CHAPTER FOUR: THE CONCERT PART ONE

"Are you sure about doing this, Eli?" A concerned Meg was asking me as I was getting ready. No, she was right, I WASN'T sure about doing this. At all. But my gut instinct told me I had to go, I just had to. I couldn't let down my new friend I'd just made.

"Yeaah, I'm sure about this! I'll be ok." I put my foot up on the kitchen chair, beginning to tie my boot lace. "Are you sure you're ok with me doing this? It's just a concert, you don't need to worry so. I can take care of myself. Like I did for the first 21 years of my life."

"I know you can. It's just, you know what concerts can be like sometimes. Especially y'know… Rock concerts."

"Hah, you say that like it's a taboo subject. Once again, it's just a concert. It'll be ok. It's just people in a stadium that want to have fun singing and dancing along to their favourite artist!" I had finished tying my boots and went over to the coat rack to grab my jacket.

"Until the people in the crowd start getting too raunchy and end up causing a stampede in the pit! I hate to tell you this, Elias. You know I do. But you really and truly don't know how to act or what kind of situation you're getting yourself into here!" I finally stopped what I was doing, looking down slightly. Maybe… She was right. This WAS the first time I'd ever be doing something like this. What if I did fuck up? Got myself into a situation I couldn't get out of? What if… If people recognized who I was and tried to do something to me because of it? With all the thoughts and waves of dread beginning to overwhelm me, I put my head in my hands. Though it wasn't for long, as Megan came over and put her hand on my shoulder, making me stop.

"I'm sorry to bring all of this onto you now, Elias. But you HAVE to know this. I'm responsible for you. If anything happens, it comes back on me. On US. It could jeopardize our whole lives as we know them, and I know for certain that you don't and won't let that happen." But I was still thinking. It may jeopardize my life as I knew it… But I was willing to accept the risk. That gut instinct inside me told me I had to go. I had to be there.

"I know. I know that it's… A risk. But… But it's a risk that I want to take. I've never been offered an opportunity like this in my entire life. A chance to experience something completely exciting and new. I haven't felt THIS happy about something in a while, probably since before I returned home. Something in me is telling me I need to go, so I'm going. I promise you, if ANYTHING happens or if I fuck up, I'll take the brunt of it. I'll make sure everything stays the way it is. Ok?" This time I had Megan thinking long and hard about what I'd said.

"...Ok. If… If something inside you is telling you to go, then go. Besides, you do deserve to do something nice after all you've been through as a way to relax, and I can't exactly tell you what to do either. You're an adult, my equal, and at the end of the day the decision is yours. Just… Promise me you won't do anything rash?"

"I promise I won't. Thank you. I need to get going now so I can be there on time. See you later." I put my jacket on and opened the door, about to leave. But before I could, Megan put her hand on my shoulder again.

"Before you go, Elias… Have fun." I smirked and nodded at her.

"Don't you worry, I will." She smiled back at me, and I gave her a little wave before walking out the door, shutting it tight behind me. I took out my cigarettes and lit one up, beginning to smoke as I walked to the stadium to try and get rid of my nerves. Was I really going to be fine after all? Should I have just stayed home after all?

Fortunately I had enough will inside myself to continue on, and fifteen minutes later I'd arrived at the stadium. I looked at my ticket to ensure that I had the correct route in, and once I'd quadruple checked I was right I quickly joined the queue. I was hoping that I would be able to be near the front, since that way I could see Kate and she could see me. I hoped I could see the rest of her band too, they were also probably so damned cool… It was weird. I felt… Excited? Overjoyed to be here? For the first time in a while. The last time I had felt a feeling like this was when my dad had appointed me king after he was unable to be king for a while but… Yeah I think we all knew how that had ended. I quickly shook off the feeling of guilt that was building up and began to focus on being excited, my eyes wandering around at the people in front of me.

Almost everyone in front of me had some sort of Blue Streak merch such as t-shirts, pins… And hoodies! Man, I wanted one of those hoodies SO badly, they looked awesome. Could I possibly ask Kate for one? Could I just buy one in the stadium? As I contemplated how to get my hands on one, I became subconsciously aware of just how out of place I looked here. I had just opted to wear my work clothes that consisted of a flannel, some old jeans, boots and a long navy jacket. Yet others had been wearing more casual attires or merch. Maybe I hadn't been as prepared for this as I thought I had been. Shit.

I then jumped and was pulled out of my thoughts immediately as someone yelled at me from behind to move. I turned and saw that the queue had begun to go inside, so I quickly caught up. My anxiety had begun to make me panic slightly, thinking of the worst case scenarios and not appreciating the crowds. People… There's so many people. Do they… Recognize me? Know my face? Know that I abdicated? Let them all down as their king…? What if Meg was right…?! What if I DO get hurt because of thi-!

