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Chapter 32 - Ben’s First Gig With His Band

Techno

I was so excited when both Ben and Bryce invited me to Ben's first gig. I picked out an outfit that was club ready and packed a bag in case I ended up spending the night. Once I was done, I grabbed my helmet, backpack, and keys and headed out to the front door.

"Wow Techno," said a familiar voice, Clark, "You look great."

"Thanks Clark," I replied, "How are your classes?"

"Good," he said, "Any plans for spring break?"

"Not really," I answered, "Probably hang with friends from college."

I checked the time and realized I was running a bit late.

"We'll talk later, Superman," I said as I was heading to the door, "Keep up the good work."

I got on my motorcycle and rushed over to Ben and Bryce's apartment.

"Bout time you got here," Bryce pointed out, "We were going to leave without you."

"Sorry," I said, "I came as quickly as I could."

Once we parked, Ben gave Bryce a quick peck and hurried inside to set up. Bryce and I made our way to this nice bar and grill place and immediately was impressed with the venue.

"Wow," I said, " Ben is playing at a place like this?"

"Shocked?" Bryce asked.

"Honestly," I replied, "I thought it was like some small bar or one of those shops with a small stage. Not a place like this. Not saying Ben isn't any good or anything. I heard him sing and boy does he have a voice you could fall in love with."

"Don't even think about it, Noah," Bryce warned, "Ben is mine."

"I know that, jackass," I said, "I'm just saying he's a great singer."

"I'm a bit worried though," Bryce said, "His last band broke up because they had a fight so I hope he has better luck this time around."

"Look at you being the supportive boyfriend."

"Shut the fuck up," Bryce said, "Why wouldn't I support Ben?"

"That's not what I meant," I told him, "I mean you've come a long way since you and Ben started that feud. You've changed for the better, I'd say. If I were to see you now and you first day of class, I would not recognize you."

"Maybe so," Bryce responded, "But I can still kick your ass. Now be quiet, here comes Jackie. She's Ben's boss."

Bryce pointed out a young woman, slightly older than we are but still a very attractive woman. 

"Bryce," she greeted us, "Coming to cheer your boyfriend on tonight?"

"Yes," Bryce answered, "And to bring my friend here over since he wanted to check the place out."

"Well," Jackie said, "Follow me, gentleman. I reserved a table for Ben's #1 fan and any guests you may have."

Bryce

Jackie had seated us right in front of the stage, I'm sure Ben can see us when he performs. She also treated us, secretly, to some drinks so that we could enjoy the show.

"How many people are in the band?" Techno asked.

"Four," I answered, "Ben's the lead singer, his best friend Lee is on drums, Brendan's on bass, and Kyle's lead guitarist."

Ben hopped off the stage and came to the table.

"Hey guys," Ben said, "We're almost ready. We're doing the final check before we start."

"And why are you here," I asked, "Shouldn't you be up there, doing that?"

"Lee's got it under control," Ben replied, "He's a perfectionist like that."

"Want a drink?" Techno asked.

"Not yet," Ben answered, "I'll wait till after the gig is over."

"No need to get him a drink," I said, "He'll have plenty when he gets on stage."

Ben smiled and said to me, "Someone's jealous."

"Jealous my ass," I said, "Your fans always get you free drinks."

Ben sighed and said, "You can't say anything nice can you?"

"You know me too well." I said playfully.

"Ugh," Techno said, "You two are so sickeningly sweet."

"The fuck are you talking about?" I said.

"Look at you two," Techno replied, "Talking to each other as if the world consists of only you two."

"You're wrong, Techno," Ben said, "I don't talk to him as if the world consists of me and him, because he is my world."

"Ugh," I said, "Now I'm going to be sick." I laughed as I said this.

"What's going on here?" asked a skinny, slightly feminine twink with blonde hair.

"Hey Lee." Ben said.

"Hey guys," Lee said, "I'm Lee. I'm Ben's bestie and I'm a music major."

"What's up man," Techno greeted, "I'm Techno."

"Well that's an interesting name." said Lee.

"And that's Bryce," Techno said, pointing to me, "We're both sports science majors."

"Bryce?" Lee said, "Bryce Thomas? The guy that was trash talked all over the internet? Wow man, you're famous."

Like I needed to be reminded of that incident. Suddenly, an awkward silence hung heavily in the air. Lee noticed the silence and realized he said too much.

"I'm sorry," Lee said, "I didn't mean it like that. Just that I've heard of you and I'm shutting up now."

Before anything could be said, an over anxious teenager came and yelled at Ben and Lee, "Hey you two, we're on. Let's get the show started."

"Be right there, Brendan." Ben said as he and Lee excused themselves.

Two minutes later the band came on stage and the entire place filled with applause.

"Good evening, ladies and gents," Ben said as he introduced the band, "We are Me Mind Y, and let's start off with our new song, Be Mine."

The band begins their performance and the music plays a nice and mellow melody. Ben approaches the microphone and sings.

I know that you don't know me well. You barely even notice me.

But I am not the type to just give up, easily.

I am such a Saint and I want you know; That I will be there for you when you need my help.

I'll do anything for you, Help you up when you're feeling down.

I will do my best to take care of you; I will not let you walk this world alone.

No Matter how long it takes to make you mine; And for you, I'd give my all.

So, would you please just be mine.

I'll wait for the day when you'll finally see; That I have been there for you behind the scenes.

Protecting you from harm; A shoulder when you needed to cry.

I will do my best to take care of you; I will not let you walk this world alone.

No Matter how long it takes to make you mine; And for you, I'd give my all.

So, would you please just be mine.

Because you are the person I want to hold on to forever

My heart is calling for you, my hand is reaching for you.

I just want you to know.

Chun mai yaum Mai tur dern bpai gup krai kon nai

Chun ja mai yaum Bploy krai mah yeun kahng tur

Nahn kae nai gor dtahm Chun ja payayahm tum mai tur

Mah bpen kaung chun

I will do my best to take care of you; I will not let you walk this world alone.

No Matter how long it takes to make you mine; And for you, I'd give my all.

So, would you please just be mine.

As Ben sang the entire duration of the song, he never took his eyes off me. After hearing the lyrics, I knew that Ben wrote this song for me and I never wanted him more than I do at this very moment.

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