2 STRINGS

When Worlds Collide

Friday, November 1

The day is here, and that's literally all I can think about. Lunar Drift. The concert. The music. Xolo. I feel like I've been holding my breath all week, and now I can finally exhale. Well, almost. I still had to get through a whole-ass school day and practice before we could leave.

I hopped into the shower, letting the hot water wake me up, but even then, I was buzzing with excitement. As I lathered my citrus-scented body wash, I couldn't help but hum one of their songs under my breath. When I finally got out and wrapped a towel around myself, I stood in front of the mirror, staring at my reflection.

"Tonight's the night," I whispered to myself. My curls were still damp, but I could already picture how I wanted to style them later.

At breakfast, I couldn't stop talking about the concert. My mom finally groaned, throwing her hands in the air.

"That band has made you crazy," she said, shaking her head but smiling anyway.

Greg, as usual, couldn't miss the opportunity to be a dick. "You don't even like the band; you just like the guys in it. Admit it, Jamie."

"First of all," I snapped, pointing my spoon at him, "you don't know shit. Second, their music is amazing. Just because you listen to trash doesn't mean everyone else does."

"Sure," Greg said with a smirk. "You're just going for the 'music.'"

And that's when I lost it. My mom had to step in before we started throwing food at each other.

---

At school, Melody and I were giggling like kids hyped up on sugar. We couldn't care less about the weird looks we were getting. Half the school thought we were losing it, but fuck them. Jessica, of course, couldn't keep her mouth shut.

"What a bunch of fucking weirdos," she said loudly as we walked past her locker.

Melody rolled her eyes. "She's still talking? I thought she'd finally gotten bored of her own voice."

"Apparently not," I said. We ignored her and kept walking. We weren't about to let Jessica ruin our day.

Practice after school was brutal, though. Coach decided to push us hard, probably because he was still salty about something from last week's game. My legs were jelly by the time it ended, and Melody wasn't looking much better.

"We're leaving right after this," Melody said, panting as she grabbed her water bottle.

"Duh," I said. "I'm not wasting any more time here."

---

Back at my house, we got ready together in my room. Melody decided on a sleek black jumpsuit with gold accents that hugged her slim frame perfectly. She styled her pixie cut with just enough gel to give it an edgy look, and she finished the outfit with chunky gold hoops.

"You look hot," I told her.

"Obviously," she said with a wink.

For myself, I went with a backless crop top in blue and orange, pairing it with high-waisted black leather pants that hugged every curve. My curls were styled into two high pigtails with strands loose in the front, framing my face in a heart shape. I laid my edges flawlessly, and when I checked myself out in the mirror, I couldn't help but grin.

"Your mom's gonna lose it when she sees this outfit," Melody teased.

"She'll get over it," I said, grabbing my bag.

Downstairs, my mom was waiting with her phone. "Picture time! Stand together, girls."

"Send it to me," I said after she snapped the photo.

Greg was leaning against the counter, and when Melody walked past him, his jaw nearly hit the floor.

"Jesus," he muttered, giving her an obvious once-over. "You clean up nice, Mel."

Melody smirked. "Thanks, Greg."

I rolled my eyes. "Keep it in your pants, Greg."

"Can't help it," he said, smirking. "Your friend looks good."

"Okay, gross. We're leaving," I said, dragging Melody toward the door.

---

When we got to the venue, the energy was electric. The line wrapped around the block, and everyone was decked out in their best concert fits. The bass from the opening act's soundcheck was already vibrating through the air. Melody and I couldn't stop bouncing on our heels, the excitement bubbling over.

The raffle was announced just before the show started. Every ticket had a number, and the winners would get to meet the band after the concert.

"Imagine if we won," Melody whispered.

But, of course, our numbers didn't get called. We groaned along with everyone else who lost, but it didn't dampen our spirits. We were here for the music, not some stupid raffle.

---

The concert itself was everything I'd hoped for and more. The lights, the sound, the energy of the crowd—it was like stepping into another world. And Xolo... God, seeing him in real life was something else.

He had this presence that filled the entire stage. His dark brown hair was tousled perfectly, his sharp jawline catching the light every time he turned. And those brown eyes? They seemed to pierce right through the crowd, like he was looking directly at me.

By the time the show ended, my voice was hoarse from screaming.

"Best night ever," Melody said as we shuffled out of the venue with the crowd.

"Hands down," I agreed.

---

But the night wasn't over yet.

As we made our way to the parking lot, Melody spotted a small group of people gathered near the side entrance.

"Do you think that's the band?" she whispered, grabbing my arm.

"No way," I said. But when I squinted, I saw him. Xolo.

My heart stopped.

"Come on," Melody said, dragging me toward them before I could protest.

Up close, the entire band looked even cooler than they did on stage. Xolo, of course, stole my attention immediately. He was tall, at least six feet, with a lean but muscular build. His beauty mark and sharp features made him look like he belonged on a magazine cover.

The rest of the band was just as impressive. There was a guy with curly blond hair and a cocky grin—Nile—and another with jet-black hair and a quiet intensity—Bobby. The two girls were stunning: one with vibrant red hair and tattoos covering her arms, Serine, and the other with long, sleek black hair and a mischievous smirk, Miley.

Melody didn't hesitate. "You guys were amazing tonight," she said, her confidence shining through.

"Thanks," Xolo said, flashing a smile that made my knees weak.

"You should come to our school's talent show tomorrow," Melody blurted out. "Jamie's performing."

I stared at her in shock. "Melody!"

"What? You're amazing, and they should see it," she said with a shrug.

Xolo raised an eyebrow. "You're a singer?"

"Uh, yeah," I said, suddenly feeling shy.

"You should've told me," Xolo said, his smile widening. "I'd love to hear you."

"Well, now you have an excuse to come," Melody said, handing him a flyer she'd stuffed in her bag earlier.

"Maybe we will," he said, glancing at the rest of the band. They all nodded in agreement.

As we walked away, I couldn't believe what had just happened.

"They're coming," Melody said, grinning from ear to ear.

"Don't jinx it," I said, but I couldn't stop smiling either.