Page 58 of Higher Notes

“Five minutes!” was hollered from the other side.

“Follow us.” Sikes and Snipe did their thing, safely leading the pack to where we should be.

I helped Mom get Nicole and Nolan’s headphones secured while Gabe did his own.

“You have a perfect view of the stage. Sikes and Snipe will stay here with you.”

“Love you, Jase. Knock ‘em dead or whatever it is you say.”

“Thanks, Mom.” I kissed her cheek. “You guys ready for your first concert?” The twins shot me a thumbs up. Gabe didn’t say much but was quite interested in everything going on around us, which was a good sign. I hoped.

As soon as the curtain opened, the game winning smile was on, and my stage presence took over.

“Good evening, Seattle! How y’all doing tonight?” It was a packed house. Granted, it wasn’t an arena, but the seats were full, and their screams got our adrenaline pumping. “We’re Chaotic Abyss and there’s nothing better than kicking off a tour in our hometown!” More screams filled the air. “We’re gonna start the show tonight with a song from our new CD.” Whistles rang out. “Ah, so you have heard about it?” I loved riling the crowd up. I glanced over to the side and winked at my family. “First up, ‘Expect. The. Unexpected!’”

When I woke this morning something wasn’t right

My gut said I was in for one hell of a night

When the shit hit the fan, the reality sank in

And there was no turning back

Sometimes you’re up

Sometimes you’re down

That’s the roller-coaster called life

By the time it finally comes to a stop

You’re six feet under

Chorus:

Expect the unexpected

Is what my life’s become

Expect the unexpected

Now, wasn’t that fun?

When all is said and done at the end of the day you’ve learned one important thing

Expect. The. Unexpected.

People will come and go

For no other reasons than their own

You may never know why your paths had crossed

Embrace it while you can and remember what you learned

It takes a lot for me to break

Levelheaded – that’s who I try to be

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