-Come Friday night-
This place is packed and there are more people coming in still. I see some people setting up some last minute mics and speakers. I don't see the band so I guess they are back stage. That was until I heard "hey didn't think you would actually make it." The bassist
"Well I wanted to come support." He chuckled
"Well I appreciate it"
"It's no problem." His band mate runs up to us. "There you are! C'mon we're on in 5"
"See you after the show?" He asks
"I didn't even get your name." I have a half smile on my face
"Chris"
"Marlene"
"Beautiful name." He says then walks off. I'm still smiling but it's a little weird to me I met this guy last week. Yet, here I am, at his concert.
They are really good song writers and musicians because a didn't hear a bad song the whole night. The major fans were singing their hearts out while I just sat back and enjoyed the night. We're Rosaleart (rose- A- lart) thank you for coming.
I waited a few minutes for Chris to come back but he never did so I started gathering my things and just as I get up to walk out he grabs my shoulder with his bass guitar and sweater in hand.
"Hey, wanna catch a bite at the Napolean"
"Sure"
We walk there and as we do we talk about somethings that we do in life that make us happy. I started playing my guitar. He said practicing with the band. Then the next question was if we had to eat one thing for the rest of time what would it be. I of course said a beignet he he said gumbo. That's fair.
Next thing I know we are talking about the stars and which ones you can see here even with all the lights. I've always been interested in things that have to do with up above but the only people who knew that were my grandparents and Harper. I admit it's hard to find the stars and constellations with all the lights and tall buildings blocking your view but once you get use to it, when you look up, it's all you see.
That what we talked about till we have arrived at the Napolean House. We get a seat and lucky that Harper is not here because I 100% would not hear the end of this. The waiter comes over and takes our orders. I got Jambalaya with a Pepsi and he got a Po-Boys with a coke. Then we started talking about goals and ambitions.
"What do you want to do when you get older?" He asked looking genuinely interested
"When I was little I was always interested in what's up above. Yes, we know there are stars, planets and other things but that all just makes you wonder what else can you find if you look hard enough. In other words I want to be a Aerospace Engineer. What about you?" He smiled at my rambling then answered me.
"I wasn't always in love with music. It took me a while to figure out where I belonged and what I wanted to do in life. I went from art to sports to all the school clubs that you can think of. But, now I can confidently say that music is my life and soul. Don't know what I would be without it. So my goal and dream is to become a well known musician and make it big time."
Wow never thought I would see someone so interested and invested in what they do that their eyes shine as bright as the stars.
"We'll if you keep going the way that you are I have no doubts that you will make it. I mean you and your band mates were amazing tonight."
"Thanks." He smiled at me and I smiled back then giggled a little casting my head down. We were finishing up with the outing. Or is it a date? Am I thinking too much in to this?
"I hope to see you again." I said smiling and getting up from my seat
"Maybe, you don't have to hope" I looked to him confused
"What?"
"Here's my number." Okay not gonna lie was not expecting that one. We exchange numbers and I sneak a picture for his contact picture. I'm not gonna lie he kinda looks good.
"Thank you for the amazing night." I said
"Anytime." He replied and with that we went on our separate ways. Is it bad that I hope he texts me? Probably. Do I regret this feeling? Yes. Am I totally, 100% not okay with it? ....No.
On my walk home I feel like I'm being watched again. I look around with totally caution . I just want to get home safe tonight. As that thought runs through my mind I hear a whopping noise. Like someone is moving really fast. But it's also so loud it sounds like it's right next to me. The only problem in that is, 1. it's freaking me out and 2. When I turn I see nothing there like, it either vanished as I laid eyes on it or like it was never there in the first place.
I speed up my walking a little. And as I felt more and more uncomfortable, I walked a little faster. But my fastest is not fast enough to out run this beast no matter how far I ran and how fast it seemed to still be right on my tail. I tried to push my legs faster than they ever ran before and I didn't look back. I was nearing the neighborhood where my grandparents live and coincidentally there was not a single soul out side in the area. Not one person who could see me if something were to happen. Not a single soul that will be able to speak on my behalf of what happened to Marlene Hendrix. I was almost right at my grandparents door step. I could literally hear the TV and feel the comfort and reassurance that was just behind that door. I thought I was safe. I was walking the porch steps and I suddenly just got snatched back into he darkness.