Chapter Four - Cruel words
1238 Words
Alena
Ryker was due on stage in half-an-hour, but he was nowhere in sight. He was here when I went to meet the new girl. Becca, she seemed like a nice girl, she was only nineteen, so this would be a good experience for her. Her boyfriend was here to, to support her which I found adorable.
“Where is Ryker?” I asked James.
“I don’t know, he disappeared not long after you left,” He said.
“OK. I will go and find him,” I sighed.
I tried his phone, but I soon realise he left it in the green room. I went in search for him, checking every room, but he was nowhere. My eyes then fell on an opened that door, that looked like it led to the roof. I headed towards it, going up the three flight of stairs until I reached the roof. I soon see Ryker.
“Ryker, are you OK, baby boy?” I asked, worried, making my way over to him.
He turned to face me, giving me a small smile.
“Sorry, my anxiety is playing up,” He sighed, “Thought maybe a little fresh air would help,” He added.
He had been doing OK recently; his Anxiety was staying at bay, but it is unpredictable. It can creep up when he doesn’t expect it.
“I am sorry, my love,” I said, “Have you had an attack?” I added.
“No, it hasn’t come to that, thankfully,” He said, wrapping his arm around me.
I rested my head on his shoulder, slipping my arm around him. He kissed the top of my head.
“Having you here, always makes it better,” He said.
“I am not going anywhere,” I said, kissing his cheek.
He refuses to take anything for it, but that is his choice. I think a part of him his scared he becomes addicted or something, especially with the way he used to use drugs and because his “parents” issues with addiction when he was growing up. I think he is scared he will end up like them, but he won’t.
“Thank you,” He said, “I love you,” He added.
“I love you too,” I smiled, pressing a soft kiss to his lips.
He smiled as I did, kissing back. We pulled apart but stayed where we were. A silence between us, but I knew he was trying to keep calm and enjoy the fresh air, so I don’t mind the silence. I would give him as long as he needed.
“We should head back in, because I am due on stage baby girl, and you have work to do,” He said.
“I do, and I want to introduce you to Becca and her boyfriend Simon before you go on if that is OK?” I asked.
“Yes, that is fine,” He smiled, “I hope she is good and that way tomorrow you can watch the show from side stage,” He smiled.
“I hope so,” I said, “She showed me some of her work, and she is very talented, so I have a feeling she will do just fine tonight,” I added.
Ryker took my hand in his, and we headed back inside. He was due on stage in less than fifteen minutes. He was ready, it was just a case of him getting side stage, and me getting onto the floor to start working.
We headed to the green room for a minute.
“Becca, Simon,” I said, motioning them over.
They smiled, coming towards us.
“Ryker, this is Becca and Simon, guys, this is Ryker,” I said, introducing them.
It was a quick introduction, but it was pleasant. Becca thanking Ryker for the opportunity before we all had to rush off to start work.
“You ready for this, Becca?” I asked as we got into position.
“Hell yeah,” She said confidently.
“Good,” I giggled.
I chatted with some of the fans at the front until Ryker came on stage. Everyone being lovely about Ryker and me. The intro music soon started, and the place went wild. I smiled, hearing all the excitement.
“Hello everyone, did you all miss me?” Ryker chuckled.
The place responded with screams and cheers.
“I will take that as a yes?” He smiled, “A lot has changed since last year, uh?” He added, his eyes falling on me.
And I could also feel the fans’ eyes on me, them knowing exactly what he was meaning. I laughed, shaking my head and smiled up at him. He gave me a quick wink, followed by blowing me a kiss. I could feel my entire face heat up, the fans behind me making aww sounds and cheering.
“I think I may be embarrassing Alena, I should stop,” He laughed, and I nodded, “Anyway, let’s get to it. I am excited to be playing for you all tonight,” He added.
Yes, he was charming, but I was glad when he turned his attention to the fans rather than me.
***
The gig had been going great, and everyone was having fun. Becca was doing a fantastic job; she was defiantly a natural. I don’t have a single doubt about that. I think I may be getting my night off tomorrow. I moved to get some shots pf Ryker and the whole band.
“I don’t know what he sees in her, he can do better,” I hear a fan say from behind me.
“I know, he is Ryker freaking King, he can get any other girl he wants, but he chooses a no-one, what is up with that?” I hear another one say.
I don’t know if I was meant to be hearing what they were saying or not, but I could. I was trying my best not to let it get to me.
“She isn’t even that pretty,” The first one said, “She won’t be around long, she is probably just someone for him to use until someone better comes along,” She added, the two of them laughing.
I could feel the tears brimming in my eyes, but I never even looked at them. I never wanted to hear anymore. I made my way back to Becca.
“Hey, do you think you can handle the last twenty minutes on your own?” I asked.
“Is everything OK?” She asked.
“Not really, can you?” I asked.
“Sure, hope you are OK, Alena,” She said softly.
I have her a small smile before rushing off while Ryker’s attention was somewhere else. I never wanted any of them seeing me crying. What is the need for them to be so cruel? I headed to the greenroom, avoiding anyone I saw. I closed the door over, sitting on the sofa and then started crying. I couldn’t let Ryker see me like this, not after that message this morning. He would go off on one. I will get it out of my system before he shows up.
I am beginning to wonder if what they are saying is right. Ryker probably could do better than someone like me. I was a nobody. He could get anyone he wanted. I know I shouldn’t be questioning myself, questioning how Ryker feels about me, but I couldn’t help myself.
I just hope all of this doesn’t continue on, because I don’t know how I will handle having such cruel words aimed at me, over and over again. I know I shouldn’t be letting them get to me, but I can’t help it.
I had to get over it before the gig was finished and everyone came through. I don’t want any of them seeing me upset. I cried for about ten minutes before pulling myself together. I freshened myself up, reapplying my makeup and put my best smile on.
I just hope that Ryker doesn’t see right through it.
- Writer
