Rhythm of Heartbreak (COMPLETED)

Chapter 15

This is a version of him that was kept secret from the public and Rick knew he was not normal. He doesn't mind because he has not fantasized that someone out there would accept his ugly past. The very past that he's trying to leave behind always finds a way to creep into his consciousness making him feel unworthy of love.

He is broken. He knew that by now, Bennie and Alexander knew that too, and in their annoying way, they wanted to help.

A year ago, this idea must have been repulsive for him, but Bennie and Alexander brought a stronger argument this time. 

Rick's eyes averted to Jess as she tried to move the dreamcatcher string that hung on her pretty head.

Jess Lynn, he thought. You are the sole reason why I am here, and I am damn curious why that is. What's making me drawn to you? Your curious eyes and bewilderment when I surprise you, your uncontrollable blush when I compliment you. Your rawness and your talent. I have seen your hard work, practicing every day for that Awards night thinking that I wasn't there, but I was there, I was there watching you and every day I found myself wondering about you. Have you seen how much admiration I poured when we took the stage together? How did you and I compliment each other's voices? The way you utter the lyrics of the song makes my heart ache. Singing the words out mirroring my own experiences. How could that be possible? Could that be the reason why I linger with you, Jess?

Rick cleared his throat as he whisked the thought away. He smiled again; this time her words were uttered to his memory "You are even more beautiful when you smile..." she said that to him without biases and agenda and for some reason it struck him.

"Thank you, everyone, for the warm welcome, what a great opening night right? Are you all enjoying the festivities so far?" Rick asked as he engaged with the audience.

A loud Yes echoed and Rick continued. "This year we are celebrating young artists like you and so, it is just right that we cultivate these talents to see your full potential thus, instead of a solo performance from me tonight, why don't we offer you a magical duet from one and only Jess Lynn" he announces.

Jess heard the deafening clap, but her senses were numb. He felt her life force leave her body completely, her blood drained making her look pale.

Panic rested in her eyes as she gazed upon Rick, who was supportive on the stage, smiling at her as a form of encouragement, mouthed the words "You can do it" as she tried to lip-read what he said.

"Make way for Jess Lynn, ladies and gentlemen!" He uttered again, making her feel even more embarrassed.

Jess had no choice but to walk towards the stage as she silently prayed that the ground would swallow her whole.

When she finally made it to center stage, Rick extended his arms and reluctantly she reached out as he gently pulled her closer and then he whispered.

"Relax... You know this song."

Her eyes were accusing but Rick only smiled.

"Why are you doing with me?" She whispered back.

"It's all good, trust me" he uttered as he walked away heading to the lead guitarist. Jess saw Rick whisper something and nodded then he tapped the guitarist on the shoulder as he gave a thumbs up, signifying they were good with his song choice.

Jess's hands felt sweaty, she gulped nervously as she watched Rick move back to where she was standing.

"Are you ready?" He asked.

Before she could even reply, she heard the strumming of the guitar, she listened carefully and realized she knew the song. Classic, old melody that Jess used to sing all the time. She remembered singing it at one of her practice sessions before the Awards night.

Hold on, so Rick was there? She inwardly thought.

Jess then heard Rick take the first verse and readily she was compelled to blend in.

You know I can't smile without you
I can't smile without you
I can't laugh, and I can't sing
I'm finding it hard to do anything
You see I feel sad when you're sad
I feel glad when you're glad
If you only knew what I'm going through
I just can't smile without you

Rick walked towards Jess and then he extended his arms yet again pulling her and twirling her like they were dancing, his arms engulfed her as they swayed comfortably for everyone to see. His eyes feasted on her with adoration and Jess gave up on her inhibition as she tried to enjoy this moment with Rick. Their melody also invited the audience to sing along, and everyone raised a torch using their mobile phones as they continued singing.

You came along just like a song
You brighten my day
Who would have believed that you were part of a dream
Now it all seems light years away

With Rick's signal they were giving and taking, each lyric sang confidently, and it made Jess relax.

They continued to sing the chorus and blended effortlessly. Rick knows how to do the arrangement professionally, as she was witnessing it in real-time, and she can't help but feel awe every time she does this with him. His voice is beautiful and not overpowering, and in return, it was perfectly done for both, their rendition was magical.

As they uttered the last lyric, their eyes were speaking.

I just can't smile without you. 

They held on to the last note as their hands were clasped together. Jess suddenly thought of changing her range and decided to do a head voice, ending the song in an epic blast.

The audience went wild after their performance and just like that Jess embraced Rick without further thought, her later excuse would be a spur of the moment. Rick warmly smiled at her too, he raised both their hands for the final bow, and another clap was heard as they walked away from the stage heading to the exit.

Jess was smiling as Rick supported her towards the stairs, they were on the edge when her smile faded.

Below them was Shaun blocking their path with his angry eyes penetrating them.

"Jessie, you and I need to talk" he stated.

Jess looked at him and saw the seriousness in his voice, she called her Jessie, so we are back to using old pet names now? She thought mockingly.

She then felt Rick's hand tightened within her.

One way or another she needs to confront Shaun, it's now or never. She gazes upon him again. This time she knows exactly what she needs to do.