"HEY-! Put that cigarette out this instant or else you won't be permitted entry!" Huh? I was pulled back to my consciousness again as I realized… I'd pulled my box of cigarettes out and lit one RIGHT in front of a security guard. I truly was the biggest idiot in the world at that moment.

"Oh-! Uhm, I'm so sorry-!" I quickly dropped it on the ground and stamped on it to put it out, looking up at the security guard who clearly was not pleased with me in the slightest.

"Ticket, now. And you can hand over those cigarettes whilst you're at it." Oh for fuck's sake. I begrudgingly handed over the cigarette box and my ticket. The security guard looked at my ticket, then back to me, then back to the ticket. I just gave a dumb smile and prayed he had no idea who I was as he stared at me.

"Alright, your ticket is valid. In you go. I better not see you causing any more trouble. Understood?" I gave a quick nod and he handed me back my ticket, letting me through. I quickly ran in, now shaky and on the verge of a panic attack. I put my hands on my knees, attempting to take deep breaths to calm myself down. I needed something other than my cigarettes to keep me calm. Though my vision was blurring a little from all the panic I was experiencing, I desperately looked around. I quickly spotted a drinks stand, and began to shakily walk over to the queue. I just shut my eyes and kept taking deep breaths as I stayed in the line, and quickly I got to the front. The bartender could immediately tell I clearly was not in the best state of mind at the moment.

"Hey, sweetie. Are y'feelin' ok?"

"Y-Yeah-! I'm… ok! Just, nervous about the crowds and all. Y'know how it is."

"Ah, that makes sense! Dont'cha worry, once that lot come on stage you'll be right as rain! Now, what can I get 'ya to drink? Do y'just want some water to calm down?" I had a quick look at the menu, and spotted that they had beer. I had never tried it before, so my curiosity got the better of me. I had heard good things about the drink so I knew I needed to try it.

"No, actually. Can I get a beer?"

"Course you can! Which brand would you like?" Which brand? Wasn't there only one? Confused, I looked at the taps and saw she was indeed right, there were a few different brands. And I didn't know the difference.

"Uhm… Why don't you give me what you would recommend? I'm not quite sure of the differences between the brands." The server nodded and grabbed a cup, b-lining to one of the taps and pouring me a pint. She handed it to me, and I paid, proceeding to grab the cup and take a sip as I walked away. Wow. This… Was good! It was so refreshing that I immediately forgot about my previous anxiety and focused on liking my beer. Though, I very nearly dropped it when I spotted the merch tent. They had pins, t-shirts, stickers… And hoodies! I immediately got excited and speed walked over to the merch, getting in the line. I picked up a hoodie in my size and immediately slipped it on over my flannel after buying it. It was so soft, so warm. I adored it. I stopped for a moment to pull the hood up, disguising myself further and I then began to make my way into the pit to wait for the concert to start. I managed to get a couple rows from the front, but I could see the stage so I was satisfied. I was hoping that I was close enough to see Kate though… I looked around, noticing how bright the lights were, yet how dark the stage was. What kind of introduction were her and her band planning?

My answer would come a half an hour later. I had finished my beer and calmed down by then, so I was just waiting for something to happen. Then, as soon as it hit 9pm, all the lights went dark in the arena. The crowd erupted into cheers and screams as I looked up at the stage. A spotlight on the left turned on, revealing who I assumed to be one of the band members playing on their electric guitar. She WAS a girl, but she wasn't Kate. As everyone behind me screamed and cheered for the intro, I watched on in enthusiasm. The guitar riff was then accompanied by the drums, the spotlight turning on to the right to reveal the drummer, who was a guy. Still no Kate, but I appreciated the fact that he too was wearing a flannel, I felt seen. I kept watching in awe as the two played, this beat was so… Heavy. She REALLY wasn't lying when she said she was a rock singer, but it was amazing! It looked like she was hyping up her appearance, and honestly it was working. I was so PUMPED, bouncing up and down in my spot in anticipation.

Finally, Kate made her grand appearance on the stage. The band had been looping the beat for a while but it finally seemed like we were about to get into the first song. As we were about to, Kate FINALLY unexpectedly ran out onto the stage, making everyone scream and cheer even louder. She began to sing the first song, and the crowd sang along with her. I unfortunately did not get that privilege since I knew none of the words, but god was I having a GREAT TIME. I jumped, I fist-pumped with the audience, screamed with them. And hey, I even learned some lyrics! She did a call-and-response near the end of the song, and I managed to pick up on it and finally feel like I was participating. Needless to say, by the end of the song I was craving more. Craving more the same way I craved ADVENTURE. It felt like I couldn't get enough of this performance, and we were only at the FIRST song. Kate's voice was so mesmerizing. I now understood why she told me she couldn't smoke earlier, who would willingly ruin a voice like that?

