Hello readers, as always thank you for the positive feedback. I always enjoy hearing about what people think of my story. In this chapter we will finally see the first gig happen. So lets gooooo
"Guys we really have to figure this out."
"Yeah no shit Dude"
The 4 boys of the band were all sitting in Anthony's garage. It was the evening before their first gig and they were struggling with coming up with what song to play as well as a band name.
"We could do a song by Slayer, what about that." Anthony suggested
"Nah, we need something a bit more simple. It's an open mic night after all." Max
"We still have to figure out what we're going to be called." Chris interjected
"One thing at a time Chris." Max said back
As the 3 boys were arguing, Lincoln was sitting in the corner doing something on his phone. The 3 boys soon realized Lincoln wasn't in the conversation and turned to him.
"Lincoln, a little help would be nice."
Lincoln looked up from his phone, "Sorry guys, my sisters struggling with her homework and I'm trying to help her."
"Can't one of your other 9 sisters help her." Anthony asked
Lincoln shrugged, "I wish, but I got the homework help role this week so I have to help her out."
All 3 boys groaned and continued arguing about what to do. Lincoln eventually helped Lola figure out her homework and was able to enter the conversation.
"Guys guys guys, were thinking too hard about this. What's a good song that isn't super heavy, has pretty good vocals, and would be something we'd already know how to play."
All 4 paused to think for a little bit before Chris suddenly slammed his hand on the table. "I got it guys."
Chris then told the 3 other guys his idea for the song and they all perked up with excitement and agreed that it was the song that they chose.
"I'm telling you guys. There's going to be mass hysteria at the Misfits tomorrow night." Lincoln stated
The 3 other band members turned to look at Lincoln with shocked faces. Max spoke.
"Dude, you just gave us our band name."
Scene Change:
Luan walked off the stage and breathed a sigh of relief. Her Wednesday stand up comedy act was just finished and she was really stressed out throughout. Her first few jokes barely hit with only a few chuckles and she was terrified that she would end up with a dead audience. It was also very hot in the venue, so she was sweating up a storm and very thirsty. But overtime, she got the crowd laughing and all was good. She made a mental note to herself that she needed to start working on more of her material for her introduction. She was talking with Chris so much that she was spending considerably less time working on her jokes. She also had her mind full due to her agreeing to babysit Emily for the night as Chris was doing his first gig. She sat down in a chair backstage, grabbed some water and started chugging it down. She was so thirsty that she didn't even notice someone coming into the backroom.
"That was a great performance."
Luan stopped drinking her water bottle and saw that Chris was standing by the door.
"Chris, what are you doing here."
Chris approached her smiling, "Just wanted to come and see my favorite comedian."
Luan blushed at the comment, "How did I do?"
"Pretty good, your opening was a little dry. But once you got over that hump, me and the crowd were laughing our asses off."
Luan smiled and gave him a playful punch. "Thanks Chrissy"
"Also Luan, thanks again for babysitting Emily tonight on such short notice."
"No problem, although I'm a bit sad I won't be able to see your first live show."
Chris put a hand on her shoulder and smiled, Luan currently had a clear view of his tattoo "it's okay, there will be more in the future."
Luan giggled at his response as she got up and the two walked out of the venue through a back door.
Scene Change:
It was currently 7:00 and Lincoln was loading his equipment into Max's car. Max was going to give him and the 2 other guys a ride to and from Misfits. Lincoln was the last one picked up so Chris and Anthony were waiting in the car. They were scheduled to go on at 8:30, but wanted to arrive early to see the other performances and get ready. Luckily, the people at Misfits provided a drum set and microphone equipment. So all they needed to bring was their own equipment. Lincoln and Max finished loading up the car. Just before he got into the car, his parents came out telling him to be safe. He told them that he will see them soon and got into the car as Max drove off.
Lincoln sat next to Anthony as they drove off. All 4 boys were dressed very casually, they all wore some form of jeans and had a band tshirt on. Lincoln wore a Megadeth Rust in Peace shirt, Chris wore his Lamb of God Omerta shirt, Max had on a Death shirt with the album Symbolic, and Anthony was wearing a Sabbath shirt along with a black baseball cap with the Yankee Logo on it. They all sat in silence, Max just focusing on driving. All 4 were very stressed as it was their first time playing live. They went over the song multiple times, but were still uncertain on how it would go. Chris decided to try and break the ice.
"Hey Max, can I put on some music."
"Sure dude, just nothing too crazy."
