A/N: THE BENEFIT CONCERT IS HEEEEEREEEE! This one only took me less than 12 hours to write because I just knew every single thing I wanted to happen from start to finish. Usually, when I write a chapter, I follow my outline and make up scenes along the way, whichever way it fits with the chapter. But anyway, I said the last time that there will be a White Reaper song included in this chapter, but I've decided to write it out for a very specific reason. I wanted to end the chapter THAT WAY. White Reaper still performed, but we just didn't get to hear or "read" their performance. If you want to listen to the song that was originally included in the chapter, it's called "Daisies" by White Reaper. Basically, it's about loving someone you shouldn't have feelings for. You're supposed to "look away" because if you didn't, you'll feel wrong and you'll feel like you're going to get executed. "But I won't pick flowers from another man's garden," as they sang in the song.
Anyway, without further ado, here's Chapter 27. Enjoy!
Chapter 27: Head Underwater
Standing alongside Leigh, who are picking at the yellow clipboard in her hand, Maya peeked through the backstage curtain to check the status of the crowd. The last time she looked, the room was barely populated. A few crew members going back and forth, double checking the equipment in the sound booth. But now, nearly the whole venue was packed with people of all-ages. In fact, there were so many people that the teenagers who got barricade were being squished against the metal barriers. Some wore faces of discomfort every time they got pushed, while others brushed it off, already familiarized with the feeling of being at the front during a concert.
"Oh, my God," Leigh murmured. Her tainted fingers drummed against the back of her clipboard. "I'm starting to think we should've booked a bigger venue than Complex Sounds. This crowd is insane!"
"Thank God we thought of putting the children and their parents/guardians in the VIP section," Maya commented, her eyes widening at the sight of more people streaming in through the doors. They joined the rest of the newcomers in the back of the room.
"You think thats crazy? You should see the line outside."
Both Leigh and Maya turned at the sound of the voice. Josh and Donnie stood behind them, their gazes falling on the augmenting crowd behind the backstage curtain. Donnie cursed under his breath, then murmured something about him not expecting a crowd that massive.
"Are you serious? There's more?" Leigh asked Josh, her eyebrows raising in incredulity.
Donnie nodded as though he was the one Leigh questioned. "Oh, yeah."
Leigh caught Maya's gaze. "Floor 2?" she asked her Creative Art Director.
Maya nodded. "Definitely Floor 2."
"All right. If you'll excuse me," Leigh stated, pulling out her walkie-talkie from her back pocket. She broke away from Maya's little group as she declared through the device, "Open up Floor 2. I repeat, open up Floor 2. We've got a case of sardines going on over here."
"But, Leigh, we didn't book Floor 2." The walkie-talkie buzzed with the response.
"We'll send the manager an additional check. I'd rather disburse out-of-pocket money than risk people fainting during the event."
The walkie-talkie buzzed again. "Copy that."
Leigh pocketed the device and heaved out a heavy sigh. She glanced back to find Josh, Donnie, and Maya looking at her expectantly. "We're good. Sardines situation is taken care of," she assured with two thumbs-up. She then excused herself again to speak with the manager regarding Floor 2.
As Leigh navigated her way to the manager's office, Maya turned to Josh and Donnie. "Are you guys excited?" she asked.
Donnie nodded. "My whole family and Bethany are coming to watch me, so I'm very excited. I know I said that I'm taking on a directorial path rather than the acting path, but this benefit concert" —Donnie shook his head in disbelief— "unbelievable. And the fact that I'm the opening act? I've gotten so used to doing collegiate theater that I've forgotten what nerves even are. This whole thing brings me back to the very first time I set foot on stage."
Maya laughed as Donnie wriggled his hands to get rid of his 'nerves.' As nervous as Donnie had described himself, she knew he would kill it on stage. The kid's got talent, thus the reason why she and Leigh agreed to put him as the opening act.
"You'll do amazing out there, Donnie," she told him. "I know you will."
Donnie loosened. "Thanks, Maya." His eyes then flicked back to the crowd outside and miraculously spotted his whole family amongst the thick sea of people. It helped that his sister Sophie wore a bright orange blouse that stood out almost everywhere she went. "I gotta go. I just saw my family and I want to say hi before I have to get on stage."
"Okay," Maya said.
Donnie began his walk toward his family, but he suddenly paused in his tracks and turned to Josh. "Hey, you're not coming to say hi to Sophie?" he questioned.
Josh shook his head. "She thinks I'm stuck at PV right now that's why I 'couldn't come to watch Donnie perform'," he reasoned.
"Ah, so this whole thing is a surprise?"
Josh nodded. "Consider it an early anniversary gift for your sister."
