1979 (Ryden)

Behind the Sea

Do you know what touring feels like? To me it is the mixture of sweat, excitement and cheers. Thousands of people singing and screaming together is a glorious view.

"Hey guys I found that there's a beach near by. Wanna go after the show?" And here we go.

***

Never let noisy guys like us get near the beach.

"Bet you can't catch me!" "Just wait. I'm coming!" "Oh stop it. We are like a bunch of five-year-olds." I laughed and fell down into the sand. Everyone laughed like crazy.

A bunch of five-year-olds. True.

"Well, I can't see the reason to keep the shirt on." Ryan panted slightly after running. As I turned around, he took his shirt off. "I think I need a rest. Getting too old to run." "Come on, you are only a few months older than me." I said and sat next to him.

Ryan lay down in the golden sunshine. Sun shines down on his skin. His perfect body fits perfectly with the lovely sight of the beach.

I looked away, trying to focus on the waves in the distance.

Minutes went by.

"Beautiful isn't it?" Ryan sat up and asked in a low voice. "Sure it is." I whispered under my breath.

But it can't compare with you.

***

It can be so lonely to be alone in a hotel room after a crazy day.

Have a show tomorrow, better sleep early.

I climbed onto the bed and stared at the ceiling.

My phone rang, a message.

It was Ryan.

"Hey are you asleep?"
"Nope."
"Me either."
...
"You wanna go to the beach again?"
"Whoa bro it's 10 o'clock at night."
"I'm just curious about what the sea is like at night."
"Interesting thought."
"So are you coming?"
"Sure see you downstairs."

I put my phone in my pocket with slightly shivering hands and walked out of the door.

Of course I'll go.

***

It's just a few minutes walk, and then we were on the beach again.

Obviously no one will be here at this time, so it's only two of us.

The sky is dark, only the moon and a few stars.
The waves make a soothing sound.

I followed Ryan into the shallow water.

The air is a bit cold in the nighttime, but the sea is warm after a whole day of sunshine.

We walked deeper and deeper into the water. Waves patted our knees. "Careful." Ryan said, gently grabbing my hand.

"Why don't we get back to the land?" "Good idea."

***

Ryan and I sat on the sand.

"What's on your mind?" I asked. "A song." He turned his head away from the sea and smiled at me. "A new song? Wow! What's it about?"
"About... lovers." Ryan looked down and stared at the sand. "Or just friends."
...
"You know what, let's go back to the hotel. It's quite late." "Great."

***

"Oh s**t. I forget to take the keys!" I frantically searched in my pocket. "Guess I'll have to go to the front desk."

"You can stay in my room." Ryan nervously bit his lips. "I mean if you want to." He quickly added. "...Why not? Thank you man."

***

"I'll sleep on the couch, OK?" "Sure."
"Good luck for the show tomorrow." "Yeah."
"Goodnight." "Night."

The lights turned out. Nothing happened.

Lovers, or just friends?