Reunion

Chapter Twenty

Not a lot of people are equipped with the quality of being considerate and generous. Helping others without expecting anything in return is the true meaning of kindness. If people regard anything in return, then it's not really giving.

Growing up, I was taught by my parents, teachers, and other people with high and positive moral values that I needed to believe in humbleness. Helping others without expecting anything in return was something important to me. Being part of the Annual Cancer Event at Huntington Beach meant a lot to Brian and the band. I was so grateful that he invited me. Anna had been invited by Matt, and together we decided to drive back to our hometown for a memorable weekend.

Waiting in line for our names to be checked in the backstage area, Anna and I were excited to be part of the concert taking place that afternoon. Many bands were going to grace the public with their music. A lot of people gathered to not only give little to the cause but also to spend a few hours listening to their favorite artists.

"Alright, ladies, here are your passes and enjoy the show," the big and muscled tattooed guard expressed, giving Anna and myself two pink lanyards with laminated VIP passes within. We put them around our necks and entered the area.

"Matt said it was alright for us to get into their tent as soon as we arrived. Come on," Anna said, holding my hand. I could barely hear her because of the rowdiness of the people enjoying the band that was currently playing. As Shinedown was clearly heard from the stage, playing one of their most popular songs, I followed Anna to an area where a lot of tents gathered. The event was set in the middle of the most famous beach in Huntington. It was the summer, which was perfect for it.

Noticing a few booths with people that worked for the Cancer Fundraiser Program, I stopped Anna from walking further. "One second. I know you sent yours already, but I didn't have time to put mine in the mail," I told my best friend as I took an envelope from my handbag.

Extending the white sealed container, I smiled at the lady sitting down.

"My donation," I said, smiling to the young woman who wore a happy expression on her face.

"Thank you so much," she responded, standing up. She put the envelope in a secured box and grabbed a small pink lace, symbol for Cancer Awareness. She placed it in my blouse and smiled wider.

Anna and I walked towards the tent that had the name Avenged Sevenfold printed in front. People gathered outside of it. Many of the band's staff members were there as well, making sure they had a great concert. Anna peaked inside the tent. Voices were heard from the inside, and I knew they were in the middle of an interview.

Shaking my head, I looked Anna with wide eyes. I didn't want to interrupt, even though she had said a few minutes back that Matt said it was alright. I didn't know what to expect. I didn't want to impose on such an important thing.

"Lil, come on. Matt said it was fine," she said, pulling my arm forward, urging me to get inside. I followed her after much hesitation.

"Well, you have it here, folks. If you haven't arrived at the Huntington State Beach yet, come and check out the amazing talent playing. Not only would you meet your favorite band, but also you will be able to help those in need by donating to the cause. This is Eve Night with the 11 News," the reported said just after Anna and I stepped inside.

Glad that the interview was over, I smiled and calmed my nerves a bit. The guys spoke briefly to the reporter, thanking her, and then she left the tent with her crew following behind.

"Hey, Babe," Matt said, hugging Anna. Brian noticed I was behind her, and he smiled. I greeted all the guys, and when Brian approached me, he surprised me by giving me a soft kiss on the lips. I wasn't expecting him to be this affectionate in front of his friends, but I wasn't complaining.

"Hello, beautiful!" he said, smirking after his lips separated from mine. "Hi," I simply responded, blindsided by his actions.

"Did you girls have any trouble getting backstage?" Zack asked, looking at Anna and me. We both shook our heads, smiling. "We are about to go on soon," Matt rejoiced as he kept hugging my best friend.

"Come on. We will let you girls know where is best to watch the show from," Brian lilted, interlacing his fingers with mine. Together followed the rest of the guys to a spot close to the stage. The fans were visible, but we were not. The stage was right in front of us from the right side, and it truly was the perfect spot to watch the guys play. As the current band wrapped up with their last song, Brian whispered in my ear, "I am glad you are here, beautiful." I blushed, looking at him.

"I am glad I am here too. Thanks for inviting me," I responded, staring into his brown orbs. He took that opportunity to place his lips against mine for a moment. He kissed me softly. I had the chance to bite his lower lip, making him smirk.

"If you do that again, screw the guest room. You are staying in my bed tonight, so I am warning you," he playfully responded. I giggled and continued to watch each member of Shinedown conclude their part.

There was no more hiding. I wanted him, and by the looks he gave me, he wanted me too. I was both glad and scared that my feelings for him were growing up faster than I expected.

He pecked my lips before he walked to the stage with the rest of the band. They played, and it was the first time I was witnessed to such an amazing concert. I have heard them on the radio, CDs, and videos, but watching them perform live was intoxicating.

Zack and Brian moved in sync at times and stood close to each other as each instrument was played with perfection. Matt's voice was angelical. He had the amazing talent to change from soft to rough within seconds, which a lot of people loved. Johnny and Arin were great as well. Overall, it was such an adrenaline rush to hear and watch them play so closely.

Anna sang along to the lyrics. I didn't know them very well yet, but secretly promised myself that for the next concert I was going to accompany my best friend in the sing-along. A few hours later, the band finished their set. Following the guys back to the tent, I noticed how the fans yelled for more.

They enjoyed it as much as Anna and I did. With sweat all over his body, Brian hugged me. I laughed, trying to push him away playfully. We spoke, joked, and hung for a while with the guys and their significant others until the guys were ready to leave.

"Are you going to Johnny's Bar?" Johnny asked Brian.

"I am beat, man. I am going to take the lady home. I will see you guys later. Have fun," Brian said, making me open my eyes widely. Anna looked at me as she smirked. I had a feeling that Brian's comment about tonight was not just playful thoughts. Feeling nervous, I said goodbye to the guys.

Could I do this? Could this be the night Brian and I get intimate? Many thoughts ran through my head as I hugged my best friend. "I am going to get my bag from Anna's car. Meet you up in the parking's entrance?" I asked Brian, who nodded in acceptance.

"I don't think I can do this," I told Anna as soon as we were alone.

"Yes, you can. Lilian, you didn't see it, but I noticed how Brian was looking at you. He is crazy about you. He is not playing around. I could see it in his eyes," she confessed.

"I am scared, Anna," I replied, shaking in nervousness.

"Why exactly are you scared about? Brian likes you. You two are consenting adults, and believe me when I say he is as crazy about you as you are about him. Take a chance. Live in the moment and have a great night," she demanded in her sweet voice. After much hesitation, I nodded my head smiling. I was going to give tonight a chance. It didn't mean something was going to happen. It wasn't a certain thing. We were just going to spend time together at his place, and everything that follows would be because both of us wanted.

The uncertainty slowly vanished as Brian picked me up at the gate of the parking. He opened the door for me, and before he closed it, he looked into my eyes and kissed me on the lips, assuring me that everything was going to be perfectly fine.