I WOKE up to an empty house. My head ached badly as I sat up from the bed. I stared at the mirror not too far away and tried to remember how I got dried powder stuck on my face and the sheet.
I weaved the thought off.
Who remembers how they got wherever?
I shifted my gaze over to the wall clock that stood some inches above the mirror.
1.13 PM.
Getting up from the bed, I staggered into the kitchen with my left hand on my forehead; the other hung onto each part of the white wall as I walked.
I grabbed the cereal from the upper cabinet and pulled open the fridge to get some cereal when I noticed a small plastic food container boldly staring at me. A little lemon sticky note rested on the lid, calling out to me.
I pulled it off:
I know you'll be like a hungry lion when you wake up. You'll need some real food since you haven't eaten all day. Anna and I will be back to check up on you later in the evening. Or text us if you change your mind about going to the concert.
Make sure you eat all of your food cause if you don't, you'll fall sick. And trust me, I'll spank your ass before I get you meds. Take care :)
I smile and pulled out the food container, placing it in the microwave.
"Bless you, Scarlett," I said as the steam of hot pasta hit my face.
It didn't take me seconds to devour the meal like my life depended on it, because it did.
I washed up and pulled on a black customized top of Nathan on a pair of light purple shorts. I felt glad I told Anna to plan out my attire for me.
Maybe this'll make me look like her?
I slipped into a pair of white Nike shoes, wearing gold accessories as I found out they make dark skins pop more. After shoving the necessities in my black waist bag, I stared at myself in the mirror.
It looks so plain.
I looked away.
Why won't he let you go so easily when this is what you look like even after smashing heaps of concealer and liner on your face?
I pouted, "Well, I can't allow my money waste. If he wastes his ticket, I can't waste mine. So just shut the fuck up and let me be."
My phone beeped.
"We're just going to have a fun night."
I flung my waist back on my shoulder and headed out of my apartment, getting into the Uber I ordered.
I plugged in my ear pods and listened to Good Days by Sza. I stared at my phone as it brightened up.
Two missed calls from Clara.
Facing my phone down, I sighed and looked out the window.
{~~^~~}
Going along with the crowd, I cheered loudly as Nathan walked on stage.
He looked radiant as ever as he wore his signature complete black attire; as usual. After squinting my eyes close through my glasses, I finally picked up what I was searching for; the silver rings that designed his veiny hands. His jet-black hair shone through the spotlight and his eyes were as dark as ever.
I could almost burst at the breathtaking sight of him. How could anyone be that good-looking and damn talented?
"Hello, Los Angeles," he spoke into his in-ear monitor, drawing me away from my thought. "Are you ready tonight?"
"Yes!!!" The crowd roared, almost deafening the earth.
I turned to my right and saw that the space reserved for my second ticket had been gulped up by this guy who was probably in his early thirties. I sighed.
I should have just given it to Anna.
Compelled to turn back to the stage as the dazzling lights dimmed, the intro of Nathan's first-ever song started to ooze from the speakers.
I could remember when Nathan was a little teenager lost in the world of music. I was so proud to have discovered him back then and felt the same in the concert, realizing that he had grown so big under my watch.
I sang along with Nathan and the crowd as tears almost threatened to fall out of my eyes. If Thomas and I were still together, Nathan's love song would have been my message to him. Alas, he didn't even show up for the dang concert anyway.
I dabbed the beads of sweat forming on my forehead and sang on; my voice cracked on certain occasions and I was glad it was too loud for anyone to notice.
I rubbed my nose with my index finger.
Nothing will stop me from having fun tonight.
Nathan loosened two buttons of his shirt and dabbed away his sweat with a white towel offered by one of his team. Another intro of his song had come up and surely, the lyrics were encrypted right into my heart
"I'll need someone to join me here for this last song," he suddenly announced.
The crowd went frenzy. Some ladies had started to push their way forward, almost causing a stampede if not for the strong security that held them back.
His gaze scanned around the area and fell on me. He didn't take his eyes off, he kept staring. My heart started to pound hard as I stared back into his glowing emerald eyes.
"You there," he beckoned to me, "the pretty lady wearing black over there. Come on up," he smiled, popping some high-pitched screams at random corners of the arena. He turned to the two guards that stood behind him, "Help her up."
My legs almost melted as I watched the guards step down the stage. The lady in front of me wearing a black spaghetti blouse rushed into their arms and they led her up amidst the loud cheer.
I stared blankly as she walked on stage all giddy.
I thought he was...
I looked up at him. Like he saw I caught him staring, he turned away and watched the other lady approach him instead. She ran into his arms and he patted her back gently, smiling.
I should have known when he addressed it like that.
The lady was handed a microphone as she finally ended the long hug.
"You are?" "Sheila," she giggled, shining all thirty-six as she held the mic with her two hands. "And you want to perform this last song with me, Sheila?" "I'd love to."
I stared at them with watery eyes and rubbed my nose again as the intro started to play again.
Some young lady by my left tapped my shoulder, "I really thought he was calling out to you."
Alcohol reeked from her mouth as she spoke. I rubbed my nose and stared at the opaque cup she held.
So that's what I've been perceiving.
The lady behind us sneaked her head into the conversation, "Me too. Do you know what I feel? I feel the girl just used the opportunity that she wore black also to get picked. If you had seen Nathan's face, you'd have known he wasn't pleased but he just let her be. Maybe he didn't want to embarrass her in a gathering like this when the main reason she came was to support him. So, don't feel bad. At least, he noticed you."
The memory of Nathan looking away from me on seeing her walk on stage replayed in my head.
I sighed, "I'm sure he called for her. But thanks for the word of encouragement."
Walking away from them, I squeezed my way through the crowd to get out of the arena. I breathed in some fresh air as I got to the road and exhaled loudly.
The Uber I had ordered would not arrive until after a minute or two and I had to sit on the bench and listen to the Sheila girl sing along with Nathan. I hissed.
Fuck everyone!
...
..
.