Twisted Strings [MONSTER EDITING - Read at your own risk]

Showdown

I said I would post last two chapters together but I changed my mind. SO here it is :D show support!

Chapter 29: Showdown

There was audience, quite a huge one this time.

They had chosen a fine place for the finale; it was fitting for a concert. It was decided that the final showdown was supposed to be live as well. Christopher Rider was the guest star and a part of judges. To say I was excited would be an understatement. We weren’t the only bands; there were several others as well, each form different towns. I was dying the show to end nicely and without any accidents and after that, we were going to get a chance to meet Christopher himself. He had been my role model for a very long time and this opportunity was like a dream come true.

At the moment, Loud Howls was playing their turn. As much as I was pointedly ignoring them, I had to admit their idea of ‘creative music’ wasn’t bad, and even if they managed to win, it won’t be a surprise. They had made lyrics using names of many famous songs of the 90’s rock culture, specifically songs by Richard Marx and Guns n Roses, without using any other word as all.

Another band that played first and was from a different area had played twenty instruments in one song and it was superb performance. Usually, it was quite hard for just four people to do that much, and create a fine music from so many instruments. But they did a very good job.

I wondered if my idea would be like or not, if not I’ll be drowning our boat, if yes; we might be floating on the clouds.

‘’Guys, I have lots of expectations from you okay? Don’t disappoint me!’’ Mr. Flynn said to us, though his tone was encouraging and he had a huge smile plastered on his face. Among the six bands that were made form this town, four made it to finals, including us. And I bet he was happy with the three performances that went by. Now only we were left.

‘’Mr. Flynn, do you think they won’t call this idea irrational?’’ I asked him, voicing my concerns.  

‘’Violet, that’s not the time to doubt yourselves, and the rules stated that the judges don’t care how irrational the music is, but it should have some quality reflecting in it. Do you get it?’’ We nodded. The song of Loud Howls ended, I had expected Oliver to sing but to my surprise it was Melissa who did so. If they loose, I won’t say I was wishing for it, in fact I won’t care. But if they win, I would feel bad because I know what Melissa did and it would be un-fair, not just to us but all twelve today performing today.

As the curtains closed, we rushed to the stage. Oliver passed by me and I could feel his eyes on me. I didn’t look at him at all, I couldn’t bear it, specially now. Because this was going to be a very important time for us and I wasn’t risking my mind to wander elsewhere.

‘’Good luck guys,’’ Stella said,

‘’Remember Quinn, if we loose, no one would blame you-‘’ Rhodes said to me,

‘’- and if I win, forty percent credit goes to me,’’ I finished, grinning at him.

‘’You got it buddy!’’

We four began setting the stage with our things and took our positions.

I closed my eyes and remembered that day when I was coming back from hospital to talk to my band mates. I had seen a street performer who was hitting a metal can with old spoons; from far away he looked like a beggar asking people’s attention. When I had crept closer, I had listened to beats of music coming off and they sounded like something I would’ve danced on.

That gave me idea of making music from recycled materials, without using guitars, pianos or anything else. Just metals and glass…

When I shared my idea with the band, they agreed with me and we searched about this project. It took us a lot of time to perfect the beat, gather the material and there was a time when I thoughts this idea was too risky but they stopped me from giving up. We continued with it and there we were, ready to show it to the rest of the audience and of course, our judges. For us, it wasn’t just impressing them, it was regaining our respect, we had left a bad impression last time, we had to change that image as well.