Chris plugged in his phone and hit play, the song Pull Me Under by Dream theater started playing. The song seemed to put everyone at ease, it was a long song and was instrumental for a little while until the lyrics started.
Lost in the sky
Clouds roll by and I roll with them
Arrows fly
Seas increase and then fall again
By the time they reached the venue, they had listened to a few other Dream Theater songs and were much more relaxed.
Max parked the car and all 4 got out. The venue was located underground, so they needed to carefully move the equipment down a flight of stairs before reaching the entrance. Once they got to the door, the guard at the front asked who they were and they identified themselves as one of the bands playing tonight and he let them in.
Misfits was set up with a big stage at the far end and many tables set up on the sides. There was a bar for people over 21, and you could order food. Right in the middle is what was considered dangerous, it's where most people moshed during the live shows.
The 4 quickly got their equipment set up and decided to relax for a little bit before the show started. They all ordered a few sodas and sat. Soon enough, 8:00 hit and the first few bands started playing live. Lincoln watched as the crowd shouted as the band played and people pushed each other around. People started crowd surfing as well. All 4 boys started to get a bit scared as this was a very tough audience and they didn't want to look bad. Some bands did songs by Black Flag, Anthrax, Ozzy Osbourne, and they were all really good. Lincoln suddenly felt a tapping on his shoulder as he looked to see Anthony tapping him.
"We're on in 10 Lincoln."
Lincoln was surprised, he was so focused on watching the other bands perform that he lost track of time. He quickly scanned the room, trying to find his family. But he couldn't find a single other loud person in the club.
"They'll be here, I just know it." he thought to himself as he got up to join the rest of the band
The band headed backstage where they got their equipment ready. Chris started doing some quick vocals exercises, Anthony put on his drumming gloves and did some basic stick work, and Lincoln and Max tuned their instruments.
The practice ended when a girl in her early 20s walked in. She had a punk look to her with frizzy hair, a nose ring, and chewing gum in her mouth.
"You guys are up." she stated as she blew a bubble
All 4 boys got up and headed on stage. Once they got on, Lincoln noticed that a single person's eyes were staring at him and the band. Everyone from the crowd, to people sitting at the tables. He quickly did a scan of the crowd and saw none of his family. His mind was racing as he plugged in his guitar.
"Oh god, they didn't show up." he thought to himself
But this stress was suddenly replaced with anger, the one time he asked for them to come to an event. They all bailed on him, Lincoln realized that even though his family wasn't present. He was still going to put on a damn good show. Lincoln was placed on the right with a mic next to him while Max was on the left, with Chris in the front and Anthony in the back on the kit.
Chris grabbed the mic and removed it from the stand.
"Hello, we are Hysteria and were going to do a song by the band Deftones. It's called My Own Summer (Shove it)."
The crowd applauded as all 4 members got ready. They all turned and nodded at each other.
"Here we go." Chris yelled
Anthony started the classic opening as Lincoln began playing the guitar and Max played the bass. His mind was racing as he continued playing. The stress that he felt had almost disappeared and instead, he was fueled by anger and adrenaline. Soon Chris started singing.
Hey you, big star
Tell me when it's over
(Cloud)
Anthony Slammed the Crash cymbal as a heavier part started. Chris started moving around a bit and Max was furiously headbanging. Lincoln watched as the crowd started headbanging and moshing until it calmed down again.
Hey you, big mood
Guide me to shelter
'Cause I'm through when the two
Hits the six and it's summer
Lincoln got close to the mic, ready to scream.
(Cloud)
Shove it! Shove it! Shove it!
(Shove) Shove it! Shove it! Shove it!
(The sun) Shove it! Shove it! Shove it!
(Aside) Shove it aside!
I think God is moving its tongue
Lincoln watched as the crowd moshed, a few were even crowd surfing.
There's no crowd in the streets and no sun
In my own summer
The shade is a tool, a device, a savior
See, I try and look up to the sky
But my eyes burn
(Cloud)
Shove it! Shove it! Shove it!
(Shove) Shove it! Shove it! Shove it!
(The sun) Shove it! Shove it! Shove it!
(Aside) Shove it aside!
Shove! Shove it! Shove it!
(Shove) Shove it! Shove it! Shove it!
(The sun) Shove it! Shove it! Shove it!
(Aside) Shove it aside!
I think God is moving its tongue
There's no crowd in the streets and no sun
In my own summer
Shove it! Shove it! Shove it!
(Shove) Shove it! Shove it! Shove it!
(The sun) Shove it! Shove it! Shove it!
