We take up our positions on the stage as I look out to the sea of faces and notice them all smiling, dancing and clapping. It makes me happy they’re accepting us already. I plug my guitar in and look over at Ella. She looks back at me and smiles brightly easing my nerves for her. She looks like she’s doing okay. Chad walks up behind the drum kit and kicks the bass a couple of times to let us know to get ready. I look back at Aston and he smiles at me so radiantly it makes my knees feel weak.

“Let’s rock it, Lennox,” he says.

I nod as Chad starts the drum beat and I raise my hands in the air to get the crowd worked up. But on my way up, I hit the mic stand and it causes a massive reverb through the speakers and everyone gasps and then boos. I quickly fix the mic and look at Aston, who’s chuckling at me.

Great start, Annie!

“Shit,” I say to myself as the crowd noise dies down and they all stand there suddenly looking unimpressed. Great! Trust me to fuck this up before we’ve even played one chord.

“Lennox,” Aston whispers and I look at him as my heart races. “Look your dad’s down there, make him proud,” Aston whispers and it was just the kick back into gear I needed.

I look down at Dad and he’s smiling and giving me the thumbs up. Listening to Chad when he gets to the right spot, I slam on my guitar and give it everything I have. Aston and Ella join in soon after and the music flowing through the speakers and reverbing all around the venue is electrifying. I can’t stop a shiver as it runs down my spine with the pure adrenalin I feel right now. I look down at the crowd and they’re all still standing there not actually moving to the music. It’s like they’re all reserving judgment except for the front row which is, of course, our parents, who are all excited and cheering. I swallow hard and look at Aston and he shrugs just as Caleb comes running out on stage and starts to sing the first verse of ‘Don’t Mess With the Best.’ I put my back toward Aston so he knows what I’m after and straight away I feel his back against mine and it fills me with such happiness that I get lost in the moment. I jam on my guitar the best way I know how and glance down at the crowd. I notice a couple of people starting to move along to our song. I guess because no one knows the music it would be hard to get into at first, and also my mistake in the beginning wouldn’t have helped their impression of us. But right now as I gaze out to the crowd, even more people are starting to move to our music, and by the time we get to the chorus everyone is dancing and some of them are even cheering.

It fills me with an energy I didn’t know could exist. Only in my dreams do I feel this type of elation. Right now, this is a dream come true. It’s no wonder that my world is suddenly filling with bright colours and dancing musical notes are moving through the air. This is definitely like my dreams and everything is so perfect it’s not funny. My pulse is thumping so fast and hard I can feel it in my ears but in a good way. It’s like the music in my blood is pumping stronger and quicker than I ever thought possible, and I love every second of it. And having Aston touching me at the same time is sending my senses into overdrive. I’m so happy I could cry, but I won’t because that would just be weird in the middle of a song.

I look out to the crowd and I come out of my zone just for a second to hear the roar. It shocks me and I turn back to look at Aston and he’s smiling so radiantly it’s astounding. I look over at Ella and she’s doing great. I haven’t heard her mess up on a single note and Chad and Caleb are performing their hearts out. I already see some girls screaming and reaching out to Caleb. I can see the appeal I guess, he’s good looking, but I don’t really see it because he’s my cousin. But these girls are definitely drooling over him. I even notice a couple of the guys eyeing Ella, but she’s so lost in her world and concentrating so hard not to stuff up, that she isn’t taking in what’s happening around her.

I look down at Dad and Mum. Mum is crying and Dad is cheering and happy. Poor Mum, she does tend to get emotional when she’s proud of us. The song comes to an end and the crowd applaud and stomp their feet. We all, in unison, raise our hands in the air making them cheer and clap even louder.

“Hello, London! We are Staked! We’re really honoured to have you here at our very first live show. The band hope you enjoy how we rock it. Are we having a good time tonight?” Caleb calls out making me laugh at his enthusiasm.

The girls all scream and one takes off her top leaving her in a black bra and throws it up on stage. We all burst out laughing and Caleb moves across the stage and picks it up as security make their way over to her.

“Thanks for that sweetheart,” he says as he scrunches it up and places it in his back pocket.

She screams so loud it can be heard over everyone else. I look down at Dad and he’s laughing and shaking his head like he’s enjoying watching and not being the one having the shirts and God only knows what else, thrown at him.

