Electric Mind

            His eyes strain as the morning light pours in. The voices of the crowd from last night linger. He was able to play before the biggest crowd of his career. Tonight, he will play for that same crowd. Except tonight, he will be playing for himself. He doesn’t have to play those same old hits. This time he will show them why he was made for this. His soul coming through those speakers... He can practically feel the beat pulse through his veins.

            “Chance, get up. We’ve got shit to do today,” Duncan says.

            “Dude, I’ll be ready soon.”

            “I got this little cutie’s number last night and she’s waiting for us.”

            “I’ll catch up with you later, then.” Chance needs time alone to prepare for the biggest night of his life. He needs a shower first though. Somebody brought a fanny pack of glitter and peppered the masses. His skin stained with sweat and glitter from last night now beckons him to the bathroom. His nerves are creeping up on him. The anticipation of not knowing how they might react lingers in his mind. He can’t keep force feeding these crowds. He has to do something bigger. Be something bigger than himself. He must show them all that he is the real deal, and he’s here to stay.

            “My man!”

            Chance joins Duncan underneath the large oak tree.

            “Are you ready for this? Tonight, is going to be so rad!”

            “Oh, Chance, this is Lacey and Claire. Ladies meet Chance.”

            “Like, the DJ Chance? I’ve seen your sets before. You’re killin’ it out there!” says Lacey.

            “Hey thanks! It’s nice to meet you too.” It always takes him by surprise when meeting people who dig his vibe. This crowd is incredible though. Every DJ up there tonight can play whatever they want, and they will still be here. They’d be down for anything and that’s what makes this night so special. He is free to be whoever he wants to be up on this stage for all of these people. Something inside him slipped free. Playing your own set with no cares in the world about whether they will like it or not can make a person vulnerable, but it can also make them soar. Chance turns to Claire before he leaves. “Have we met before?”

            “Yeah, I was at your set back in Michigan. We were at the same party afterwards, but I don’t think we were properly introduced.”

            “Well I’m glad we are now. I’ve gotta go set up now, but you should come listen.”

            “I’ll be there.”

            “Rad. See you guys in a bit.”

            “See ya!” they say in unison.

            This is it. The moment everything changes. Butterflies tickle his stomach as he approaches the stage. Crossing it, the crowd shifts. Breathe, he tells himself. Plugging in his USB, he dives into the pool of total rapture. “Everybody hands up!” The pulse of the crowd radiates through him every beat he drops. Their pleasure in this moment solely depends on him. There is nothing like it. Exhilaration seeps through every pore. Before he knows it, he is lost. Every bar calms his restless mind. The tension rises as the breakdown becomes the calm before the storm. Complete and utter ecstasy takes over his mind and body. They love him. His heart and soul seep through the speakers roaring through every set of ears close enough to hear. The smoke and lights dance along, guiding them to the inevitable high. Then he sees her. Her blonde hair an endless cascade of waves as she too loses herself in the music. His feet stagger backward as his set fades out. His massive grin unconcealable as he drinks it all in one last time, before he exits the stage.

            “Wow. Just wow,” says Claire.

            Chance jumps into the crowd to meet her. Sweat drips from his brow as he reaches for her hand, pulling her out of the ocean of people. “Thanks! That was the most amazing thing I’ve ever done.”

            “You must be exhausted.”

            “The complete opposite actually. I’m ready for the after party… you’re coming with, right?”

            “If you’re inviting me then…”

            “I’ll take that as a yes,” Chance confirms as he begins walking her towards the party.

            “So, what’s next for you?” Claire asks.

            “I don’t even care. All I can think about is tonight,” he stares up at the night sky, bathed in absolute bliss.