(Aside) Shove it aside!
Chris finished the last Lyric as Anthony hit the last crash and Lincoln and Max played the last chord. The crowd erupted in applause. All 4 smiled, but Lincoln was smiling the most. He felt something he hadn't felt in a while. Accomplishment, he did this, he created this applause. He was so happy that he completely forgot about his family. They all waved to the crowd as they walked off.
"Guys that was incredible." Anthony yelled in excitement
"I can't believe we did that." Max stated grinning
"Man my throat hurts." Chris said jokingly
"Same dude." Lincoln said
Soon they all walked back to the crowd area. As they were walking a few people gave them fist bumps and high fives. Told them they did good. Soon, they were all separated. Max was talking with a punk girl, Chris was chatting it up with a crowd of boys, and Anthony was talking with a drummer from another band. Something about stick control. Lincoln wasn't super into talking right now as his excitement from the event calmed down. He was still happy, but a bit miffed still at his family. He wanted to know why they didn't show. He chose to sit at a table alone and drink a coke. Just thinking. His thoughts were interrupted as he heard an all too familiar voice.
"Lincoln, that was bloody incredible."
Lincoln turned and almost spit out his coke when he saw who it was. It was Luna's girlfriend Sam Sharp and her sister Tabby. Lincoln had seen Tabby hangout with Luna and her friends and held a conversation with her a few times.
"Sam, Tabby. You guys saw us perform."
"The whole thing. That was incredible, Lincoln." Sam said as the two sat down at the table
"Thanks guys, I appreciate it." he said as he sipped his coke
"Mate, Luna told me that you formed a band. But I didn't realize how good you guys were. That bloody scream you did was crazy."
Lincoln smiled at her, "Thanks, my throat hurts a ton."
"I'll bet" Sam said as the all 3 laughed
Lincoln then saw Chris approaching the table. "Lincoln, were leaving in 10."
Chris then realized that Sam was at the table.
"Hey Chris, great performance dude. Good vocals."
Chris scratched the back of his head in embarrassment and said "Thanks"
All 3 laughed at Chris being shy and embarrassed at the compliments. The laughter died down and they continued talking about music. Sam said her band was going good and Tabby said she's hoping to join them soon. Eventually, it was time for Lincoln to go home as he said goodbye to the two girls. The band loaded the equipment into the car and drove off. They were all conversing in the car as they excitedly talked about the performance. They eventually made it to Lincoln's house as he unloaded his equipment and waved goodbye to his friends as Max's car drove off. Lincoln stored the Amps in his garage before walking towards the door. Guitar band slung behind his back, he put his hand on the doorknob before taking a deep breath. He needed to be composed when talking to his family. He turned the knob and pushed the door open.
He found the living room empty, but he heard much commotion coming from the kitchen. He walked into the kitchen to see all of his family, minus Luna and Luan talking and chatting as he saw Lola in the center carrying a winning trophy. He cleared his throat loudly, getting the attention of everyone in the room.
"Hey Linky, how was the show." Leni said happily
"It was great Leni, may I ask why you guys didn't show up." he said with an annoyed tone
"Oh sorry sport, but Lolas pageant got rescheduled last minute to today and we all had to get here ready and be there."
"Guess who got first place." Lola said smirking
Lincoln was really annoyed, did his parents not realize how important this was for him.
"Sweetie we're sorry, but we promised Lola." Rita stated
"Yeah well you also promised me."
"Calm down Stinkcoln, it's just one show."
Lincoln's father looked at his son, "Look sport, we're sorry. Lola needed all the help she could get. Will go to your next show, I promise."
Lincoln stared at his father agitated before giving a deep sigh, "Okay" he stated before walking out of the kitchen and up to his room. Hearing the sounds of the celebration continuing as he closed his door.
Lincoln opened his draw and rustled through it until he found what he was looking for. He grabbed Korn and his cd player and put the headphones on. He slid his back onto his door until he hit the ground. He hit play and sat there, not moving until the album was finished.
By the time the album ended, he was more composed but still a bit agitated. He decided to just go to sleep at this point. He changed into his pajamas and headed towards the bathroom to brush his teeth. Along the way, he ran into Luan who had her hair down and a look of pure joy on her face as she walked into her room and closed the door. He didn't even wanna question what was up with her. He quickly brushed his teeth and flossed. As he walked back to his room, he passed the trophy case and stopped at it. He saw Lola's new trophy inside and it made him feel even worse. Another loud sister, another accomplishment. Opening up his section, he grabbed his trophy that his sisters made him. He walked to his room and threw it under his bed. He then laid on his bed and just stared at his ceiling. He wanted to be angry, he wanted to cry, but in all honesty. Lincoln Loud was just tired, so he turned off the light, and got under his covers.
