She nodded, and my grin was huge when I left to go onstage. Sister…I can’t believe I have a sister. I’d never considered that possibility before; it almost didn’t seem real. I wish someone had told me. Of course, there were a lot of things about my life that I’d wished for, and most of them had never happened. I was used to not getting what I wanted, which was why I tried to never want anything.

The show was extra energizing for me. There was just something about knowing Hailey was listening backstage that made me pull out all the stops. It made me wish we had more than three songs to play; I’d love for her to hear a full set. When we were done and I reentered the backstage area, I immediately searched for her…but she wasn’t there. The disappointment was so swift and sudden, I had to clench my stomach. She left? She actually left. I knew I shouldn’t be surprised, all my family eventually let go of me, but yeah, I was floored. I really thought she’d stay.

Annoyed that I’d let myself want something, I grabbed a beer and started chugging it. Maybe this wouldn’t hurt so much if I was trashed. I was just polishing off the drink when I felt a hand on my back. Turning, I saw Hailey standing there, a huge grin on her face. The surge of relief I felt made my eyes sting. She didn’t leave. Where was she?

Almost like she could hear my unspoken question, she jerked her thumb at the other entrance to the backstage area. “I had to go watch you. Oh my God, Kellan. Do you know how talented you are?”

Her words, her praise, it struck me to my core. She was watching me. She liked it. No, by the look on her face, I’d say she loved it. That filled me with something…unexpectedly wonderful. And painful. And terrifying. And exhilarating.

Hailey had a million questions after that, all about the band and our music. Since that was one topic that I loved talking about, one that held nothing but joy for me, I welcomed the conversation.

She stayed backstage the rest of the night, talking to me and barely listening to the other bands’ music filtering into the room. I was a little sad when security made her leave at the end of the show. Talking to her had been…I don’t know, I just felt…lighter. Less alone.

I gave her a hug before she left. It was a little lengthier than most hugs I gave to girls who weren’t Kiera. I was just…reluctant to let her go. When she pulled away, there were slight tears in her eyes. “It was…really nice to finally meet you, Kellan. I hope…I hope it’s not the last time I see you.”