"Yeah, we'll see about that."
"Oh, will we?" Alisha raised an eyebrow, and Sian felt her face redden.
Luckily, she was saved a reply by the waiter coming by with their drinks. "You ready to order?" he asked. Sian ordered the linguini and was surprised when Alisha went for ribs. She'd been thinking of her as more the Caesar salad type.
"So, I have a confession to make," Alisha said, sipping her rum and coke.
"Oh?"
"I Facebook-stalked you to get your number."
Sian smiled. "I like to call that 'research.'"
"Very wise," Alisha said. "Mind you, while I was on there I did go through your photos, and there's a very fetching one of you in a Harry Potter costume."
Sian hid her head in her hands and mock-groaned. "Yes, I'm a geek," she admitted.
"Me too, but keep shtum about it, okay? You do make a good Luna though."
"She's my favourite," Sian admitted.
"Yeah?" Alisha grinned. "Me? I like Sirius Black. Can't get enough of that bad boy look."
"You mean that starving, runaway ex-prisoner look?"
"That's the one." Alisha laughed. "You know, I started out playing Wizard Rock. You know, like the wizarding bands they have in the books? It's kind of a thing online where you write and play songs about Harry Potter. I was about fourteen and my song writing was awful. I'm so glad we picked up Mac. He's the best lyricist."
"You really did that?" Sian asked. She just couldn't see Alisha as the geeky type, whatever she claimed. Certainly not someone who would spend hours writing songs about a series of books.
"I did. There's video evidence of it too," Alisha said with a grimace.
Sian laughed. "Guess you've moved on a bit since then."
"I have." Alisha sighed. "I think the others would probably kick me out of the band now if I suggested singing about Dumbledore. Well, not Hugo. He was with me all the way with the Wrock stuff."
Their food arrived before Sian could ask who Hugo was.
The portions were much bigger than Sian was expecting, and she thought it would probably take her at least an hour to get through this much food. Alisha was already tucking in, using her fingers to break apart the ribs. Sian hid a smile and tucked into her own food.
"I'd like to hear you sing again sometime, maybe," Sian said, taking a sip of her lemonade.
Alisha smiled, French fry paused halfway to her lips. "We're playing tomorrow at The Korova. Nine-ish, if you can make it. I'll actually invite you backstage this time."
"We were invited last time."
"Ahh, but my invitation is far higher an honour."
Sian wanted to disagree, but she couldn't help feeling like somehow it was.
After dinner, Alisha walked her to the taxi rank, and they stood awkwardly together for a few seconds before Alisha leaned in and kissed her. There was no tongue this time, just a sweet, light press of lips, and then she was pulling back.
"I'll see you tomorrow night," she said as Sian got into the front seat of the taxi. "And you'd better be there." She threatened lightly, leaning down to the open window. "Or I'll have to start Facebook-stalking you again, and this time, I'll go right through to the baby pictures."
Sian grinned, and the taxi pulled away. She leaned her head back against the seat and smiled to herself, feeling like a balloon drifting free of human clutches, up and up towards the sky.
Three
The Korova was a small bar with just a handful of tables and two corner sofas, but its two-for-one cocktails made it popular with students. Tonight it was packed, and the bouncer outside was turning away anyone wearing trainers. Sian was glad she'd worn her lace-up boots instead of her Converse.
Tilly scowled. "I hate this place," she shouted over the din of the music and a hundred people talking at once as they pushed through the crowd to get to the bar. "Seriously, it's this shitty little place, but they're total snobs."
Sian had to agree, but she hadn't come because she liked the bar. She'd come to see Alisha play.
"What do you want?" Tilly asked, then barked a laugh. "What am I saying? Obviously you'll have a mojito. You always have mojitos."
Sian gave the menu a quick glance, but she wasn't familiar with any of the other drinks, so she nodded and let her order. Sian waited to one side while Tilly leaned across the bar, looking bored and showing off her cleavage so they'd get served quicker. She glanced towards the back of the room. The little stage was still empty, even though it was almost nine. Sian wondered what Alisha was feeling right now, whether she was excited to get out there, or nervous, worried that something would go wrong. Sian was inclined to think the former.
