Page 45 of Beyond the Blues
BEYOND THE BLUES
At the end of my book is, of course, the acknowledgements, it includes my agent, family, and all that. But little does Nora know I wrote a little about her.
Nora, a little thanks to you. Falling in love with you by chance on our holiday made me realise there is so much more to life. I felt grief had stolen everything I had, and you helped me realise I am still me. Without you, this book probably wouldn’t have made it into the world for many more years to come.
“Ophelia this is-”
I interrupt.
“You don’t need to say anything. It’s the truth.” Without another word, Nora burrows into my chest, her breathing heavy.
“I best get ready for the show.” Nora says, pulling away from me, her cheeks flushed.
“Me too.”
“Wear something bright so I can spot you in the crowd.” I stand up and pick out a red dress. I once read that wearing red makes people fall in love with you. Although I already know Nora is, I want tonight to be unforgettable for her. Noras wearing a white shirt, buttons undone at the top, black trousers and Doc Martens. She really knows how to dress, even without a stylist guiding her. I put onmy red lipstick, carefully lining my lips. Nora walks over to me and taps a finger on her cheek.
“I’ll get lipstick on your face.”
“Exactly.”
I place my lips on her cheek, firm, pulling away and leaving a perfect lip print on her cheek, the red contrasting with her skin.
“Perfect, I think I’m ready” Nora stares at herself in the mirror. We head down in the elevator, being stopped every minute for a photo. I think they only include me because one, they don’t know who I am, meaning I could be famous one day and two, they feel bad for me. Watching Nora take these photos, her face immediately drops into a photo ready pose. She’s clearly practised it many times. When we arrive at the stadium, it’s even more wild, more screaming people and a lot more flashing cameras.
“Nora, who’s the lovely lady in red?” A paparazzi man asks, completely
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ignoring me. Nora pauses in her step and turns to face him.
“Maybe if you asked her instead, she could tell you she is an upcoming author, Ophelia Greene, pre order her book.” Nora winks at the camera, clasping onto my hand and dragging me into the arena. We see Scarlett in the distance, pulling off a fantastic sparkly catsuit, her hair once again perfect. Scarlett notices us and comes over, energy clearly pouring out of her.
“You’re here Ophelia!” She yells, embracing me in a tight hug.
“Thank you, Nora needs it.” Scarlett continues to whisper in my ear. I get to meet the rest of the bandmates, a lot more laid back compared to Scarlett.
“Ten minutes to show time.” A voice of the intercom calls.
“Right baby,” Nora turns to face me.
“Brian here, my security guard, will take you to the front section. You’ll be fine. I’ll see you after the show.” Nora places a kiss on my lips. When she pulls away, my lipstick has smudged. I lick the tip of my thumb and wipe it up, giggling. Nora runs off, guitar pick in her mouth. I walk through the darkened halls and then into the totally opposite, a crowded, loud arena filled with people. I wait at the front, the VIP section filled with a few familiar faces. Natasha Goodman, a famous actress. Kian Brown, a folk singer. So many influencers I could barely count all of them. I feel a bit out of place, but I’m here for Nora. The music starts and the crowd screams electrify. I feel like any second the roof could raise. Everyone walks on and my eyesonly focus on Nora. I look at the crowd and see the many signs directed towards the band, some inappropriate and making me cringe. Don’t people realise they are still humans? Once the music starts, I dance along, ignoring everyone and everything around me, letting the music take me away.
“Hello you lovely people!” Scarlett shouts into the mic.
“Our guitarist, Nora, has a little something to say.” Scarlett glances over at me and gives me a subtle wink.
“Hiya everyone, so the next song is a new song, unreleased. It’s about a girl I met on holiday and fell hopelessly in love with, but unfortunately we can’t work. But my heart is off the market, because no one will ever compare to her. This is called ‘Uncomparable’” Nora makes eye contact with me and begins strumming on her guitar. This song is a lot gentler than their other
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ones. Scarlett sings, and the lyrics already cause an automatic tear to fall down my cheek. I look around the crowd, and it’s clearly not just me who finds this song beautiful.
I don’t know if I can stay the rest of my days here in Las Vegas. I’m scared I won’t be able to leave. Now I feel okay too, but will I after a couple of days? I’m so in love with her, but I feel with Nora I’ll never stop falling. At this point my eyes are pouring with tears, everyone else in VIP is definitely noticing that this song is about me. Despite knowing that what I’m about to do is awful and a rash decision, I have to do it for myself. I navigate the crowd, pushing past the people in my path. I turn around once more to the stage and see Nora furrowing her eyebrows. She pulls away from the mic and mouths at me, “Where are you going?” I turn back forward and keep going. I run out into the street, the cars beeping and the air smelling of money and fame.