It Started With a Song [editing]

Chapter 6 - Conversations & Surprises

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While One Direction was performing their third-to-last song, Grace tapped my arm and told me to follow her back out of the auditorium.  Seeing Scott's confused look, I whispered in his ear, “Another surprise, you’ll see.”  Smiling, I then followed my sister backstage. 

Once we were safely backstage, Grace turned to me and began to give me instructions.  “The boys are almost done with their third song, so you have to go get changed super quick if you’re going to make it for the last song.”

Earlier today, while I was practicing my songs that I was going to open with, Liam walked into my practice room and asked if I wanted to perform the last song, Best Song Ever, with them.  I had no clue how that would work, me singing it with them, so we spent a few minutes figuring it out before I continued practicing on my own.  They switched up who sang the different parts of the song so that I could sing Louis and Zayn’s bridge part.  I just hoped the fans wouldn’t hate it too much.

Grace, ever the resourceful manager, had somehow obtained some more clothes other than the dress for me to perform in, some that were a bit more casual – a blue and gray plaid button down and lighter skinny jeans that I would wear with my sparkly silver Converse.  I loved my Converse.  My hair and makeup had stayed the same since I performed, so I didn’t do anything to that.  I quickly threw my new clothes on, ran to the backstage area, and picked up my mike, starting to get nervous again.  The boys were finishing their second to last song, Live While We’re Young, as I waited backstage for Zayn’s line that signaled the end of the song.

“So now we’ve come to our last song,” Liam said, and Harry continued.  “You all have seriously been the best audience ever!”  Lots of cheers came from all the girls in the audience, including Olivia and Diana.

“So for the best audience ever we’ll sing the best song ever, Best Song Ever!”  Louis cut in, followed by Niall.  “And before we sing we’d like you to welcome back Lyla Rose!”  That was my cue to walk onto the stage.  While the crowd cheered again, a bit quieter this time, and Niall continued talking, I caught Scott's eye and he grinned up at me, giving me a thumbs-up sign.  I smiled back at him while the intro to the song began to play and Niall finished talking.  “Here we go, ya’ll, Best Song Ever!”  With that, Harry began to sing his part.

Maybe it’s the way she walked

Straight into my heart and stole it

Through the doors and past the guards

Just like she already owned it

Continuing the song, Zayn sang his part, and then we all sang the chorus together.  The song continued until we reached the bridge.  I stepped forward to center stage and sang.

You know I know you know I’ll remember you and

I know you know I know you’ll remember me

Louis joined me on the second part, the part that Zayn usually sang.  I felt strangely relaxed singing up on stage with all of the boys, almost as if I belonged up here.  As we all together finished the song, the crowd started cheering like mad.

“Thank you, Miami!  Have a great night!” the boys chorused, then the stage lights went out for a few seconds, giving all of us a chance to escape offstage.  I followed the boys down a hallway to an open area where I guessed that they were going to meet their fans.  Before any fans could come in, though, Grace opened the door and led Scott, Diana, and Olivia inside.  Olivia ran straight to me and gave me another huge hug, the second one today.

“AAAAHHHH You were so amazing and I was watching you and the boys and I was like ‘Ohmygosh my feels are like aaaaahhh’ and yeah you were amazing did I say that already?” she said excitedly.  I think she must have had some Mountain Dew or something, because she was really hyper.  I just shook my head and smiled at her.

“Uh, thanks, Olivia,” I tried to tell her, but she was already moving on to the boys.  Whatever.  I turned to Diana and Scott, who simultaneously hugged me.

“How do you possibly do such a good job up there?  Like seriously, you are an amazing girl,” Diana said.  Scott nodded at me, smiling, and I suddenly felt all shy again.  Diana suddenly pulled me into a corner, and I gave her a curious look.  “What was that for?”

“We need to talk, young lady,” she said in a teasing voice.  “Why were you blushing just now when Scott smiled at you?”

“I was not blushing,” I stated adamantly, reaching up to touch my cheeks.  They did feel slightly warmer.  “Well, even if I was, I have no clue.  Why do you even ask?”

Diana shook her head at me.  “Oh, no reason.  We just need to have a long talk when we get back home.”  Oh, great, sounds like such fun.

“Hey, Lyla!” Liam called to me, “How about you stay around while we greet our fans?  Please?”  I looked to Grace to see if I could, and when she nodded her head I walked over to join them.  “Sure,” I answered.

He gave me a hug.  “Oh, and great job, again, by the way.  How does it feel to be an official performer,” he asked, referring to his earlier comment.

I laughed.  “What is this, an interview?  I love performing.  It has got to be the best job ever,” I finished, and all the boys started laughing. 

“Oh, it is, Lyla.  Mostly.  I love performing, too, and the fans are seriously amazing,” Liam responded.

“Speaking of fans,” Louis interrupted, “here they are.”  I turned to ask Grace a quick question, but she and my friends had disappeared.  And now I was stuck here with One Direction.  Not exactly the worst thing in the world!