:Jake's Performance and the Missing Midnight Blue Dress

Jake Collins

From my vantage point backstage, I observe the intense coordination happening around me. Lola, Alex, and Eleonor are engrossed in discussion, their expressions a mix of determination and urgency. The clock is ticking, and the weight of making this night unforgettable rests heavily on our shoulders.

I can't deny the nervousness that courses through me. Performing in front of a large crowd isn't exactly my forte, but I've decided to step up to the challenge, partly to prove a point to Eleonor and partly because the opportunity is too unique to pass up. I can't wait to see my sisters reaction of me playing in front of everyone.

The backstage area is a hive of activity. The drummer meticulously fine-tunes his kit, the guitarists practice their chords, and the bass player strums a few notes. My focus, however, is on that FENDER CD60-CE ELECTRIC ACOUSTIC GUITAR in the corner. Its polished finish gleams under the stage lights, and I can't resist the temptation to pick it up.

As my fingers gently caress the strings, a sense of calm washes over me. Maybe, just maybe, this instrument will be my ally tonight.

Before I can fully immerse myself in its melody, Alonzo, one of the school dance organizers, approaches me with a reassuring smile. "Jake, we're all set. Just give us your best shot out there."

With a nod, I can feel the adrenaline building. The gymnasium beyond the curtains is alive with chatter and excitement, a symphony of voices that crescendos into a fever pitch. It's a moment of unexpected possibilities, and I, Jake Collins, am about to step into the spotlight to ensure this school dance becomes a night etched in everyone's memory.

As the curtains slowly part, revealing the transformed gymnasium, my heart quickens its pace. The sea of faces before me, the glimmering decorations, and the soft glow of the lights create a mesmerizing backdrop. This is the moment of truth.

With the acoustic guitar cradled in my arms, I step onto the stage, the wood beneath my feet echoing with a comforting resonance. I glance over at the band members, who offer encouraging nods and smiles. It's clear they believe in this impromptu decision.

The hush that falls over the crowd is palpable, and for a brief moment, it feels as if time stands still. Then, I start to strum the guitar, and the first notes fill the air. The melody is gentle, a cautious introduction to what lies ahead.

Eleonor, Lola, and Alex watch with anxious breath, their eyes filled with a mixture of nervousness and excitement.

As I strum the opening chords of "Do I Wanna Know?" by Arctic Monkeys, the guitar's strings feel strangely smooth beneath my fingertips. There's a slight tremor in my hands at first, but as the first chorus hits, I let myself get lost in the music.

As I begin to sing, the gymnasium is bathed in the raw, unfiltered emotion of the song. The lyrics resonate with those in attendance, and gradually, the room comes alive. The chatter turns into hushed whispers of awe, and soon, the dance floor is teeming with swaying couples.

"Have you got colour in your cheeks?
Do you ever get that fear that you can't shift the type
That sticks around like summat in your teeth?
Are there some aces up your sleeve?
Have you no idea that you're in deep?
I've dreamt about you nearly every night this week
How many secrets can you keep?
'Cause there's this tune I found that makes me think of you somehow And I play it on repeat until I fall asleep
Spillin' drinks on my settee
(Do I wanna know?)"

The lyrics resonate with the audience, and the gymnasium is filled with the raw emotion of the song. I sing with a fervor that surprises even me, pouring my heart into each word:

"Have you no idea that you're in deep?
I've dreamt about you nearly every night this week
How many secrets can you keep?
'Cause there's this tune I found that makes me think of you somehow And I play it on repeat until I fall asleep
Spillin' drinks on my settee
(Do I wanna know?)
If this feelin' flows both ways?
(Sad to see you go)
Was sorta hopinthat you'd stay
(Baby, we both know)
That the nights were mainly made for sayin' things That you can't say tomorrow day
Crawlin' back to you"

As the song progresses, I find myself completely immersed in the music. My voice, initially shaky, has grown stronger with each note, and I can feel the connection building with the captivated audience. It's as if I let out my guard down and do not give a fuck to the world.

But then, in my peripheral vision, I catch a glimpse of Eleonor on the left side of the crowd. She's dancing with a guy, swaying to the rhythm of the song. Her midnight blue dress flows gracefully on the dance floor, and the guy places his hands on her waist as they continue their playful dance.

My heart tightens with a pang of jealousy, but I'm determined to hide it. My focus remains on the lyrics, on delivering a performance that captures the essence of the song. I can't let my personal feelings interfere with this moment.

I push the jealousy aside, channeling all my emotions into the music. The gymnasium continues to buzz with energy, and as the song reaches its climax, it becomes a powerful crescendo of sound and feeling.

After the final sway of the guitar and the last lingering note, I slowly opened my eyes to a sea of people clapping and cheering. The rush of adrenaline and the satisfaction of a successful performance wash over me. I can't help but smile as I give a triumphant fist bump to the members of the band who've been my partners in this impromptu journey.

Lola and Alex approach the stage, their faces lit up with pride and excitement. Lola is the first to speak, her voice filled with enthusiasm, "Jake, that was incredible! You really saved the night."

Alex chimes in, "Yeah, man, you were amazing up there! Who knew you had those vocals in you?"

Lola, her eyes sparkling with a mix of admiration and something more, adds, "I couldn't believe it when you started singing. You were fantastic, Jake!"

The crowd's applause continues, and I can't help but feel a sense of fulfillment.
Despite the cheers and accolades, there's a nagging feeling deep within me. The girl I've been eager to impress, Eleonor, is conspicuously absent from my line of sight. My heart races with uncertainty. Is she still out there on the dance floor, mingling with that guy? Is he her boyfriend? A thousand thoughts bulldoze my cloud nine, I can't help but feel a whirlwind of apprehension creeping in, and it's like my bliss has taken a detour. I mean, don't get me wrong, the crowd's reaction is fantastic, but she's the reason I said yes to begin with.

I glance around the gym, scanning the crowd desperately for a glimpse of her midnight blue dress. But the sea of faces seems to blur together, and I can't distinguish her among the dancing and clapping spectators.

Lola, Alex, and the band members continue to celebrate around me, unaware of the inner turmoil that's begun to worry at me. I want to rejoice in the success of our impromptu performance, but the absence of Eleonor's presence leaves a void that I can't ignore. As the cheers echo around me, I'm left wondering where she is and whether this unforgettable night still holds a chance for our paths to cross once more.

———

untitled.
I just want to make out with someone while listening to Arctic Monkeys.