loosing game | daniel seavey

chapter one

The music blared loudly, the colored lights flashed sparingly. Bodies danced throughout the floor. I looked at them through the curtains from the back. My brother really was putting on one of his best shows and it was more than obvious.

Aedan was my best friend and big brother all in one. My literal other half. Music had always been his passion, no one really expected him to become a rapper, but it fit him. He quickly grew from small streaming platforms to where he was now, his first sold out show in Los Angeles. I was beyond proud of him and grateful I got to experience his best show, but deep down inside, this was the last place I wanted to be. Tonight he'd be leaving, leaving me to myself and the few friends I had. As selfish as it sounded, I just didn't wanna let him go.

I walked away from the curtains, stepping up outside to where his bus and crew were getting ready to leave. Aedan would be leaving for a three month tour around the country. We did everything together. I wouldn't even be living in Los Angeles if it weren't for him. He was genuinely my best friend and favorite person.

I sat out there for a couple of minutes, calming myself down and allowing the overwhelming feeling to go away. Shivers ran up my arms from the slight breeze. Aedan insisted I wore a piece of his merch, but of course it has to be the short sleeve. I could still hear the music clear as day from outside of the building. Footsteps followed the music, but I ignored it thinking it was just some of the crew.

"Excuse us," A voice said from behind me. I turned around and saw a group of five boys. The one that was speaking was tall with dark brown hair. They all wore badges around their necks, signaling they could be back here. "Is this the door to Aedan's show?"

"Uhm, yea, just through there and it'll take you right backstage." I nodded and pointed to the door.

"You're Malia right, Aedan's sister?" The one speaking now was short with an odd shade of blonde hair. It looked like it was dyed but faded into the color it was now. I nodded in response. "Oh wow, it's so great to finally meet you. He's told us so much about you. I'm Jack."

It was weird, because he sounded genuinely excited to see me but I had no idea who any of them were. They went down a line saying their names. Jack, Corbyn, Jonah, Zach, and Daniel. My eyes fell on Daniel for a little longer than I probably should've. He was quieter than the rest of the group. He was tall, kinda lanky. He had a red beanie cover his hair but I could see little pieces of brown sticking out. There was something about him that made me want to look at him a little longer.

"Well it's nice to meet you all. But we better be heading in if we wanna hear the last few songs." I said and opened the room. I held the door open for them as the each walked in.

We all stood beside the curtain again, watching Aedan continue to kill it on stage. The boys told me that they had met him at a party at another friends house and they've all been close since. It didn't surprise me, Aedan loved partying and that's how he met most of his friends. He didn't drink or so drugs or anything, he just liked the thrill of partying. He was weird like that, but it made him who he was.

"Thank you, Los Angeles!" Aedan yelled before bowing and running off stage. He was a sweaty mess and out of breath, but still wore the biggest smile. "Hey, you guys made it!"

The boys all did that's weird handshake boys do. All the boys were so excited about the show, except for Daniel. He remained quiet most of the time. They talked for a little longer before Aedan's manager came over.

"I hate to ruin the moment, but if we wanna be in Phoenix in time we have to leave within the hour." He said before continuing to talk on the phone and walking away. Aedan sighed sadly. I didn't think he'd be leaving so quick.

"You guys are more than welcome to hang back for a bit, I'm gonna head out to the bus and start getting ready. I really appreciate y'all coming by for the show." Aedan said before they said their goodbyes. Him and I then walked out to the bus and got all of the last minute chores completed. In what seemed like minutes, it was time for him to go.

I sighed as he walked down the bus steps. He came over and wrapped his arms around me tightly.

"You can still come with me, ya know?" He said and nudged my arm as he pulled away. He insisted I went with him. As much as I did want to, this was something he needed to do on his own. He needed to live out his dream without his annoying little sister trailing beside him.

"No, you go. I'll be fine here." I gave him the same response I always did. He lifted his eyebrow at me as his manager called his name.

"I guess that's my cue. I'll call you tomorrow, alright?" He pulled me into another hug, this time holding on a little longer. "I love you."

"I love you too, have fun out there." Tears formed in my eyes as he pulled away. It was a bittersweet moment. This would be the first time in forever that my brother and I wouldn't be together. He turned around and walked onto the bus. I watched as it slowly pulled out of the parking lot. Aedan waved at me through the window. I waved back as it drove out of view.

"Everything okay?" The voice made me jump a bit. I turned around to see Corbyn and Jonah.

"Yea, I'm fine." I laughed a bit and stepped towards them. "What are you guys still doing here? I thought you guys would've been long gone by now."

"We helped the stage crew clean up while the others went to get the car." Jonah answered with a slight smile.

"Hey, you should come hang out with us sometime. We know with your brother leaving it must be hard, but we'll be here if you need us."

It made my heart swell that they even considered it. And how they understood so well. I nodded and smiled, thanking them both. We exchanged numbers as the sound of a car pulled into the parking lot. Daniel day front seat of a sleek white Tesla. Music blared loudly inside of it.

"Hey, can I ask you something?" I grabbed Jonah's arm, he turnt towards me and nodded. "What's up with Daniel? Why is he so quiet?"

"He's not always like that. He can be stubborn and can be shy most times. He'a actually one of the most genuine people ever, it's just he feels he has to his feelings to protect himself I guess."

I nodded, understanding exactly what Jonah had said. We said goodbye as the piled into the car and drove off quickly.

Leaving me to myself, again.

The next three months were sure going to be long.