CHAPTER SIX- GHOST

JOANABE POV

"You really forgot all about me, right, Joanabe?" The girl said in a snarling face, and her eyes are serious. Her shoulders are up high in her annoyance. 

Wow! She acts superior or popular or something--

"Aren't you Shally Mae?" Kane said, pointing at her, looking quite shocked.

"Oh! How do you know?" Shally said happily as her face gleams while seeing his reaction to knowing her name.

"Nah! Saw one of your performance before in-." Kane said awkwardly as he stroke his nape. I can see he is getting uncomfortable.

"Ehem!" I cleared my throat, cutting their conversation. I did not like where it was heading.

"You and Shally Mae. Watch my performance today. I will come up to the stage to show you both I am not the Joanabe you knew five years ago." He crosses my hands at my chest level. One of the organizers calls for me, and I nod. 

"Catch you guys later," I said while patting Kane's broad shoulder.

All the murmurs of the crowd are inaudible, and the lights were blinding as I prepare myself to walk on the stage.

"Let me welcome our performer Joanabe Mullins. Around of applause please." The host excitedly announces as I step on the stage.

*SAME AS BEFORE A DEAD CROWD. NO CLAPS OR CHEERS FOR ME.*

The organizers prepare the mic and piano for me. I smile and bow as my thanks to them, which they reciprocate my gratitude with a warm smile.

I cleared my throat.

"GO! JOANABE!" Kane screams in the silent place that echoes loudly in the area and my ears. Such a motivator for me.

Taking a deep breath, "this song is about being ‘haunted’ by someone dear in your life after they no longer exist to share moments with you. Longing for someone who left you behind."

As I finished my speech, I press the first key of the piano gracefully. The people are in awe, and I can hear them gasp at my grace on the stage. They are just blind to see my talent before, and they notice it now.

I sing wholeheartedly the song title my immortal by evanescence.

And I've held your hand through all of these years

F#m  D  E

but you still have all of

A  C#m

Me... Oooh...

~Seven years later

After I got up from my seat people clap and whistle they while they feel contented with my performance.

I smiled at them and bow slowly on the stage. Then, sending my fans with blowing kisses. I wave my hand from side to side.

"Thank you! That was a wonderful performance of our one and only Joanabe Mullins. That was captivating to see." The host announces to the viewers with a hype voice.

I smiled happily at the host.

*FINALLY AFTER 7 YEARS I CAN HEAR PEOPLE CHEER FOR ME HAPPILY AFTER ALL FAILING MANY TIMES*

"Did you see me, Kane, Mom, Cher, and Shally?" I said under my breath. I don't want the host to hear, so I keep my voice low.

I slowly walk to make my way out of the stage and go to the audience area.

"Wait! Miss Joanabe. Can we interview for minutes?" A group of media runs after me, holding their black microphones and cameras pointing straight at my face. Their camera flashes in me, which burns my eyes while I am protecting myself from them.

"I am sorry. I am in a hurry, and I have a special appointment." I inform the media, which in their dismay. I look in the crowd and search for the people I want to see. My eyes land on my Mom and Shally, who are glad to see me. So I approach them with a big smile.

"Congratulations! Honey, that was wonderful. I am so proud of you." My mom said happily, standing in her place.

I walk fast to her, she was seating beside Shally Mae.

"Hi! Joanabe, you were amazing. You own that stage!" Shally chuckles as she praises my performance earlier.

"That's kind of you, Shally." I sneer, trying to trigger her pride when it comes to music.

"This is your win. Amazingly, your day is today. Mine is tomorrow," She added while her shoulders were shaking from her chuckles. Then, I laugh at her claims, which tickles my throat to let out another loud laugh. 

"Sure, it's mine," I said confidently to her and look into my mom, and I embrace her. It takes me back to where I belong. I love her so much.

"Mom, thank you for believing me. I love you. This success is for you and me." I smile while I embrace her tighter.

My mom breaks the embrace and places both of her hands in my face, wiping my dripping sweats with her soft fingers.

"I am so proud of you, Joanabe. I feel so alive when I see you achieve what you want. I love you!" She places a kiss on my forehead, and I happily bend down for her to reach it.

I am so happy to have a friendly competition with Shally Mae for years because it helped me build my confidence on the stage. I mean, she and Kane help me a lot with my stage fright.

Seven years ago, I could not forget those blue eyes that were sparkling, watching me performing on stage successfully. That was the first time that I did not make a mistake because I want to prove something.

I also want dad to see me on stage, which is why I sent him an invitation, but I guess it's impossible for me. He did not show up. Wonder if he regrets of calling me trash now ---

"Joanabe, did you call Kane? I also want my dad to see me on stage, but I guess work is his priority. What I mean about Kane, he should be here. Aren't you two close?" Shally asks too many questions. To be honest with her question, he just started ghosting me. I even wonder what I have done to him wrong to keep his distance from me.

"I do not know. Since the day, Kane made a promise. He never showed up his face in front of me." I said while looking down, feeling lonely as I crave for him.

"I am sorry for that, Joanabe. However, you better watch my concert to enlighten your heart. I'll show you that my crowd screams louder than yours." She pokes fun while putting her tongue out. 

What a kid.

We laugh.

Cher told me she can't make it here to the dome since she is having an important date with her boyfriend.

I heard they were in a relationship for a long time, I wonder why she did not introduce him to me. Did she not trust me? Or she wants to keep it lowkey?

I shake my head off. Of course, she is probably looking for the perfect timing to tell us. As her childhood friend, I wish for her happiness.

"Joanabe, let's head out. Looks like the media are looking for you." My mom said, her fingers pointing at the media.

"I'll give them a free interview. You both go out peacefully here." Shally offered to me with her eyes teasing me, and I give her a smirk.

"I got your a** today Joanabe." 

Mom and I make our way out peacefully, credits to Shally Mae. No media are tailing us way here.

"Mom, wait here, let me grab my car. Let's eat in a restaurant. I made reservations." 

She flicks my forehead, "you love spoiling me too much."

I flinch from the pain and hiss.

"Mom! You don't have to do that. Besides, you are the only person I can spoil."

"AHAHAHA! So we better hurry." Mom said happily to me and watch me leave to get my car from the parking area.

*OH NO! I FORGET TO TELL MY TEAM THAT I WILL LEAVE THEM RIGHT AWAY! I DID NOT EVEN CHANGE MY WHITE LACED DRESS*

Ugh!

Still careless aren't I?

I unlock my car with the use of the key. I have to get inside and fasten my seatbelt.

**RINGS**

I found my phone buzzing in my car and ringing.

So I left it here. When will I ever change? 

I look at the caller ID, and it is unknown. Who the f**k is this?

*GROANS*

Is someone from my team playing with me? Is this urgent?

I decided to ignore it. I turn my car's engine, and my phone won't stop buzzing and ringing.

S**t!

I grab my phone angrily and answer the call. I will let this person know that I have a date with my mom. 

The world stops as my face turns white when I heard the voice on the phone, calling my name, "Hello, Joanabe?"