lundi 22 février 2016
Voici ma dernière nouvelle en anglais, j'espère que vous apprécierez ;)
Many people
said to her that it was a gift, but Lily considered it as a curse. When she was
singing, she was crushing people's worries and only happiness mattered in their
mind. The world was spinning around her, resolving around that sound.
Sometimes, when she was singing at the town's annual party, some people stayed
stunned from more than an hour after her performance, clinging to their chair,
as If someone violated their intimacy.
She enjoyed
singing of course, but only when she was alone, and with her friends, because
they were used to it. Well they were not but they claimed the opposite, so that
she could sing in front of them.
Her parents
were very proud of it; they were claiming no one could compete with her, and
that one day she might become a star. It happened, when she went to the West of
the world to become a professional singer. Her friends, Flavie and Roxy became
her artistic agent while the others started wandering in the country. It was
tough at the beginning, money was lacking and they couldn't come up with a
proper concert. They were about to give up the idea of living in the city that
never sleep but by chance, the brother of Lily, a young novelist, got an
opportunity from one of his friend who was a surgeon and who knew someone that
was seeking a singer for its cabaret. So Lily went there, with no conviction,
and she was chosen right on the spot, along with a marriage proposal from the
boss of the cabaret but she refused.
On the day
of the concert, one must say that it was a total success, people were crying,
laughing, claiming their happiness. After that faithful day everything started.
She became rich, she bought a mansion and she moved in with her two friends.
The press
was always talking about her, her incredible gift, telling that any being on
Earth should listen to her one time in his life. She had everything to be
happy, but for some reasons, she always seemed disappointed. She was often
gazing from her window at the lights of New-York, with no one knowing why. From
time to time, people close to her felt that she was far away, in a place that
no one could reach, she was in her own and wanted to stay that way.
She was just
waiting for someone. That someone who could bring it to another level. When she
was child, she thought a bad singer. A very bad one, she thought she was the
worst so she couldn't understand why everyone liked it. So, she waited for
someone who could make her hear her voice, someone who could reflect her gift,
who could complete her. Not in love or in friendship, just in music. She had
been waiting for a long time, and she thought it would stay that way.
One day, she
was wandering in the subway. To be sure that no one would recognize her, she
wore a scarf to hide her face and also a black wig. She hated to be recognized,
because she wasn't at ease with strangers. She was afraid of disappointing
them, since she was lame and pretty shy so instead of confronting them, she was
simply running away.
As she was
sitting on the bench, she started to hear some music. It immediately caught her
attention. She was appealed by those strange sounds, she couldn't even
distinguish the type of instrument it was. She walked outside the car of the tram
without noticing it. She wandered in the many corridors of the subway, getting
closer and closer from the origin of the sound. After a turn, she finally saw
it. Or him.
It was a
young man. Because of the cold he was wearing a black coat and he was hiding
his mouth behind a scarf. He had a black woolly hat and the only thing that was
standing out was his blue eyes. He was playing on an old guitar that was on the
verge of crumbling down. Strangely, anyone that who walked next to him was
touched by his music but no one could tell who was producing it. Lily was the
only one. She came closer, and stand in front of him. His fingers were touching
the strings with an astonishing delicateness. She was feeling every note he was
making as a thrilling emotion. He was touching her deep inside her heart. How
somebody with such a talent could stay here, with nobody listening to him ?
She knelt in
front of him and said, with a low voice :
L – Excuse
me ?
He kept
playing his music. She repeated, a bit annoyed:
L – EXCUSE
ME ?
Frightened,
the boy almost dropped his guitar. He looked around him and finally crossed her
glance. He stared at her for a little while. Lily was surprised by this genuine
innocence in his eyes. It was as if nothing mattered to him, it was him,
playing his music.
He grinned
at bit at her and asked :
? – It's
quite rare. Usually, people don't notice
my music. How is it possible ? who are you ? A wizard ?
L – You
don't know who I am ?
He stood up,
and gazed at her. She put off a bit of her disguise, to show him who she was.
But he seemed puzzled. He answered:
? – I don't
have the slightest idea. Are you an actress? Or a tv producer?
At first
astonished by his response, she was then delighted by it. For the first in her
life, she was nobody. Just a simple human being. She smiled, and the boy was
startled by the stunning beauty and sincerity of that smile.
He took his
guitar and asked :
? – Do you
love music ?
Pleased, she
replied :
L – Don't
you think it's better to start with asking my name ?