“Right. Now if everyone else could please leave their clothes on for now… we can always take them off later,” he says in a sultry tone and I think I see a girl faint.

I laugh hard as everyone is screaming so loudly I can’t think. I can only imagine how big Caleb is going to be, for sure he’ll be the next big thing in music.

“This is our next song and it’s quite dear to my heart. I wrote it with my awesome cuz over there. Say hi, Annie,” he says and I laugh and wave out to the audience. “Anyway this is about someone special I know, and hopefully she knows it’s about her. This is called, ‘Saving Grace’,” Caleb says and we start to play.

I never imagined it could be this energising to perform live. It’s everything I thought but so much more! Having the crowd cheer you on, especially when they don’t know your songs is so thrilling it’s making me breathless. I lean my back up against Aston again and we rock out like we always do, leaning on each other for support, but also because I couldn’t do this and not be touching him. I need him with me, he is a part of this experience and I couldn’t imagine having anyone other than Aston by my side as we perform.

The rest of the concert goes without a hitch and I’m pretty sure we have made our first real fans tonight. People other than our families, which is so great to finally say. One day we will have groupies and roadies of our very own and I’m excited for that day to come.

We finish up the very last song of our set and I scan my eyes around at the crowd one last time and take it all in. I soak up the atmosphere as my vest sticks to me with the sweat that I worked up from rocking it out on stage. Plus, the lights were so much hotter than I thought they would be. But I don’t care how hot I get on stage, I’d stand in an inferno of flames as long as I get to be up there rocking it with my band.

I run off the side of the stage with Aston and Caleb right behind me and I’m buzzing as the crowd all stomp their feet and cheer for our first ever live performance. Most bands start out playing in small venues with a few hundred people. But we’re different, we are luckier than most bands so our first performance is in front of a full capacity ten thousand people. I can’t believe the size of the crowd. I bound down the stairs and pull off my guitar and hand it to one of the backstage crew and then wipe my hand across my forehead, still buzzing from the undeniable high. I close my eyes and just listen to the crowd and their excitement.

Suddenly strong arms wrap around me and I squeal as I open my eyes to see Aston. He picks me up and spins me around in a circle and I wrap my arms around him holding on as he spins us. I laugh and he slides me down his body slowly when he comes to a stop and then he wipes some stuck hair from my sweaty face and shakes his head.

“That was amazing!” he says and I nod in agreement. I’m distracted by his lips as his hand caresses my cheek, so I lean into his hand and take a deep breath. “Are you okay?” he asks furrowing his brows and I realise I haven’t actually spoken yet.

“Shit! Yeah, sorry. Just so caught up in the moment. I can’t believe how well we did,” I say and I notice he’s still holding me tightly to him.

“You were amazing out there, Lennox,” he says and leans his sweaty forehead against mine.

“You’re amazing all the time,” I say honestly and he smiles with so much intensity it knocks the wind from me. He leans in closer and I go to kiss him when I hear Dad yelling from a distance. We quickly separate just in time for him to round the corner.

“To be continued,” Aston says stepping away from me.

“Holy shit! You guys were amazing. I’m so proud of all of you, especially you two,” Dad says racing over to me and grabbing Ella on the way embracing us both in a bear hug. I laugh and look over at Aston, who’s now celebrating with his parents. But he looks over and winks at me. I smile back as Dad scrunches us harder in the hug.

“How’d it feel?” Dad asks pulling back but leaving a hand on each of our shoulders.

I look at Ella, her grin is wide. “I was totally nervous, but once I started playing it all washed away and… well… it was amazing!”

“Annie?” Dad asks pulling me from my distraction of watching Aston.

I look back at him and smile shaking my head. “Best feeling ever, Dad. You tried to explain it to us, but everything you said doesn’t do it justice. Performing live is a rush I want to feel every day for the rest of my life.”

“I’m so glad, you did so well,” he says and I humph and shake my head.

“Except for my mic reverb at the beginning. Mmm, they actually booed me,” I say and Dad smirks and laughs.

“Sweetheart, out of all the things that could have gone wrong a little reverb is not that bad. And anyway, you quickly won them back over with your music. Don’t even think about it.”

“Dad, is it true there were record labels in the crowd?” I ask and Ella opens her eyes wide.

He looks at me raising an eyebrow and pursing his lips. “Where did you hear that?”

“When I went for some air,” I say not letting Ella in on the minions outside.

