#fck_pltvr

[abzjeideas]

The First Gig - Chapter 2 : For you

Lxx made their way toward the heart of the undercity, deep in the fissures, passing by Benzo’s old shop before arriving at the Pearl. Once a beautiful white building where their parents sold mining equipment and all sorts of wares. Now the walls have a greenish sick tint and cracks running through them.

Lxx’s father took great care of keeping the place as clean as he could but since his passing, the building slowly fell apart even with the efforts Lxx has put into it.

Being behind a counter was not the dream job for Lxx but with the help of Kmm, Spk and Hans, an older man, friend of the family who keep the shop running while the three others work on their band. The shop was doing good, or at least as good as a small shop in Zaun could.

“Hey there little ruby ! Had a good practice ?” Said the man waving at Lxx as they passed through the door.

“Yeah, the new song is coming out hot and heavy like it should. Oh and we got a gig ! We’re playing in two days” 

“A gig ? Now that’s some good news ! I’ll take care of the shop while you show the world you’re talent then”

“Thank you so much Hans, you're a lifesaver.”

“Anything for you my dear, I owe him that”

“I can manage the closing if you want to go home early today”

“That’s kind of you little ruby” He says, picking up his worn coat and making his way outside. “Have a good evening.”

The shop being empty, Lxx sat down on a chair and allowed themself to take in the emotions. Sitting silently gazing at the wall as if the answers to all questions were hiding in the cracks. But like always there was nothing but a blurry mess, a big inexpressible mess of strong feelings overwhelming each other and in the center was Lxx, trying to make sense of it.

The minutes flew by, but after a while they took a big breath, whipped the salty drops on their cheeks and focused back on reality. They started tidying up the shop and closed the Pearl for the day before making their way up the stairs to the apartment where they lived with their mother.

They were surprised to find her in the kitchen, sipping on a tea cup while humming an old tune. “Hey mom ! Did you braid your hair yourself ? It looks great !” Said Lxx noticing the tightly knotted white hair framing her mom’s face. “Aww thank you Lxx you’re sweet, Neya came by earlier to have some tea and she made this” She answered, turning her head to show off the new hair cut. “I used to braid them myself, had them all the time, your father always said that they made his heart jump.” Seeing her mother’s eyes turn dark and knowing the patterns at play, Lxx intercepted the fall, quickly taking her hands. “You are beautiful mom, I love you” and then embracing her in a soft hug.

Letting go of the hug Lxx continued “Mom, you’re not gonna believe what happened during our practice today”. They explained everything in detail keeping to themself their doubts. Their mother listened carefully, a proud smile filling up her face. “In two days you say, I can’t miss that, I’ll do what I can to be there.”

Lxx knew that she probably would not be able to come, between her grief and her addiction, her mother seldom left the house. But nonetheless they were happy to have her support.

They talked about their day for a while, Lxx preparing a somewhat acceptable dinner with what they managed to buy at the market. Seeing their mom lively and smiling warmed their heart, some days were not so bad afterall.

They helped their mother get up to her room as per usual, it wasn’t hard, she wasn’t called Feather  for no reason. Wished her goodnight and took the direction of their bedroom. It was a small room, covered in drawings and writings on one part, the other left emptier, there were two beds but Lxx was alone. They walked past theirs and lit a candle like they did every night.  “Good evening sis… Something happened today, something good I think. You would have been so happy.” Tears started blurring Lxx vision as their throat felt tighter and tighter. “We dreamed about this for so long. You were supposed to be the one at the front. The one people cheered for as you sang… I’m not big enough for those shoes. I feel like a clown,  an actor playing your part” They took a deep breath, this had been a long tiring day. “At least I’m good at that I guess..” A shy smile appeared on their face as they shook their head. “Sorry I know you would make your ‘stop-undermining-yourself’ face right now. I’ll do my best, I’ll make you proud I promise.” Blowing out the candle they stood back up before letting themself fall on their bed. “Good night Lzz, I miss you”.