He started
to tune his guitar. He coughed a bit and answered :
? – You
don't want to answer … it's up to me to see if it's worth asking. Do you want
to sing with me ?
Anyone would
have been irritated by an answer like this, but not Lily. She was thrilled by
the idea of playing with him. She had never been so enthusiastic. She took off
her scarf, and with a brave and proud glance, she demanded :
L – What do
you want to sing ?
? – Your
choice. I can play anything.
L – Anything
? What about .. Cough Syrup from Young the Giant ?
? – Cough
Syrup ? I like this song ! Why did you choose it ?
Lily looked
gloomy during a few seconds. She sighed and replied :
L – It's one
of the favorite of someone I know.
? – Why the
long face all of sudden ?
L –It's
nothing ! So do you agree to sing it ?
? – Of
course I will.
The boy sat
and Lily was standing in front of him. She was holding herself very upright.
And then he started the first notes of the song. Lily immediately saw a lot of
her beloved memories. Now it was her turn to start singing the lyrics :
L – Life's
too short to even care at all oh ..
As soon as
she started singing, a giant halo of light spread into the whole corridor, when
the both of them at the center. Fishes were swimming near the roof and the
walls were covered by purple flames, transforming the dull corridor into a
beautiful and a lovely scenery. People at first were afraid, but after a while
they all stopped and they watched the story that was told on the walls. As the
song went on, a woman with long purple hairs appeared on the wall. She was
carrying a scythe and a little boy was accompanying him.
People were
moved by it, it was a touching story that these two people were telling them.
Lily was
enjoying it. It was fun. Really fun. They were both smiling as if they were
living the coolest moment of their lives. Thanks to him, her voice was at its
best, she never sang that way, she didn't know she could sing that way. The
music of that stranger was making It beautiful, loveable, incredible to her
hears. That voice that she hated for so long, was now something she was very
proud of.
At the same
time, they glanced at each other. There was some kind of chemistry between the
two of them. One could say that it was as if they spent their whole life
playing together. Right away, they knew what the other was thinking. The boy
sped up his play and Lily's voice got louder as they were getting closer to the
final chorus of the song.
When they
began it, a wave of color invaded the corridor, warming the heart of the people
around them. They weren't thinking, they weren't worrying about the casual
things of life. They were just happy, a feeling that people tended to forget in
those dark days. Every single one of them was seeing his dream, was living it,
was touching it. Sadness had been
overcome by music.
The sound of
the guitar stopped and Lily lowered her voice, bit by bit, until it was
completely shut.
They glared
at each other, diving into the other eyes. Lily suddenly recovered her senses
and said :
L – Damn I'm
late ! I've to go to a radio broadcast tonight !
? – Wow !
Hold it ! Can I have your name ?
L – Give me
yours first !
? – Okay …
I'm Isaac.
L – Wow … I
really like your name. I'm Lily.
Is – A
flower. It suits you.
Lily put her
hand in her bag, and she began to search something. Isaac looked at her with
interrogative eyes. He decided to observe what was happening in the corridor,
since it was silent for quite a while. He noticed that they were surrounded by
dozens of people totally stunned, as if someone hypnotized them.
Lily lastly
put out a paper from her bag and she gave it to Isaac. He took it and started
to read it out loud:
I – Lily …
Professional Singer … Oh … But I don't …
She
disappeared. He tried to find her among the motionless people but nothing. She
left him without giving any more explanation. He smiled and thought :
Is – What an
interesting woman. And what a voice …
The people
around him came back to their senses. Many of them were shocked and lost, they
kept looking at each other, searching the culprit of this madness. But since
they couldn't find it, they all went back to their daily life. Isaac put his
guitar in its bag, he took all his stuff and went back home, still whistling
Cough Syrup.
Roxy –
You're late.
L – Sorry
there was a lot of people in the subway.
Lily arrived
at the recording studio. She was out of breath. She put her coat on the sofa
and asked her agent :
L – How are
they ?
Ro – Kinda
angry … Flavie is trying to calm them but you know how bad she is when it comes
to singing … So please, save this interview.
L – I will
my dear.
Lily took a
deep breath and she entered the studio. The speaker was trying to stop Flavie
from singing, ( think shouting was more appropriate), but she wouldn't let go
of the micro. Lily hit her on the head, knocking her down, put her aside and
sat in front of a shocked speaker. She said, with a benevolent smile and tender
eyes:
L – Sorry
I'm late. I hope you're not mad against me.
