Summer Vibes

Michigan Stadium Back Stage

2002/7/28

As I stepped off the stage, the adrenaline still coursing through me, I could hear the crowd's cheers fading into a warm buzz. The lights dimmed, leaving a soft glow around the backstage area, and I took a moment to breathe, letting the excitement settle.

"Jaxon!" Leah's voice cut through the noise, and I turned to see her weaving through the remnants of the crowd, a bright smile lighting up her face. She looked proud, and that made my heart swell.

"Hey!" I grinned back, feeling a rush of happiness. She closed the distance, wrapping her arms around me in a quick, enthusiastic hug. "You were amazing out there! Seriously, you had everyone on their feet!"

"Thanks! I always get a bit nervous, but once I start singing, it's like everything just clicks." I chuckled, running a hand through my hair, trying to play it cool.

Leah stepped back, still beaming. "That song, 'Alienated'? It hit hard. I could feel the emotions behind it."

"Yeah, it's a bit personal," I replied, glancing away for a moment. I remembered why I wrote it, the sense of loss and being out of place. But I kept that to myself. "But I'm glad it resonated with you."

"It definitely did. It's like you were pouring out everything you felt," she said, her eyes searching mine. "I mean, I can't imagine how it feels to be on stage like that."

"Honestly, it's exhilarating. But it can also feel... lonely, you know? Sometimes it's like performing for everyone but still feeling a bit distant." I laughed it off, but part of me was still grappling with that sense of being separate, especially with thoughts of my past lurking in the background.

"Distant?" Leah raised an eyebrow, leaning in a little closer. "What do you mean?"

I shrugged, trying to keep it light. "I guess being on stage is like being in a spotlight. You're there, but everyone's out there. It can feel a bit like you're in your own world."

She nodded, her expression softening. "I get that. Sometimes I feel that way in sports—like everyone's watching, but you're still in your own head."

"Exactly!" I replied, feeling a bit of relief at her understanding. "But then, moments like this make it all worth it."

"Moments like what?" Leah asked, tilting her head slightly.

"Like seeing you in the crowd, knowing you're there supporting me." I smiled, letting the sincerity show. "It makes a huge difference."

Her cheeks flushed a bit, and she looked away, a small smile tugging at her lips. "I'm always here for you, Jaxon. You know that, right?"

"Yeah, I do." I took a deep breath, feeling a warmth spread through me. "It's just... nice to have someone to share it with."

Leah's smile grew, and she nudged me playfully. "Well, you'll have to keep performing so I can keep cheering you on!"

"I plan to!" I laughed, feeling lighter. "You'll be my number one fan."

"Always," she said, a sparkle in her eyes. "And hey, I'm really proud of you. This is your sixth show, right? That's amazing!"

"Yeah, it's been a wild ride," I replied, feeling a mix of pride and disbelief. "But it wouldn't be the same without you."

"Stop, you're making me blush," Leah teased, nudging me again.

Just then, I noticed Leah's family approaching. Harry and Sue Clearwater were beaming, and Seth had a wide grin plastered across his face.

"Jaxon!" Harry called out, clapping a hand on my shoulder. "You killed it up there! Seriously, you've got talent."

"Thanks, Mr. Clearwater," I said, feeling a swell of gratitude. "It means a lot coming from you."

"Yeah, it was awesome!" Seth added, trying to contain his excitement. "I can't believe how many people came out to see you!"

Leah looked at her family, warmth spreading through her as she watched their support for me. It was a reminder of how close we all had become, and how much their encouragement meant.

"Jaxon, we're so proud of you," Sue said, wrapping me in a quick hug. "Keep it up. We'll be here to cheer you on every step of the way."

"Thanks, that really helps," I said, feeling a sense of belonging wash over me.

--- (A/n: i tried making it kind of emotional and not too emotional since i cringe the most at those lol)

Forks, Washington

2002/8/2

The summer sun streamed through the curtains, casting warm patterns on the floor as I stirred awake. I stretched and glanced around Leah's room; the familiar surroundings felt comfortable. It had been a few days since the concert, and now I was finally spending some time at her place.

I heard the sounds of breakfast wafting up from downstairs, and my stomach grumbled in response. After a quick shower, I made my way down, the scent of pancakes and bacon guiding me.

"Morning!" Leah greeted me with a bright smile as I entered the kitchen. She was already setting the table, her hair pulled back in a messy bun, a few strands falling into her face.

"Hey, Good looking," I replied, plopping down at the table. Seth was already there, busy munching on a stack of pancakes, his face animated as he talked about something—probably a video game or sports.

"Guess what?" he exclaimed, eyes wide. "I beat the final boss last night! It was epic!"

"Nice! You'll have to show me how you did it," I said, genuinely impressed. I didn't know much about gaming, but I loved seeing Seth excited about something he enjoyed.

Leah rolled her eyes playfully. "If you can handle his bragging," she joked, pouring syrup over my pancakes.

"I can handle it," I said with a grin. "Bring it on, Seth."

The breakfast table was filled with laughter and light-hearted banter. Leah's mom, Sue, joined us a moment later, her smile warm as she set down a fruit bowl.

"Jaxon, you're looking good! That hairstyle really suits you," she said, ruffling my hair like I was still a kid. Well, I am; I really don't know why I thought of that, I chuckled to myself.

"Thanks, Mrs. Clearwater! Just trying to keep up," I replied, feeling a bit shy but grateful for the compliments.

After breakfast, Leah and I decided to head out. "Wanna go for a jog? The weather's nice today," she suggested, grabbing a couple of water bottles.

"Sure, sounds good!" I said, eager to keep things casual. We ran through the forest trails, the cool air refreshing as we chatted about everything and nothing. It felt great to just enjoy each other's company without the weight of performances hanging over us.

Later that afternoon, we settled into the living room with Seth, who was deep into his latest video game. Leah and I sprawled on the couch, occasionally cheering for him as he fought through levels, our laughter mixing with the sounds from the screen.

"You guys are the worst backseat gamers!" Seth teased, dramatically rolling his eyes when we shouted suggestions.

"Just trying to help!" I shot back, chuckling. "You know you can always count on us for moral support."

As the sun began to set, the warm glow filled the room, creating a cozy atmosphere. I felt content just being there with them, enjoying the summer vibes.

"Let's watch a movie later," Leah suggested, glancing at me. "We can get popcorn and make it a whole thing."

"Sounds great!" I replied, feeling the easy rhythm of the day wash over me.

As the evening rolled in, the three of us gathered in the living room again, bowls of popcorn in hand. Leah and I exchanged playful jabs, and Seth chimed in with his own sarcastic commentary about the movie.

That night, as I settled into bed...