Madferit

She Ring the Bell for All the World to Hear

I could see the lights flashing bright through the windows. Popping off with the drumbeat nearly shattering the glass. I could hear the guitars, the words sung along to them. The harmony, the chorus, every bit that made the song complete.

            It was dark now which made the lights shine even brighter. Illuminating what felt like the whole city but probably not that much. But I'm sure if you asked anyone they'd tell you it did. They could see it from theirs and they weren't makin' that shit up.

            It must've taken them all day to do the filming. People crowded around outside the building hoping for a glimpse. I didn't dare get too close. I wasn't bothered to get too close. So I just hid out in the shadows where no one could see me.

            The alleyway was like something out of the Victorian Period but updated for modern times. Rusty fire escapes and loaded trash cans had replaced broken down boards and tattered curtains.

            How far was I from the Ripper's stomping grounds? Or maybe Burke's and Hare's? And why was I going for the murderers? Wasn't there something more positive I could picture?

            Night soil men, the Great Stink of London. Sewers filled with rats. Mud Larks, dolled up prostitutes. London bobbies with those uniform hats New York City cops refused to wear.

            'You're goin' dark again!' That little voice inside my head pointed out.

            'Yeah, I know. I'm well aware.' I thought. But I suppose...oh, there really wasn't much to suppose.

            There were vehicles all over the street in front of the building. Vans to haul the equipment, fancy black cabs and SUVs to haul the most important stuff. The things everyone in that crowd came to see.

            Hopefully.

            I watched in anticipation just like they did. Hiding out, my heart starting to pound when I realized they were wrapping up. But I knew better than to think I'd catch a glimpse of anything but the lights. The colors and the lights. And the sound of that catchy tune.

            People passed me by unaware of my location. They seemed unaware of what was going on just a few feet down the street as well. Maybe they didn't care? Maybe they weren't into it? It seemed hard to believe but maybe it was the truth.

            Finally, the music stopped. The lights went off and everyone left for home. Well, everyone inside the building at least.

            They were greeted by a roaring cheer from all those waiting just outside. Screaming their names, begging for autographs, and pictures.

            They obliged for every single one of them and didn't leave until every poster, CD case, and t-shirt were signed and every camera had run out of film or memory.

            When they were done, they moved on. I expected them to go straight for the waiting cars but gasped as I watched them continue walking down the street.

            There were five of them and no bodyguards, strutting their stuff with their hands in their pockets. Their peacoats and leather jackets zipped and buttoned up as far as they'd go...except for one of them.

            His blood red shirt almost glowed in the dark. Lighting the way for him and the rest of his group like Rudolph's nose did on Christmas Eve.

            I jumped with a gasp when they got too close. Too close to catch me so back further I went behind a dumpster where I belonged.

            "I fought it were summat makin' me nervous!" The one that swaggered the most said.