The speaker
kept looking at the young girl. He wanted to reprimand her but he immediately
gave up on the idea when he saw that instead of her eyeballs, in her eyes there were gunshots ready to shoot him right
on the spot. He slowly sat on his chairs and responded:
Sp – of
course not, I mean it happens. Plus your assistant kindly made us wait with her
fuc … crystalline voice.
L – Yeah … I
know.
And so the
interview went on without a problem.
Outside,
Lily and her two assistants were waiting for her car. Flavie, still dizzy,
asked her boss :
Fl – Where
were you before the interview ?
L – I had to
take a walk. I wanted to be alone.
Ro – Yeah
but you know, it's not you to be so late. Did something happen?
L – Kind of
… I think I met him.
FL – Who ?
Your lawyer ?
L – No … Why
my lawyer ?!
Fl – That's
the first thing I thought so … I said it.
L – Hum …
Roxy –Your
future husband ?
L – No … The
one that will make me love my music.
Fl+ Roxy –
WHAT ?!
But they had
to stop the little chitchat. A black car was waiting for them. They went inside
it. Once into the big automobile, the two agents drowned Lily under a flood of
questions. Who was it ? What kind of man he is ? How old is he ? Is she good
looking?
She shouted
a huge "STOP !" which almost led them to a car crash, since it
frightened the driver who was not prepared for this. Once everything went back
to normal, she replied :
L – He's a
street musician named Isaac.
Fl – That
all ?
L – That's
all. I couldn't see his face under his scarf.
Fl – Kinda
disappointing.
Roxy – You
damn gossip.
Fl – I'm
just taking care of the private life of my star that's all !
Roxy – My
ass !
Fl – Better
keep yours close !!
Ro – SAY
WHAT ?!
Fl – BRING
IT ON !
L – SHUT
UPPPP !!!
The two of
them shut. Lily caught them by one of their respective shoulder and
aggressively said :
L – Now
kiss.
FL – Oh no
!!
Ro – Why ?
L – I said
Kiss ! You're friends so Kiss !
Ro - …
Fl - ...
Roxy kissed
Flavie on the cheek and so on. And so the fight was over. Lily stated that they
would talk about it later.
The car
stopped, they were arrived at Lily's Mansion. It was a huge building, entirely
made of stone and wood. It was made after an old one she saw in France, when
she was young. A lot of her "friends" said to her that it was a bad
idea, because it was expensive and it would led people to think that she was an
eccentric. She didn't care; it was something she dreamt about for so long. It
was her own paradise, where she could do whatever she want without being told
to find a job, a future … She was just happy here.
The entrance
was a huge hall with gigantic stairs leading to various floors. On the walls of
the hall, there was a ton of movie posters, directly imported from cinemas. She
was a huge fan of cinema; she used to watch a lot of them.
She went to
the living room, along Flavie and Roxy. She sat on her sofa and stared at the
big bay window that was on her right. She could saw her Japanese garden, she
loved it. She made it herself, and many people told her that it was
magnificent. She knew they were lying to get closer to her but it wasn't
important because in the end, she was aware of who was really her friend in
this world. Roxy and Flavie sat in front on her, and the latter demanded:
Fl – So …
about Isaac.
L – It was
like … our music was making a rainbow road inside people's heart. It was not my
voice alone, but my entire being was giving itself to music, to its music. I
can't really explain it but … our music was in resonance and it was the only
thing that mattered for this moment, in time and space. I was really enjoying
it.
Roxy – I
see. That's perfect. Did you hire him ?
L – Hum …
Fl – Did you
ask his phone number ?
L – Speaking
of which …
Roxy – FOR
GOD SAKE HOW …
L – I give
him the audition card !
FL – Oh good
then you give him a little card that's so cool yeah ARE YOU A GODAMN MORON ?!
DO YOU THINK HE WILL COME TO AN AUDITION JUST TO SEE YOU ?
L – I just
want him to be my musician! That's all ! For once, I want to have someone that
can complete me when it comes to music.
Fl –
Godness.
Roxy –
You're a lost cause.
Lily giggled
and answered:
L – I know.
A phone call
interrupted them. Flavie picked up the phone. She talked a bit with her
interlocutor until she hand over the phone to Lily, while saying :
Fl – It's
him..
L – Oh come
on.
Of course
Lily's success was due to her voice, it's a fact. But it wasn't the only
reason. The other one was that guy. A music producer, he discovered Lily when
he went to the cabaret where she was singing. He immediately tried to hire her,
but her boss refused. She was way too precious, a real jewel reflecting money.