There was no chance of them getting seats anywhere, so they leaned against the bar, sipping their drinks slowly. Sian savoured the cool taste of rum and mint; this would be her only drink of the evening, and she wanted to make it last.
"Hey, look," Tilly hissed, elbowing Sian in the side and nearly making her spill her drink. "There's Mac." She jumped up onto the balls of her feet and waved her free hand wildly in the air. "We love you, Mac!" she shouted, earning her several strange looks from the people nearest.
Mac waved back, and she laughed, gleeful and, Sian suspected, just a little drunk. The cocktail might have been Sian's first drink of the evening, but Tilly had had two beers and at least three shots of Mickey Finn's before they left.
The rest of the band followed, Alisha bringing up the rear in a torn black and purple tank top and skin-tight black jeans. Sian felt her heartbeat quicken, and she rose up onto her tiptoes to get a better look. Alisha was whispering something in the drummer's ear and, for some reason, Sian felt a small spike of jealousy. It looked ridiculously intimate, that action, even though Sian knew the room was too loud to hear anything unless you were right up close to each other. That was all it was.
"Okay, people," Alisha said, moving over to the mic and pulling it out of the stand. "We're going to play you a softie to start you all off, let you finish your drinks before you really hit the floor. This one's an oldie called Wolf Moon."
A low, rolling beat started up on the drums and a long, low howl spread out through the room. Alisha leaned towards the mic and began to sing, her voice low and intimate.
It was hard to tell what she was saying at first, and a quiet settled over the bar as they strained to hear. Then, the wolf's howl sounded again, and Alisha screamed before her voice slipped down to a normal volume again, just audible against the instruments playing.
"The woods are dark," she sang. "Branches claw your skirts, mud grabs at your feet, and through the dark, you hear a..." The wolf's howl rang out, and all the instruments burst into a cacophony of sound, each settling louder than before, and Alisha lurched forward, injecting the same volume into her song.
Sian couldn't stop smiling. She was here, watching Alisha, who was so perfect and talented, and she felt like the rest of the world had pretty much disappeared.
"He's great, isn't he?" Tilly said, mouth inches away from her ear.
Sian nodded. "She is," she said, so low Tilly couldn't hear her.
"Here you are again," Alisha sang. "Alone in the dark, eyes like burning coals searing into your soul."
Alisha was beautiful, standing on the stage with the lights catching on her metal rings and bracelets, making her teeth gleam white, her eyes seem lighter and greener, the blue in her hair more vibrant.
"Here," Tilly said, pressing closer and shoving something cold into Sian's hands that she belatedly realised was another mojito. "On me."
Sian had only just finished the last, but one more couldn't hurt. Besides, she was going to Tilly's house later, so it wasn't as though her dad would be able to tell if she got a little tipsy. She took a small sip and turned her attention back to the stage, back to Alisha.
"Teeth flashing white in the full moon's light, tearing flesh and the crack of bone, and here you are, no longer alone." The music began to fade out, and Alisha grinned wickedly. "A wolf in the woodland night."<
br />
Sian started clapping before everybody else, but she didn't care. People were cheering, and she wanted to cheer with them. Tilly was whooping.
After the noise had died down, Alisha put the mic back into the stand and smiled. "Thank you. You were very patient. Now, I promise, the real party starts. This one's called Tough Love."
"Come on." Tilly grinned, pulling Sian forward through the crowd by her sleeve.
She made it to the front with half her drink still in the glass and, miraculously, only a small drop of it on the sleeve of her favourite white and blue dress.
Alisha was right in front of her now, with only a couple of drunken teenage boys—who did not look old enough to be drinking—between them. Tilly waved her hands wildly and blew a kiss at Mac, who made a ridiculous kissing motion back.
People were pushing forward to dance in what little space there was available in the small bar, driven by the irresistible beat of the song. Tilly was jumping up and down, and she grabbed Sian's elbow and pulled her along, moving so quickly that Sian was glad she'd just finished what was left of her drink.
