Rock-And-Roll Eyes

Chapter Twenty-Four

As it turns out, getting deported did everything but tarnish our reputation. It had grown exponentially when we were in Dublin. Our shows were bigger now than ever before, and people knew our names. We were no longer a small band nobody knew about, we had become something Bristol citizens knew and enjoyed.

With success comes turmoil. It seems as if life is one issue after another, especially when you're in a band such as ours. Life constantly tosses problem after problem at us without breaks. Sometimes, the problems can only be solved through sacrifice.

"I was thinking of learning to play the guitar," Molly said, "Perhaps I could start my own music career."

The two of us were walking towards The dancehall for a show. The sun had yet to set, casting a golden light across the street. It made Molly's hair look truly golden as if Rumplestilkstien himself had spun it.

"You can't go wrong with guitar. Did you ask Oscar about joining the band?" I asked.

Molly rubbed the back of her neck, "No, I can't."

"Why not?"

"Oscar and I broke up last night," Molly sighed.

I felt my heart leap at the same time as it broke for my best friend. Their relationship had always caused me pain, though I don't know why. Yet, Molly was my best friend and I would always be there for her through anything. Even when the relationship caused her pain, so long as her heart was broken so was mine. I buried my feelings and comfortingly wrapped an arm around her shoulders, "Aw, I'm sorry, Molly."

"It's alright, honestly," Molly replied, "I was planning on breaking up with him once he got back. When he came to my house while you were still sleeping, he brought it up first, and we kinda mutually agreed that we weren't right for each other."

This was the greatest news for me. A relationship I hated had disbanded on good terms, meaning two of my dearest friends would remain friends, hopefully without any awkwardness. It thrilled me. I did my best to hide my joy and replace it for sympathy.

"That's good, then," I said, "You're still friends?"

"Yeah, we're still friends."

It became difficult to hide my joy. I cleared my throat and wrapped my fingers around my jacket, directing my gaze to the street in front of us. The dancehall came into view a few seconds later. There was a long line waiting to get in, waiting to see us. A sign hung above the door announcing our performance. It was the first time we had our own sign, let alone a line of people that came for the pure purpose of seeing us.

"Fancy that," I muttered, "A line of people waiting to see us."

Molly grinned, "You're bloody famous, you are."

"Nah, not yet."

Truth be told, I was beginning to change my view on this band. I could see why Vincent and Oscar were sure we really would make it to the top. We had something special. I don't know what it is, I just know the feeling. We brought an amazing feeling- a beautiful feeling- every time we played. It was a sense of revolution, love, happiness, hope, and an overwhelming sense of pure musical freedom. We were fun, free, and happy, there was no better combination.

Molly and I went in through the back. She had to go out into the hall while I met the rest of the band. We went our separate ways in the back. I headed down the familiar damp halls with stone walls and wooden floors. It felt like home.

Oscar, Vincent, and Benedict were waiting for me in the back room. They all looked panicked. When Vincent saw me, he threw up his hands and exclaimed, "Bloody hell, Lia, we thought you weren't coming."