Bella MacLeod's Twilight Fanfiction

She’s So Gone

By Midnight Dreamer

Chapter 16:

Jasper and Rose worked diligently for two hours straight lining up the new music with the lyrics Rose had written. At first they were leery about having Edward sing for this showcase, but his voice was the only one that would sound right doing it. When everyone came over they passed out copies of the song and they were stunned. Edward looked a little green around the gills.

“Guys why do i have to sing this one? Jazz usually sings.” Edward whined.

“Cause Jazz doesn’t have the right voice pitch to do this song Eddie so suck it up your singing.” Rose told him.

“Fine, but if we lose cause your taking bets on Eddie here i will never forgive you guys.” Alice said.

“Way to boost my confidence Alley.” Edward said.

“It was your idea to do a new song Alice, so you shouldn’t be bitchin about who is singing.” Emmett added.

“Yeah well I figured we would just stick with the usual singer and backups.” Alice said.

“I know Eddie can nail this now let’s get to work.”

The band practiced late into the night. They convened just after 1 am and agreed to meet back up around 10 am later that day.

Izzy spent all night Friday and most of the day Saturday fine tuning her guitar and the song. Running it again and again. Charlie listened avidly from down stairs. He was surprised at the lyrics but knew that they meant something to Izzy so he said nothing.

It was an hour before she had to be at the showcase and she was as nervous as a cat in a room full of rocking chairs. Charlie told her several times that she was great and the song was perfect. Izzy wasn’t sure if she believed him, but took the compliment not the less.

Soon enough it was time to go. With a wave to Charlie, Izzy hopped into her car and headed to the cafe where they were holding the showcase this time. Finding her spot around the back of the building where all the players were to park, she spotted the Fabulous Five by the back door. She was suddenly nervous for a different reason.

Jasper and the gang were standing in the back of the building waiting for the bouncer to let them in. The list was longer this year as it seems more single talents were coming out of the woodwork. Still he wasn’t worried. They were the reigning champions and with the talent each individual in the band had they were sure to nail at least second at the worst. He wasn’t sure how good Izzy was. As that thought passed through his head, he heard the subtle purr of Izzy’s Trans Am. Not wanting to draw attention to her he gently nudged Rose.

“Jazz?”

“Izzy” was all he said as if that would explain everything.

Apparently it did as Rose discreetly scanned the parking lot landing on the Trans Am. There standing next to it, looking like a scared lamb heading into the lions den was Izzy. She was pale, and looked about to hurl. Rose looked pleadingly to Jasper. Silently asking him to distract the others so she could go check on Izzy. Jasper understood and quickly engaged the others into a lengthy debate on whether any of the new talent would be competitors this year. Rose took the chance to sneak away and found her way over to where Izzy was standing.

“Izzy?”

“Rose?”

“Hey are you feeling okay? You don’t look to good.”

“Just nervous.”

“About being on stage? I thought we went over this…you would just look at me the whole time.”

“That’s not what I’m nervous about.”

“Then what is it?”

“I’m nervous about meeting the others. I’m afraid I’m gonna babble on nervously and call them by their nicknames instead of their actually names and then they will hate me and it will be like my old school all over again.”

“Oh Izzy that will never happen.”

“How do you know Rose?”

“Cause you have me and Casanova!” Rose giggled.

“Not funny Rose.”

“Alright…buck it up Swan…this isn’t Izzy. This is Isabella Dwyer talking. This isn’t the strong, awesome, beautiful, guitar wielding Izzy Swan that has become my best friend. You need to stop thinking about that and just be you. If they don’t like it then they can go suck a snowman.”

“Suck a snowman??” Izzy giggled.

“Yeah just came up with that.”

“Your right. I’m thinking like Isabella, and I’m not that girl anymore. I’m Izzy Swan and she isn’t the Ghost. She is Swan, Aphrodite’s best friend and kick ass guitar player.”

“That’s more like it. Now let’s get a move on Izzy…I don’t know how much longer Casanova can kept the Tweedles busy.”

Izzy laughed loudly.

“Let’s go Aphrodite…it’s time to play some tunes.”

Rose linked arms with Izzy and they headed over toward the door together. Just as soon as they got close enough Emmett looked around noticing that Rose wasn’t adding her input to the conversation and saw that Rose was escorting Izzy to the door.

“Whoa…When did Izzy get here?” Emmett asked everyone in general.

“Just got here.” Izzy said.

Jasper looked at her questioningly and she winked at him.

“Well Izzy it’s nice to finally meet you in person.” Emmett said holding his hand out.

“Well Emmett it is nice to meet you too.”

“Izzy” Jasper said tipping an invisible hat to her.

She giggled and curtsied.

“Izzy, this is Edward or Eddie to some and that is his girlfriend Alice or Alley.”

“Hi.” Izzy said

“Hello” Alice said.

“Wow. Izzy you play awesomely.” Edward spewed.

Apparently Izzy wasn’t the only one who suffered from word vomit when nervous. Just as Edward went to say something else the door to the cafe’ opened and the bouncer looked over them.

“Okay who are you? And who are you representing?”

“Well we represent Ricky’s Pizzeria, and the band is called Misguided Misfits.”

“Ah yes last year’s champions. But it says there is only five of you in the band. Who are you?” he said looking at Izzy.

“Izzy Swan. I’m representing The Music Shop.”

“Ah yes the newbie. I heard you’re pretty good. That true?”

“I don’t know if I’d say good…but I’m decent.”

“Izzy don’t diss yourself like that. You rock.” Emmett said.

“Alright well i guess you should all get in here and get warmed up. The first band is on in twenty. Misfits you’re third on the roster. Izzy you eighth, meaning second to last.”

“So there are ten shops competing this year?” Edward asked.

“Yep the most we have had in years. It’s a good sign i guess. Means that more people are getting involved. Maybe next time we can have it at the concert dome in the park.” the bouncer said.

He led them into the back of the cafe where they had cornered off sections for each group or player to warm up in.

“Well Izzy, I guess this is where we part ways. See ya out there.” Rose said.

“Yeah good luck.”

“You too.” the group coursed.

Izzy made her way to her assigned section and started warming up her guitar. After getting it tuned to her liking she started running through some rifts that she played at the store. She didn’t notice the group of people that started to surround her until she could feel Jasper’s eyes on her. It was always like that. Like her body knew exactly when he was looking at her.

She looked up briefly and gasped at all the people, including the bouncer watching her. She squeezed her eyes shut quickly then sought out Rose. Rose smiled at her and nodded her head. Izzy sighed in relief and continued to play until the first band was announced.