Electric Eternity

A New Opportunity

The next day of class was a long day for Lily. It was a Thursday, which meant she wouldn't get done with her biology class until 6 pm. She really hated herself for scheduling a class this late, but it was one of the only open slots left when she chose her classes. By the time her class was finally over, Lily felt so exhausted and hungry. She decided to stop at the Starbucks on campus before hitting the practice room. A mocha might wake her up a little, and she figured a muffin would hold off her hunger until she was done. Lily usually doesn't go to practice on her late nights, but she really needed to get better. She knew she'd never even be close to being as good as her idols if she didn't practice every night.

Lily walked in the small practice room, the same one she always uses, and she started practicing away. She went through ever chord she knew, every song she had memorized, and she even played a new song by reading tab sheets on her phone. She did absolutely everything she could to make herself a better guitar player, but she still didn't feel satisfied with herself. Her self confidence is already low as it is, but she wasn't going to stop playing until she was happy with herself. Eventually, she lost track of time, and she noticed it was already 11:30 pm.

"UGH I DONT UNDERSTAND, I PRACTICE SO HARD AND YET I STILL SOUND LIKE SHIT," Lily yelled to herself, almost in tears. She was so hard on herself and she was losing patience.

She thought it would be best if she just left it as it is. She could go back and get some sleep, and maybe she would feel better tomorrow. When she opened the practice room door while she got ready to leave, she didn't expect to see someone sitting there, apparently waiting to get in the practice room. And she definitely didn't expect that very same person to the one and only Jayson Spencer. His brown wavy hair that ran just past his ears. His sky-blue eyes. His cocky grin. Hell he looked even more attractive close up. Lily completely froze in her steps when she realized who was sitting right in front of her.

I mean, he does go to school here. And he does play guitar, so he has to come here often, right? Lily thought quietly to herself. She was right, although this was a pretty big campus, and there are still multiple practice rooms. It seems surreal that he just happens to use the same practice room as herself.

After Lily was staring at Jayson for what felt like an eternity, she finally managed to say, "I- excuse me, I'm sorry I didn't realize uh- I didn't realize I was taking so long in the practice room." She giggled nervously. Lily realized that he could've been out there waiting for a long time. Hell he could've even heard the little meltdown she had a few minutes ago. Ugh how embarrassing.

Jayson looked up at her and smiled brightly. "It's no problem sweetheart," he said. He was so easygoing and he didn't seem bothered by it at all. "Oh by the way, since I got here while you were still practicing, I listened to you for a bit," he admitted.

Lily felt her face flush bright red. Oh god no... She thought to herself.

"Oh... you did..?" She spoke softly.

"Yeah it was really fucking good," Jayson said. "Girl you really know how to play that guitar."

"Yeah I- Wait what?" Lily gasped in a surprised tone. This was definitely not something she was expecting. Jayson Spencer was telling her that she was the one good at playing guitar? She didn't understand what was happening.

"You heard me," he explained, "And I really mean it too. Yeah I know you're just a beginner, but we all are at some point. But after listening to how much you improved in just the time I've been here, there's no doubt in my mind that you've got some real talent in you."

Lily couldn't believe she was hearing this. Maybe he just felt bad for her after listening to her have a mini meltdown. He probably was just saying those things to be nice to her to get her out of here. She really didn't know what to say to him until the next sentence escaped from his lips.

"You know, the band I'm in could really use another guitar player," he stated, "They've got me, but I also sing, so it would be nice if we could get two players on the band. Maybe you'd be interested?"

He must've meant what he said then, right? Lily knew he wouldn't just be asking her to join Electric Eternity if he didn't mean what he said about her guitar playing. Lily was stunned, but she finally forced herself to speak.

"I- I would love to," she said. "But I just don't think I'm good enough for you yet... I wouldn't want to bring you guys down."

"All you need is more confidence. And trust me, joining us will definitely help with that," Jayson smirked cockily. "You'll be fine. I promise," he stated while his cocky grinned turned into more of a sweet one.

"Okay..." Lily said, "I'll just give it a try."

"That's great!" Jayson said excitedly. "Oh by the way, the name's Jayson," he formally introduced himself.

Lily giggled and said, "Yeah I know, I've been following Electric Eternity for quite some time now." She hoped this couldn't show how much she obsessed over the band.

Jayson raised his eyebrows and gave her a surprised look. He was actually very impressed with her. "Well I'm pleased to know the band is getting more out there," he said. "You still never told me your name though," he smirked.

"Oh I'm so sorry," she said, getting embarrassed again. "My name is Lily- Lily Hansen."

"It's a pleasure to meet you Lily Hansen," Jayson smiled.

Lily smiled back at him, but then she realized that he never actually got to practice, which was the whole reason he came here. "I'm sorry, I should really get going so you have time to practice," She blurted out.

"God do you ever stop apologizing?" Jayson asked. "Besides, you really think a girl like you is gonna walk home alone at this time of night?"

Lily looked at the time. It was already past midnight. How could it be this late already? She still hasn't even eaten a proper supper. A sigh escaped from her lips and she realized Jayson was right. She could never walk home alone during this time of night. Especially on a large campus like this.

"Come on," Jayson suddenly said. "Just tell me which dorm you live in and I'll walk you there," he said while guiding you out of the music hall.

"It's the Palmetto hall," Lily spoke softly as Jayson walked with her down the sidewalk. Then suddenly, Lily's stomach growled loudly. She hoped it wasn't loud enough for Jayson to hear, but he quickly glanced at her once it happened.

"Damn when was the last time you had a proper meal?" He asked.

"I ate something before I started practicing," Lily argued.

"Obviously not enough," he said back to her. "Unfortunately all the food courts are closed, or else I would take you and make you eat something."

"I'll be fine," she protested.

"Okay but you better promise me that you'll eat something in your dorm as soon as you get there," Jayson said, waiting for a response.

"Alright, I promise," Lily sighed.

Soon enough, the two of them made their way to the Palmetto dorms.

"Thank you once again for doing this for me," Lily explained, "You really didn't have to do this for me."

"Oh but I did," Jayson smirked. "Hey wait before you go, take this." He handed her a piece of paper with a number on it. "Just text me, and I'll let you know when the band decides to get together for practice. And of course text me if you ever need anything at all," he added.

"Will do," Lily smiled and headed her way up the stairs. This day ended up going a lot better than what she expected, and she still couldn't believe everything that happened. She also knew that for being late, she wasn't going to come home to a very happy roommate. But she didn't care at this point. She has so much to look forward to and she can't wait to see what the future holds for her.