Page 99 of Not Another Rockstar
“You better get out there,” Phoebe said, staring up at him.
“If I have to.” Axel brushed his lips against hers, needing some good luck before heading out on stage.
“Enough of that, she’ll still be here when we’re finished.” Nick grabbed Axel, who didn’t resist.
Together, they followed August to the stage. Lena guided Phoebe into the wings as planned. He made sure he could see her as he sat at his drums on the raised platform at the back. The smoke machines announced their arrival, and the crowd cheered as they started to play. Axel had missed this rush of adrenaline; the heat of the stage lights and the cry of the crowd was exhilarating. He caught sight of Phoebe singing along as her brother stood front and centre like the natural leader he was. The echo of the crowd singing back at them was his second favourite sound on earth—the first being the way Phoebe said his name.
As they finished their last song and the crowd chanted for more, Nick gestured to him. Axel nodded and jumped down from his drums as August led Phoebe on stage despite her protests. The crowd started to quieten down, wondering what was going on.
“What are you doing?” Phoebe said, panicking. Axel and August stood by her sides so she couldn’t make an escape.
“Don’t worry, dear sister—we aren’t going to make you sing,” her brother teased, covering the mic.
He turned back to the crowd. “Before we say our goodbyes, we have one more surprise for all of you. Tonight, I know we are meant to be celebrating Cillian, but I don’t think he’d mind sharing the spotlight with someone close to his heart,” Nick said into the mic while Phoebe glared at Axel.
“Just watch the screens,” Axel whispered, and her expression softened.
All the screens around the stadium no longer displayed their image; instead, they showcased images of Phoebe’s paintings that had been destroyed by Anita. Phoebe froze, speechless, watching as one painting faded to reveal another.
“As many of you know, my sister Phoebe is an exceptionally talented artist, and though her works were maliciously destroyed, we thought it was only right to try and give her the exhibition she deserves,” Nick said, and the crowd roared her name.
The waves of applause never got old.
“How did you all do this?” Phoebe beamed at them, and tears filled her eyes. The last thing Axel wanted was to make her cry, but he hoped they were happy tears.
“Lena found the pictures she’d taken when you put together your first exhibition, and we had them turned into prints and projected them onto the screens. They aren’t perfect, but we wanted you to have your exhibition,” Nick explained, and Axel winked at her as she stood with them, stunned by their secret plan.
“I think my dear sister has something she wants to share with all of you.” Nick stepped aside, giving her the mic.
She took a deep breath as the audience cheered her name. To have been criticised by so many but still have the courage to face such a large crowd made him love her even more.
“Hi, I’m Phoebe, and I can tell you that I had no idea he was planning this. I don’t know what to say, other than thank you for all the love you’ve shown everyone on this stage over the past decade.” Phoebe shifted nervously, glancing at them as they stood beside her. “I know you’ve all heard some things about me, but I want you to know how much I loved Cillian, and you should know he loved all of you very much. More importantly, I want to thank you for loving him. Thank you for being here with us to remember him. I’m sure he is watching over us now, and he’d tell us to stop being so sappy and get on with the next song. All that’s left is to thank you for indulging my brother’s mad scheme, and I’m sure they’d be happy to play an extra encore,” Phoebe said, and she handed Nick the mic as the crowd cheered and begged for more.
Axel watched her in awe as she took a final bow. He wouldn’t have judged her for holding a grudge against their fans who had berated and judged her, but instead she had thanked them for all their love and support. He had seen the tear in her heart Cillian had caused, and he planned on spending the rest of his life healing it.
They shared a quick group hug, basking in the moment. After so much uncertainty, they’d all made it here.
Phoebe exited the stage as they started the encore. Once they said their final goodbyes, and gave Cillian the proper send-off he deserved, Axel ran to the wings and scooped Phoebe up in his arms. Even though they ached from hours of playing, she was the perfect balm.
“I can’t believe you all did that!” Phoebe said to the group as he put her down.
“Don’t blame us, it was Axel’s idea,” Nick said, and August held up his hands in defeat.
“Those paintings deserved to be seen,” Lena added, hugging her friend into submission.
“Thank you. Seeing them again, standing up there with all of you, was the best moment of my life.” Phoebe teared up again and Axel wrapped his arms around her.
“Let’s promise each other that we’ll make many more great moments in the future,” Nick said, and everyone agreed.
“Promise,” they all echoed.
“A group hug to seal the deal—I missed the one on stage,” Lena said, and they all squished together as the sound of the cheering crowd echoed around them.
Axel stared at his family, and couldn’t help but think that Anita had helped him find them. He’d always be grateful to her for that, but he’d never forgive her for threatening to take them away. Tonight was their chance to say goodbye to Cillian and start again, and as Phoebe’s arms circled around his waist, he was never going to let them go.
“Penny for them?” Phoebe whispered.
Axel stared down at her. “I was just wondering how long we have to hang around here before we can be alone,” he said, wanting to bring her home for the real encore.
