3RD PERSON'S POV
Orange stood in front of her mirror, adjusting the denim jacket she had thrown on over her favorite band tee. She took a deep breath, steeling herself for the night ahead. It had been a long time since she had gone out, and the thought of being around people again was both exciting and nerve-wracking. But she needed this—needed to feel something other than the weight of her own thoughts.
She grabbed her keys and headed out, the cool evening air a welcome change from the stifling atmosphere of her room. The local pub was just a short walk away, a place she had frequented with her bandmates in school back when things were simpler.
As she pushed open the door, the familiar hum of chatter and clinking glasses greeted her. The pub was alive with energy, a stark contrast to the solitude she had grown accustomed to. She made her way to the bar and ordered a drink, something light to take the edge off.
With her drink in hand, she found a small table in the corner and settled in, letting the ambiance wash over her. She watched as people laughed, talked, and danced, their carefree attitudes a stark reminder of what she had lost. But instead of feeling the usual pang of regret, she found herself smiling, enjoying the simple pleasure of being out in the world again.
She sipped her drink slowly, savoring the moment. The music playing in the background was a mix of old classics and new hits, a perfect soundtrack to her evening. For the first time in a long while, she felt a sense of peace.
As the night wore on, she found herself lost in thought, reflecting on the conversation she had with Ellie. Her sister's words had given her a sense of hope, a belief that maybe things could get better. And sitting here, in this pub, she felt a small spark of that hope ignite.
She glanced up at the TV mounted on the wall behind the bar, the screen displaying a live music broadcast. The camera panned to a familiar stage, and her heart skipped a beat. It was D Minor, her former band, performing live.
Her eyes widened as she saw Rodora step up to the microphone, the rest of the band poised and ready. The crowd erupted in cheers, and Orange felt a mix of emotions swirl inside her. She watched, transfixed, as Rodora introduced their new song.
****
Earlier that day, Orange had spent the afternoon with Ellie, her bubbly younger sister. Ellie had insisted on a spontaneous guitar lesson, her acoustic guitar slung over her shoulder as she bounded into Orange's room.
"Hey, Orange! Mind if I join you?" Ellie had asked, her voice bright and cheerful.
Orange had smiled, setting her guitar aside. "Of course not. Come on in."
Ellie had settled onto the bed beside Orange, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "I heard you playing. It sounded beautiful."
"Thanks," Orange had replied, feeling a warmth spread through her at her sister's compliment. "Just trying to clear my head."
Ellie had nodded, her expression thoughtful. "I've been practicing a bit on my own, but I was hoping you could teach me a few things on the electric guitar. It's so different from the acoustic."
Orange's heart had swelled with affection for her younger sister. "I'd love to. Here, let me show you."
She had handed Ellie the electric guitar, guiding her fingers to the proper positions on the fretboard. "The key is to get a feel for the strings. They're thinner and require a lighter touch than the acoustic."
Ellie had nodded, her brow furrowed in concentration as she strummed the strings. The sound had been hesitant at first, but with Orange's guidance, it had begun to take shape.
"That's it," Orange had encouraged. "You're doing great. Just remember to relax and let the music flow through you."
Ellie had smiled, her confidence growing with each note. "It's a lot of fun. I can see why you love it so much."
Orange's heart had ached at her sister's words. She had loved it, more than anything. But now, the joy was tainted by the memories she couldn't escape.
They had spent the afternoon together, the room filled with the sound of their guitars. Orange had found herself lost in the music, the bond with her sister a soothing balm to her troubled soul.
As the sun had begun to set, casting a warm glow over the room, Ellie had set the guitar aside and looked at Orange with a serious expression. "I know you're going through a tough time, Orange. And I want you to know that I'm here for you. Whatever you need, whenever you need it."
Orange had felt a lump form in her throat, her eyes stinging with unshed tears. "Thanks, Ellie. That means a lot to me."
Ellie had reached out, taking Orange's hand in hers. "You're not alone, okay? We'll get through this together."
