On Finding Chance

Part 1 - Chapter 8

Everything is going according to plan. They have been in the venue for more than an hour now and the band just finished their sound check. The main stage is small and circular. It is located at the center of four mosh pits and at the back is a huge screen separated into four banners, one for each band member. The drums and keyboard are set. The guitar and bass is located backstage because Seth and Vincent will start the concert with their respective instruments.

45 mins until show time. All of them are in the waiting room; ready to rock and roll. Seth and Vincent are watching the latest episode of Game of Thrones. Harvey is taking another nap with his headphones on and the ever talkative Ethan is playing with his drum sticks while chatting with Madie.

"Hahahaha! C'mon! You should sing." teases Ethan.

"Hell no! My voice is exclusively for the shower. Haha!"

"Tsk! No fair. Let's have a duet during my solo performance."

"Nope! It's a solo, not a duet. Duh?"

"C'mon! Please?"

"NO"

"HAHAHAHAHAHA! I have my ways."

"OMG! I know that smile. I smell evil. What are you planning? C'mon! Spill it!"

"Shhhh! Harvey's sleeping. Hahahaha!" mouths Ethan and points to his best friend.

Madie punches his arm and walks away. While at the door, she stops and gives Ethan her most evil look to warn him, then smiles before completely leaving the room.

Ethan falls silent. His heart is beating fast. It has been years since he started feeling this way. He thinks of her a little too often, he cares for her a little too much. Seeing her smile can make his bad day a little brighter. She makes him fall in love with her a little each day. But, he keeps it all to himself. Loving her is a secret he does not intend to reveal, especially to her brother. The bro code states, no dating of bro's exes. But a higher rule states, no dating of bro's sisters. His friendship with Harvey is more valuable than his feelings for his sister. Besides, he knows for a fact that he will be dumped. Madie has already given her heart to someone. She is just unaware of it as of the moment.

30 minutes left. The band and production crew gathered in a circle and held hands. As always, the director leads the prayer.

"Lord Jesus, this is it. Months of practice, blood and sweat go down to this moment. Thank You for the nice weather. Thank You for the people gathered here today, the band, the crew, the audience. Guide us all as we do our respective jobs tonight. We pray that there won't be any technical problems, that the band can perform well, that Harvey won't encounter any difficulties, that the audience enjoys the show we prepared especially for them, and most importantly, that You will be glorified and praised through this concert."

And they all say, "AMEN".