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Ten years ago, on that uncertain night, it'd felt like the best decision for John. A decision born out of fear, but little did he know that the aftermath would be even more dreadful than what he'd been afraid of.
Now, all over the space, on TV and radio, men spoke of the young talented artist, Steve, who was making waves in the music industry. His official pages on social media grew rapidly, not because people perceived him to be the most handsome — even though he could pass for a fashionista — but because he was a star shining so bright like diamonds in the sky.
How did it happen?
John had always believed that the memories were buried, only left with regrets — but this night, as he watched his one-time best friend graciously exit the stage after a mind-blowing song performance that pulled the entire crowd of over five thousand people on their feet, he knew that the seemingly buried memories had resurrected. Or maybe there was something in Steve's refined vocals that stirred up those memories.
Steve was John's best friend as far as he was concerned (or the other way around). They were fifteen years old when they met at a music school. And in three years, they grew inseparable. It felt like they'd known each other for decades.
John was exceptionally good in music, no doubt. That explained why Steve wanted to always be around him. They lived together, scaling through the rough paths of lack and wants. And they had a third companion: determination.
Maybe not for John, but for Steve. John was something, though, if pushed harder, and Steve was up for that.
The music academy had enrolled a few of the students in a local talent hunt. It was a fairly big stage with few audiences and judges. The sound system could be classified as adequate, but certainly not exceptional.
Steve and John worked effortlessly all day and tirelessly into the night. With strained vocals and grumbling stomachs after each day's rehearsal, the mantra was ‘We either win or we win’. The aim was to be among the best three to be qualified for regionals. From there to nationals, that would mark the starting point of their music career.
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But on that night, only one person seemed to have forgotten all the plans — John. Or if he was quite honest with himself, something else was fighting for his attention as he sat peering into the faces of other skilled musicians wowing the judges and audiences. He turned left and found Steve, with the tag number 35, smiling. Steve's eyes were bright and full of determination as always. John wanted to see that as a motivation but his mind was quick to interpret it as intimidation. Here he was, battling with an unsettled feeling, and his supposed best friend was there, rendering applause to those on stage.
John felt intimidated at Steve's unwavering determination, at his eyes which were fixed on something other than the talented youngsters on stage... something John could not see.
Their eyes instinctively met and John forced a feigned smile. It was obvious, although, Steve was too blind to see that now. Steve gave John a playful slap on his back.
“Hey, bro, you're ready for this?” He asked a notch above a whisper.
John felt attacked. Who the hell did Steve think he was? His coach now or mentor? And because Steve didn't move an inch when the seemingly best singer came up stage, that heightened John's anger.
Steve was proud, John concluded. His mind came playing out again, reminding him further of how exceptional Steve sang. John felt empty.
Steve was called up stage. John straightened on his seat, his mind a jumbled battlefield, as his ears perked open for any sound of his tag number. When he was called up, he caught himself taking in breaths like he was running low on oxygen. That was how it felt. On the stage, John, well, did his thing.
Other contestants came up and time travelled fast. Soon, they were up for the final round meant for only the qualified contestants. Steve's name was mentioned among other singers. John's name came last.
That was the end of the game for John, who excused himself out of the contestants’ seats... an excuse that led him out for good. He soon learned that Steve was among the three winners who made it to the regionals. From the regionals to taking the trophy at the finals, Steve had since then become a household name.
John returned to the present. More memories... regretful ones flooded his mind. Now it occurred to him that what he'd been afraid of years back never existed. And that was more dreadful than anything — for he had left music altogether. Although he was a great teacher, music was life to him. Now he knew.
John smiled dryly as he watched Steve settle on a luxurious seat among other stars. He started to whisper.
“You, Steve, have always been a star.” he sighed, accommodating more words. “And you will shine... like diamonds in the sky.” Although the words did not travel to the person next to John, he was sure that Steve could feel it, somewhere within him.