FLASHBACK CONT…
Three months had passed and Aston and I were still going strong. After the initial hiccup in our relationship we’d taken a step back, doing our best to stay out of public view until I grew more comfortable with the scrutiny from the press and the boys’ fans.
“I’ve never been so nervous for a recital before,” I told my school friend Camila.
“You’re never nervous.”
“I know…” I sighed, wringing my hands in my lap.
We were sat backstage at the old theatre in our school, our annual end of year recital upon us. It was my last year at the school and I was both sad and excited for a final performance. Not only were my father and stepmom in the audience, but Aston too.
“Why are you so nervous?” Camila asked me.
“My boyfriend is here.”
“You mean the popstar?”
“Yeah,” I replied, “I’ve played for him before, but never a proper show like this.”
“You’ll be fine.”
“Also he’s never met my Dad and my stepmom before…”
“Jess, you’ve got this.”
I gave her a weak smile as she was called up to get ready to go on. Inside I was freaking out. I don’t know why but I was feeling particularly pressured to impress. It was after all just another school recital!
“Jessica Rego, you’re next,” someone called out about ten minutes later as Camila was just wrapping up her violin solo.
“Shit,” I muttered, standing up and smoothing out the dress I was wearing. It was a pretty formal event so I was in a full on gown, a navy blue silky number I’d found online. It was somewhat low cut in the front with a v-neck, and the bottom came up to mid-shin in the front, the back going all the way to my ankles. The dress was plumped out with some tulle, and I felt sort of like a Disney princess wearing it. Especially with my hair swept back in a fancy updo and teardrop earrings that shimmered under the stage lights.
“Your sheet music?” someone asked me as I stood in the wings of the stage.
“I don’t have any,” I smiled, watching them push the grand piano into the middle of the stage, Camila coming back off stage having just finished her performance.
“Good luck,” she grinned, winking at me as they announced my name and I was pushed out on stage.
I sat down at the piano and carefully fixed my dress so I could comfortably press the pedals of the piano. A quick glance to the audience had my heart in my stomach, the nerves becoming stronger as I sweat under the bright stage lights.
“You got this Rego,” I whispered, touching my fingers to the ivory keys.
The second I did I felt at home, the song flowing out of me as I got lost in the music. It was something I’d written in one of my classes, an upbeat tune about falling in love.
I guess it was kind of based on a true story.
When I was finished I stood up and gave a small curtsey, the crowd standing before me clapping wildly. I let out a deep breath and found my father and Caroline, and then my eyes caught Aston’s in the back of the crowd. After another quick curtsey I went off stage, giving Camila a hug as I sat back down.
One more performance and the recital was over, the head of the music school going out to wrap up the show.
“We’d like to hand out a few awards,” she announced, “Starting with most promising first year…”
I grinned over at Camila. She was a year younger than me and we’d both won that award as a first year. It was an exclusive little club we’d created.
“And finally, a special award for Excellence in Composition,” the head teacher announced, “The recipient of this award has always been curious about music and making new sounds. Tonight she performed an original piece, the only student to do so… I’d like to congratulate Miss Jessica Rego, and give her the Excellence in Composition award.”
I turned to look at Camila, shocked to be receiving this award. I’d never heard of anyone getting anything like this, and as I stumbled out on the stage, I’m sure my surprise showed on my face.
“Thank you,” I said, giving the head teacher a hug as she passed me a plaque.
“You’re incredible, we’re very proud of you,” she said.
In a daze I wandered back off the stage and out to the main hall for the post-recital reception.
“Jessica!!” Caroline called to me, waving me over frantically. I wandered over to her with my plaque, giving her and then my father a hug, “We’re so proud of you.”
“Thanks!” I grinned, passing her my plaque so she could have a look.
“Seems like you’ve got someone looking for you,” my Dad said, nodding into the crowd. I turned to see Aston stood there sheepishly with a bouquet of roses.
“Let me grab him,” I said, leaving my family and pushing into the crowd.
“Hey you.”
“Hi,” I grinned.
“You were… amazing… perfect… a revelation.”
“Thanks!”
Without another word Aston leaned in and pressed a hot kiss against my lips, leaving me dizzy as I stood there.
“Wow,” I blurted out.
“I love you Jess.”
My heart stopped as he said this. He’d never said those words to me before and I was starting to feel hot and flustered.
“You’re so beautiful and confident, and when you play the piano you mesmerize me. Like I’m in the stars. I love you.”
“I love you too,” I replied with a broad smile, grabbing the lapels of his jacket and kissing him again.
“These are for you,” he laughed as I pulled back and wiped some lipstick off his lips. I took the roses he was holding out for me and grinned, grabbing his hand.
“My family wants to meet you."
“Oh yeah.”
“They’ve been watching."
“Bit awkward,” Aston said, squeezing my hand.
I led Aston over to my Dad and Caroline, introducing them and then going off as a group for a glass of champagne. It was a relief for them to finally meet Aston, and I couldn’t be more pleased that they all got on.
--
Forty-five minutes later and it was just Aston and I, stood in a quiet corner of the room away from the glances of people who clearly recognized Aston.
“Now it’s just us… And the night is still young. What do you fancy doing?” Aston asked.
“Well…” I started, playing with the lapel of his jacket again, “I want to go back to your place.”
“My place?”
“Mmmm…”
“What are we doing at my place?” he asked.
“I don’t know…” I giggled, leaning up and snatching a kiss from his lips.
“You don’t know?” Aston coughed, smirking at me.
“I’m sure we’ll figure something out,” I winked, grabbing his hand and dragging him straight out the building.
It took less than twenty minutes from arriving at Aston’s house to be wrapped up in the sheets, making love for the first time.
It was like nothing I’d ever experienced before. I didn’t want to rush it. I wanted to savor every second of it, to remember every little detail, and to feel all the love that was rushing between us.
“I’m so in love with you,” Aston sighed as he pulled me into his arms later that night, our bodies exhausted yet satiated.
“I love you too.”
“For real Jess… you’re the one.”