“I didn’t want to tell you until we’d heard from them. Yes. There were three here tonight and I’ve already talked with one of them, but I don’t want to say anything until I know for sure.”

“So that’s a good thing, right?” I ask and Ella looks at me smiling.

“My lips are sealed,” Dad says and gestures to zip his mouth shut.

I push his shoulder and laugh. “C’mon give us something,” I beg and he smiles and nods.

“All I can say is that we’re in discussions about possibly signing you to the same label as Slayed. But you didn’t hear it from me,” he says and Ella and I both scream and jump up and down.

“Shhh, don’t tell anyone else, okay? Not till I know for sure,” he says.

“It’s just between us and the lamp post,” I say and Dad laughs at my bad joke.

“Okay, c’mon let’s get out of here and go to the after-party,” Dad says.

I was hoping for an after-party, so I fist pump the air. We all walk as a massive group back toward our green room so we can have a little breather before we head to the party, which is at this venue. Peripheral and Red Velvet will be there along with Slayed and Staked, of course, and poor Ella and Chad will be the youngest ones there. I know there will be alcohol, but I don’t plan on going near that shit again!

We arrive at the green room and there’s a clothes rack with some clothes hanging neatly from it. I look at Mum, who looks at me and smiles.

“What’s this all about?” I ask. She pulls down a short black dress, similar to the one I wore at my birthday party.

“We thought you might all like to change for the party. So we brought you some new clothes. Don’t worry, everything is similar to stuff you already have.”

“Thanks Mum. I feel quite stinky in these clothes after that, so something new is perfect,” I say and she smiles and hands Ella her outfit.

“Okay, so there are some bathrooms down the hall if you want to shower?” Sia, Chad’s mum, tells us as she struggles to hold on to the twins.

“Okay, cool thanks, Sia. Mum, can I go?” I ask and she laughs.

“Sweetheart, I think you’re old enough to make your own decisions now, don’t you?” she replies.

I nod and take my new outfit and head to the bathroom with Ella following closely behind.

 

***

 

After a nice refreshing shower and a fresh change of clothes, I feel human again. The bathroom is a shared room but with six individual stalls. Luckily they all have doors because I heard Aston and Caleb come in not long after us and Chad not long after that. I couldn’t help but think of Aston as I showered and my mind wanders down to his abs and that perfect stomach he has. I’m surprised by the fact that I want to know what the rest of him looks like under his clothes and I find myself squeezing my thighs together to stop the ache between them. Caleb starts to sing breaking me from my trance and making me laugh.

“Sing with me guys, let’s celebrate,” he calls out and then continues singing.

I smile and sing along with him as I continue to wash. I hear Aston singing and I wonder why he doesn’t do backing vocals too, but I guess two backups are enough. Eventually after some yelling from Dad we all get out of the shower and get dressed in our new clothes. Then Ella and I take another half hour applying makeup and doing hair.

“Jesus girls, we’re going to be late to your own bloody party!” he says just as I apply my last stroke of mascara to my blackened eyes.

“Oh, chillax Dad. The party isn’t going anywhere,” I say and he huffs and walks across the room while Mum and Anna laugh. “Okay, I’m done,” I say.

“Well, if you’re finished trying to make yourselves look ten years older—”

“Just because we look better than you, you don’t have to get all pissy,” I tease interrupting Dad.

He smirks and raises an eyebrow. “Well, miss I think I’m perfect. When women scream and throw their panties at you because they love you so much then we can talk,” he jokes.

“Oh right, big headed much?”

“I’m hot, just ask your mother,” he replies.

“Gross Dad!” Ella groans.

“Yeah, don’t be feral,” I say and he laughs looking at Mum, who’s grinning widely.

I know she loves our witty banter way more than our outrageous fights.

We all walk around to the party room and it’s already in full swing. I can’t help but notice Aston is talking with the band members of Red Velvet.

“Right, now here comes the lecture,” Dad says.

I fold my arms over my chest. “Okay, go on then.”

“No alcohol… not even one sip, and if I catch you drinking or if I find out you’re drunk, especially in here with all the music professionals, I will be beyond angry. So do not disappoint me again, you got me?”

I nod and exhale. I deserved this. “I got you and don’t worry because I’m never going near that shit again.” Even though I know one day I will probably try alcohol again, but I can assure you today is not that day.

