Chapter 7

Melanie's POV

It's the 'meet and greet' day already. Janet and I got ready to go and Steve volunteered to accompany us. He said he was not busy and his dad gave his consent. Mom did not forget to warn us to be safe since Steve was to be the driver. We set out and soon enough we got to the venue. Thank goodness we left our house as early as 4 o'clock, we found seats due to the time we arrived. Few minutes later, the stadium was filled. At exactly 5 o'clock, Suzy's van entered the stadium. People screamed at the sight. When the van stopped, she stepped out of the van in all elegance.

She looked like a princess, she wore a pink full flair dress with stilettos. A necklace was lying beautifully on her neck and a tiara was on her head. Her hair was packed in a messy like bun. She waved at the people, looked round and was about to go on stage when she looked sideways and our eyes met. I went numb for a second. "She's staring at me". I muttered under my breath. I waved at her smiling and I'm sure I saw her reciprocating the smile. She waved once more to us all. 

She mounted the stage, her dancers were there with her and some back up singers as well. Instrumentalists were there, all getting ready to present Suzy's song, "Be My Love". She awesomely presented the song and everyone happily sang along with her. After "Be My Love", she sang her sad song "When will you be back?" I love the song as well but it was almost too sad for my liking.

Though it seems to have a deeper meaning, all her songs seems so to me. Everyone listened, sang and liked her songs but I always wish to know the feelings and emotions that pushed her into writing those songs she produced. After the songs, she sat down on a seat which was specially reserved for her. A man I suspected and guessed to be her manager stood beside her and some of the bodyguards stood behind them to prevent crazy fans.

The emcee for the event mounted the stage. "Hello everyone". He said and everyone responded. "Are you ready for the greeting aspect of this event?" He screamed and people yelled "yes".  "Are you really ready?" He asked emphasizing the 'really'. "Yeah" people screamed out loud. I had to cover my ear 'cause of the noise.

"I know you all love Suzy and she loves you all. You all want to meet her and you have, you want to greet her, chat with her and all and she's equally ready for you all. Now I'll invite Suzy to come up here and speak to you guys before you start to get the autographs." He concluded and Suzy stood up, got to the podium and gave the man an opportunity to kiss her on the cheeks while handing the mic over. Suzy faced the huge crowd and a large amount of microphones from different broadcasting stations. 

Suzy's POV

I collected the mic as Richie, the emcee kissed my cheeks. I smiled at the large amount of people that attended this event...that's how much they love me. I also love my die-hard fans as well and they can act crazily as well due to the love they have for artistes. "Hi fans" I breathed and they screamed. They all started to chant my name and I raised my hand slightly to signify that they should be calm. The noise died down a bit and after some minutes, they seem calm. 

"First of all, I thank you all for coming to this event, thank you for showing your love and care as my beloved fans, I really appreciate your turn up." I stopped for a minute to see their reaction and to catch my breath, then I continued. "I am also here to sympathize with the disasters' victims and I wish to donate a particular undisclosed amount to the affected area." The people cheered and I smiled. I love seeing smiles on people's faces.

"I know we're going to get over the bad times and I'll try to help with that through this 'meet and greet' and I'm sure you would have a memorable day with me. Thank you." I concluded and rounds of applause were given. I went back to my seat and the DJ played my songs as people came up to meet and greet me. I gave different people my autograph and few of them had a little chat with me which I happily engaged in. But occasionally, my mind drift off to the young girl I saw earlier. I mean...I saw a lot of people when coming but I felt something when I saw the girl.

One after the other, group after group, the crowd started reducing as I signed, gave them the packaged goodies and had a chit chat with them. I got tired of the meet and greet when it got to a point but I had to carry on with it for my fans. Throughout the meet and greet session, I hoped to see the girl but I didn't. Just when I thought we were done, the last batch came in and hopefully the girl was amidst them alongside a boy and a girl who I guess would be of the same age with the blonde haired girl. When it got to their turn, fortunately, they were the last set of people I were to meet today, the blonde haired girl quickly ran to hug me and while my BGs (bodyguards) were trying to stop her, I restrained them from doing so. Just when she hugged me, a sense of familiarity ran through me. She disengaged from the hug. 

"Hmmn... hmmmn...am...I am sorry. I was just so happy I could finally meet you " she stuttered. I laughed a bit. 

"It's alright... I get that a lot. It's not new, dearie. Nice to meet you though. What's your name?" I questioned her. By now, she was sitting down alongside her two friends. Those guys look cute as well. 

"Melanie... Melanie Spears" she answered. I looked at the two friends and was expecting them to tell me their names when George, my manager told me I was running out of time 'cause I have to attend a meeting with my agency.

"Hmmmn....guys can I quickly get your names before I leave? I've got limited time." I said with a faint smile.

"I'm Janet Wilford" the red-haired girl said.

"I'm Steve Carlton" the boy answered as well.

"Nice to meet you all. Do you have any question to ask or do you need an auto?" I asked. 

"We'd love to ask series of questions but for the time, we'd skip that " the Melanie girl answered and I nodded.

"Then an autograph?" I asked again  

"I'd love that Suzy." Janet said with excitement. Steve's look showed indifference. I guess he's not a die-hard fan like the girls. In few seconds, each one of them had my autograph. I still wish to know more about this girl, Melanie but I can't stay anymore.

"Guys, I guess am off then. These are your gifts for attending this event. I love you all." I said as my manager handed over the packages to me and I passed it to them. 

"Can we get a hug?" Melanie asked and I nodded. "Sure" Janet came first and I hugged her, Steve, then Melanie. When I was still in Melanie's embrace, I felt a tingle and a bit of familiarism in that hug but I was quick to dismiss the feeling. I said my goodbye to the kids and went for my meeting. 

~~~

By the time I got back home, I was so tired. 

"Welcome" one of the maids greeted and I acknowledged her greetings. I walked into my room tiredly. I slumped into my queen-sized bed. "Gosh, I'm so tired". I murmured. I stood up lazily, entered my bathroom, turned to the shower stand. I made up my mind to use the shower instead of the bath tub. Considering how tired I was at the moment, I might sleep off in the bathtub.

I changed from my bathing robe to my nightie. I laid down on my bed and while trying to get some sleep my mind drifted off to the Melanie girl I met today. There's something about that girl. There's an aura of familiarity around her.

"Well, if there's something I need to know about her, we'll surely meet again." I thought as I finally started dozing. I turned off my nightstand light and I fell asleep.

Melanie's POV

"It's a dream come true for me to finally meet Suzy and have a talk with her even though it was not for a long period of time". I said

"Yeah, same here". Janet said with a bit of excitement. Steve just nodded and I was sure I noticed he looked gloomy since we met this morning. He was only trying to look happy...one can easily tell he was not his real self. The Steve I know won't be as quiet as this.

"Steve?" I called softly as we entered the car. "Yes?" 

"What's wrong? You look kinda down today." I said with concern. He shook his head negatively.

""But you don't..." I was about to question him again but I kept quiet because of the look he gave me.

"But Steve, you ..."

"Melanie... please." He said with pleading eyes. I finally kept quiet. What's wrong with Steve?

TBC....