Donnie's confusion eased into a smile. "Ohhhh . . . gotcha. I knew you asking for my help with the song wasn't just because you're starting a new hobby. I like that, Josh. Definitely didn't expect that coming from you."
"I can do other things, Donovan."
Donnie gasped. "You just swiped the full name card on me."
Maya watched Josh and Donnie's exchange with amused eyes. Josh did fit really well with the Miller family, which was a thought Maya knew she shouldn't be entertaining. Especially when her heart beat for a certain someone standing just a few feet from her.
"All right, you should go ahead. Your sister's probably itching to congratulate you right now," Josh told Donnie, clamping a hand on his shoulder and pulling him into an embrace. The kind with the one arm over and a pat on the back hug men do with each other.
When they broke apart, Donnie acknowledged Maya once more and left.
"And then there were two," Maya stated as Josh turned his attention back to her.
"Is that a good thing or a bad thing?" Josh teased.
Maya shrugged, attempting to pass the sudden heightened pulsing of her heart as pre-show jitters. She might not be performing tonight, but she was still nervous, hoping that the benefit concert would play out as planned. "It depends."
"How?" Josh stepped closer.
Maya cleared her throat. Whether Josh was aware of it or not, he was flirting. And considering that he had a certain glinting diamond ring tucked safely in his pocket, Maya inched away from him. She tapped her earpiece—Leigh's idea of distinguishing her from her other committee members whom she spoke with using a walkie talkie—and pretended that Leigh just asked her a favor.
"I have to go," Maya declared, once again clearing her throat. Her eyes avoided Josh's as much as she could. "Leigh just asked me to check on the bands. Good luck tonight."
Without waiting for Josh to respond, Maya took off. She just hoped Josh wouldn't notice that she didn't head to the direction of the bands' dressing rooms.
When the music from the speakers stopped, signaling the start of the show, the crowd erupted into loud cheers. Some whistled, some screamed for the different bands they all came to see, and some chanted "N-Y-C! N-Y-C! N-Y-C!" at the top of their lungs.
Wearing a yellow event T-shirt designed by Maya, Leigh walked toward the center stage. She tapped her microphone, did the usual microphone check, and beamed brightly at the packed crowd of Complex Sounds. She waved at the people on the ground level first, then she looked up and waved at those on Floor 2.
"Good evening, everybody! How are you guys doing tonight?" Leigh greeted, a bright smile on her face.
The crowd cheered louder in response. The children in the VIP section waved excitedly at Leigh.
"Great! The night hasn't even begun yet, and you're already having fun," Leigh continued. "I know a lot of you don't know who I am, but my name is Leigh Robinson and I have the board director of NYC Lends a Helping Hand Committee. Stood behind me are my board members."
Leigh went to introduce everyone, stating their names and positions.
"We also have Lisa, who's currently in the VIP section hanging with our kids. And of course, we have Maya Hart, our Creative Art Director. She designed all of the posters and banners and brochures and these T-shirts that you all can get from our booth outside."
The crowd clapped, and Leigh waited until it died down.
"NYC Lends a Helping Hand is an organization established to raise awareness to the current issues involving our society, especially the youth. In light of recent events, my board members and I have decided to raise awareness for those children that are victims of violence. I'm sure all of you have seen the news recently. Not only are our children being victims of school shootings, but they are also victims of domestic abuse and many other forms of violence. It disheartens me—it disheartens us—to think that children are being subjected to such violent acts at a young age. Children are supposed to be having fun, enjoying things they are really passionate about. We should preserve their innocence as much as we could because once that's something they're never going to get back. Yet, sometimes, as much as we want to protect our youth, there are still some children that didn't quiet get the help and resource they deserved. If you all would join me, let us please have a moment of silence for those children that couldn't be with us today."
The whole venue silenced. Even the sound booth crew had turned off all the speakers and microphones, leaving absolutely no trace of humming static in the background. Maya felt goosebumps creeping up her skin at the quietness of the room.
Leigh raised her head, implying that their moment of silence was over. She beamed at the crowd again and said, "We do have a lot of children in the house tonight, ladies and gentlemen. If you all could turn to the VIP section over there, I want you guys to cheer and say hi to all the brave youths who came out to have a fun night with us. They're the real heroes!"
Leigh touched her ear piece and laughed as she received a message from her board member currently hanging out with the children in the VIP section. "Oh, I'm sorry. I was just told that some of them actually prefer to be called rockstars—and princesses! We have a Captain America—and do I hear a wizard? Oh, and we have a knight, guys! A real noble one!"
The crowd erupted into laughter as they watched the children in the VIP section raising their arms and voicing out what they all preferred to be called.
