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A turning point in life

The dried aftermath of the passing shower has begun painfully to tell the tale:

"In tears, so silently… the nights have passed
In fears, so many… my memories have passed
The drops of hope and wishes were far but now
My star approaches and the show must go on."

With these lyrics I begin my story, my first attempt to write a book. I want to confess, maybe it's just a whim or desire to get free, to leave a trace of your existence. Words disappear, are lost in the wind or sand, but the writing remains. I do not want anyone to judge me not knowing anything about me, I want the world to find in these pages the real me, the singer, lover, friend ... Now ... The Gate was opened and our road is still untouched.

Chapter 1

*

''Every person is born with a goal in life; you were meant to perform on stage." I've heard this line I don't know how many times. It's true, I have talent, but I'm not exactly a genius. I make a lot of mistakes, I'm unstable, messy, klutzy, and when it comes to writing lyrics I'm almost a total disaster. I want to say so many things through them, to express so many different feelings and to bring a smile on every persons face. I can't write lyrics that actually bring out the message I want to convey...when I read them they seem simple words with no meaning.

It was a cold, late spring night. I was walking through the park with some lyrics in my hand reading them over and over, but something was town seemed to be full of fireflies, thousands of little lights and different colors. There was a lot of noise that made you see that even though it was night the town was as full of life as it is in the daylight. Everybody seemed to be very busy which made me think that they don't bother with small things anymore, things like a walk in the park...

While I was paying attention to all these things a more powerful wind snatched my lyrics away. The lyrics weren't exactly platinum material ,I don't think I was going to use them , but they were mine. I ran like crazy to catch them and that's when I saw him...
His face was illuminated only by the street light's pale light. His black suit was covering his androgynous figure, his blond hair stood in sharp contrast against said black suit, his cigarette leaving a soft trail in the air...I had no idea who he was...a simple stranger maybe? There in his hands lay my sheet of paper...apparently he was reading...

''Did you write this?''

His strange voice shattered the peacefulness of the night and left me feeling uneasy. It stunned me so much that I barely managed to murmur a quiet yes.

''Even a grade schooler can write better than this. And you actually call this a love song? What a joke! You have absolutely zero talent. Give it up, there is no point in deceiving yourself"

They say sticks and stones will break your bones , but words will never hurt you. Well, whoever said that clearly hasn't been criticized by this guy...but I guess it didn't really surprised me but come on talk about harsh...the way he said those words it hit me in my heart(not to mention deflating my ego even further). I never even got my lyrics back, he just let them flow with the wind...I was rendered utterly speechless for the first time in my life. I didn't even know how to react; I mean should I say something? Fight back? But through all this I couldn't help but wonder if I was ever going to see him again, The Stranger from the park.

**

I was seeing Hiro move his lips, I saw words come out of his mouth, but for the love of me I couldn't understand a word he was saying. I was too deep in thought to actually comprehend what he was saying. I feel guilty when it happens, but sometimes his words are falling on deaf ears; this was one of those times. I guess I was reminiscing; looking at him I realized he's a beautiful person inside and out. He was my best friend in the whole world. I don't exactly know how to describe him, he's a very special person for me so much that simple words can't even begin to describe him, but I'll try anyway just so you can have a little picture of what Hiroshi Nakano is like. He is a stubborn, calm and patient person; a nice combination if you think of the fact that he is putting up with all of my stupidity. He was tall, with long reddish hair, hazel eyes, a gorgeous smile; courageous, ambitious, a true fighter. He is a trustworthy friend whom I know will always be there for me...

''Shuichi! Are you even listening to me?"

''Sorry, what were you saying? " oh, smooth Shuichi, very smooth.

''I was reminding you of the importance of having the lyrics done by next week.."

Again with the lyrics. As I said, stubborn person...I can't write anything. ''Hiroooo, you know I'm having writers block, and anyway…"

''We need them for the concert. They are perfect the way they are, just please finish them!"

Wow, talk about desperate. ''I don't know...do you really think we..."

''We can stand a chance, all we need is for you to write the lyrics. You don't know who might be standing in the crowd listening. All we need is one concert."

He's right all we need is a concert. Hiro was always so serious about our band...but who can blame him. I mean he went through so many sacrifices just so we can form the band.

I'm surprised he can even keep up a real smile on his face.

Truth is nobody believed in him, heck even I had my doubts about his true potential. I was so selfish , I thought that I was the only talented that I was the only one who deserved to get to the top...how very wrong I was. He was always there, the artist in the shadow, my guardian angel. If it weren't for him I'd probably be a nobody . He was always the best even when he was younger. The best in school ,a guitar genius...girls were practically drooling over him. A model son, a dream come true. but you know what, he never cared about all that. The best time of his life was spent jamming with me at my house or in a garage. We were happy and nothing seemed to pose an obstacle for us. Trough all this his parents never could appreciate his true talent, they were constantly fighting each other and eventually he ran away from home. all this left a heavy scar in his heart....When we were both eighteen we went apartment hunting together and we found one at a 30 min walking distance from Hiro's house. When he first stepped in his house he felt truly liberated for the first time in his life. He was happy that he won't have to change the way he is, I know I wouldn't tell him to, for me he was perfect.

