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“Hello, Georgetown, this is a very special concert. I know there’s no introduction needed, so please welcomeThe Darkest Nightsto the stage!” my uncle yells over the microphone.
The venue explodes with sound, and I’m vibrating with excitement. I may need to lure Xav out to attack me after this, but right now, I’m happy. I’ve missed performing for my fans.
A small pressure on my back reminds my feet to move. “Atlas, help Layla across the floor,” Turner barks above the roar of sound.
Layla makes a noise of dismay, but I hear Atlas hiss at her to let him help. As a unit we walk across the floor, and Turner leaves me next to the cage. Bear himself helps me in, and someone else assists Layla. Glancing over, I see her watching me, even though it’s dimly lit.
The doors close and lock on both our cages, and then they’re both being raised into the air. “Break a leg!” Bear yells.
Grinning, I hold onto the sides, and Layla mimics me. The spotlight lights turn on, and I’m blinded for a moment. Taking a breath, I greet the audience, “Happy Valentine’s Day, everyone! We’reThe Darkest Nights, and we have a new member. Give it up for my sister, Layla. We have a couple of duets you may have heard on the radio lately, and I can’t wait to see what you all think.”
And… we’re off and running. The band sounds amazing, the lyrics are sung back to us, and I feel like I’m flying. Turning towards Layla, I grin as she turns to face me.
Surprising her, I announce the next song and Layla scrunches her nose. Laughing, I shrug, not even sorry.“In Grace We Go”is a song I wrote with her, and it’s amazing. I want her to have confidence in her music, because it appears there are people who don’t.
I want her to shine. “This is a song that we are planning to have on our next record,” Layla reveals, looking out at the crowd she can’t see. “But my sister has no chill. This is‘In Grace We Go.’”
The duet is flawless, and Layla looks pumped by the end of the song. This is a new hang up, because I’ve watched her sing as the lead singer inThe Velvet Escapeand kill it. I will find out who made my baby sister question her talent, and either kill them or poison them. Mama Rodriguez loves me, and Tesa is always down to punish douche-canoes.
Bear lets me out of the cage after I’m lowered as we say good night, and the crowd goes wild. We sang song after song for two hours, and it was incredible. Bear hands me a bottle of water, and I can’t help but hesitate. Pulling out a testing strip from his pocket, he calmly opens the sealed bottle, and dips it into the water. Turning on his phone flashlight, he shows me the results of the clean water.
Biting my lip, I start to feel bad, but he shakes his head. “Paranoia keeps you alive. I can assure you I’m not in the least bit offended,” he tells me, handing me the water.
Taking a deep sip to show I trust him, I swallow. “Thank you,” I tell him sincerely and Bear chuckles.
“Fucking ballsy, too. Take care of yourself,” he demands.
Reaching out and squeezing his arm, I see Turner waiting for me. “Let’s hang out with the band, answer a few questions for the media,” he suggests.
A microphone is provided for those in the media section, and while it’s not our usual, it fits ourneeds. Climbing the stairs of the stage, I exchange my headset microphone for a handheld one, and the club quickly quiets down, watching as we settle on stage
“Thank you for joining us, everyone,” Uncle Jordan says with a smile. “As a courtesy to the media who accepted our invitation, we will answer five questions. Please choose them wisely.”
I flash him a smile, because even now, he has the ability to scare the shit out of people.
The house lights come up in the club, and someone in the media section raises her hand. It’s Orla fromYoumagazine and I wait apprehensively for her question. Just because I like her doesn’t mean that she can’t still disappoint me.
The microphone is handed to her, and she makes sure it’s turned on. “Lennon, this question is for you. I hope you can forgive that it’s a two part question. They say never to ask a woman if she’s pregnant, but I noticed that you may have a baby bump? If it’s a food baby, please feel free to tell me that,” Orla says with a smile.
This was a question I expected, so I grin and answer. “Yes! I actually am expecting, and I’m really excited about it. I kept getting dizzy spells in October, and thought that it was related to how busy I was,” I tell her. “What is your second question?”
I hope that means I only have three more questions to answer, but I doubt that’ll be my luck.
“Congratulations! You’re glowing, and I’m so excited for you!” Orla practically squeals before toning it back. I fucking love that woman. “Okay, I’m gonna dial it back before I’m never invited to anything again. I’m happy you’re doing so well. You mentioned your sister is joining the band. What happened toThe Velvet Escape?”
Layla decides to take that question, taking a step forward to take the microphone. “Hi, Orla! I appreciate that question. I have lived a very sheltered life, and I started noticing little things when Atlas and Mav joined our band. I wanted to keep the limelight off my sister for her own safety, though we will not be responding to questions about that tonight,” she declines gracefully ahead of time.
“I grew up with Leo and Albert, and slowly they changed, continuously trying to stuff me back into a box. A box I had outgrown. So they left the band, and Atlas and Mav were always on loan. They are part of Lennon’s family and the band. My sister and uncle’s solution to this was to have me join, and I’m happy to spend more time with her.”
Orla nods, taking a closer look at my sister. I stiffen, wondering what she sees. I’m never not going to want to protect Layla.
“I am so glad you have a sister who sees the treasure you are,” Orla exclaims. “Your voice is perfection, and the duet you two sang tonight about grace was incredible.”
Layla blushes as she thanks her and I relax. The rest of the questions move quickly, and then we’re saying goodbye. The club begins to play music, and the bar opens for those in attendance.
“I swear,” I sigh. “You’d think a girl’s bladder would be a little bit larger, but nope.” Handing the half empty bottle to Turner, I shrug. “I’m going to run to the bathroom Bear told me was an employee only restroom before we go home.”
Turner frowns, exactly as was planned. “I’ll walk you—”