"All right, so before we can get this party started, I just want to remind you that all proceeds from tonight's event will immediately be donated to all the organizations that NYC Lends a Helping Hand Committee teamed up with. We have all their banners pinned on the walls around this very room, and we also have their booths in the lobby outside. Feel free to check them out later or between breaks and don't hesitate to ask. We also have a concession stand and a handful of other food stands if you guys are feeling hungry or thirsty. Again, no alcohol is being sold tonight because we want this to be a very kid-friendly environment.
"So without any further ado, our first act tonight is an NYU student, who's recently diverted his career plan to being behind the camera instead of in front of it. However, for tonight, he's decided to grace you all with his talent that I have personally witnessed beforehand, and let me tell you, he's definitely someone you'd want to watch out for." Leigh winked at the crowd before she stretched out her one arm to introduce the opening act. "Donnie Miller, ladies and gentlemen!"
Leigh went off the stage, and the lights dimmed. Before it completely went pitch dark, Maya caught sight of Sophie's bright orange blouse jumping amidst the crowd, hands clamped around her mouth as she cheered for her brother.
"Hey, I'm so glad you guys made it!" Maya shouted over the loud band currently playing on the stage. She wrapped her arms around Riley, who told her how proud she was of Maya, and squeezed her tight. Lucas went for the hug next, then lastly, Zay.
"We wouldn't miss it for the world, of course!" Zay yelled. It seemed as though yelling at one another was the only way of communication inside the venue.
"Congratulations on the event's success, Maya," Lucas supplied. His eyes surveyed the number of people who came to the concert. "This whole place is packed!"
Maya glanced at the second floor. "Yeah, Leigh had to ask the manager to open up Floor 2 so we could fit everyone."
Maya, Riley, Lucas, and Zay turned back to the stage, where the band announced their final song. The fourth band would get on next, and after them was Josh. Maya was excited to hear him sing the proposal song he worked on with Donnie, but at the same time, she dreaded it. Within an hour or so, Josh would officially and forever be tied to Sophie. The ring that would bind their love for all eternity would finally leave its velvet cage and find its new home on Sophie's left ring finger. And that would be it for Maya.
Joel once told her to fight for the one her heart was beating for, but Maya knew this was one fight where she wasn't allowed to don her armor. This one was the fight she lost by default.
"Maya?" Riley called, her eyebrows knitting with worry.
Maya blinked fast as though she was taking herself out of her stupor. She turned to her best friend and flashed her what she could only hope was a believable smile. "You guys need anything? Drinks, snacks, merch?"
"You're the event's Creative Art Director, not the runner," Lucas noted with a chuckle.
Maya hit his arm. "I know, but you guys scored a good spot here. I don't want you to give it up."
That was when she saw Andrew walking inside the venue, a whole PV crew trailing behind him. Maya's brows furrowed in confusion, wondering what People's Verse was doing at the concert. She excused herself from her friends and maneuvered her way to Andrew. Hopefully, he wouldn't leave his post long before Maya could get to him.
"Andrew!" Maya called, wincing when she got unintentionally elbowed on her side.
He didn't hear her, so she called him again. This time, she raised her voice louder. "ANDREW!"
Andrew turned at the sound of Maya's voice. When he saw her making her way toward him, he signaled his crew to stay put.
The closer Maya got to Andrew, the more she saw the conflicting emotions flickering in his eyes. She swore she saw one of panic, which was quickly replaced by delight. "Hey," she greeted once she reached him. "Josh didn't tell me PV's covering the benefit concert."
Andrew smiled, though it didn't reach his eyes. "Yeah, it was actually a last-minute decision. Our editor-in-chief saw this as an opportunity to fill up a few pages or so in the magazine, so he took it. This is Raine, by the way, one of PV's photographers."
Maya smiled as a woman with a camera hanging around her neck offered her hand. She took it for a quick shake. "Hi, nice to meet you," she said.
"You must be Maya," Raine stated, genuine interest laced within her tone of voice. "I heard so many things about you."
Though she was utterly confused why Raine would know her name even though Andrew hadn't told her yet, or how Raine heard things about her, Maya's smile widened. "All good things, I hope."
Raine perked her eyebrows in response before she turned to Andrew. "We gotta get that interview with Leigh Robinson, pronto. I heard she's already handling tons of press backstage, so we shouldn't waste our time."
Andrew nodded. He watched as his PV crew wove their way toward the 'MEDIA' section of the venue. Turning back to Maya, he licked his lips and heaved a sigh. "Maya, listen," he began. "I have to tell you something. You just have to promise not to get mad at me or at anyone involved—at least just for tonight. I mean, you're entitled to feel angry—that's the reaction we're all expecting from you—but tonight's not really the night to feel that way, so—"
"Andrew, what is this about?" Maya interjected.