Yeah, perfect Hiro who will keep nagging me until I finish those damn lyrics.

***

There were 15 min until the concert was starting. I was getting pretty nervous, if snapping at those guys who gave me a weird look 5 min ago was any indication. I know it's not a very professional thing to do but I have all the time to learn to control myself when my carrier starts. Okay this is getting ridiculous it's not like it's the first time I sing...that's it everything will be fine. I'm the best...

''I can't Hiro, don't make me go out there! I will make a complete fool of myself...." Oh well, so much for the best, I just can't help it I'm terrified. I envy Hiro, he is always so calm. He knows that once I get on stage I forget about my worries and I become the best at what I do. The weird thing is I was the only one who couldn't see it.

I was walking on stage, a couple of more steps and I was touching the microphone, I raised my eyes to look around and quickly plastered a fake smile on my face. Damn nerves wouldn't let me concentrate on what I was supposed to; enjoying the moment.
Hiro started the intro....I waited patiently for my turn to sing...

Once I start all of my worries melt away and I'm pouring my soul through the song. I'm afraid I can't describe the feeling while I perform you have to go through it to know the wonderful feeling it gives you.

A half an hour later our little concert was over. After thanking the crowd we left the stage with genuine smiles on our faces.

''Great concert like always Shuichi! And congrats' on the new song." Hiro said while putting his guitar back carefully.

''Thanks mate. "I answered tiredly." I'll see you at the bar in 15 minutes. I don't feel like going with you to put your guitar away."

''Sure thing Shu. See you."

I sat at the bar, my drink in front of me, I was day-dreaming and that's when I felt a pair of eyes on me.

''Are you the one who sang in the concert just now?"

The guy didn't look familiar, although he didn't look like a rapist, I felt a little nervous. Tall, dark hair, glasses... no, nobody I now.

''Yeah that would be me. Why are you asking? I don't do autographs...

''I'm here to make you an offer. How about an audition?"

What? Did he just say audition? Am I possibly dreaming? Wait a minute…"What kind of audition? Could you give me some details?"

"Here is my card. Talk to your band-mate and give me a call if you'd like to try. I don't think you will regret it." And with that he left. I'm all alone with one of the most important decisions of my life… Hirooooooooo where are you?

****

He's got 5 minutes to get here. He hasn't called to say that he's going to be late, so he should be on time. At least I hope so…. I mean surly Shuichi realizes that this is the chance of a lifetime… of course he does, I'm certain he won't be late…

7 minutes

8 minutes

9 minutes

10 MINUTES… Shuichi is late 10 minutes… what the hell is he doing??? What is he thinking??? No wait scratch that… he isn't thinking period.

" Well it seems your colleague doesn't want to hear my proposal. I'm afraid I have to leave, I have to be at NG in a half an hour."

What did he just say??? NG?? Oh my god Shuichi get over here before I kill you!!! "Uhm… Uhm Wait just 5 more minutes…if he doesn't get here by then…"

"Hiroooo !!!"

" Baka, where in the hell have you been?"

"Hmm… He's lucky I haven't left yet. Anyway he ruined his first impression."

"Gomeeen… I fell asleep because my clock was broken… I'm really sorry it wont happen again, I promise." Oh my god Hiro is giving me the look…I'm so dead! This must really be important…

" How could your clock break in this specific morning? You better start explaining!"

"Ano… I didn't know it was broken. I thought it was stronger than the last one!"

"It was the strongest clock in the whole city, what did you do with it ?"

"I threw it last time I had to meet you early in the morning… the alarm scared me…I didn't know it sounded so horrible…" Note to self: Try not to ruin so many clocks every time I have to wake up early… and if that doesn't work buy extra clocks.

"That clock was a present from me! How long did this one last… a week?"

"Gomen…"Oh dear the look is starting to scare me.. I'm too young to die…I haven't even made my will yet!!!

"Gentlemen, I am sorry to interrupt but I have to go. I'm sorry but you don't seem to be responsible enough for what I had in mind…"

"Please excuse our outburst, we aren't usually like this. We are a lot more responsible when it comes to our dream. Please give us one more chance and I guarantee you won't regret it!" Why is Hiro talking to that guy like that? Just who is he?

"Well the truth is you guys are pretty good and I don't want to lose an opportunity like this…come with me I can't afford to be late at work…anyway I have to talk to the president about you two."

President ? What is going on here? Why is Hiro looking at the guy in blue suit with so much hope? Who is he and why don't I know anything ?... Didn't he say something about an audition…

" Hiro what are we doing here anyway? Who is this…?"

"Just come with me and do anything he says. Don't ruin this Shuichi…"

"What might I ruin? Tell me."

"I'm only going to tell you that this might be the chance of our life." And with that he hopped on his motorcycle and told me to put my helmet on. Apparently we were going to follow the guy at his work… wait, where does he work?