Trixy's Pov
Stepped out of my parked car in the college lot, the gentle thud of the door closing behind me disturbing the morning silence. I breathed deeply, straightened my jacket, and headed toward the elevator. I pushed the button and waited.
The doors slid open, exposing two girls already inside. I graciously nodded and entered.
Girl, have you heard? Today's Battle of the Bands guest band is Silent Strings! " one girl said breathlessly.
"Seriously? I haven't seen them in forever! " the other answered.
"Exactly! Thankfully we get to see them again live! "
Naturally. How could I forget anything? The Battle of the Bands event at the college was today. Most of our classes were called off so everyone could get ready. Sydnee had registered us already.
Ding!
I stepped out of the elevator doors and walked toward the gymnasium, my footsteps ringing off the polished floor. The whole area hummed with activity. Some were testing the sound system, some were decorating, some were handling logistics, others were running around.
"Trix! "
I turned to see Sydnee running toward me.
"I have been calling you repeatedly! What is going on in your head? "
"Sorry," I stammered. "Just. . . Thinking of something "
"You've been like this since last night, following our discussion with SYNRISE lead vocalist Angeline. "
Indeed. Her comments kept ringing in my head.
Sydnee advised softly, "Don't overthink it; you'll mess up your performance later. "
I sighed. "At what time does it start? "
"Madam President said that the program need to start early so that the students might leave school early. "
That fitted right.
Ever-efficient Student Council President Sydnee also played in our band. At first, Aunt Gwen wouldn't let her join this year, but Luna had practically pleaded with her mother, telling her we wouldn't perform without Sydnee. Aunt Gwen gave in.
What about Luna and the others? "
"On their way," Sydnee answered firmly.
"Certainly they won't be tardy. "
She chuckling said, "Not a chance.
Moments after that, I recognized a voice.
"Trix! . "
Turning to check Luna, Erlyn, and Phoebe, I saw them drawing near.
I remarked, mock-annoyed. "I thought you would show up once the show started. "
Luna laughed. "As if! We're not passing up a shot at cash rewards and a trophy. "
Do we know Erlyn questioned when we are performing?
Sydnee replied, "We're first one will perform "
Erlyn chuckled anxiously, "Should I be scared now?
Phoebe rolled her eyes. "Girl, we've played at bars before. You're nervous now? "
I laughed and felt lighter.
Sydnee said, "Let's go. I'll show you where we're sitting. "
We trailed her across the throng. The air crackled with excitement. More students came, filling the seats in the gym.
The emcee would soon step on stage.
"Good morning, Austrians! " he cried.
The people roared back in opposition.
"Let us welcome our guests before we start: our esteemed judges, dear faculty members, parents, mentors, and of course, our always-supporting Madam President Gwendlyn Jeanne Austen Johnson, her husband Mr. Andrew Johnson, their daughter Ms. Kaitlyn Johnson, and the former university president Ms. Michelle Austen! "
All throughout, cheers burst out.
"To warm things up," the emcee continued, "lets welcome our guest band please scream for Silent Strings! ".
The throng erupted in cheers. As Silent Strings' performers took the stage, I leaned forward.
"Hello, Austinians! " Jude Xander Smith, their lead singer, greeted them. Still smooth as I recalled, his voice.
Before becoming famous, they had been students here.
Jude remarked, "Honored to be back where it all began; today we are performing a song near to our hearts. I am unable, though, to do this one by myself. I want someone really unique to come with me."
The crowd became quiet with expectancy.
"Id like to call on a dear friend. . . Zyron Ezekiel Ortega! "
Hold on. Did I get that correct?
Zyron??
My gaze went to the side of the stage, and there he was, walking up with assurance, wearing his characteristic black hoodie over a fitted shirt.
He snatched the microphone and exclaimed, "Surprise, Austinians. "
The throng cried out.
My heart raced.
Jude added, "Zyron used to be in our band before he pursued other interests, but he is back today for old times' sake. And together, we will sing a song we composed before graduation. "
I bent forward. Zyron's band membership was unknown to me always. He never discussed it.
The lights faded. A single spotlight targeted the middle. The room was filled with the gentle guitar strumming.
Zyron closed his eyes and opened his mouth as he sang the first line:
"Echoing the past, I hear your name Like murmuring in the rain haunting and cozy"
His voice deep, gravelly, aching encircled the words like they were holy.
"Would you still be mine if I could go back in time, or am I chasing shadows in the storm? "
I froze up. Every note made something I didn't know I had come alive inside me. Judes harmony gave soul to sadness by layering in.
The audience kept quiet. Nobody shifted. Nobody inhaled.
Then Zyrons voice climbed into the chorus:
"Your memory burns every time I get back here. I tried to forget but I still yearn. Composed in the dark but played too late in a divided society, a melody of us torn apart.
I had not realized I was clutching the edge of my seat. My chest tightened.
Phoebe approached me. "Wow. He is excellent. "
"He's incredible," I said softly.
The bridge had eerie falsetto notes and faint harmonies. Jude temporarily replaced someone:
If love had a name, it was always you. Fate never knew, though; time was harsh.
Zyron trailed, now speaking more quietly:
For the words we never spoke, for the future we lost, for the heart I never had, I shall sing this song.
The song closed with quiet acoustic chords like a pulse fading away. The lights dimmed more right before the audience erupted into a loud cheer.
Zyron bowed slightly, but made no smile. He simply turned, eyes briefly meeting mine from across the gym. His expression flashed something.
Was it sadness?
Or some other things?
Jude said once more, "Thank you. Though it dates from our history, that was a moment that still lives on. Some emotions never fade, much like vintage music.
The emcee returned to the stage. "A round of applause for Silent Strings and Zyron Ortega! "
My heart was still racing.
Sydnee poked me. "You okay? "
"Yeah, I just wasn't aware Zyron could sing like that. "
"You and me both," she replied, eyes narrowing. "And did you see how he looked at you? &"
I flushed. Syd stop.
"I'm just saying," she laughed. "You're next. Shake it off."
We rose up and headed behind the scenes. The music repeated itself in my head as I moved.
Every time I come back your memory is on fire.
Zyron's voice bounced around in my chest like a long-lost song finally finding its way home.
And somehow I knew.
This day transformed everything.