Page 81 of Disharmony

I came to Camp Harmony to perform in their final show, but maybe that’s not what I’m really meant to do. Performing with the Basilisks is something I’ve only dreamed about.

This moment is going to change my life forever.

Ripper starts on the drums, just like we rehearsed in the studio hours before, but it’s louder. So much louder. I choke back my fears as adrenaline pumps through my body. It’s a good thing I have an unnatural knack for remembering lyrics.

The atmosphere is electric, pulsing through my feet and my body, making my ribs rattle. I forget about the hundreds of people watching and pretend it’s the four of us.

Zed starts the first verse, and I chip in, teasing the perfect balance between us. As the chorus hits, Venom joins us. His voice is strong and unfaltering. He makes the crowd go crazy! It’s the first time in years anyone has heard him sing. Even Zed is taken aback as his head whips around to stare at his bandmate in surprise, but I won’t let Zed’s shock throw Venom off. I sing with Venom. Neither of us break when holding the long notes.

A giant mosh pit pulses to the rhythm. As the second verse starts, I loosen my two-handed grip on the microphone. Zed turns to sing to me. He roars until his lungs sound like they’re collapsing, then it’s back to me. We sing back and forth like a battle is waging between us. Our voices crash together like we’re fighting for power that builds to a high note, where I scream and release the growl from the pit of my belly.

Screams from the audience are deafening as I head bang, forgetting that I’m performing in front of hundreds. Nothing matters now I’m here with them.

I cling to the final lines as the song draws to a close, willing it to keep going. When it finally ends, I flip my hair back, wiping the strands stuck to my forehead and take in the view. Zed throws his arms up, holding his guitar in the air, encouraging the applause. He turns his back on them and pulls me into a hug.

“Listen to that applause,” he whispers in a soft voice that sounds vaguely familiar, but I can’t place it. “It’s for you.”

I step out of his embrace, still reeling from the song, and Ripper roars, “Take a bow, Ash!”

I do as he says, feeling stupid while doing it, but the party goes wild.

Is that really for me? Compared to my idols, I can’t believe anyone would cheer for a nobody like me.

Zed says something to close the show, but his words wash over me. I’m too busy trying to wrap my head around what just happened. Despite the confusion and buzzing adrenaline, I know that this is the best moment of my life so far.

twenty-seven

Ash

“You rocked it, Ash,” Ripper says as soon as we’re off the stage.

I blush and stammer, “Thanks.”

I’m still not sure whether I’ve really just performed with the Basilisks or I’m dreaming.

“Let’s go back to Buggy,” Venom says, adding for my benefit, “It’s a post-show tradition to party there. We don’t stick around with the fans when we can help it.”

I don’t ask why and follow them through The Smoker’s corridors to the exit. The cold night air chills my cheeks, but it doesn’t wake me up… this can’t be real, right?”

“Are you okay, Ash?” Ripper frowns, watching me intently. “You’re really pale.”

“You shouldn’t have sprung that on her, Ripper.” Zed scowls. “Or us, for that matter. Look at her, she’s shaking like a fucking leaf.”

Zed’s right, but I’m not shaking because I’m scared or worried. Well, maybe I am… but only because I’m afraid I’ll never get to experience that feeling of euphoria again.

“I’m fine,” I say breathlessly. “I’m just… processing.”

Buggy is waiting for us in the parking lot. Before we head inside, Ted pauses.

“I’m gonna head back to the party for a bit,” Ted says. “I’ll be driving to Wilderton while you sleep.”

Venom grins slyly. “Sure, it’ll be your last chance to get laid for a while…”

Ted scowls but doesn’t correct him as he returns to The Smoker. Venom and Zed climb the steps into the bus, talking about how the performance went and dissecting little details.

I pause before climbing the steps. “I’m gonna stay out here for a few minutes and get some air.”

“I’ll wait with you,” Ripper insists.

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