Page 77 of Strum Me

Just talk to me, Brad.

***

“Ben. I want you to listen to me very carefully, okay?”

“Yes, Mom.”

“Now, I’m letting you come today because you’ve promised that you’re going to be a good boy. You’re going to listen to me, you’re going to listen to Carrie, and you’re going to do whatever you’re told. It’s going to be very busy there, and it will be easy for you to get lost. And you don’t want that, do you?”

“No, Mommy. I promise I’ll behave.”

“Good, because Mommy will be working. She’ll have to watch the shows and do some interviews and I can’t be watching you the whole time. If you don’t think you can be a good boy, you’re going to have to stay here with Carrie instead. Maybe she can take you to a movie or lunch and the playground.”

“No, Mommy! I want to come with you and Uncle Brad and everyone else!”

“Okay. Remember, you promised. Now, you have your bag packed?”

“Yes, Mommy, it’s my new Spider-Man one that Uncle Brad gave me yesterday.”

“Yesterday?”

“Yes, he came over while you were in the shower and he said he bought this for me and that I’m his special superhero because I’ve been so brave with my broken arm and not complaining even though he knows it must hurt.”

“That’s nice of him.”

“But then he left really quickly when I said you would be out of the shower soon.”

“Well, he’s very busy with his concert today.”

“That’s what he said too.”

“Okay, baby, let’s go!”

“Let’s go, Mommy!”

***

The annual Snow Festival in Edinburgh is one of the high points of the winter music scene in Europe. Held at Dalmeny House, the main property on the estate is a gorgeous Gothic house lording over a field that can fit almost fifty thousand hardcore music fans who aren’t afraid of braving the cold.

It’s the third year in a row The Rock Chamber Boys have played, and their first year headlining. It’s a big thing. It’ll set up huge momentum for the sales of their new album, and the exposure with the online videos that go viral will be pivotal to the success of their big tour come summer.

At 6 p.m. tonight, when the sun sets, the fans will be spoiled with this year’s best new artist Grammy winner, and a show that will change their lives.

Just like it changed mine.

One giant stage is set up to the right side of the back entrance of the castle. Two fifteen-foot screens on either side of the stage hang like a ship’s white sails, pulled tight, ready to project back to the audience the goings-on on stage.

All along one side of the field are tents set up for the artists, for their equipment and crew, and a section for fans to meet the bands.

Dennis and Hailey lead the guys to their tent and rush off to make sure everything is ready for their set.

I hang back holding Ben’s hand, squeezing tight, unable to contain my excitement despite my issues with Brad. It’s 11 a.m. and the field is starting to fill with ticket holders, lined up from overnight to get the best spot to catch a glimpse of their favorite artists.

“Isn’t this so exciting?” I say to Ben. As crazy as this trip has been, I have no regrets pulling him out of school and taking him along even with his injury. I’ve never believed in giving Ben a sheltered life. And I know he’ll carry memories of this tour with him for the rest of his life.

“Okay, honey, now you go sit over there in that corner with Carrie. She’s been very nice to babysit you today, and make sure your arm doesn’t ache too much. So, you be good okay?”

“Okay Mommy, I’ll see you soon.”