The crowd cheers, many of them knowing who we are because of the video. The guys and I wave, not really sure how to address the audience. None of us are cool or have ever been popular or done anything in public. So it’s all new to us.
As the manager gives a short summary of who we are, my eyes roam the crowd until I see Raven standing with her friends. She has a bright smile on her face, giving me a small wave. I smile back, feeling loads better.
“Thank you,” I say into the mic. I bow my head. “Before we begin, I’d like to dedicate this song to a very special person. We wouldn’t be here right now if not for her and her amazing talent. Thank you, Little Miss Monkey.”
Even though the lights are dimmed, I see Raven blush. But she can’t get rid of that wide grin, no matter how much she tries.
Beck gives us the beat and the next second, it’s like something takes over me. No longer am I nervous or shy or hesitant. I turn into a legit musician, grabbing the mic as I belt into it. My hand strums the guitar like I’ve been doing this for years.
And when the guys harmonize with me, I feel the walls vibrating, as if they want to be part of this.
The crowd cheers, dances, and laughs. They look like they’re having the time of their lives. Some are even singing along with us.
Raven and her friends dance as well. Seeing the sweet, beautiful smile on her face gives me a strength I didn’t know I had, and I put even more of myself into the song. And it’snot only me. The guys are vibing so well with the crowd that it almost feels unreal. Like it’s not possible for us to do so well or for the people to enjoy it this much.
Many kids are filming on their phones and I know they’ll post it online. Will that make us famous? I’m not sure if I’m ready for that.
“Encore!” a guy shouts from the audience once we’re done. The rest of the crowd joins him.
The manager swallows as he glances at his tablet, where he must have the roster of who’s performing tonight. When he tells the crowd there isn’t time for an encore, a loud, collective boo is heard.
We’re forced to leave the stage, but before we do, we wave at the people. Beck gives them air kisses while Jasper and Leo bow.
“Dude, that was fire!” Beck says once we’re backstage. “Like, such a rush.”
“Right?” Leo says.
Jasper plops down on one of the chairs. “The people loved us. They loved the song. This was the best day of my life.”
I smile with the rest of them. I wouldn’t say it was the best day of my life—kissing Raven at camp was—but it’s a close second.
We leave the backstage area and mingle with the crowd outside. Several people want to take selfies with us or ask for our autographs. It’s pretty neat. Most people are just dancing and jumping along with the music of the next band, though.
I make my way to where Raven and her friends are bobbing to the fast beat.
Raven flings her arms around me. “You were amazing!”
“Yeah?”
“Of course.”
Her friends compliment me as well.
I smile. “Thanks. All these bands sound pretty good.”
Raven bangs her shoulder into mine. “Not as good as you guys.”
That makes me laugh. “That’s all because of your amazing song.”
“Thanks. And thanks for dedicating your performance to me.”
I nod. “All the praise goes to you.”
We dance together, my friends, her friends, and many kids from school. This is really a lot of fun, the most I’ve had in a long time, excluding last night at the party. It’s crazy to think that only yesterday, we were just a band. Now we’re a band that had our first gig.
“Anyone want a drink?” I ask the girls and guys. I’ve been dancing so much I didn’t realize I haven’t drunk anything since before we got up on the stage.
They tell me they’re good.