As the concert progressed, I began to feel more comfortable and loosened up. My anxieties began to wash away and I felt like I belonged here. It may have been a rough start, but I was FINALLY able to enjoy myself. I also learned the names of her bandmates finally too, as she introduced the entire team that was up on stage after the second song had concluded. The guitarist was called Emma and the drummer was called Luke. I wondered how they felt there on that stage, having to give it their all and play instruments without messing up as thousands watched them. I know I'd be stressed if I was in that position. Regardless, I continued to watch the show in awe, completely and utterly charmed by Kate's charisma and charm upon the stage. She was dancing, spinning, interacting with the crowd by waving or pointing out signs people had brought for her. The whole lot.

It also felt like her singing was speaking directly TO ME, especially with the powerful ballads she performed on guitar and piano. She sang about things I related to, things I didn't even KNOW you could write about in a song. I felt myself tearing up during one of the slow songs as I waved my arms along with the crowd. The words felt like they were speaking directly about my life and circumstances despite us never crossing paths. I was touched, inspired even. COULD I write stuff like this? Could I be a musician too? A tear rolled down my face as I pondered. I knew that no matter what happened after this moment in time, things would never be the same again. Whether or not I saw Kate again, I was going to forever remember this night as the night my life changed and inspired me to seek out more joy in my life through writing and music.

Though I was having the time of my life, one thing caught my attention as we neared the end of the concert. Kate hadn't spotted me the entire time in the crowd. I HAD tried to get her attention when she was looking in my direction by waving my arms or shouting her name. But clearly she didn't hear me because every time I tried she never saw or heard me, instead paying attention to other people in the crowd. I won't lie, it made me feel kind of jealous. Why wouldn't she pay any notice towards me? Did she… Forget about me already? Did I do something earlier that made her have distain towards me?! Oh God-! Now I HAD to talk to her after the concert, so I could make sure she was still cool with me. I still tried to enjoy the concert after the epiphany, and once I assumed the concert was over since the band had gone off stage, I tried to leave to find her. Though, I was pulled back to my spot by my sleeve by the girl I had been standing beside, making me jump.

"Hey, don't leave yet!"

"Huh, why? The concert is over, isn't it not?"

"Not yet, silly! There's still the encore! Y'know, the last song?"

"That… Wasn't the last song?" I was confused to high heavens.

"Nope! Artists will usually go off stage to build up hype by the crowd and then they'll come back out and sing one final song." I paid attention to the crowd, hearing that they were chanting "one last song!", and knew finally that the girl was right.

"Oh, alright! I'll stay then, thank you." As I turned back around the crowd began to erupt into cheers, and I spotted the band all walking back onto stage. It looked like it was time for them to do this "encore" thing. The band began to play what was definitely the heaviest song on the set so far, and Kate gave it her all. Her energy shone throughout the entire arena, reflecting back on the crowd as they began to jump and scream along to the chorus, as did I. As we reached the bridge, I felt they were building up to a huge guitar solo and I was SO READY to rock out, but as it was about to start… The music stopped. Myself and the others looked around, VERY confused to say the least. Looking back up, I could see that Kate was laughing and pointing at everyone.

"Gotcha! Gotchaaa! Gottccchaaaaa!" She was pointing at different parts of the crowd as she said it, making everyone cheer as she laughed along. I was inclined to laugh along too, I found it pretty funny. "Alright, so. I think you can tell that we've kind of stopped RIGHT at everyone's favorite part. Sue us, I know, that's fucking criminal. BUT, there is a reason, ok? Just hear me out here for a second. So, we've spoken as a band a lot about giving back to you guys, the fans, for everything you've done for us all this time to get us to where we are currently. So… Would one of you like to come up here and sing this final verse with us?" Everyone ERUPTED into screams and cheers, now realizing that they were going to have a chance to go up on stage and sing with her. I was stunned. There's no way she'd pick me, right? I mean, she hadn't seen me the entire time. Surely not…?

"Alright awesome! So, it might not have been obvious but I've been watching the crowd closely this entire time, and I already have who I want. He's right over there!" She pointed in my direction. "Security, it's the squirrel guy with the red hair, got a hoodie on with our band logo on it." Holy. SHIT. Before I could process what was going on, I was being dragged out of the pit by security and being brought up onto the stage. I was shaky, panicking. She HAD noticed me… And wanted me to sing on stage with her?! She smiled at me and took my hand, bringing me to the middle of the stage, where I could see the ENTIRE crowd staring at me. I wanted to curl up in a ball and die right there and then.

"Well hi there! Why don't you tell us your name?" She held the mic up to me, and I could barely stammer into it.

"I-I… I'm uh…. E-Elias…"

"Yes, indeed you are! The reason this wonderful person is up on the stage with us right now is because I actually met him earlier today and we had a great conversation in his house. I spotted him in the crowd tonight and knew I had to get him up here. This is your chance to get a real concert experience. Whaddaya say? Are you gonna do it?" The crowd cheered, but not as many cheers as earlier. I was thinking, frozen completely in place. Did I WANT to do this? …I had to do it. I had to prove I was brave. Prove I knew what I was doing. This was MY adventure, and I decided how it went.