SHOW TIME
The roar of the crowd blocked everything else out as I walked on stage. Apparently, the articles hadn't done much to ruin my reputation. I still had fans. I took my place on the small wooden stool placed center-stage and looked up at the millions of tiny flashing lights. I picked up my electric Gibson and delivered a dazzling smile.
"How's everybody doin' tonight?" I near shouted, and was given a warm response of tons of screaming from mostly girls, though I could make out a few male sounding yelps. "Awesome! It's great to be here Phoenix!" I replayed my whole speech, practiced perfectly in the dressing room. "I'm just gonna play a quick tune, made famous by my own sister, Ashley. Bet you didn't know I wrote it?" Pause for a loud roar. "It's called 'Ultra-High'. I hope you like it."
The fast, up-beat tempo came naturally to my fingers, the back-up band joining in immediately. They all new the line-up.
Drove to work to find some time alone.
I called ahead; no one answered cause no one's there.
I'm fine, just tired, and hiding from things I can't explain.
Knowing it's our nature to try, we're fighting off this ultra-high.
It should be cold; it's the clouds that keep us warm.
Let's say they never clear; can you last without the sun?
I'll bet you can't, I know you better than I know myself.
Knowing it's our nature to try, we're fighting off this ultra-high.
We're fighting off this ultra-high.
We're fighting, we're fighting...
Things I can't explain
Knowing it's our nature to try, we're fighting off this ultra-high
We're fighting off this ultra-high
We're fighting, we're fighting.
(Ultra-High by Paulson)
The song ended, and was received by a loud continuous roar. I was suddenly extremely into this. I looked off to the side, seeing the three boys watching with glimmering eyes. Nick's smile was dazzling and completely sincere, and Kevin was flashing me a thumbs-up. Joe's mouth just hung open in disbelief. Yes, the song was about him, as were most of my songs. He could definitely tell.
"I only have a little time, so let me just jump in." I spoke quickly into the microphone, and strummed the opening chords to my second song.
You're asking me about myself
You're looking in my eyes
You're laughing at the stories I tell
You say you sympathize
Back at my place we lie on the couch
You like Sunday mornings, too
I'm wondering if it'll all work out
I'm wondering if you're something new
And you said you like to watch the stars
Early in the morning
Just when the sky is turning blue
And I said if Jupiter and Mars
Saw us lying here
They'd wonder just where we're going to
Where are we going to?
You shudder when you sleep at night
You touch me and you cry
I ask you if you feel alright
You said it's something deep inside
Is this just another summer fling?
Are you messing with my head?
I know when a girl said anything
You never know just what she's said
Where are we going to?
(Where Are We Going To by I Voted for Kodos)
The roar was much louder, showing the crowd was obviously pleased. I couldn't help but smile like a crazy woman as they continued to cheer. I finished up my set with three more songs and gave my good-bye.
"If anyone wants to meet me, I'll be over there, signing autographs for the next fifteen minutes. Which means, fifteen minutes until you all get to see the wonderful Jonas Brothers!" The crowd was much louder then they had been for any of my songs, but who could blame them? I walked off stage to where the boys stood in the wings and was greeted with a hug from each and every one, even Joe.
"You were amazing." He whispered in my ear, simply, and grabbed my hand in his. Our fingers intertwined and he smiled. "I'm sorry about earlier. I don't know what I was thinking." He leaned in, placing his lips on mine for a slow, sensual kiss. I melted. Nick forced us apart.
"Learn how to share, man." I laughed lightly, turning my back to Joe and wrapping my arms around Nick's neck. "You really were amazing. Joe totally got the fact that every song was about him. Way to bring up his ego." I giggled lightly.
"I gotta go sign shit." I gave Nick a quick peck on the cheek, and Kevin a quick hug. As I made why way down the small staircase, someone grasped my hand, pulling me back up them and into their arms. Joe pressed his lips against mine again, this time more fervently, like it was something he needed. I complied, sinking into his kiss. He pulled away too quickly for my liking and smirked.
"Sorry. I couldn't go another hour without that." He turned and walked towards the closed-curtain stage where his brothers stood, shaking their heads, while I just skipped merrily down the steps and to my outdoor post.
After a twenty minute signing break, where I was only hounded about stealing the man of young girls dreams a handful of times, I took my place in the shadows of the stage, watching the boys begin to play. Nick picked up my Gibson, lifting the strap over his head and tuning it to his liking. He flashed me a quick smile. Kevin took his place left-stage, placing his guitar around his shoulders, and Joe stood in the middle, tambourine at hand.
When they finally did, the whole crowd was screaming. It was ear shattering. I just covered my own ears, cringing slightly, as Joe delivered the crowd a completely baffling smile. He leaned into the microphone, parting his lips and casting me a sideways glance.
"Hey." One simple word sent the crowd into complete insanity. I couldn't believe it. Joe and Nick just laughed, Kevin rolling his eyes. "We're the Jonas Brothers. Here's our first song." Joe shouted something behind him, and the drumming began. I just listened. Nick's voice quickly lit up the stadium, ruff and upbeat.
She was all I ever wanted
She was all I ever needed and more
She walked out my door
Then she went away
Left my heart in two
Left me standing here
Singing all these blues, yeah.
I believe my mouth hit the floor at the very first line. And it just got worse when Joe stepped in, singing the chorus whole-heartedly, his eyes closed, completely into the song.
You left without a single word
Not even sorry
It might've hurt worse to hear you say
I'm leaving, goodbye
But your smile still makes my heart sing
Another sad song
I can't forget it
I won't regret it
Cause I'm still in love with you
We had fun under the sun
And when winter came she'd be my angel
We were so in love
Then she went away
Left my heart in two
Left me standing here
Singing all these blues, yeah
You left without a single word
Not even sorry
It might've hurt worse to hear you say
I'm leaving, goodbye
But your smile still makes my heart sing
Another sad song
I can't forget it
I won't regret it
Cause I'm still in love with you
Still in love with you
I don't know what hurts worse baby
Seeing you with him or being alone
On my own
I know he doesn't love you baby
Not like I did
Oh, what's the point?
You're not listening anyway
You left without a single word
Not even sorry
It might've hurt worse to hear you say
I'm leaving, goodbye
But your smile still makes my heart sing
Another sad song
I can't forget it
I won't regret it
Cause I'm still in love with
You left without a single word
Not even sorry
It might've hurt worse to hear you say
I'm leaving, goodbye
But your smile still makes my heart sing
Another sad song
I can't forget it
I won't regret it
Cause I'm still in love with you
(I'm Still In Love With You by Jonas Brother)
I couldn't believe it. What fucking assholes. Kevin sent me an apologetic glance quickly, and I just rolled my eyes. Joe did this on purpose, and he knew I was glaring. He just bowed lightly to the applause.
This was war.