Andrew shifted his weight from one foot to another. "We're not really supposed to be here—I mean, the PV crew and I—but Filomeno sent us out here for Josh's story and I just want to let you know that it's ab—"
"ANDREW!" Raine yelled from somewhere among the sea of people. "CHOP, CHOP! LET'S GO!"
Maya's eyebrows remained furrowed.
"Maya—"
"ANDREW, HURRY UP!" Raine again.
"I have to go," Andrew informed Maya, shaking his head. "I'm sorry, but I really have to go."
"Andrew? Andrew!" Maya called as she watched him follow his crew backstage. "ANDREW!"
She didn't call him anymore after that. Her friend got swallowed by the thick crowd bopping along to the rock-n-roll tune playing live from the stage.
Bothered by her encounter with Andrew, Maya returned to her friends. All of them welcomed her back with warm smiles, yet they failed to notice the look of confusion on her face.
"You're just in time," Riley said as she flipped open the program printed on a yellow sheet of paper. "A certain special guest is coming up next."
As soon as Riley said that, three crew members rolled a grand piano on stage before Leigh reclaimed her spot on the center. She wore a knowing smirk on her face while her eyes subtly attempted to scout Sophie in the crowd. Giggling into the microphone, she checked on the crowd's energy status.
"We're only four bands in and you guys are already depleting!" Leigh teased, tsk-ing. Half the crowd laughed, while the other half denied her accusation by yelling out louder than they did at the beginning of the concert. "Well, I've got a solution for that problem. If you look at the program, we named the fifth act as a 'special guest' because this one's going to be . . . well, special. Extra special, in fact. Trust me, I know what I'm talking about."
From her place between Riley and Zay, Maya turned her eyes to Sophie. It didn't matter where Maya was in the venue, Sophie's orange blouse stood out like a sore thumb, making her the easiest person to spot in the entire room. As expected, Sophie was as clueless as the rest of the crowd. Her younger brother, Donnie, however, was the opposite. He looked at her unblinking, afraid of missing out on her sister's reaction to the 'special guest.'
"Join me in welcoming to the stage . . . Josh Matthews!"
The crowd clapped and cheered, despite the name being unfamiliar to them. Maya's eyes remained on Sophie, watching as her face lit up with surprise and excitement. She turned to Donnie, who looked at her smugly, then to George and Maria, who looked as surprised as she was.
Josh sat on the leather chair and pressed a key on the piano, silencing the whole audience. Maya expected him to make a short speech introducing himself and the song, but he merely closed his eyes and leaned closer to the microphone.
The opening notes of the mellow song sounded fluidly from the piano. Noticing the sudden change of vibe in the atmosphere, some couples in the crowd cuddled up together, swaying to the soft notes of Josh's song.
Then, he sang and Maya's heart sunk.
This is it. This is where it ends. This is how far you're allowed to get, she thought.
"I've waited a hundred years, but I'd wait a million more for you. Nothing prepared me for what the privilege of being yours would do," Josh sang. His eyes were closed, allowing himself to relax into the flow of the song. "Your love is my turning page, where only the sweetest words remain. Every kiss is a cursive line, every touch a redefining phrase . . ."
"If I had only felt how it feels to be yours. Well, I would have known what I've been living for," Maya mumbled the same time Josh sang the line. Placing a hand over her heart, she could feel it sink even lower. It was the line she suggested when they were writing the poem together, and it was also the line that made her realize how hard she was falling for Josh.
It used to only be theirs. It used to only be a line that she and Josh knew, but now . . . it belonged to Sophie. And the fact that Maya was the one who put that line there in the song would only be a memory. A thing of the past.
Josh opened his eyes and immediately spotted Sophie in the crowd. He kept his gaze locked on hers, and hers on his. "If I had only felt the warmth within your touch. If I had only seen how you smile when you blush. Or how you curl your lip when you concentrate enough. Well, I would have known what I was living for all along . . ."
As Josh delved into the chorus once again, Maya knew she'd fallen overboard. Her heart had already sunk to the darkest depths of the ocean, and the rest of her body had just now followed it down, down, down. Still clutching her chest, Maya breathed in heavily, trying to keep herself steady. She fought to swim upwards to keep herself alive and breathing, but the currents of Josh's song were proving too strong for her.
"With a whisper, we will tame the vicious seas. Like a feather bringing kingdoms to their knees . . ."
Then, she weakened, allowed herself to sink farther down the ocean. Maya bolted out of the venue, leaving Lucas and Zay stunned and Riley calling after her.
Song used: Turning Page by Sleeping At Last.
AND THERE YOU HAVE IT! Now before you say anything else . . . Did you all notice how I never showed you guys how Josh ended his performance? HMMMMMMMMMM. Something to think about for you guys.
Thanks for reading and let me know what you think!