Alisha screamed into the microphone, something about fire in her veins, and Mac went into a guitar solo that held even Sian, who had never particularly cared for guitar solos, in awe.
Tilly disappeared halfway through the song, so Sian danced by herself, swaying on the spot and almost whacking a couple of people with her elbows and hands. When Tilly returned it was with a couple of dark purple drinks in her hands.
"What is it?" Sian asked as Tilly pressed one of the drinks into her hands, but Tilly was dancing again and didn't seem to hear her. The band had launched into another song, slightly slower this time, but with the same rocky beat to it that kept people moving.
She sipped at the drink Tilly had given her. It tasted good. Sweeter than the mojitos, and perhaps a little too sweet, but still good.
Watching Alisha, Sian's mind waxed poetic, thinking about goddesses and ancient queens. There was something regal in the way Alisha moved that commanded respect, like a lion moving across the savannah. She suddenly felt very mousy and insecure—how could somebody with so much power, somebody so bold and confident and completely amazing, ever be truly interested in her, with her frizzy blonde hair and childlike freckles? She wasn't powerful, or confident, or anything of the kind. She was just Sian, whose dad would be waiting at home for her to call him goodnight.
She checked her watch. It was just after ten, and that particular phone call was late. She winced, and slipped through the crowd, hurrying for the girls' toilets. Locking herself into the end cubicle, she pulled out her phone and dialled her home number.
"Hey, Dad," she said, affecting a yawn.
"Sian?" he said, sounding a little annoyed. "You're calling late."
"I know, Dad." She yawned again. "I was just so tired, I forgot the time. I was almost asleep, actually."
His voice softened. "Okay, baby. Well, you go off to sleep now. I'll see you tomorrow."
"Night," she said, trying to ignore the squirm of guilt in her stomach.
"Night, honey."
The line clicked, and she put her phone back in the front pocket of her bag and headed back through the door.
There was a space at the bar as she was passing, and she made for it, putting down her empty glass and trying to copy Tilly's usual bored pose that got them served quicker. Still, it was another ten minutes before the barman got around to her.
"Two VKs," she ordered, going for something a little weaker than the cocktails they'd been drinking; she didn't want to get too drunk, and alcopops were perfect for that.
Bottles in hand, she went to find Tilly, who was still near the stage, dancing with a couple of girls and a guy Sian didn't know. She tapped her on the shoulder and got a full-on hug as Tilly turned around. "Love you, Siany." She grinned, making Sian wonder if the extra drinks had been a bad idea. Before she could think to dispose of them, Tilly grabbed one and necked it back, swallowing at least a quarter of the bottle in one go.
Sian found herself pulled into the circle of strangers, dancing awkwardly with her back to the stage. It wasn't where she wanted to be. She wanted to be able to see Alisha, to watch her move across the stage, to hold her gaze in those brief moments when their eyes caught each other's. She wanted to see Alisha sing, not just hear it.
Slowly, she managed to edge around so that she was at the other side of the circle between two girls she didn't know, opposite Tilly, who was waving her hands in the air, definitely drunk. Behind her, Alisha was singing about lies and love and courage and weakness, and Sian wanted nothing more than to kiss her, to breathe in the scent of her rich perfume, to feel the muscles cording her upper arms and to taste her again, the taste of beer and menthol cigarettes and Alisha. She thought maybe she'd never wanted anything so much in her life.
"Okay, people, one more song, then we are outta here," Alisha said before taking a deep swig of water. There were dark circles under the arms of her tank and strands of her hair were sticking to her face, but her eyes were gleaming, and she looked totally alive, vibrant with energy. She turned to the guy at the keyboard. "Hit it, Johnny."
Sian felt herself carried away once more with the music, dragged into Tilly's arms and twirled around until the room spun. Alisha seemed to have seven heads and fourteen arms before she slowly swam back into focus, an amused look on her face as their eyes met. She turned, and the connection was gone as she leapt across to the other side of the stage, shaking her head so her hair fell messily into her face.
