Chapter 99: Chapter 99

Chapter 99 Promise

I didn't know that today would be an exciting day where an opportunity of a lifetime would present itself.

And it all started with a promise as I got ready to head out to work one Friday evening. I was in the bathroom, putting a little makeup on when Colton walked by the open door, raising an eyebrow in a questioning look. I suppose men don't understand the concept of makeup, but he didn't say anything as he watched me with interest for a moment.

He leans against the door frame, his arms crossed over his chest and his gaze flickered to the ground in front of him.

"You're coming to watch my performance tonight, right?" I ask hopefully, eyeing his reflection in the mirror to see his reaction. He had promised me that next time I go to work, he will come to watch me.

He brings his head up, looking at my reflection in the mirror and shrugs while a small smile graces his lips. "You have a performance tonight?" He asks.

I nod. "I have to be there by around 6:30 or so to rehearse and prepare myself, but you don't have to come till 8:00."

"I'll be there, then." He says.

"Promise?"

"I promise."

* * *

The rays of the sun kissed the sky, reminding me that it was now summer and time was flying by quickly. The warmth soaked my skin and I smiled as I walked to work that day. Colton would be seeing me perform for the first time in months and that thought alone sent tingles down my spine and set loose the butterflies in my stomach.

I still found myself to be nervous when I sang in front of people, I guess it's scary because it's a hard pill to swallow when you come to the truth that not everyone is going to like me and the way I sing.

Everyone has their own music tastes, their own style in which they prefer and while that is good and while that is what makes us unique, it also is intimidating to singers like me.

Sometimes, I wish I could just wave a magic wand and make everyone except me for who I am as well as my voice - but it isn't that easy.

I knew though, that I would stick to the thing I love even if the whole world abandons me.

Dagger waves at me, smiling like crazy with his girlfriend at his side. That's right, his girlfriend, they finally made things official and it's nice to see Dagger so happy. She greets me, too, shaking my hand. "My name is Melanie, it's nice to finally meet you."

"Thank you, you as well." I smile back, glancing at Dagger who looks pleased and proud. Admiration in his eyes.

"I've heard you're the town's favorite performer, is that true?" She asks.

I blush, feeling uncomfortable and flattered at the compliment. "Well, I don't know about that but-"

"Ah, yes she is. She's the most requested singer here and has gained quite a lot attention from the locals." Dagger says.

"Well, then I can't wait to hear you perform tonight. Break a leg out there." She says, her brilliant smile lighting up her face and some dark curls falling into her eyes. I can see why Dagger likes her so much, she's not only beautiful but kind.

"Thank you, it was nice meeting you." I tell her as I start to walk towards back stage to get prepared for tonight. I take a glass of water and sip it, the cool liquid helps calm my nerves as it flows through my system.

Just a few more moments and I'll have to present myself. In the meantime, I prep my guitar, tuning it and making sure the strings were top notch.

Dagger had hired some other back up performers, such as an older woman who engaged the crowd in karaoke. She was a retired and older, slightly plump woman with a strong southern drawl that would put to shame even the toughest of cowboys. Thick, dark hair with gray strands woven into it framed her face that held a few wrinkles around her eyes and mouth.

She was still in her age a pretty woman, though her features told of a time where she probably was a radiant, gorgeous young woman. Her kindness stood out to all, though. She had just the right amount of toughness, not afraid to put anyone in their place but the perfect amount of kindness, where she could put someone in their place sternly yet bring them into her home and nurture them.

She was the newest asset to the team of performers, and though we haven't known each other for long, it feels as if she could be a mother to me.

She has cheered me on, lifting me up in the days where it felt like I just can't anymore. When she sees me, she smiles at me and smashes me against her side in a hug. "Hello darlin'. Good to see you again." She says as she relinquishes me from her hold.

"Good to see you, too." I mutter, stepping back and watching as she lights a cigarette and brings it to her lips. A dirty old habit that she had told me she picked up somewhere along the path called living.

"How's your man?" She asks, blowing a puff and raising a thin eyebrow.

"Good. I mean, we're doing better. It's a step by step process, you could say." I reply, shrugging.

She chuckles. "I know what you mean, girlie. But don't go chasin' perfection, now, you hear? Too much of that I've seen where people paint an unrealistic picture of romance in their minds and end up ruining it when they chase perfection. Perfection will never exist in a world full of fallen beings."

If only she knew that I know her words are true from experience.