But the producer didn't give up the idea and during months, he did whatever was
possible to persuade the boss, and Lily as well. And it finally paid off;
Lily's boss sold her to the producer if the latter was giving him a commission
on the albums she would sell. That's was the deal.
Of course
the producer tricked the boss thanks to his lawyers and it ended up in a way
that the boss was forced to give him money.
He was well
known among the music industry, a fearless monster. When he wanted something,
he did his everything to buy it, and once it's done, he sucked it from all its
soul and being. He was heartless. And when the hype around his product was
going down, he threw it, like garbage into a landfill.
He was
animated by one thing: Money. He was a pure product of our era, that's his
character. But unfortunately for him, he found a rock, a mountain to oppose his
plan.
He knew Lily
was his final step before controlling the music industry; she would lead him to
where he wanted to be. She was what he had been searching for years. A being
that could bring enough money for the rest of his life. But she was
thick-headed, and she was often imposing on how she should head her
career. She had a free will that no one
could control; it was like trying to catch a mouse into a haystack. But he knew
that one day, he would have the upper hand on her, he sworn countless time he
will.
Oh by the
way, his name was …
L – Ethan …
What a pleasure. Are you still trying to rob some old lady in the street ?
Et – As I
can see, you're still happy to hear about me. I'm sure you missed me.
L – Maybe in
another life.
Et – You're
so silly. So what happened earlier ? Why were you so late at the recording ?
L – I had
some going stuff to take care of.
Et – I see …
You should have warned us in that case.
L – Hey I
know I won't forget about it next time.
Et – Okay …
Oh the audition for your new musician is tomorrow. Be sure to not fire him
about only two weeks this time. I'm exhausted of trying to cover your back.
L – Don't
worry. I'm sure I'll be the last audition.
Et – That's
what you said last time … Well then, see you tomorrow my jewel.
L – See you.
His jewel.
That's how he called her. She knew he was only seeing profit in her but for the
time being, she had to endure it. She said she was tired and she quickly went
to bed, without eating anything. In her dreams, she saw herself singing with
the famous Isaac, face to face, in front of an astonished and an amazed
audience.
The followed
morning, Isaac was in front of a gigantic building. Its sharp dimensions was
intimating our hero, who during a few seconds thought about running away. He
even wondered why he was here, just to play with a girl he just met. But his
curiosity was stronger. That joy that he felt yesterday was incomparable, and
he needed to know why.
He strongly
grasped the strap of his bag, and he entered the building. He walked in giant
corridors, which we decorated with gold, silver and even ivory. With his holed
sweat-shirt, he was totally out of the place. He was still hiding his face
under his scarf. He found a little sign indicating that behind that huge
entrance, there was the audition he was looking for. Without waiting any
longer, he opened the door.
It was a
huge theater, with countless seats. Everything was colored in a vivid red,
which was almost attacking our friend's eyes. More than half of the seats were
taken by people coming for the audition. He was an ant among the anthill. He
didn't like that feeling. That why he remained alone all this time.
He sat far
away from the others, and waited until it begun.
Flavie came
on the stage. She warmly welcomed the candidates and said it's not because they
won't be chosen that she should give up on music, so they would have other
opportunities. That's why they live in this country. So she wished them good
luck and she let the first applicant go on stage.
Isaac was
laughing internally. They were lame, dull, it was boring. Today, people were
all singing the same way, the way the trend was telling them to. Isaac was
sometimes an old geezer, but in fact he liked music from the bottom of his
heart. He liked it so much that he wanted it to be perfect, maybe too perfect.
When he was
young, he tried countless auditions, but he always ended the same way. People
didn't notice him and they were always asking where the next applicant was.
After years, he even considered to give up on music, since no one could hear
him. But it was the only thing he was good at, so along his part-time job, he
kept on playing in hopes that someone would hear him.
Roxy calling
his number interrupted his daydreaming.
He stood up from his seat. He suddenly got scared, he was about to leave
when he noticed the jury. Lily was among them. She couldn't recognize him
because of the lack of light into the room. She seemed annoyed and tired by
this endless audition. He gazed at her a few seconds, took his musical weapon
and went down to the battlefield.
It was still
pitch black. Nobody could saw who was on it. The stage manager turned on the
spotlights. Isaac was there, holding his guitar, with the light blinding him.
Lily's face changed from total indifference into a blazing amazement. Isaac put
out his wooly hat and bowed to her. Roxy and Flavie seemed pleased by his
character and Lily hid her laugh behind her papers. But his insolence didn't
last long when he realized who was sitting next to Lily.
