I didn't know - Skinshape
---
The camera zeroed in on Lucas as he strummed his guitar, the audience and host Ellen hanging on every note. The melody that filled the air was both hauntingly beautiful and nostalgic, even though they hadn't heard it before. It seemed to transport them to another time and place, one filled with bittersweet memories.
After a moment of anticipation, Lucas began to sing, his voice a soft, aching whisper. "I didn't know about those other things," he crooned, his eyes downcast, fingers dancing mournfully across the strings. The audience held their breaths, captivated by the raw emotion in his words.
He strummed the guitar again, the chords resonating with the weight of unspoken grief. "I could've been there, but now it's too late," he continued, his voice cracking ever so slightly.
In the audience, Rose felt the tears welling up in her eyes, the lyrics hitting too close to home.
Even Ellen and the audience were moved by the slow, melancholy tune that poured from Lucas's guitar. The simple yet poignant lyrics resonated with each of them, evoking their own personal losses and what-ifs.
Lucas continued to sing, his voice thick with emotion, "We're only here for one hour, we won't know until it's gone." He strummed the guitar, letting the notes hang in the air before continuing, "Try to find the best, I know you..."
Rose's eyes welled up even more, a flood of memories washing over her. The complicated web of emotions she'd been trying to keep at bay threatened to spill over.
As Lucas continued to play, tapping his boot in time with the somber rhythm, Ellen, the audience, and Rose became lost in the melody. The hauntingly beautiful chords seemed to echo the depths of their souls, stirring up long-buried feelings.
"I didn't know," Lucas sang, his voice cracking, "That you would leave so soon." The accompanying guitar notes accentuated the heartache in his words.
"I didn't try a little harder, to make you smile once more," he finished, his eyes squeezed shut as if to hold back his own tears.
The few lines of the song were enough to reduce Rose to sobs. The song had struck a chord deeper than she ever could have anticipated, unraveling the knot of grief that had been tightly wound within her.
"One day I'll come to find you, wherever you may be," Lucas sang softly, his fingers dancing over the guitar strings in a melody that tugged at the heartstrings. He strummed the chords once more, allowing the notes to linger in the air before continuing, "If only time was kinder, you would still be here."
Rose couldn't hold back her tears any longer. Her friends in the audience reached out to comfort her, rubbing her back as she sobbed uncontrollably. Even Ellen and the rest of the audience were visibly moved by the heart-wrenching performance.
Lucas continued to play the guitar, weaving a wave of emotions through the strings. The melody was both beautiful and devastating, a testament to the complexities of grief.
After a few minutes, he finally brought the song to an end, his eyes meeting Rose's tear-stained ones.
Ellen dabbed her own eyes with a tissue before turning to Lucas, feigning exasperation. "That's it? You're going to leave us all in pieces and just walk away?"
The audience erupted in light-hearted laughter, the tension in the room easing slightly.
Lucas shrugged good-naturedly. "Sorry, Ellen, that's all I got."
Ellen turned her attention back to Rose, who was still wiping away tears but managed a small smile. "Look at you, making our beautiful Rose here cry!" she teased. "I bet you're upset the song was too short, right?"
Rose chuckled despite herself. "Well, it was... unexpectedly moving," she admitted, dabbing at her eyes.
"But seriously, Rose," Ellen said, adopting a more sincere tone, "Did you like Lucas's song?"
Rose nodded, her eyes shining with unshed tears. "Yes, it was... indescribable. It gave me a nostalgic feeling, even though it was my first time hearing it. And... it made me think of my best friend."
Ellen's expression softened as she asked, "But did you feel better after listening to it, though?"
Rose nodded, her smile tremulous. "I do... thank you." Tears continued to spill down her cheeks, but there was a hint of catharsis in them now.
Lucas spoke up, his voice gentle but firm. "Rose, I know you're a strong woman. If you ever blame yourself for what happened, remember that your friend wouldn't want to see you like this. She'd want you to live your life to the fullest. Live for her."
Hearing these words from Lucas, Rose sobbed anew, but this time, it was mixed with a newfound determination. She nodded, wiping away her tears. The audience applauded, their clapping a testament to her strength.
Ellen took this opportunity to lighten the mood once more. "Well, Lucas, I have to say, the song you played was quite short. I mean, you strummed that guitar more than you sang!" she teased, dabbing at her own eyes.