Scene Change:
Earlier
Chris waved to Mike as he got to his front porch. Getting out his keys, he unlocked the front door and walked inside. He heard faint whispering coming from Emily's room, so he walked up the stairs and into her room. He found Luan in her rocking chair, reading her a story as she fell asleep. Emily was fast asleep when Luan finished the story, closing the book. She turned and smiled at Chris as the two tiptoed out of her room and closed the door.
They walked into Chris's room where they didn't need to whisper.
"How did the show go?" she asked
"Great, my voice hurts. But I did good."
"That's great." Luan stated
"How was Emily?"
"She was an angel, we drew pictures, watched some cartoons, and played house." Said Luan giggling
Chris couldn't help but chuckle
"She also told me some things about you that I didn't know."
Chris raised an eyebrow at that response
Luan pointed towards his piano, "Why didn't you tell me you played piano."
Chris scratched the back of his head and sighed, "I don't play a lot ever since my grandfather passed away. He taught me when I was really little. I remember when he put me on his lap, he would put my fingers on top of his as we played the pieces. He taught me how to read music. It was great. But he sadly passed away from a stroke a few years ago. I only really play for Emily, besides her. It just reminds me of him." Chris said as tears started rolling down his cheeks.
Luan looked at him with a sad expression and to his surprise enveloped him in a hug.
"I'm sorry Chris" she said softly as the two embraced
As Chris was hugging Luan, he thought back to their whole relationship. He thought of the day he met her, how she wanted him to draw him that crazy puppet. Or the times during lunch when they shared their interests with each other. When she was there for him during the whole Luna and Sam moment. The hours of texting each other in the middle of the night. The prank they pulled on Keith, and her drawing. Luan made him feel; happy, more happy than anyone. Even his parents or Emily, and he realized at that very moment he liked Luan more than a friend, and he wanted her to know that.
"But I can play a piece for you."
Luan broke from the hug and looked at him, "No Chris, you don't have to."
"I want to Luan." He said, giving her a small smile.
Luan smiled back at him
Chris walked over and sat down at his piano. Luan stood right next to him. Chris got his hands ready and cleared his throat. He started playing and began singing.
A love so warm and beautiful
Stands when time itself is falling,
A love so warm and beautiful
Never fades away.
Love, faith and hope are beautiful
When your world is touched by sadness,
To each his own is wonderful,
Love will never die.
Sunlight's morning glory
Tells the story of our love,
Moonlight on the water
Brings me inspiration ever after.
A love so warm and beautiful
Stands when time itself is calling,
A love so warm and beautiful
Never fades away,
Never fades away
Chris played the last note and turned to look at Luan, she looked to be holding back tears as she was covering her mouth.
"That was beautiful Chris." she said
Chris got up from his seat and stood right in front of her, "My grandpa told me to play that song when I knew I found someone special."
Luan removed her hand from her mouth and was shocked at what he just said. Chris wiped away a tear from her eye as the two just looked at each other.
A few seconds felt like eternity for the two until Chris made a decision. He started leaning in and Luan with no hesitation, accepted it as their lips touched. The kiss slowly started to grow more passionate as they continued kissing. Neither had ever kissed before, so they weren't sure what exactly to do. But Chris put his hands around Luans waist and Luan put her hands arounds Chris's neck. They started making out as their tongues danced with each other. Chris moved his hands upwards until he reached the top of her head. He carefully removed the elastic and her hair fell down. Chris moved his hands through her brown smooth hair, as luan also started playing with his black hair. Eventually, the two broke apart. Gasping for breath. They then looked at each other, both with a deep shade of red.
"I can walk you home if you want me to. It's only a few blocks away" he asked
Luan smiled and kissed him on the cheek, "I would love that."
The two smiled as they walked out of Chris's room, their hands intertwined together.
There ends chapter 10 of Finding Peace. This story is still nowhere near done. I wanted chapter 10 to be a very special chapter. I wanted to establish the first gig, more of Lincoln's anger, and Chris and Luan finally becoming a couple. So with the band officially playing live, and Halloween coming up. What wild metal adventures will Lincoln and his friends do next, and how will Ronnie Anne Santiago feel towards Lincoln after his outburst towards her? Find out in the next chapter of FINDING PEACE.