It was the
only person he wished he wouldn't meet again. That person was Ethan.
? – You
think you can become a musician with your lack of talent? We can't even hear
you play ! You should give up on music. It's an advice, I don't want you to ruin
your life you know.
A teen Isaac
was tightly holding his guitar and tears were flowing from his red eyes. A
whole crowd was watching Isaac being destroyed by Ethan at a talent show.
Nobody interfered, it was totally the opposite, they were laughing along Ethan.
The latter added :
Eh – No
really. I hope it was a good joke because I never saw someone unable to produce
a sound with his guitar. You can go now. Bye.
Isaac left
without saying a word. He was crushed. All his ideals were stepped on by those
laughters. Once outside, he threw his instrument into a garbage and went home
and he never told his family about what happened that day. He just asked his
mother :
I – Hey mom
… Can you describe my music ?
? – Your
what ?
I – My
music.
? – I didn't
know you were playing guitar. I thought you were repairing them since I've
never heard any sound escaping from your room.
It was the
final blow. He was done. He went to his room and the following morning he
burned his appliance for a music school.
Years later,
he became a cashier at a fast-food. He was disappointed by what he had become
and thought he was a failure. He dropped out early from school because he
wasn't good at studies. His parents were trying to help him but it was
meaningless, he didn't want to be helped.
But during
one of his boring days, he was talking with a bloody irritating customer who
was screaming because the meat in his burger was upside down. All of the
sudden; he heard a voice coming from the radio. It was appeasing him, and he
immediately released what was the power of the voice. It brought happiness to
the people listening to it. That was the meaning of his music back then, when
he was at the talent pageant. Nobody could hear it but he just needed that one
person, that being who could transform his music into something bigger, into
what he always wanted. Into something that could be hear by everyone, not just
himself. He sighed, took a plate and smashed it into the head of the customer.
He gave his resignation and with the money he had left, he bought a new guitar,
a cheap one.
He went to
the Big Apple, and with all his might, he played in the subway, in the street,
and he took countless auditions. Nobody could hear but it didn't matter, it was
something he enjoyed, he found a meaning in his life. No, to be more precise,
he embraced his older self and became a musician, the only job that was
suitable for him.
Ethan was
looking at him with disdain. He didn't recognize the one he despised a few
years ago. It wasn't important. Isaac was all fired up. He shook his head,
cracked his fingers, and he started to play a song he created months ago. He
was playing beautifully, everything was going smoothly but a voice interrupted
him :
Roxy – Are
you going to play ? Because they're a lot of people waiting to get their
chance.
Isaac didn't
pay much attention to it. He continued, hoping that they would hear it. He got
louder. He got louder. LOUDER.
Eth – We're
done. Thank you.
Isaac
stopped. Once again, nobody could hear it. What was his problem ? Was he cursed
? Finally, he was the same as back then. It shouldn't have come back to music
after all. He went to stepped out of the stage but a huge "STOP"
froze him and the whole theater. Lily rose from her chair, her face was full of
anger. Ethan and the other were astonished, as they couldn't spill out a word.
She shouted :
L – I didn't
know you were such a coward Isaac. Are you giving up on music so easily ?
You're kinda weak in the end.
His pride
was hurt. He riposted:
I – I don't
have your talent. It's easy for you to say that.
L – It that
so, it's not what I heard yesterday. You were as talented as me. Maybe even
more.
I – Yeah …
But ..
L – Sing
with me.
I – What ?
L – Please.
Lily was now
on the stage. Ethan wanted to interfere but Roxy and Flavie restrained him
before he could stand from his chair. Isaac looked at Lily. She was gazing at
him with eyes that were begging him to say yes. He only met her yesterday, but
his instincts were urging him to listen to that girl, as if his life would
depend on it. And after all, it was worth trying since he had nothing to loose.
He placed
himself next to her. He asked :
I – Which
song do you want to play ?
L – I was
thinking about … All I want.
I – From
Kodaline ? Sound good to me. Tell me
when you're ready.
L – I'm
always ready.
A little
band gathered behind them. Lily took a deep breath and Isaac held his. And then
it began:
Isaac started
to play his guitar and Lily started to sing:
L – All I
want is nothing more ….
Notes
escaped from Lily's and Isaac' bodies and danced all over the room. The
audience could touch it. Their music was now real. Ethan was impressed, he
never saw that before. Then the notes reassembled behind the singer and her
musicians to create a scenery onto the wall. It was showing two young people.
