Chapter 52.
"Laurel, you are on in,
3
I'm terrified.
2
I can't do this.
1"
Why do people think I can do this?
Those thoughts raced through Laurel's head as the stage manager counted down for her to go on.
She had been in Nashville for the last week with her family. They were all waiting anxiously in front of the stage about 5 rows back. Hunter, unfortunately, was doing a pop-up show, so he wasn't there. Which in turn meant Laurel was freaking out.
"Go get 'em, Laurel" Hunter said on the phone to her about 2 hours ago. Those words were now echoing in her mind.
"It's all yours, Laurel," the stage manager said.
She started walking up the steps to the stage. As she neared the top step, she could hear all of the people there. People there for her. She was stunned to say the least, but she already had her little breakdown moment earlier, so she had to keep it together.
She walked on the stage and went over to the microphone. As soon as people saw her, they started screaming, which caused a chain reaction of screaming. Laurel smiled because she was always the person who set off the chain reaction screaming at concerts she went to.
She spotted her family and waved a little bit.
"How are y'all doing?" She said into the mic.
She was answered with screams.
"As you probably know, I have no album or anything, so I'll be singing mostly covers, but I might throw in a few of my own."
And they screamed again.
"Do y'all like Miranda Lambert?"
Everyone yelled 'YES!"
"Why did I even ask? Everyone likes Miranda Lambert. So I'm going to be singing one of my favorite songs of all time. Here's Automatic."
The crowd roared.
The music started.
And Laurel felt more nervous than she ever felt in her life
"Quarter in the pay phone drying laundry on the line..."
Laurel sang the whole song, just barely hitting the correct notes. Fear took over and she felt herself loose her comfort on stage.
The song was over, but her nerves were still running wild because she knew she had to keep singing.
She was unsure of herself. She realize that the only way she going to be comfortable up there again she needed to make it her own. You can't make it your own while you cover someone else's songs.
She looked over at the members of her band behind her, Cam (Lead guitar), Pete (drums), Harry (bass) Dave (basically anything but usually mandolin) and Tim (keyboard or another guitar player), and quietly said "Good Road".
They all nodded and started playing the intro to the song. Laurel's song.
"I'm going to sing a song I wrote, if that's okay with you guys" everyone cheered louder than they had before.
"School's out
Free at last
Heading out already
My bags are packed
People say that I'm crazy
But it'd be crazy not to leave
Following my dreams
Got some good people with me
Not turning back
Because I have come too far
Not at the finish
But i have a head start
Sunshine beating down hard
Driving down the highway in a beat up car
Radio playing that country station
Heading towards our destination
I might not get where I want to go
But I know it's gonna be a hell of a good road
Scenery changes as we head down
From way up north to the deep deep south
Nashville bound with no plan in sight
Guitars around a fire strumming through the night
Hoping to succeed
Got everything I need
Trying to make it happen
But who knows if it will
All I know is I'm leaving
For the music and the thrill
Sunshine beating down hard
Driving down the highway in a beat up car
Radio playing that country station
Heading towards destination
I might not get where I want to go
But I know it's gonna be a hell of a good road
Feet in the sand with
Our minds clear and free
Rain pouring down but it don't bother me
As long as you are by my side
Everything will be alright
Sunshine beating down hard
Driving down the highway in a beat up car
Radio playing that country station
Heading towards our destination
I might not get where I want to go
But I know it's gonna be a hell of a good road
I get to the Bluebird
And sit on stage
Sing from the heart
and just play and play
Notes flowing into the air and I see
Now there is nothing stoping me"
That was the best feeling she had ever felt. Completely open and vulnerable because people were hearing her innermost thoughts, but that weight was lifted off of her shoulders. Best part? People liked it.
~~~~~~~~~~
Laurel's POV
After I got off stage I ran of to find my family. I didn't have to run far, because they were standing right at the gates to get backstage.
"You were amazing!" My mother squealed. She pulled me into the tightest hug I have ever received. So tight I couldn't breathe.
"Crushing. Organs." I managed to mutter without oxygen.
"Oh, sorry honey." And she let go.
"I didn't know you actually had any talent" Jake said.
"Thanks... I think."
"So, you wrote that song?" My dad asked.
"Yep. Well I didn't write the music, but I wrote the lyrics."
"Then who wrote the music?" Brian asked.
"A combination of Cam and Tim"
"Where's Hunter?" My mom asked.
"He just did a pop up show, but he's heading here to perform."
"Are you gonna stay here and watch him?"
"No. You guys probably want to do some sightseeing and I don't want to abandon you guys. And plus we'll see him at dinner."
"Ok then. So where do we want to go first?"
"The Opry"
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Again, sorry this took so long but I've been really busy lately and I'm only going to get busier.
And there was no Hunter is this chapter.... How do you feel about that?
Hope y'all liked the chapter?
Don't be afraid to comment and vote:)
Hearts and Rockets,
Julia (@heyhunna)