When Love Lasts

I closed my eyes and felt the hot wind of New York City kiss my cheeks. I watched beautiful couples walk down the seashore with pretty smiles and contentedly holding each other's hands. It was perfect scenery, but not for someone who tried so hard to push the man away whom she loved so much.

"Hey, pretty. What are you doing all alone here?" said a sweet voice.

"Stop with the teasing and come grab Lance for me?" I teased with her same sarcastic voice. Max, my best friend since God knows when frowned at me and rolled her eyes.

"Maybe you remembered something or someone while looking at clouds, huh, Iris?" She smirked and lay down next to me using her white thin blanket. The sand was beautiful but itchy at the same time.

I sighed heavily, "Will you stop ruining my day, Max? Seriously, this vacation would be better without your stupid remarks." I rolled my eyes and put down my sunglasses.

I'm not stupid. I made decisions that I knew would benefit both of us. And I'm not talking about Max.

"Want some coconut, Iris?" Max asked while a guy was already waiting for her. I just nodded and took out a cigarette.

Damn, can this day get any worse? I've seen couples kiss and make out in the sea. Wasn't helping that Max is out with a guy she didn't even know. I sighed and looked at the clouds; it felt like the world couldn't stop teasing me. My eyes were glued to the sky, watching an airplane fly by. It wasn't new. This is New York for heaven's sake! But with all the couples in front of me, I can't help but think of someone who left 3 years ago.

"Mom?" I heard Lily looking for me, so I stood up and waved my hands so she could see me.

I smiled as I watched her little legs run toward me. She had sand all over her body and her hair was dry because of the salty air. Her cute pink swimsuit was covered with sand and a few small rocks. She laughed and hugged my perfectly tanned legs. I caressed her hair while she was busy rubbing sand all over my feet.

"You look like a sand monster, Mom!" She giggled sweetly and continued to throw sand on my feet. I chuckled and grabbed my camera.

These are the moments I live for. I did what's best to protect both his dreams and my child. I know he would blame me, but he can't fault me alone.

"Look at them, Mom! When will Dad visit me, too?"

***

"Iris! Look! The Xefora is playing next!" Max squealed and pulled my arm. She was running in the midst of a heavy crowd.

I tried to keep up with Max as she weaved her way through the throngs of people. The excitement was palpable in the air as the crowd made their way towards the stage where Xefora was set to perform. I could see the stage in the distance, surrounded by a sea of people cheering and waving their hands in the air. The music was already starting to reach us, a deep bass vibrating through the ground.

Max was bouncing up and down next to me, her eyes alight with excitement. "I've been waiting for this for months!" she shouted over the noise of the crowd. "Xefora is my favorite band ever!" As we pushed our way closer to the stage, the music became louder and more intense. The stage was a flurry of lights and movement, and the crowd was completely absorbed by the performance. I was starting to feel the excitement too, and I couldn't help but dance along with Max. Finally, we made it to the front row, and I was completely blown away by the sheer scale of the performance. Xefora was in full swing, their music pulsing through the air and their movements mesmerizing the crowd. I felt my worries melt away as I got lost in the moment, caught up in the energy of the performance. Max was right - this was going to be an unforgettable night.

The band continued to play hit after hit, each song more electrifying than the last. The crowd was in a frenzy, jumping and dancing along with the music. I was having the time of my life, lost in the moment and completely absorbed by the music.

As the night went on, I felt a sense of unity with the crowd, as if we were all one, connected by the music. Xefora's music had a way of bringing people together, and for a few hours, all of our differences faded away.

At the end of the night, the band took a final bow, the crowd erupting into thunderous applause. Max and I cheered and clapped along with everyone else, and I felt a sense of sadness as the night came to an end.

As we made our way out of the concert, I couldn't help but reflect on the amazing experience I had just had. Xefora had given us a night to remember, a night filled with music, joy, and unity. I knew that this was a night that would stay with me forever, and I was grateful to have shared it with Max.

"You obviously enjoyed it, Iris." Max smirk at me, "They are so good looking which makes it more worth it." She laughs. I couldn't deny it as I surprisingly enjoyed the jam.

"I chuckled and nodded in agreement, "Yeah, they were definitely amazing to watch. And, I have to admit, they are pretty easy on the eyes too."

Max grinned, "I knew you secretly liked them. We'll have to come to their next concert together."

I smiled, "Definitely. That was such an incredible experience, I would love to do it again."

As we walked away from the concert, I felt a sense of excitement and joy. Xefora had given us an unforgettable night filled with music, energy, and good vibes. And I knew that no matter how much time passed, I would always look back on this night with fond memories.

It's past eleven in the evening when we decided to leave the place. Max and I were walking to the front gate when her phone rang. It was one of her friends telling her that we can meet xefora tonight.

Max's eyes lit up as she listened to the phone call. "Really?" she exclaimed, "We can meet Xefora tonight?"

I could see the excitement in her eyes and I knew this was a once in a lifetime opportunity. "Let's go!" I said, feeling my own excitement building.

Max hung up the phone and we quickly made our way back to the stage. We pushed our way through the crowd, our hearts racing with anticipation.

When we finally reached the backstage area, we were greeted by Xefora's manager who led us to a private room where the band was waiting. I couldn't believe it - we were actually going to meet our favorite band!

Max and I were in awe as we walked into the room. Xefora was even more impressive in person, their energy and charisma shining bright. They welcomed us with open arms, and we spent the next hour chatting with them and getting to know them on a personal level.

Max and Lance hugged each other tightly, both of them smiling from ear to ear. "I'm so happy to see you," Max said, "And to know that you're friends with Xefora is just amazing."

I nodded in agreement, "Xefora is definitely getting popular these days. I think every girl knows them and adores them."

Lance smiled, "Yeah, they've been working hard to make it in the music industry and it's paying off. They're amazing musicians and performers."

"I hope they don't disband even after high school," I added, "I hope they continue to pursue their passion for music."

Lance nodded, "Me too. They have so much talent and it would be a shame to see it go to waste. I have no doubt that they'll continue to make great music and entertain their fans for years to come."

As we continued to talk, I felt a sense of excitement for Xefora's future. They had already come so far, and I knew that they would only continue to grow and succeed in the music industry. Max and I left the backstage area with huge grins on our faces, feeling grateful for the amazing night and for the memories that would last a lifetime.

As I looked around the room, I couldn't help but notice that all of the members of Xefora were good-looking. But Felix, the vocalist, stood out to me. He was tall, with dark hair and piercing blue eyes that seemed to captivate everyone in the room. I found myself drawn to him, unable to look away.

Suddenly, I caught Felix's gaze and saw that he was looking at me too. My heart skipped a beat, and I felt a warm flush spread across my face. I gave him a small smile, feeling shy and nervous all of a sudden.

Felix returned my smile, and I felt a spark of connection between us. It was a moment that I would never forget, and I felt grateful to have been able to experience it.

As Felix walked over to us, I felt my heart skip a beat. He was even more handsome up close, and I couldn't help but feel a little nervous as he approached.

Lance greeted Felix with a smile, "Hey man, it's great to see you again."

Felix returned the smile, "Yeah, it's been too long. You guys have been enjoying the show?"

Lance nodded, "Definitely. You guys are sounding better than ever."

Felix chuckled, "Thanks man. We've been working hard to perfect our sound."

As the night went on, I couldn't help but think about Felix and the way he looked at me.