As the song was progressing, their story of their life together was told. They
loved each other, they even fought, but their feelings were sincere. But one
day, she left him, without saying a word, without giving him the opportunity to
ask why. He was alone. The room of the theater was now tainted in a cold blue.
People and applicants were shaking from the cold that was spreading all around
the room. Sadness was overwhelming Lily's voice and Isaac' music. It spread to
everybody. Some were crying, others were feeling despair. The poor guy was
walking, nobody was helping him, and he was all alone now. Snow was falling
into the room, to express the darkness into his heart.
Thanks to
Isaac's music, which everybody could hear and fell now, Lily could express each
feeling of the music, she could share it with other people. Isaac was crying.
His wish has been granted. People were enjoying his music thanks to Lily. They found out their purpose in music, and it
was to do it together, no matter what, because it was stronger when they were
together.
Suddenly,
the little guy stopped. And the music started to got louder and faster, and
Isaac sang along Lily :
L+I –
OHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH !!!
The poor guy
took a flower. It was a lily. He glanced at it, and then he smiled, for the
first time in a while. Orange and yellow was now overcoming the blue in which
the theater was covered. The room became warm. People could feel hope, a new
beginning for him. His mourning was over. He could go on now.
As the song
was ending, the guy threw the lily in front of him, and right after that, a
while garden of lilies invaded the theater. The floor was fully covered of
them. People started to happily pick them up, they were all happy, nothing else
mattered in the world. Those who were in doubt could now go to a brighter
future. The song was a new beginning for them.
Lily's voice
stopped. She was sweating and dizzy. Isaac fingers were red because of the
speed at which he played. Their public was in a trance; they were singing and
dancing, throwing flowers in the air.
Lily looked
at her partner. He was intensively staring at the scene. It was impossible for
him to believe what was happening. He was speechless. Because of that, Lily
could easily tell that he was happy, really happy. He was at peace with his
music, for once. He stood up, he turned to Lily and said :
I – Thanks …
Really. I've never believed that my music could do … such a thing. But now, I
know.
L – Don't
thank me. It was a pleasure.
Et – Hold on
a second !!
Ethan slowly
came to the stage. He walked towards them. He glanced at both of them and asked
:
Eh – Young
man … What is your name ?
Isaac was staring
at him with an incredible intensity. He replied :
I – Isaac
sir, Isaac.
Ethan held
out his hand to him and declared :
Et – Then
welcome Isaac ! You're Lily's new musician !
Ethan, who
at first wanted to show his discontent and hatred to Ethan, couldn't do
anything because of this surprise announcement. He shook Ethan's hand without
thinking and he kindly smiled at Lily who was looking at him with an obvious
tenderness. Flavie and Roxy jumped into Lily's shoulders and propose to their
new friend to celebrate his new job. While they were leaving along the numerous
disappointed participants, Ethan was looking at the new duo. His eyes were
seeing only one thing, money. He smirked, and left to get new contracts for his
protégés.
They
celebrated Isaac acceptance into Lily's band during the whole night. They drank
a lot. They talked a lot about music and others stuff. At one moment, Lily's
left her mansion to look at the stars, like she used too at this moment of the
night. She was on her balcony and she glanced at it with admiration. She
thought that thanks to Isaac, her voice would be now full of stars, like she
always dreamt of. Isaac, who was looking for the toilets, saw the young girl
alone on her balcony. Without thinking, he entered into the room and straightly
went to talk a bit with her :
I – Hey …
L –
WHAAAAATTTT !!!
Lily hit as
hard as she could the one that invaded her private garden. She hit him around
eight times and once she stopped, she noticed that it was Isaac, with now a
swollen face.
L – You
could have warned me that it was you.
I – I was
about to do it … Ouch.
Lily put ice
on Isaac's swollen cheek. She giggled:
L– You're
such a child. Stay still.
After a long
silence, Isaac finally dared to ask :
I – Why are
you looking at the stars ?
Surprised by
the question, Lily dropped the ice onto the floor. No one ever asked her why.
She picked up the ice in panic and put it on her bedside table. She sat next to
Isaac and questioned him with a simple demand :
L – Don't
you think the stars are pretty ?
I – I think
they are.
L – That's
what I used to say with my big brother. We used to gaze at it when we were
walking around in the night. I was fond of the moon. I'm still love of it
though. But it's not the same.
I – Where is
your big brother ?
