sparks; gracie abrams

chapter seven- the lucky one

TW: death and grief 

(be safe all <3)

Twirling around her kitchen humming, Ember Gray was trying to distract herself. Her first single and first officially released song had been out for 24 hours and it had been a hit. Gracie had reposted it to her story causing tons of her fans to spread the song like wildfire. Some other artists had liked or commented praises on her Instagram and some more intense fans were digging up everything they could find on the girl. Though there was nothing bad that Ember had to hide, she liked her privacy. Thea had gone through any social media with a fine tooth comb and her full name wasn't necessarily hidden, but it was readily available. Ember Gray Collins wasn't a particularly common name and the girl worried that they would dredge up a part of her she wasn't ready to talk about. She didn't think she would ever be ready. Another name goes up in lights, Like diamonds in the sky, And they'll tell you now, you're the lucky one. The song resounds through the kitchen, the lyrics hitting her different now. Ember knew she was lucky. This doesn't happen to anyone, yet it had to her. She was so beyond grateful, but that didn't stop the seeds of doubt and fear that sometimes engulfed her.

Having finally quit her job as a waitress, Ember tried to keep herself busy with songwriting and putting herself on do not disturb. Rowan and Leigh were happy for her but they also knew that when she was on DND, she didn't really want to be contacted. Besides, they had a celebratory listening party the night it came out and that was enough to convince both of them she was okay. The problem with today was that it was May 18th. Ember pushed that from her mind and tried to focus on a song she was perfecting. She had four songs from her notebook that had been approved by the label to begin production and was working on the others in an attempt to get music out fast. Jack Antonoff, another legendary producer, had been introduced to her by her label after both Gracie and Aaron spoke her praise and she loved working with him too. The two producers had such different sounds that blended really well in combination with her lyrics and they made her vision of an album start to piece together.

Groaning at her ever wandering mind, Ember closes her notebook, laying on the floor. She almost smiles at her own dramatics, internally shaking her head. She makes the subconscious decision to take a moment to ground herself on the wooden floors and lets her mind wander. What if Gracie never came to the bar that day? What if she had stayed in North Carolina? A more painful question comes to mind and instead of pushing it away like she normally did, she ruminates in it. What if they stayed in Maine just a little longer? Ember closes her eyes, remembering the beautiful landscape and freezing sea. The best bowl of lobster bisque in that little shack of a restaurant and the sweet owner. Why had they left? Ember had wanted to drive to New York City to start a new life, there was an argument, tears, and when she threatened to go on her own... They drove together. Looking back, she was 17. Even though she was about to graduate online school, she was still a minor. She couldn't rent anyplace even if she had enough money. She didn't even know anyone. She was stupid, but they went anyway. Except they didn't make it and she was forced to return to North Carolina until she turned 18 and everything was wrong and it was all her fault.

Ember opened her eyes, breaking her out of her spiraling thoughts, but tears still welled up, spilling onto her cheeks. Suddenly, her phone rung, which caught her off guard because her phone was off. Wiping her eyes, she answered before reading the contact name, thinking it was important. "Hello?" Her voice cracked, probably sounding like she was sick or crying. "Hey Ember, is everything okay? Are you sick?" Gracie's voice crackles through the phone and Ember's heart stops. She should've gotten herself together before answer, she should've read the contact name, why did she even answer the phone? "Hello?" Gracie's concerned voice pulled Ember back to the present, and she quickly wiped away the tears, attempting to compose herself. "Oh, hey Gracie. No, I'm not sick, I'm fine, just had to cough." Ember replied, her voice steadier now. There was a moment of silence on the other end, and Ember could almost sense Gracie's worry. Though they had only known each other for a few months, they had become fast friends, and Gracie had a way of seeing past Ember's masks and Ember melted at any request from the girl. "Mind if I swing by? I was thinking I'd grab some comfort food and we can hang out." Gracie said, her tone soft but persistent. The older girl figured the attention Ember was getting was getting overwhelming and wanted to help her. She knew how an influx of faceless people's opinions can really impact how you see your work and yourself.