Orange had nodded, a sense of hope blooming in her chest. She still had a long way to go, but with her sister by her side, she felt a little less lost.
Ellie, ever perceptive despite her bubbly nature, had given Orange a knowing smile. "I know things between you and Rodora weren't exactly... great. But I also know how much you loved being in D Minor. Maybe it's worth finding a way to make peace with the past."
Orange had sighed, appreciating her sister's insight but still feeling the weight of her unresolved feelings. "It's complicated, Ellie. Rodora and I... we just never saw eye to eye."
Ellie had nodded, her smile unwavering. "I get it. But you know what? Sometimes, things have a way of working out when you least expect it. Just don't give up on what you love, okay?"
Orange had looked at her sister, taking in her earnest expression. "I don't know, Ellie. It's not just about Rodora. It's about everything. The band, the pressure, the expectations... it all became too much."
Ellie had leaned in closer, her eyes softening with understanding. "I know it did, Orange. And I can't pretend to understand exactly what you went through, but I do know that you're incredibly talented. You have something special, and it would be a shame to let it go because of one bad experience."
Orange had felt a tear slip down her cheek, quickly wiping it away. "It's more than just one bad experience, Ellie. It felt like my whole world was falling apart."
Ellie had hugged her tightly, her warmth a comforting presence. "I'm here for you, no matter what. You don't have to go through this alone."
They had stayed like that for a while, wrapped in the quiet comfort of each other's presence. When they had finally pulled apart, Ellie had given Orange a hopeful smile. "So, what do you say? Want to play some more? Maybe something a bit lighter this time?"
Orange had chuckled softly, appreciating her sister's attempt to lift her spirits. "Yeah, I'd like that."
They had picked up their guitars again, and this time, the music that had filled the room had been lighter, more playful. Ellie had led them into a simple, cheerful tune, her strumming confident and bright. Orange had followed, adding flourishes and harmonies that had made the song come alive.
As they had played, the room had seemed to brighten, the shadows retreating as the sun had dipped below the horizon. The melody they had created was a testament to their bond, a shared moment of joy in the midst of uncertainty.
Ellie had glanced at Orange, her eyes twinkling. "You know, you're pretty amazing. I bet if you gave it another shot, you'd knock it out of the park with D Minor."
Orange had smiled, her heart lighter than it had been in months. "Maybe you're right, Ellie. Maybe it's time to face my fears and see what happens."
Ellie had beamed, her excitement infectious. "That's the spirit! And no matter what, you've got me cheering you on."
As the last notes of their song had faded away, Orange had felt a renewed sense of determination. She hadn't been sure what the future had held, but with Ellie by her side, she had felt ready to face it.
The evening had worn on, and the sisters had continued to play, losing themselves in the music and the moment. They had laughed, shared stories, and made plans for the future. Orange had known there would be challenges ahead, but for then, she had been content to simply enjoy that time with Ellie.
As the night had deepened, they had finally set their guitars aside and settled into a comfortable silence. Ellie had given Orange one last hug before heading to her room, her words lingering in the air. "Remember, Orange, you don't have to do this alone. We're in this together."
Orange had watched her sister leave, feeling a mixture of gratitude and resolve. She had looked at her guitar, her fingers itching to play again. Maybe it was time to reach out, to reconnect with the music and the people she had loved.
She had picked up her guitar once more, the familiar weight grounding her. As she had begun to play, the melody had been different—filled with hope and possibility. She hadn't been sure what the future had held, but for the first time in a long while, she had felt ready to face it.
****
Back at the pub, Orange watched the TV screen with rapt attention. Rodora stood in the spotlight, her presence commanding as always. The crowd's cheers filled the air, and Orange's heart pounded in her chest.
Rodora's voice cut through the noise, clear and resonant. "This next one is a special song," she said, her voice carrying a hint of something deeper. "It's called 'Her Name Is Orange and Her Hair Is Blue.'"
*****