The Throw-Aways

“Sound check…One…Two…Check…All good?” Our sound tech asked. I gave my thumbs up as did the rest of the band. We were back and at it, playing in the Buell Theater this fine evening. A dusting of snow covered the ground, but the theater was warm with bodies packed into each row.

What a wonderful night to be playing such a great show.

Yet, I was nervous.

Jake wasn’t at my side. I had a new arm that could misfire at any time. There wasn’t any safety net if I were to fail. It was the first time playing a gig with my new arm. Eternal didn’t have a chance to test things out.

“Are you ready, Raven?” Austin’s sweet voice came over my ear piece. Turning to the man, I nodded. Tino was air drumming some sick rhythms. If only I held that much confidence.

“As ready as I’ll ever be.” I responded with an empty chuckle.

On the opposite side of the stage was Dante, Nico, Skars, and Kylar. They all gave me a reassuring wave before going off to stand in their allotted spots. It was good to have them here.

“Okay. The order is Second, Another, Farewell, and….um….” I murmured the first words to each song.

“Would you.” Alan’s voice piped up. I smiled and nodded to him.

“You got this, R-Girl.” Phil laughed, lightly punching me on the shoulder. He tried to keep everything light hearted.

The clock hit the number eight and it was time to begin. Lights dimmed in the crowd and they turned into a raging pit of screams and chanting our name.

“Let’s do this!” Austin cheered, already getting into the concert mode. We all ran onto the stage. Infernal sat there, devilishly gleaming in the light. It was if the keys scolded me for not playing them in such a long time.

Second and Sebring was our first song and it threw everyone into an emotional train wreck. It had so much meaning behind it and I tossed everything I had into the notes.

The things was-it was like I had never lost an arm.

I was swallowed in the music-just like the first concert. Any fears I had was washed away in a flood of harmonies and a swarm of melodies. Troubles with the arm melted away with it. The fingers flowed over easily.

So when the song ended and the little piano solo was finished, we were applauded as loudly as humanly possible. It was like a thousand eyes were trained on my arm, yet I felt no piercing gaze.

It was only admiration.

Each song went smoothly. Austin winked to me, a silent question to if I was okay. I was better than okay, I was perfect. I loved being here. It was if Infernal hummed with energy and Eternal seemed pleased.

With a quick glance over to the friends on my other side, they waved and gave me a thumbs up. Kylar broke her gaze away from Alan to smile at me. These Throw-Away ‘losers’ were so much more than that. They were my family.

“If I could find the words, if I could shake the world, if I could turn back time, would you still be there?” Aaron’s voice asked us all that question. I pounded into the keys. Vibrant energy fizzled into the air as each note was struck and I tapped on the laptop’s keyboard. The sound effects came up.

It was as easy as breathing.

“And I can’t stand it, but I don’t have the strength to burn the page!” The words hit home. It pierced my mind and instantly spoke soft words to my heart. I couldn’t help but connect deeply to the words.

Sometimes, life throws you into the fire and you fan the flames. It consumes you, it changes your life, and it’s like you’re trying to burn the one thing that you can’t. I had a new page in my life. I fanned the flames, just trying to burn away my new lifestyle. No, I couldn’t do that.

But I had learned quickly. If I can’t burn the page, I’ll write the rest of my own story. I’ll take my new arm and say, “SCREW YOU, LIFE!” I won’t let this bring me down.

Nothing can stop me now.

So as I pounded out the last chord, throwing my head back with beads of sweat rolling down my temple, I raised my new arm, pulling my fingers into the horns.

Life was good for this Throw-Away.

Notes

Last. Chapter.

You guys have been so amazing. The story would've been nowhere without each of you! I've gotten to know everyone personally through this and it's just so incredible. You each bring a certain surprise and have been fun to talk to! It's getting to the point where I see a lot of return readers and that makes me so freaking excited. It means that you guys actually LIKE my writing and I haven't managed to scare you away yet! XD

Well, it's been a long, rough ride. It's been a real experience with this story. It's hit close to home, as quite a few characters are based on my friends and my dog :) Well, all I've got to say is....

Who's ready for Jay's death scene?

I sure am!

One more note: I have a new story that will be up soon. It's called Eternal and it's a new take on fantasy. I already did a fantasy story and it turned out okay. It wasn't my best, but it was more for fun than anything else. This one is going to be a BIG project! It'll be posted on the other sites as well and I think you'll enjoy this new take on vampires.

Let's just say that if you're looking for the glittery, dramatic Twilight vampires....look somewhere else.

It's rough. It's painful. It takes a whole new look at a powerful side of legendary creatures.

And guess what? I'll post a small excerpt with Jay's chapter in the Notes.

Love you all. Stay beautiful, stay real, stay you!

Sincerly,
Chaos'sWolf