Chasing Music (Childhood Crashing Book 1)

Chapter Two

Chapter Two

Annie

Two Years Ago

Sweat dotted my nose as the heat from the stage lights hit me. The club was packed, typical of a Saturday night. The body heat only made the already humid atmosphere worse.

My heart was racing.

I stepped towards the front of the stage, my right hand reaching for the mic. Our longtime fans went insane, cheering as I brought it towards my lips. It made my heart almost break, knowing what news I would be sharing with them all later tonight. However, it could wait. I wanted them to enjoy the show.

I wanted them to listen to us play our heart out.

I waved my hand not holding the mic; my eyes were shining as brightly as the lights above us. "Hey, y'all! We're 'Childhood Crashing'"

Someone snickered behind me, most likely Dez. An answering grin tugged at my lips, but i continued on.

"We have a short-,"last,"-show tonight. And hey, don't be afraid to let me know how much you enjoy it! Let me hear you!" I raised the mic in the air, a wide grin on my face.

The roaring crowd answered back and Mac let out an ecstatic whoop. Everyone was so energized tonight!

It was a three song set: starting off with 'Unbreakable' by Fireflight, then 'Playing God' by Paramore. After the second song I could feel the sweat rolling down the back of my neck. I caught my breath as the instrumentals started to wind down.

I held a hand high up in the air, spreading out my fingers to catch everyone's attention. Behind me, the rest of the band stopped playing. Once they were quiet the crowd hushed, curious. I felt a presence on my left side, and I didn't have to turn to know it was Taylor.

"We have some news before our last song," I swayed slightly, bumping my shoulder against his. Expectant gazes watched me from below us and nerves started to set in once more. He pressed back, that small gesture giving me so much comfort. "This will be our last performance together."

Sudden boos and disgruntled remarks surrounded us, but I tried my best to ignore the tears burning my eyes.

"But we do have an awesome farewell ready, if I do say so myself." A couple cheers from the audience helped to bolster my courage. "Our first, and last, original song. Performed for the first time here, tonight!" A new wave of cheers told us what they thought of that.

I moved over just enough to let Taylor get to the mic when he needed to. Heat radiated from his body, and when I met his gaze he held my stare.

Behind us Mac started drumming out a beat. The bass and guitar joined in next. Combined, they kept in time and wove a tune. I took a deep breath before I started singing, knowing my queue by heart.

"(Annie) Why can't you see this light of mine?

It always shines true.

A star in the night,

Always meant for you."

I was swaying to the beat, the music flowing through me. Taylor's eyes met mine as he stepped closer to the mic and began to sing. The deep timbre of his voice harmonized with my high tone for the chorus.

"(Duet) This Goodbye is a beacon

I left behind for you.

A calling card in the dark.

In the shadows, it shines through."

The crowd had quieted, astonished to hear Taylor's voice.

"(Taylor) Here I walk alone in darkness,