Chapter 1 – Two worlds

Mike slowly opened his eyes and yawned. He really was dead tired as he went to bed the evening before. A smile appeared on his lips. He maybe was tired yesterday, but it was worth it. He and his five friends were working on a music album. For years now he, who was responsible for the vocals just as his friend Chester, even though he was more into rapping, Brad, who was on the guitar, Rob with his drums, Joe as the DJ and Dave on the bass have had jam sessions and were writing songs. A few months ago, they had finally found someone who was ready to take the next step with them as a band and who had provided a professional place for them to make music. Since then, they’ve practiced almost every day and wrote songs. There was no pressure, luckily, they all had other incomes as well. However, it was his passion, and he was glad that his friends shared his love for music.

A movement next to him tore him out of his thoughts.

“What are you thinking about?” Anna asked after she had opened her eyes and was looking at him.

“About how happy I am.” He smiled, taping her nose.

“That sounds really corny.” She laughed. “What time is it anyway?” Anna sat up straight and stretched.

“Around 10.” The MC answered, looking at his phone and had to smile softly. He had a text message from Chester.

“What?” His fiancée screamed. “Gosh Mike, I’ve told you that I need to be at the bakery in 30 minutes! Today I have to decide which tartlets we’ll use for dessert.” She threw an angry look at him before disappearing into the bathroom to get ready.

Mike just sat there, motionless. He had hoped they could spend the morning together. Cuddling, having sex and eat breakfast.

He frowned. He couldn’t remember that she told him about her appointment. She went to bed much later then him yesterday.

He sighed. ’I hope being married will be different than this’ He thought, and his eyes widened.

It wasn’t nice to think like that. But for months now Anna seemed to be in a hurry all the time. He knew, planning a wedding was stressful but it seemed like she had become a different person within the last months. They never spent time together anymore. No nice dinners, no nights watching a romantic movie, no evenings where they were just talking all night long, no cuddling and worst of all, no sex.

Suddenly the bathroom door swung open and a fully dressed Anna entered the room again. She had already put on a little bit of make-up and was brushing her hair while walking to her closet, looking for some shoes that would match her outfit.

“I’m sorry.” Mike apologized even though he was sure he hadn't done anything wrong.

Anna just a mumbled ‘Goodbye’, not looking at him and was gone.

The Emcee sighed, running his hand through his hair. The vibration of his phone next to him made him jump. He took it from his nightstand and had to grin as he read the message. It was Chester again.

“Love, why aren’t you answering, am I disturbing you and Anna?” The MC could almost see the grin in the other one’s face. Most of the time his friend was a very impulsive guy, living for the moment. But sometimes he could be just as impatient as a child. He smiled before looking sad. None of the others had a clue about how lonely he had felt for a while now. ’Soon all of this will be over, and I can have Anna all to myself again.’ He thought and sighed once more. He was tired of saying this to himself over and over again.

Suddenly his phone vibrated again.

“Are you still alive? Chaz is getting on my nerves cause you aren’t answering him.” Brad’s text message read. Mike smiled while responding.

“There you are!” Rob smiled, as the MC entered the studio.

“Finally.” Brad said as he got up from the leather couch, making Chester sit up straight again, as he had leaned on the guitarist the whole time. “How can you stand him touching you all the time? It’s almost 40 degrees in here and he won’t stop cuddling.” Brad looked at the singer and then to Mike, playfully rolling his eyes before he sat down on one of the armchairs.

“Cause he loves me more than you do!” The petite singer stated with a smile.

“I’ve just surrendered I guess.” The MC answered, shrugging his shoulders. Everyone, except the lead singer laughed out loud. He just crossed his arms in front of his chest, pouting.

“I was just kidding Chaz.” Mike giggled as he sat down next to him, pulling him closer for a hug.

“Promise?” The other one asked, acting like he was still hurt. His voice sounded a little dull as his face was pressed into the fabric of the Emcee’s t-shirt. He just loved the attention his friend would give him if he was sad.

“I promise.” The half-Japanese replied, planting a kiss on the singer’s head, smiling. He knew that his friend wasn’t mad at all. It was just the way he was. He has always been a very touchy and drama loving guy, who felt good being the center of attention.

“Alright, now that we’re complete, has anyone of you thought about some new lyrics or beats?” Brad asked, looking around.

“Yes, I do have some things on the drums I’d love to show you.” Rob answered, smiling broadly.

“And I have some new lyrics for this song we’ve been working on last week. I think we could finish it up today.” Mike replied while absent-mindedly stroking Chester’s hair. The singer was still pressed against the MC’s chest.

“Alright, let’s start with that than.” Brad said with a smile, clapping his hands and got up again.