L – That's
the question. That fool left with his group of friends somewhere around the
world, to seek inspiration he said. And he told me he would back only once he
considered that he was at my level.
I – Wow … He
was jealous of you ?
L – No … He
just wanted to write me good songs … That he considered worthy.
I – But …
why did his friends followed him ?
L – Because
they are all a damn group of morons … and because they thought that It would be
fun. Well, enough about me. Let's talk a bit about you.
I – My story
is kinda plain.
L – I'll
decide if it's lame or not.
And so Isaac
started telling her how was his relationship with music and what leaded him to
be at the subway in which she met him.
L – It's not
lame. It's kinda interesting. I understand why you've suffered that much.
I – Yeah.
And you ? what is your purpose in music ?
L – It's
quite simple. I just want, one day, that all the people around the world are
looking in the same direction.
I – How ?
L – With my
music. Just for one second, I want the people all around it to feel the same
thing, at the same time, just Hapiness.
I – Oh … I'm
impressed. It's something really simple but strangely … It does suit you. But
why don't you do it now ?
L – Because
… I'm not happy with my singing right now. I can't bring it the way I want.
I – I see …
I'm sure you'll find it.
L – I hope.
No, in fact, I'm sure we will.
I – We will
?
L – We'll
both make our dream come true … But What is yours ?
I – My dream
…
L – You know
what ? Let's talk about something else, It's none of my business.
I – But ..
L – What is
your favorite kind of music ?
I – Oh it's
rock and …
And while
the others were drinking, they spent the whole night talking.
The
following morning, Lily was at her door while Isaac was leaving her property by
the main entrance. He waved good-bye at her, and she shouted in return:
L – You have
to be at your home by the end of the day.
I – why ?
L – Because
that's an order ! Have a nice day.
I – Wut ?
She shut the
door. He remained motionless in the middle of the path leading the gate, and
then, after shrugging, he went back home. He waited diligently the whole day,
practicing his music, searching information about Lily on the internet. He was
amazed to see at how respected she was. She was like the new Micheal Jackson of
our era. Even something better. She was more cherished than Elvis or Frank
Sinatra. It was like that her fans were worshipping a God.
A knock on
his door interrupted his researches. He ran to it and opened it in a rush, to
see that 3 huge men were waiting for him with a dozens of package. They entered
his room without him granted them the right to. They put the packages in the
middle of the flat and they left without saying a word.
Isaac stared
at those for a while; he didn't remember buying something on the internet. He
was too poor for that. He decided to open one. He took the lightest one, went
to his sofa and put it on his laps. He hesitated a bit, and he finally took his
courage to open the infamous package. What he saw was amazement. A brand new
amp, the most expensive one on the market. He was so excited, as he knew from
whom it was coming. He rushed to the others package and he opened … (maybe the
sentence he tore them apart would be more appropriate). It contained an
electric Guitar. a new computer, all the furniture that he needed to improve
his music, and along that, there was little contract, making clear that he was
now the property of Lily as her musician. That would be his purpose from now
on. Making music with this girl.
Weeks passed
in a rush. They spent all of their days in the studio, practicing and writing a
new album. Lily hired writers to help her wrote the songs and Isaac was
composing the instrumental. But it was hard for him at first. He wasn't used to
be monitored by a producer, especially someone like Ethan. He was here every
day, checking what he was making. Giving his views on everything, especially
when he thought it wouldn't be a commercial success.
Et – I don't
need a song that will become a classic in 20 years. I want a classic that will
make me ... us rich now.
I – I don't
want to do some commercial shit like you the one you like to produce. I'm an
artist, not your tool.
They often
argued but Lily always came to solve the issue by knocking them down. Ethan was
worried because Isaac had a complicity that was overcoming his little control
on her. But I won't last.
The
promotion for their upcoming release was exhausting. They went to several
towns, cities, countries. They met many kinds of people. Isaac noticed how Lily
was loved. Her power was something really amazing, to bring such happiness in
such a sad world.
Some people
were of course jealous of her success and they were blackmailing her on the
media. She was ignoring them but in fact, she was deeply touched by those
criticisms. It proved that her power wasn't complete, in the end.
Something
bothered Isaac. He was observing Lily while she was talking with her fans. It
seems that she wasn't really herself. It was someone else, a whole new
person. She was nice with them, even
though he was aware she couldn't stand it because she was really shy. She was
talking about herself but instead of telling the truth, She created those funny
facts about her, because she thought her life was boring and that she was
boring as an extension. She wanted her life to be her own. He was a spectator
of this, he couldn't step in, he was her shadow.