As the song drew to a close, Sian felt a brief moment of regret. She wanted to hear Alisha sing some more. Then Tilly elbowed her and all but squealed. "Here they come." She was bouncing up and down as the band exited the little stage. "Wasn't that amazing?"
Sian nodded, and felt her heartbeat quicken as Alisha walked out through the door, heading straight for her.
"Glad you came, babe," she said, pulling her close, hands on her waist.
Sian leaned up and kissed her, but it was brief as Alisha was pulled away to talk to a group of people by the bar. "Be right back." She promised and touched her index finger lightly to the tip of Sian's nose before disappearing.
Sian looked around for Tilly and finally spotted her and Mac making out against the wall. She scowled to herself, heading for her own spot of wall and leaning there. She did wish Tilly wasn't always so all over whoever she was seeing.
Pushing away from the wall, she headed to the bar and ordered another VK. She'd finished it and already had a second in her hand when Alisha grabbed her hand and pulled her over to a seat. "What did you think?" she asked, taking a sip of her beer. "Terrible?"
Sian rolled her eyes. "You were amazing. And you know it. Stop fishing for compliments."
Alisha laughed. "I was not! I was just fishing for your honest opinion."
"Well, my honest opinion is that you were amazing. And, uhm, kind of hot." Sian giggled.
"Are you drunk, by any chance?" Alisha said, one eyebrow quirking upwards.
"I am not! I hardly even drink."
"What's that in your hand, then?"
Sian shrugged, and spilled a little of her drink on her knee. "A drink," she said, wiping away the spillage with one hand.
"You're so fucking adorable." Alisha laughed, and leaned in.
As Sian moved forward for a kiss, the world around her seemed to tilt. She frowned. The room seemed to be moving. She felt dizzy, her head too light, and nausea was beginning to build. In fact, she thought she might—
She leapt up from the seat and ran for the toilets, nearly knocking the drummer over as she went. Behind her she heard a laugh and someone, maybe the drummer, shouted, "Make way for the chunderer!"
The door banged shut behind her, and she launched herself into the nearest cubicle, throwing up the toilet seat and practically dunking her head in the bowl. She retched once, twice, and then vomited into the toilet, a grotesque blue slush that spattered into the water and up against the p
orcelain. She sank back, feeling a little better, and wiped the back of her mouth. Her throat burned. She closed her eyes and tipped her head back against the cubicle wall. She groaned. What would Alisha think of her now? God, she'd made such a fool of herself. Now everyone was laughing at her.
There was a knock on the outer door before it creaked open. "Sian? Are you okay?"
Alisha's voice. Oh, God.
Sian banged the cubicle door shut and hoped she would just go away. She didn't want Alisha to see her like this.
The door opened again, and Alisha crouched down beside her. "I brought you some water. You should drink it." She held out a glass. It was cold to the touch, and Sian took it gratefully.
"Sorry," she muttered. "I didn't mean to—"
Alisha shrugged. "Don't worry about it. Happens to the best of us. What's life for if not to get totally wasted and embarrass ourselves completely?"
"Is everybody laughing at me?" Sian winced and sipped at the water. It was cold and soothing.
Alisha smiled. "Of course not."
Sian thought she might be lying, but didn't press it. "Where's Tilly? I think I want to go home now."
Alisha grimaced. "I think Tilly's gone back with Mac already. Don't worry about it, though. I'll call you a taxi."
Sian nodded and tipped her head back again, closing her eyes.
Alisha was only gone for a few seconds before she was back again, saying, "Taxi's just coming. Let's get you outside." She reached one arm around Sian and helped her stand.
It was nice, being tucked against Alisha's side, and Sian rested her head on her shoulder, feeling sleepy and safe as she was led through the bar and out into the cool night air.
A taxi was waiting at the kerb, and Alisha leaned in the open window and said something to the driver. She opened the door and Sian climbed in the back, resting her head against the seat.
"Where to, love?" the driver asked.
Sian gave him her address, and then promptly fell asleep.
*~*~*
She awoke to find someone roughly hauling her out of the car. Her arm hurt from lying on it and someone's fingers were digging into her shoulder.
Keeping it Together Page 2