Beautiful Mess

Chapter 11

"Breathe, Riley. You're going to do amazing and you will have so much fun," Skylar soothed. She was currently holding her clipboard, getting things situated, all the while making sure I didn't pass out from stage fright. I nodded my head but didn't believe a single word she said. I tried to do the "breathe in, breathe out, repeat" method but that only seemed to make the nerves more rapid.  "Are the guys on their way?" She asked into the microphone of her headset. She nodded after a second and turned back to me.

"It sounds like a lot of people," I said shakily. I clutched my hand to my stomach, trying desperately to calm myself down. She gave me a sympathetic smile and pushed a piece of hair out of my face.

The guys and I had gotten back from the restaurant less than an hour ago. Since then, I was drug to hair and makeup where I was  pulled and dressed and yanked all at once by multiple stylists. There was one point where I was getting my fake eyelashes and eye liner applied at the same time. I was amazed that  two people could be working on the same area at the same time. I applauded them.

" You'll be fine," Skylar said. She glanced down her watch and held nine fingers. I'm guessing it meant there was nine minutes before show. I took another deep breath, closing my eyes. You can do this, Riley. You'll be fine.

I saw Brooke down the hallway. She practically sprinted on her way to the back of the stadium. The assistant was in tow, trying to keep up with her.

I glanced over to the south door in time to see the guys come through. Lucas was jumping up in down, stretching his arms. He saw me and waved. I waved weakly back, quickly clutching my stomach. Chase looked at me and confusion and sped up slightly to get to me a little faster. He placed his arm on my shoulder and smiled down at me.

" You good?" He asked.  I shook my head. Truth be told, I was so nervous that I was second guessing even going out there. " Don't worry, we'll be on stage, behind the back drop. " My eyes bulged and my body started to shake viciously. Chase laughed.

" What do you mean? I'm going to be out there by myself?" I squeaked. By this time, Adam, Lucas, and Ian had approached us. They were all looking at me like I had lost my mind. Adam rolled his eyes.

" No. Well be out there also, " he laughed. He was holding a bottle of water which he took a swig of. He offered me some which I declined.

" But I won't see you?" I questioned. They all nodded. I sighed, a little of the nerves subsiding. "Well that's somewhat comforting." Chase's grip on my shoulders loosened as Skylar pushed her way back into the circle.

" Okay, we are five minutes from show so everyone, hands in, " she claimed.  We all put our hands in; I'm sure mine was the most prevalent one. It was shaking non stop. I felt Chase's hand on top of mine, warm and comforting. He smiled at me and I returned the look with a not so sure smile. "One, two, three," Skylar counted and we all broke.

The guys made their way to the back of the stage. I watched as Chase put his guitar on his shoulder. Ian glanced over at me and nodded,  signaling me to get ready.

Suddenly,  the lights of the stadium dimmed and the crowd erupted into screams. My whole body was shaking. Skylar must have noticed because I felt her hands clasp my shoulder. I glanced behind me and she gave me a reassuring my smile. The guys started to play the first intro of my song. I felt the sudden urge to throw up, but Skylar's hand patted my back.

"You ready?" She asked.  I shook my head and she gave me a sympathetic smile. She pushed a piece of my curled hair behind my ear . "It's okay, just breathe. "

The crowd continued to scream. I glanced behind stage as the band replayed the intro.  Chase glanced over at me. He smiled and I smiled back. It wasn't a I can do this smile, but it was something.  He motioned for me to take the stairs. I glanced behind me and Skylar was giving me a thumbs up. I took a couple of deep breaths and then made my way up the stairs. If I hadn't known any better, I'd have thought the stairs were going to cave in on me.