Blinded

We’re back in the dressing room. I’ve been seated on a couch and been passed a bottle of water. All I can do is drink the water.
The show was awful. No matter how much I tried, I just couldn’t sing as well as I usually do. It just felt all wrong.
I had to restrain myself not to start walking around the stage. And I managed to do so – restrain myself. I stayed put all through the show – my feet bolted to the floor and my hands glued to the mike.
My voice didn’t live up to this pathetic show.
I sucked. So bad.
I take a sip of my water again.

“Should we go sign some autographs?” Mikey asks warily. I don’t answer. I don’t even move. The room stays silent for a bit. I can feel all their eyes on me. Just like during the show. All eyes filled with empathy and worry as they fixate on me. It’s making me nervous.

“Why don’t you guys go out and sign. I’ll stay here with Gee,” Frank says cheery. I have a feeling it’s fake.

“Sure,” Mikey says, and I soon hear four sets of footsteps leave the room. Worm have gone with them. I guess I’m alone with Frank.
I slide down the couch a bit and press the back of my head into the cushion. I lean my hands on my thighs. I don’t even bother closing my eyes. It might freak Frank out, though.
I close my eyes.

“So, still seeing nothing?” I shake my head as much as I can. Or as much as I want. As much as I can pull myself together to do, let’s say that…
“Sucks.” Frank sounds slightly out of breath. I can hear and feel him repositioning himself on the couch next to me. I don’t think much of it. I just try and let my brain rest. I try to shut everything around me out – rest my ears too.
It’s hard though – to rest my ears. I keep hearing Frank’s uneven breath right beside me. Is he crying or something?

“Are you crying?” My eyes are still closed, but I turn my head towards Frank and frown.

“Uh, no! No…” His voice sounds shaky. I think he’s crying. Why would he be crying?
I sit up slightly and reach out for him. I find something – not sure what, though – and grab a light hold of it.

“Frank, what’s wrong?” I softly rub whatever I’ve got a hold of. I think it’s his arm – lower arm – but I’m not sure.

“Nothing is wrong.” His voice is less shaky, but now it just sounds tense.

“Then what’s right?” I smirk, but I can’t keep in my giggle. My giggle turns into a laugh though. I feel stupid – laughing at my own jokes? Jeesh.

“You.”
I stop laughing.

“Did you say something?” I wish I could see Frank’s face so I could tell what’s going on.

“No.” His voice is obviously nervous.
“Nothing at all.” And then it’s sad. Something is up with him. He’s acting weird. But I know pushing the matter won’t bring it out faster. So I drop it. I let it go – for now.