is awesome!" I smiled, so excited. 

"Did you look in the closet?" Grace asked, walking in and closing the door. Bewildered at her question, I opened the two closet doors and found a beautiful turquoise flowered dress hanging there. A short-sleeved black sweater hung next to it, and sparkly black flats lay underneath.  My mouth dropped open in amazement, and I spun around to face Grace. 

"Ohmygosh, Grace, it's so pretty! Thank you thank you thank you! Where did you get it?" I gushed, overly excited. 

Grace laughed. "While you guys were doing sound check I ran out and bought it. It seemed your style...and I'm guessing from your reaction that you like it?" she asked, smiling. 

I nodded frantically. "Grace, it's beautiful. And elegant, and just perfect. I love the shoes, too. Sparkles!" I cheered.  Then I frowned.  "Grace, did you know that the boys wanted me to open for them?"

She nodded.  "They had asked me a few weeks ago if you would be willing to do it.  I said probably, but we would have to ask you.  They wanted to ask you in person, though, and you ended up being asked today.  That's why, if you saw any of the ads for the tour, they said 'Surprise Opening Guest' or something like that."

"I see," I replied.  "But what about Mom and Dad?  Did you talk to them at all before today?

Grace shook her head no.  "But don't worry, I'll handle it."  With a smile, she continued with her instructions.  " So now that you know where your room is, you can come back here when we come back after dinner. The boys' hairdresser is going to do your hair and makeup, so that's covered, and you'll need to practice one more time before you go on tonight. Got it?" I nodded in reply. "Alright then. Off to dinner!" I followed her out of the room, looking back one last time at the dress and thinking about tonight.

*~*~*~*~* 

I returned with Grace to the backstage area, where Casey was waiting with Diana, Scott, Olivia, and the boys. Niall was jumping up and down like a five-year-old, shouting, "Food! Food! Food!" at the top of his lungs. Olivia was either finding Niall immensely amusing and laughing her head off, or having a massive spaz attack that caused her to double over, shaking her head. That girl has issues, and I say that in the most well-meaning, endearing, friendly way. At any rate, it seemed that we were all hungry, so when Grace suggested we go to one of the best restaurants in Miami, everyone agreed. Even though there were places to eat in the arena, we figured it would be best to leave while the seats filled with One Direction fans. Walking out to the parking lot, we were met by tons of screaming fans. They were so loud! It was astonishing in a slightly disturbing way. Quickly, we got back into Grace and Casey's cars and drove off to the restaurant. 

"So," Scott asked me on the way there, "where were you this afternoon? You were gone a long time. Did you get lost in the arena or something?" He gave me a teasing look, grinning at me. 

I smiled back, replying, "Oh, I was just helping Grace and the boys with stuff. You know...stuff." I shrugged, not really sure what to say. 

He nodded at me. "Oh, stuff, I see. So basically you were partying with the important people and leaving the rest of us mortals out of it. Olivia is going to be devastated when she hears," he teased, smiling at me the whole time.  

"No, I- We were- Uggh, you're so frustrating, Scott," I replied. Seeing that his teasing got to me, he winked one of his blue eyes at me. I suddenly felt this strange feeling in the pit of my stomach, but quickly dismissed it. It was probably nerves for tonight.  

Soon we arrived at the restaurant and met up with Casey and the others. I was not looking forward to explaining my absence to Diana and Olivia and still keep tonight a secret, but I was sure I would manage somehow.

*~*~*~*~* 

After dinner, we returned to the arena to get ready for tonight's concert. I walked to my room with Grace and got changed into my dress. Grace then took me to the room where Lou, the boys' hairstylist, was doing their hair and makeup, and I waited until they were finished to get mine done. Lou lightly curled my hair and gave me a touch of makeup around my eyes. Meeting up with the boys again, we went to their room to practice a final time. 

"I think you should write a song with us sometime, Lyla. You're really good!" Liam said, smiling at me. I thanked him and grinned, staring into his deep brown eyes. They were such a deep brown... Not getting distracted, Lyla! Focus! I said to myself. 

"Well, thanks, Liam. I don't think I'm good enough to write a song with superstars like you guys, though," I said honestly. And I haven't even written that many songs! I can do more covers than originals. 

Liam shook his head. "Okay, Lyla, if you say so. I think you are, though. In fact," he said, leaning towards me and whispering so that the others couldn't hear, "I think you're pretty awesome." 

My heart stopped at his words. Liam Payne, internationally famous celebrity, thinks I'm awesome?! What kind of world do I live in? In response, I smiled at him and stated, "Thanks, Liam. You're amazingly awesome, too, you know!" 

Just then, Niall came running in. "Lyla, Lyla, play your four original songs again for me. I need to see something." 

Bewildered, I grabbed his guitar and quickly played through them. The whole time, he nodded at me seriously, his blue eyes sparkling and blond head cocked to the side in an adorably endearing way. "Okay, Niall, what was that for?" I asked him once I finished. 

He nodded grimly. "It's just as I thought. Your songs, they are..." he paused, probably for some dramatic effect. "Seriously amazing! You got skills, girl, serious skills." He finished, grinning triumphantly. "You are gonna wow the entire house tonight, Lyla. I'm not joking." 

"Wow, Niall, that's so nice of you. I'll make sure they save some applause for you guys, though," I replied with a teasing smile. I seriously could not believe my life right now. One Direction thinks I'm amazing and wants me to open for all their shows...craziness! 

Grace suddenly opened the door to the room. "Lyla, you're on in fifteen. Grab your guitar and let's go." Surprised, I looked at the clock that was hanging on the wall. How on earth was it 5:45 already? I was all of a sudden very nervous. I guess my nervousness showed, because Liam and Niall both gave me a hug.  

"You'll do amazing," Liam whispered to me before handing me the guitar. Smiling nervously at him, I followed Grace out the door and to the backstage area. 

"So everyone else is in their seats in the front row. There's one on the end for you, so you can slip into it after your performance. The mic stand on center stage, that's for you, and when you're done, you can put the guitar on the stand behind the drums. Niall'll need it. Clear?" Grace instructed. I nodded, the butterflies in my stomach fluttering out of control. Grace smiled at me, giving me a quick hug. "You'll do an awesome job, Lyla, I know you will. Just step out there and do your best, and everyone will love you." 

I swallowed and took a deep breath. I could do this. "Okay, Grace. And thank you so much." Giving her another quick hug, I walked into the wings. When the stage manager gave me a signal, I walked out onto the huge, brightly lit stage.