Page 88 of Limbo

“You mean, it’s not just for the beautiful decor?” I ask, gesturing to the bare rafters and the walls covered in street signs and Christmas lights. “Why else would anyone come here?”

The guitar cuts off, and Mike jumps up onto the stage. He snags the microphone from the stand. “Thanks, Savannah.” He waits until she wanders off, looking a little lost, then he continues, “Anyone familiar with the music scene on campus will know our next performer. He usually has three guys standing behind him. But the lead singer of Beta Void is going solo tonight.” My gaze snaps to Benji as Mike announces, “Let’s hear it for Benji Jones.”

He grins. “This is why.”

Surprised, but not really, I cheer as he climbs the steps to the stage. The only time I saw him perform was the night of the frat party. Although my attention was elsewhere, I remember how in his element he appeared in front of an audience.

An electric keyboard waits for him center stage along with a stool. His expression falters while securing the mic in the stand, but his confidence returns once he sits down.

“Hey, everybody,” he says. “As Mike pointed out, I’m used to having other people to blame a poor performance on, so bear with me.” He winks at me, and my smile grows. “Uh, this song’s called ‘Exquisite Twilight,’ and it’s for you, Calico.”

Several heads turn in my direction, but I barely notice because Benjamin “Badass” Jones wrote me a song, and the name alone says it all. We stare at each other, sharing a moment no one else will ever understand before he focuses on the keyboard.

“Here we go.” He licks his lips and clears his throat.

His eyes fall shut when he plays a slow, almost sad melody. It drifts through the now-hushed room; even those who talked through the other performances are watching, waiting for him to sing. When his eyes open again, he leans toward the microphone.

When our world seemed destined to break us,

She searched through the darkness for the stars,

And in spite of all the chaos and destruction in our lives,

She never once lost sight of who we are.

His deep, raspy voice sends chills through me, and I instantly recognize the lyrics.

Each time she saw the sunshine when it rained,

She knew the lines would soon begin to blur,

And hidden beyond black shadows and all doubts and absolutes,

She’d find what’s really beautiful to her.

Benji smiles at me, and I cover my mouth to stifle a laugh, even though I blink away tears. The words settle in my chest as he transforms the memories from a terrible night into something incredible, beautiful, hopeful even.

He closes his eyes again, the song losing some of its heaviness.

Frantic beauty lies all around,

And sometimes what we seek should not be found.

All our lives, we strive and struggle for our truth

Because of this, we’ll always remain bound.

He slows again, the darker melody reemerging.

True happiness is for her,

Not for you or me or those

Who choose to sit idly by,

Letting the best parts fade away,

Lost forever deep inside.

---