Lucas scratched the back of his head, a shy grin on his face. "Well, at least it's a good track even with fewer lyrics, right?"
The audience and Rose laughed, the somber mood lifting just enough to make room for healing and hope.
Ellen chuckled, playfully nudging Lucas in the ribs. "Well, it's just a bit unusual to hear you sing with fewer lyrics than usual. Can you treat us to another song?"
Lucas feigned indignation. "Ellen, you're taking advantage now!"
The audience erupted in laughter, enjoying the banter between the host and her guest.
Ellen persisted, "Come on, Lucas. Next time I interview you, will you compose a new song for us?"
Lucas shrugged nonchalantly. "I don't know. Maybe... or maybe not."
"Aw, come on," Ellen cajoled, "You don't want to disappoint your lovely fans who are expecting so much from you, do you?"
Lucas sighed dramatically. "Well, I don't even know when our next interview is, considering how busy I'll be."
Ellen snorted, "Okay, I think you just don't want to be interviewed by me."
Lucas laughed, genuine mirth in his eyes. "Now, Ellen, you're the only one who thinks that."
Ellen didn't back down. "That laugh right there confirms it. Is that why you rejected me the first time I invited you?"
Lucas tried to maintain his composure, but his eyes betrayed him as they darted around the room.
The audience, including Rose, couldn't help but laugh at Lucas's obvious discomfort. His denials only made them laugh harder, and for a moment, the weight of grief lifted from the room, replaced by the healing power of laughter.
Ellen shook her head, feigning exasperation but with a playful glint in her eyes. "Alright, Lucas, when you're not so 'busy,' please come back again. I'd love to 'interrogate,' I mean 'interview' you again. And maybe next time, you can compose a song on the spot. It's adorable how you try so hard to come up with lyrics that you stretch the song out by strumming your guitar."
The audience laughed, knowing there was some truth to her words, even though the song Lucas just played had evoked such strong emotions in them.
As Lucas and Ellen continued their banter, the somber mood in the studio gradually lifted. The audience's laughter filled the air, chasing away the lingering sadness.
Finally, the interview came to an end, and Ellen hugged Lucas warmly. "Thank you for gracing us with your presence on my show, Lucas. You've given me and the audience unforgettable memories."
Lucas smiled warmly. "I'm glad." He then looked at the audience and waved, "See you all later!" His gaze lingered on Rose for a moment, and he added, "Stay strong, okay?"
As the cameras stopped rolling, Lucas made his way backstage, where the production staff was waiting for him, buzzing with excitement.
They asked for pictures and autographs, and Lucas obliged them all, albeit with a weary smile. Even the show's director joined in for a selfie and an autograph.
***
Lucas made his way through the throng of excited fans, who had been audience members just moments ago. They swarmed him, vying for selfies and autographs. His bodyguards, Jack and Simon, expertly guided him through the sea of admirers, but not before Lucas stopped to greet as many as he could.
The downside of fame, he mused, was the nonstop selfies and autographs. But he knew it was part of the package, and he couldn't complain. After all, he'd chosen this life in the spotlight.
Lucas didn't mind it as much today. The interaction with his fans, the genuine love and support they showered him with, it was exactly what he needed after such an emotional performance.
Finally, he reached the safety of his rented car, where Jack and Simon ushered him inside. As the vehicle pulled away from the studio, Lucas rolled down the window, waving one last time at the crowd that had gathered to catch a glimpse of him.
After the whirlwind of the TV appearance, Lucas and his bodyguards made their way to their hotel suite. As soon as they were settled in, Lucas dialed Barry Meyer's number, CEO of Warner Bros. One of the reasons Lucas had accepted Ellen's invitation was to meet with Barry, and he and Todd had already arranged a meeting with him later that day.
Barry picked up on the first ring. "Lucas! Great job on the show, kiddo."
Lucas chuckled, "Thanks, Barry. Listen, about our meeting..."
They agreed to meet at a nearby restaurant, and after hanging up, Lucas called Todd to confirm the details.
Promptly on time, Lucas, Todd, and their bodyguards arrived at the upscale establishment. The hostess led them to a private table where Barry Meyer was already seated, nursing a glass of wine.