Chapter 3

Synestra’s P.O.V.

I woke up in the morning with a smile on my face, sitting up seeing the poster of Damien Raines on my wall knowing I would be seeing him on stage. I had to find just the right outfit.  After about 10 outfit changes I settled on a pair of red leather leggings that hugged my hips just right and a black lace top.  I reached the bottom of the stairs to find my mother cooking breakfast.  I grabbed a few pieces of bacon, a danish, and a glass of orange juice and sat at the table.  

“What are you so dressed up for?”my mother asked me. 

“Oh going to a concert with Aly, she got me tickets for my birthday.”  I replied.

“I have been seeing things about this concert on the news. I really don't think you should be going down there tonight. I heard this band is dangerous. The ladies from my church group said they are devil worshippers” My mother always believed anything the ladies in her church group said.

“Mom those ladies don't know what they are talking about, you can't always listen to them mom. I gotta get going. I am meeting Aly at her house. Love you.”  I press a kiss to the top of her head as I head out the backdoor.

I made my way down the street towards Aly and Albert’s house. When my phone buzzed in my pocket I pulled it out to look at it and ran directly into something.  I really have to start paying attention when I walk. I thought to myself. I felt strong hands on my arms steadying me. I looked up to see a beautiful Adonis of a man with broad muscular shoulders, Strong chiseled jawline, golden blonde wavy hair and hazel eyes. His eyes looked to have gold flakes in them when the sunlight hit them.  He truly was magnificent to look at.

“Whoa careful there wouldn't want you to fall and hurt yourself before you get to wherever you were in such a rush to get to.”  He smiled and I felt my cheeks heat up.  

“I’m so sorry, I should have been watching where I was walking.  I hope I didn't hurt you at all.” I apologized.

“You hurt me?” he chuckled. “I think I will survive. It’s not every day I get to run into a beautiful young lady like yourself. By the way where were you going in such a hurry?  Not to see your boyfriend I hope?”

I giggled, the blush on my cheeks intensifying. “No, nothing like that. I was on the way to a friend’s house, we are getting ready for a concert together.”

“Oh are you going to the Devil’s Night concert?” he asked clearly knowing the answer already. “I am going too. I just left my friend Albert’s house trying to get him to tag along but no dice.”

“Wait you wouldn't be talking about Albert Finnigan would you?” I asked surprised.

“Yes actually, you know him?’ His eyes looked even brighter now.

“Yes, that is where I am heading now. He and his twin sister Aly have been my best friends for as long as I can remember. They actually got me the tickets for my birthday. That is such a coincidence.”  I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. This beautiful man was friends with Albert.  How had I never met him? Never even heard of him.  I couldn't help but wonder how long he and Albert had been friends and how close they were. 

“Well it's nice to meet you, I am new in town. Albert is really the first friend I have made since I moved here, but hopefully now I can count you as number two. I’m Gabe by the way. Hopefully I will get to see you tonight?” his golden eyes looked hopeful.  I couldn't help but smile. As I began to walk past him.

“Maybe.” I said teasingly.

“Oh and happy birthday!” he shouted.  I turned to explain that it was still a month away but he was already gone.  

“That was weird.” I said to myself.  Remembering the name he mentioned. Gabe, the name continued to roll around my head as I continued towards Aly’s house.

“Hey Syn, what’s up you look lost in thought.” I heard Aly’s voice but couldn't seem to focus on it. “Earth to Syn, girl where are you at?”

“Sorry, I just …met someone. I think.” I stammered still confused.

“You think?  What does that even mean?” she asked

“Well I ran into this guy on the way here. He said he was a friend of Albert’s but I have never heard of him. To be honest it was kind of strange and my head feels kind of foggy like it was a dream but also like I have known him my whole life.” I tried to explain the weird feeling I had.

“Oh you must mean Gabe, he just left. He is new here and honestly a guy that looks like him could make anyone feel a little weird.” she laughed “Is it possible our girl has a crush?” 

“Please, I barely know the guy. I don't have time for boys anyway.  I have to focus on school and getting my scholarship. That is the most important thing right now. Lord knows my family could never afford to send me to college without it.”  I wave her off.

“Girl, you work too hard.  You need to let loose and have some fun. Find yourself a guy and ride him hard girl, release all that tension. She giggled.

“ You are so vulgar.”  I laughed. “But maybe you are right.  Maybe it is time I relax a little.”  Aly was joking but it wasn't the first time she has said something like this to me. Being a virgin wasn’t something I made a big deal about. It’s not like I was intentionally waiting for marriage or anything, I just haven't met a guy I really had strong enough feelings for to get that far. 

*******************

We got to the concert venue about an hour early since the section we had tickets for had general admission seating. Meaning the first ones there got the best seats.  I looked down at all the empty seats directly in front of the stage, those were assigned by ticket so there was no need to show up early, I wondered what it would be like to sit that close. Would Damien notice me?  Would we have that moment where we locked eyes? I shook the thought from my head knowing there was no way he would pick me out of the crowd. There were so many beautiful, model type women here already there was no way a girl as plain as myself would stand out is this crowd.  I felt a frantic tap on my shoulder, pulling me out of my daydream. 

“Look who is here.” Aly said pointing behind me. I turned to see Gabe walking towards us with a smile on his face.

“Hey I was hoping to see you here. My apologies but I don't think I caught your name before.” he smiled.

“It’s Synestra, it’s nice to see you again.” I said flashing a smile.

“It’s nice to officially meet you Synestra.” he said as he took my hand in his and planted a kiss on the top.  The feeling of his lips on my skin made me tingle all over.  I wondered what it would be like to have his lips in other places on my body as well. “Do you mind if I sit with you?” he asked.

“Of course you can sit with us. You can sit right next to Syn.” Aly said with a smirk.  I shot her a look to say you are pushing, but she didn’t seem to care.

The three of us chatted for a while when a man in a very expensive looking suit walked up to us.  He had to be in the wrong place. There is no way he belonged up here with us. 

“Ladies,” he said, clearing his throat. “My name is Alastor Kennedy. I am the tour manager for Devil’s Night.  I would like to offer you front row seats for tonight's show. If you two would please follow me.”

“Wait there are three of us, we can't just leave our friend. I appreciate it but we will have to pass.” I explained

“No no, you guys go ahead without me.  I can’t be the reason you pass on this opportunity.” Gabe insisted but there was no way I was going without Gabe after we had offered for him to sit with us, that would be rude and maybe I was a little interested in him. 

“We can make room for three but please come along. I am a busy man and do not have all day for this.” Alastor said as he gestured for us to follow him.

“Can you believe these seats? Front row center I could literally reach out and touch the stage.  Thanks again for insisting I come with you.”  Gabe said, squeezing my hand as the show was beginning.

The opening band played a few songs though not many people were really paying attention. Then the beginning notes of Devil’s Night’s first song started to play. The lights went out and there was nothing but darkness.  The anticipation in the air felt electric. I could feel the goosebumps all over my body and the hairs on my arm standing on end. Suddenly a spotlight shined down and there he was. Damien Raines was standing only about six feet in front of me.  He was more beautiful than I remembered. When he opened his mouth everything else faded away. It was as if we were the only two people in the entire building.  Then I heard his voice, I could hear his words speaking but his lips did not match the words. It was like I was hearing him with my mind rather than my ears. Synestra, I have been waiting for you.  I looked around to see if anyone else had heard this but everyone seemed oblivious. Right when I was sure I had imagined the whole thing Damein looked right at me and winked.