𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵 𝗺𝗲 𝗶𝗳 𝗜 𝗳𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝟮 ⁑ t.holland

7. the sound of your voice

Brooklyn looked over at the host, smiling politely as he spoke about her past album. She watched as he talked so highly of it. He talked about every song, every detail, every positive thing about it, but Brook remembered the blood, sweat, and tears she put into it and remembering every detail sent a chill down her spine.

Although she wanted to snap and tell him to get it over with, she didn't. She kept a polite smile and tried blocking out every word. She succeeded for the most part but, every so often, she could hear him talk about another song and it'd send a tidal wave of memories crashing down on her all over again.

People had been planning for Brook to make a radio appearance. They were prepping for a live performance of her song "Dream Team" however, she had something else in mind.
She stayed quiet, waiting for her cue and finally, it came.

"You might be thinking "Derek, why are you going on and on about Brooklyn Gray's latest album?" and it might just be because she's sitting right next to me right now!" He spoke into the mic with the fake enthusiasm every radio host has. "Brook, it is lovely having you here today, how are you?"

She leaned into the mic and giggled softly. "I'm good, Derek, how about you?"

He nodded his head and smiled, looking over to her. "I'm very good, thank you! Can you tell us what you're planning now that the "All for you" tour is over?" 

She sighed and rested her elbows on the table in front of her. "Honestly, I just wanted to wait and see where the music takes me. I don't have much planned for now, but I know it'll come to me soon enough."

"I mean, that's smart" Derek commented, gesturing his arm out to her even though no one would be able to see it. "You've been working non stop with "Warning" and then "All for you", you deserve this kind of break"

She nodded, a more genuine smile pulling at her lips when hearing him talk. She knew it could've just been a part of the script, but it still felt nice hearing someone say it out loud. "Yeah, I definitely need one" She joked, Derek laughing.

"Look, we were told that you'd be singing a live version of "Dream Team"," The host started in a more serious yet positive tone. Brook nodded, humming. "But, you've got something else planned for us, is that true?"

"Yeah, if you don't mind" Brooklyn added.

"Of course not," Derek spoke genuinely. "Can you tell us a little bit about what you're gonna sing for us?"

For the next few minutes, she spoke about the new song which she seemed more interested in. Unlike Dream Team or her other singles, she spoke with enthusiasm and excitement. People could tell, just by the sound of her voice, that she really liked this one.
Once she had talked all about how she wanted to start something new, wanting some kind of fresh start, they told her she could start whenever she wanted.

With a nod of her head, she pulled her guitar out from its case and wrapped the strap around her shoulders. 
"Ladies and gentlemen," Derek said, leaning into the mic but still keeping his eyes locked with hers. "I now present to you... Paper Hearts by Brooklyn Gray"

* start the song now *

The track started to play, Brooklyn adjusted herself in her chair a little, the mic still close enough to her mouth, a second one placed lower, closer to her guitar.
She strummed each chord gently, nodding her head along to the rythm of the song before lifting her chin up again.

She took one last deep breath and closed her eyes. She only had one shot at doing this right, she couldn't mess it up. "Remember the way you made me feel? Such... young... love... but..." Brook sang softly, the sinking feeling in her chest coming back now that he was all she thought about. The memories, the heartache, that empty feeling she felt once she knew he was gone for good. It was all coming back to her.