“Just remember that if you feel unsettled or like you want to leave come find me. Or if you don’t want to tell me, tell your mum, or anyone you feel comfortable talking to. And don’t go outside either, there will be a whole bunch more people out there now.” I nod taking in everything he’s saying even though I really hate mingling. I don’t want to deal with minions right now either, so going outside is not an option.

“The only person I feel comfortable talking to, you won’t let me be around,” I mumble and he raises an eyebrow at me.

“Well, if I didn’t see you making out in your bedroom then it would be fine now wouldn’t it?” he berates and I huff and fold my arms across my chest.

“Well, maybe if you weren’t such a dick about it—”

“Watch your mouth, young lady,” he interrupts.

“You’re forcing us apart and I don’t know why Dad. It’s not like he’s going to break me or anything.” I scowl and he scoffs.

“Sweetheart he’s starting out his career as a rock star, he will definitely break you,” he says and I furrow my brows at him.

“Whatever! You are just determined for us to not be together.” I shift the weight on my feet and place my hand on my hip.

“You’re right. Plus, you’re too young to be thinking about boyfriends. So just quit while you’re ahead and don’t make me regret this whole thing with the band. Because if your infatuation with Aston ruins your career Annie, you will have no one to blame but yourself,” he says and I roll my eyes.

“You don’t care about me at all. All you care about is that your daughters make it as big as you, so you can take all the credit,” I say and he exhales.

“Annie, look, I don’t want to fight with you. I want this for you because you want this for you. Music is a part of you Annie, and you’ve worked too hard to throw it away on some crush,” he says and I shake my head. “Now stop misbehaving and go and mingle. You don’t have to spend all your time with your mates, meet some new people and make friends,” he says giving me the brush off.

“I don’t really want to mingle, I’d rather be at home—”

“Annie this is part of your job. If you want to be a rock star, then you have to put the effort in, not just on stage, but everywhere. Which, unfortunately, includes mingling with other musicians. Now go and be a good girl and work your charm, don’t make a fool of yourself. You got it?”

I shake my head; he just isn’t listening.

“Got it! Don’t worry Dad I’ll be on my best behaviour, I promise,” I reply laced with sarcasm.

“Now go and have fun. Mingle and keep away from Aston, okay?” He puts his finger up to stop me from talking. “Non-negotiable, Annie.”

“Colt, can we have a photo?” someone asks and he looks at me and I nod.

“Only if my daughter is with me.”

“Sure thing,” the photographer says. Dad pulls me to his side and we smile as they take a couple of snaps.

“Thanks so much, and you rocked it tonight, Annie,” the photographer says and I’m a little shocked that he knows my name.

“Thanks,” I call out as he walks off.

“See people know who you are already,” Dad says. “Now go have fun.”

He pushes my shoulders and I step forward then look back to see him walking off in the opposite direction. So I guess I’m on my own now. Be sociable Annie! I take a deep breath and walk up to the bar. The barman looks at me and I smile as he comes over.

“Can I just have a glass of OJ thanks?”

“Coming right up.”

I turn my back to the bar and look out at the crowd of people. The room is packed and yet there’s only a handful of people I know. I look around to find Ella talking to Guy from Peripheral, Chad is hanging at the Xbox station as usual, and Caleb is looking around the room aimlessly like he’s looking for someone. Probably his next conquest!

Then my eyes wander over to Aston, who’s talking with Amber from Red Velvet. I swallow hard as I look at her. She’s two years older than me, but she looks ten years older. Her beautiful, flaming red hair sweeps down across her delicate pale skin and even I can admit to her beauty. She’s a real stunner and I can see how any man would be attracted to her.

I lean against the bar and watch Aston as he laughs along with her and then she gently touches his arm. I glare even though she can’t see me.

“What the fuck?” I murmur to myself as she laughs at something he said and now she’s touching his chest. I bite my bottom lip. My anger is surfacing. My nostrils flare and I exhale forcefully through my nose trying to calm my breathing. Pain sweeps through my stomach and I’m not sure what it is until I see her lean in toward him and laugh at something else he says.

Jealousy?

I’m bloody jealous!

Amber Leopard Print Pants gets to be all over Aston and she barely knows him. Yet me, his best friend and possibly more, has to avoid him all night because her arrogant father is too pig-headed to let me live my life. I’m going to lose Aston before I’ve even had him, to some older woman. Maybe I’m just not enough for him?