That's how
he named himself after 6 months of work with her. Her shadow. He needed her but
on her side; she could go on without him. Sometimes, when he was feeling
insecure, she was here comforting him. But that little unease was still here.
But he progressively gained confidence as the disc was taking form, becoming
something tangible. He spent his nights remaking the instrumentals, perfecting
it. He was afraid that it would be the first failure of Lily so he wanted to
make it the right way.
One day, she
was him sleeping on his desk. He probably spent his whole composing music for
her. She watched it a bit, and remarked some lyrics she never saw before. She
read it and was astonished by the quality of the lyrics and what feelings they
were giving. There was a melody next to it. She took both and after putting a
blanket on her friend, she went back to her room.
The next
morning, while he was sleeping, he received a phone call from Ethan. He picked
it up and asked :
I – Yeah …
What is it ?
Et – Did you
spend your entire night once again at the studio ?
I – Yeah …
and so what ?
Et - …
Forget about that. I wanted to tell you that your new song is accepted on the
album.
I – Which
song ? I didn't sent one last night.
Et – Of
course you did. You should stop the acid. Bye.
Ethan hung
up before Isaac could answer. He looked at his email but he didn't see anything
about the music he was supposed to have sent to Ethan. Suddenly, he noticed that the lyrics he just
finished yesterday had disappeared. He started looking for them in the whole
room, he couldn't find them. He finally received a text from Lily telling him
"Hope you'll be ready to sing your song. I'm looking forward to it".
He grumbled :
I – This
girl …
He finally
gave up on scolding her and went back to work.
After one
year of threats from Ethan, of stress and lack of sleep, the album was over. It
was time for them to promote it. Ethan registered them to one of the biggest Tv
musical show of the year. Isaac was anxious because they had to do two songs at
the show, one with Lily and the second was him alone. While they were on the
red carpet during the preshow, he was with Flavie and Roxy while Lily and Ethan
were posing in front of the photograph. Lily was playing her part as usual, for
the sake of her label. All of the sudden, someone came to talk to Isaac :
? – Hey I
heard you were the new musician of Lily ! Kinda amazing right ?
I – Yeah It
is … Who are you ?
? – I'm a
music journalist, I wanted to ask you a few questions.
I – Go
ahead.
? – What is
your relationship with Lily ?
I – Is this
really a question about music ?
? – Of
course !
Flavie
interfered and while pushing him she shouted :
Fl – You
again !! Get out of here.
? – Oh come
!! Let us do our job ! I'm a journalist !
Fl – You ? A
journalist ? You're just a ghoul that devours other people privacy ! Begone
before I call the police !
The
journalist ran away. Isaac, still a bit surprised by what happened, asked his
friend :
I – Who was
this guy ?
Fl – A
paparazzi … One of the worst … I'm glad I made it in time. Your mother didn't
tell that you shouldn't talk with strangers ?
I – Now that
you said it … She once mentioned something like that … But I was watching
Pokemon on the TV so I didn't pay attention.
Fl – It
strangely seems legit from you …
Lily went
inside the arena and her stuff had to follow no matter what, Isaac included.
Once they were in the green room, it was a whole new atmosphere. Everyone was
focused on what he should to, especially Lily. Her way of getting herself ready
for a show was to close her eyes, took deep breath and to mutter the lyrics and
the instrumental she had to sing. Nobody could disturb her during that time,
and no one even tried, even Ethan.
Isaac was
outside the Green Room, tuning his guitar. Ethan came in front of him and asked
:
Et – Are you
ready ?
I – I hope
so.
Et – There
is no hope out there. You better be ready or I'll be the end for you.
I – It's a
threat?
Et – It's an
advice. I don't want you to disappoint Lily, that's all. It'll be a shame,
don't you think?
Ethan face
was close to Isaac'. He had a sadistic smile on his face. Isaac who at first
considered ignoring him, decided to reply :
I – I won't
disappoint you.
Et – Did I
say me? I didn't. Well I've to go. I'll be waiting for your beautiful
performance.
Ethan left
by happily bouncing on his feet. Isaac muttered :
I – What a
jerk …
Suddenly,
the green room's door opened in a rush. Lily went out from it. She stopped
without looking at Isaac and demanded :
L – Are you
ready to blow their mind ?
I – You bet
I am !!
Isaac stood
up, took his guitar and they went to the stage.
Part I
Fin
Theme :
Cough Syrup - Young the Giant
All I want - Kodaline
